Arley Hall and Gardens (one of Cheshire's Gardens of Distinction)

Arley Hall and Gardens, Northwich, Cheshire, CW9 6NA

Tel: 01565 777353

Home of the Egerton-Warburton family for over 500 years. The rhyming squire, Rowland Egerton-Warburton, wrote songs and verses for the amusement of fellow members of Tarporley Hunt Club. These were collected and published in 1846 as Hunting Songs; his rhyming signposts are to be seen in the grounds of the Hall.

The gardens open to the public include the first double herbaceous border in the country and there's also an interesting avenue of cylindrical trees. Additionally there's a craft centre here.

Arley's annual garden festival held at the end of June attracts the crowds, so expect extra traffic. See the map below

Opening times (2010):

Gardens, chapel and grounds:

2 April - 31 October 2010: Tues-Sun & bank holidays

November: weekends only

11.00-17.00 (last entry 16.30)

Hall:

2 April - 31 October 2010: Tues & Sun & bank holidays

October: Sundays only

12.00-17.00 (last entry 16.30pm)

Facilities:

Refreshments.

Admission fee (2010):

Gardens: Adult £6.00; senior citizen £5.50; child 5-15 £2.00; family £14.00

Hall: Adult £2.50; senior citizen £2.00; child 5-15 £1.00; family £7.00

From the cycleway:

The entrance drive to the hall and gardens is on the Cheshire Cycleway route. Find it between Great Budworth and Bate Heath, off the Budworth Road. Look for Arley Mossend Lane at Moss End.