Hawkstone Park

Hawkstone Park has a unique combination of hidden pathways, concealed grottoes, secret tunnels and follies, created in the 18th Century by Sir Rowland Hill.

Described as a lost world deep in the heart of Shropshire it is, without question, one of the most interesting historic parklands of Britain, recently restored to its former glory with visitors once again privileged to be able to enter the remarkable Hawkstone labyrinth.

There are lots of attractions, surprises and features. Paths twist and turn, rise and fall, and you'll find something unexpected around every corner: dramatic cliffs, towers, monuments, tunnels, passageways, precipitous rock tracks, rustic 'sofas', and romantic secret valleys.

The location for filming BBC TV's Land of Narnia, Hawkstone has recently been claimed to be the final resting place of King Arthur.

Dorothy Clive Garden

The intimate and informal Dorothy Clive Garden embraces a wide variety of landscape features, including a superb woodland garden, an alpine scree, a damp garden and spectacular summer flower borders.

There are many unusual species, a great variety of form and colour, with fine views of the surrounding countryside. The season begins with spring bulbs and flowering trees and shrubs and, as the magnificent display of rhododendrons and azaleas fades, summer heralds a green oasis with the spectacular waterfall as its centrepiece. Shrub roses are at their best in June, when the striking display of herbaceous flowers begins. Autumn is a time when the garden displays hips, berries and an array of spectacular colours.

Chatsworth

The Elizabethan House, owned by the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, was built in 1555 by Bess of Hardwick. Richly furnished, it boasts a number of world famous exhibits. Over 100 acres of gardens provide many surprises: a maze, a cascade, fountains and tropical greenhouse. The 1,000 acres of surrounding parkland was landscaped by Capability Brown.

Weston Park

Less than 30 minutes drive away, Weston Hall is set in spectacular Shropshire countryside. A magnificent 17th century house is surrounded by 1,000 acres of parkland and is held in trust for the nation by the Weston Park Foundation.

Garden Centres and Nurseries

Whether you are actually buying plants or accessories for your garden, or simply browsing, there are a number of nurseries and garden centres in Newcastle under Lyme, Stoke on Trent and around Staffordshire and Cheshire, that are well worth a visit.

Two that are well known nationally are Bridgemere Garden Centre and Stapely Water Gardens. Both are close to each other, within easy reach and could easily form an entire day out, as they have many other attractions besides their garden sales areas.