The Best Spring Walks in Cheshire 2022
With Spring just around the corner, new green shoots are beginning to make an appearance and the days are getting longer. Snowdrops and Crocuses will begin to bloom from mid-January to mid-March, Daffodils take over from early March to the end of April, and Bluebells and Blossoms from April and until May.
There are plenty of Spring walks in Cheshire that will incorporate these beautiful flowers as well as including great spots to picnic, play, and relax. At this time of year, it is also worth considering a National Trust Membership if you have a couple of properties close to you or are planning a UK staycation. This monthly cost of approximately £8-10 per family will give you unlimited access to the parkland and formal gardens.
The majority of National Trust Gardens will have spectacular displays of Spring flowers as well as a calendar of outdoor events during the warmer months including treasure trails for children making them the ideal place to socialise on a budget. As always with a National Trust property, you are guaranteed clean toilets, plentiful parking, and the opportunity to pick up a snack or hot drink along the way.
National Trust Spring Walks in Cheshire
We are blessed in the North West to have several fabulous National Trust Gardens that will be brimming with Spring flowers and offer extensive open parkland and gardens to explore. Here is a list of some of my recommended National Trust Gardens to visit for walks Spring walks in Cheshire.
– Dunham Massey
– Biddulph Grange Garden
– Tatton Park
– Lyme Park
– Quarry Bank
– Little Moreton Hall
Flower-filled Spring Walks in Cheshire
If you are after a quieter, woodland walk to visit bluebell woodland or to see the daffodils in bloom, here are some of my suggestions for local Spring walks in Cheshire this season:
The Dingle – located in Appleton, the Lumb Brook Valley or ‘The Dingle’ as it is affectionately known features a shallow brook and woodland trail. During the Spring months, the woodland floor is a carpet of bluebells.
Moore Nature Reserve – located close to Moore village, this 200-acre wetland nature reserve comprises of woodland, lakes, and ponds. There are bird hides dotted along the water’s edge and the opportunity to see the bluebells during the Spring months.
Anderton Nature Park – located close to the Anderton Boat Lift, this nature reserve is awash with spring flowers and makes for a lovely day out in combination with Marbury Country Park which itself explodes with Daffodils.
Port Sunlight – located on the Wirral Peninsula, this pretty garden village is a great place to visit year round but particularly during the Spring months when the manicured flower beds are in full bloom.
Lovell Quinta Arboretum – located close to the Swettenham Arms (home to a beautiful Summer Lavender meadow), the Lovell Quinta Arboretum is a 28 acre woodland created by Bernard Lovell of Jodrell Bank fame. During the Spring months, the woodland floor is a carpet of seasonal flowers. Entrance is £2.50 via an honesty box.
For more information on local Bluebell walks, check out the Wildlife Trust website below.
Cheshire Countryside Gardens & Estates
Many of the impressive countryside estates in Cheshire open their well-manicured lawns and gardens to visitors during the warmer months. Often these privately owned homes are closed to the public for the remainder of the year so make sure you book ahead (where applicable) to enjoy Spring walks in Cheshire this year.
Adlington Hall & Gardens – located close to Prestbury and expected to reopen this Spring. The estate features a historic Tudor home, formal gardens, and woodland.
Cholmondeley Castle Gardens – located close to Malpas and expected to reopen this Spring. The estate features a formal garden, lakeside, and woodland walks as well as a Children’s play area.
Arley Hall & Gardens – located close to Northwich and open daily. The estate includes a woodland walk, formal gardens, playground, and café. The Snowdrops here are not to be missed, one of the best Spring walks in Cheshire.
Dorfold Hall Estate – located close to Nantwich and open to the public Tuesdays and Bank Holiday Mondays April to October. The estate features a Jacobean house and landscaped gardens.
Eaton Hall – located on the outskirts of Chester and the official seat of the Grosvenor family, one of the largest landowners. The estate is opened to the public 2 to 3 times per year, keep an eye on their website for details of when you can enjoy the formal gardens.
Grappenhall Heys Walled Garden – located close to Appleton and open Tuesday to Sunday. This kitchen and walled garden were once part of a grand country estate and along with the accompanying woodland and paved walks, the walled gardens are great with children. The Café is open Friday – Sunday.
Ness Botanical Gardens – located on the Wirral Peninsula and open daily. The 64 acres of botanical gardens with stunning views across the Dee Estuary to North Wales are looked after by Liverpool University. Booking ahead is now requested so please check their website for details.
Walton Gardens – located close to Stockton Heath, this grand estate is open daily to the public and includes beautiful formal gardens, woodland walks, a playground, a children’s zoo, crazy golf, and parkland. A popular choice, head to the woodland for a sea of yellow daffodils during the Spring months.
Rode Hall & Gardens – located close to Alsager, this Georgian estate features the region’s famous Snowdrop walk which will return after two cancelled years. Scheduled to open 5th Feb – 6th March 2022, with booking required, visitors can enjoy these stunning formal gardens once again in 2022. Open Wednesdays to Sundays.
Bluebell Cottage – located close to Dutton, this plant nursery and private gardens are open to the public April to September each year where visitors can enjoy the pretty landscaped garden, orchard and wildflower meadow.
Marbury Park – located close to Northwich, this country park with its lime avenue, arboretum, and mere are a legacy of Marbury’s days as an elegant country estate. Nowadays the bluebells and daffodils are a real draw during the Spring months as well as the many woodland trails.
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