Country Estates
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Arley Hall and Gardens
This is a great place to go with young children if you are a garden lover. We have visited both in summer and at Christmas and have found Arley a treasure trove for young and old alike. With the car parked it’s a short stroll along an impressive tree-lined avenue. On entering the estate via the...
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Chatsworth House
Whilst the road from Manchester and particularly North Manchester may be a long and winding route, it is definitely worth making a day trip to Chatsworth. I have been with my boys in both summer and winter and each trip has been a success. The farmyard and adventure playground are superb. These two features alone...
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Lyme Park
Lyme Park is a stunning mansion house that resembles an extravagant Italianate palace surrounded by gardens, moorland and ancient deer park. It’s an ideal venue for meeting friends with children, and is perfect for picnics. After paying the parking entry fee, you proceed down a long scenic driveway with the imposing view of the house...
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Quarry Bank Mill and Styal Estate
It was with some trepidation that I ventured to Styal Mill. Memories of sleeping through the Industrial Revolution element of school history lessons coupled with a less than inviting write-up in the National Trust handbook meant I wasn’t exactly keen. The reality far exceeded my expectations. This is a great place to go on a...
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Tatton Park
Tatton Park is one of Britain’s great country house estates and it’s on our doorstep. It’s a fine neo-classical mansion set in 50 acres of gardens. The gardens are beautiful but not a major attraction for toddlers. Where Tatton comes into its own for the under-fives is in what surrounds the house and garden. Its...
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Dunham Massey
Dunham Massey is a personal favourite for easy, enjoyable walks. The grounds of this country estate are beautiful – a stunning mix of parkland and maintained gardens (you have to pay extra to get into these unless you’re a NT member). There are plenty of deer roaming free and you can get close for the...
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Bramall Hall Park
Just outside Bramhall village near Cheadle Hulme, Bramall Hall Park is 70 acres of breathtaking parkland surrounding one of Cheshire’s grandest black and white timber-framed buildings. There is a pay and display car park, 70p for one hour, £1 for two hours, but entrance to the parkland is free. Designed in the style of Capability Brown,...
