The Most Romantic Garden

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Felicity Dixon
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The Most Romantic Garden The stunning pebblestone mosaic placed by Lavinia Dowager Marchioness of Cholmondeley as a memorial to her late husband Hugh, the 6th Marquess, created specially by Maggy

2 The Most Romantic Garden The stunning pebblestone mosaic placed by Lavinia Dowager Marchioness of Cholmondeley as a memorial to her late husband Hugh, the 6th Marquess, created specially by Maggy Howarth, epitomises the romantic timelessness of Cholmondeley Castle Gardens. Their romantic beauty combining formality with a wild and natural look, is admired by so many visitors. Even the wild orchids, buttercups and snowdrops take on a magical aura in this fabulous setting. Whatever the season, within the gardens there are always plants and trees in flower or at their best. Early bulbs, many different flowering shrubs, which include varieties of magnolia, camellia, azalea, rhododendron, a golden-canopied group of laburnum a fine Davidia involucrata in the glade and others on Tower Hill, many varieties of flowering cornus, numerous roses and many summer perennials, followed by late flowering hydrangea and Eucryphia and finally wonderful autumn colours. One of the highlights are the beautiful old trees giant Cedars of Lebanon, oak, beech and lime.

The Cholmondeley Family The Cholmondeley Family has owned Cholmondeley since

The original Cholmondeley Hall being located within the present park.

1811 and 1830 using much of the fabric from the Old Hall, by the 1st Marquess.

lives here today, whilst her son David, the 7th Marquess with his wife and twin

the season. He divides his time between Cheshire and Norfolk.

3 The Cholmondeley Family The Cholmondeley Family has owned Cholmondeley since the 12th century. The original Cholmondeley Hall being located within the present park. The Castle was built on the hill between 1801 and 1805 with later additions in 1811 and 1830 using much of the fabric from the Old Hall, by the 1st Marquess. The present Marquess s Mother Lavinia, Dowager Marchioness of Cholmondeley lives here today, whilst her son David, the 7th Marquess with his wife and twin sons live at Houghton Hall in Norfolk, which also opens to the public during the season. He divides his time between Cheshire and Norfolk. Gift Shop The Gift Shop is located at the foot of the Castle, overlooking the lily pond and offers a wealth of gifts and souvenirs which reflect the charm and character of the Gardens

Temple Garden, where the waterside planting

From the Temple Garden a path leads you to the

Tower Hill Tower Hill offers visitors the

a ramble (with or without their dog(s) otherwise

4 Temple Water Garden Architecturally and picturesquely this is the piece de resistance of Cholmondeley Gardens. A gatehouse leads visitors into the tranquil Temple Garden, where the waterside planting changes dramatically with the seasons. From the Temple Garden a path leads you to the double herbaceous border and the rose garden. Tower Hill Tower Hill offers visitors the opportunity to make use of the woodland areas for a ramble (with or without their dog(s) otherwise they miss much of the luxuriant planting and interesting shrubs and trees under planted by many wild flowers and bulbs.

Tea Room Whilst wandering through the Gardens you are invited to enjoy light

Farm Animals alpacas, Shetland ponies and varieties of sheep, pigs and the

The aviary allows close viewing of many varieties of birds.

where there are different breeds of farm animals.

Goat Tower which will entertain all visitors, and there are inquisitive

5 Tea Room Whilst wandering through the Gardens you are invited to enjoy light lunches or home made teas, ice creams and snacks in our Tea Room. Farm Animals alpacas, Shetland ponies and varieties of sheep, pigs and the famous Longhorn cattle. The aviary allows close viewing of many varieties of birds. A short walk from the popular Tea Room takes you to the stables and paddocks where there are different breeds of farm animals. African pygmy goats climbing up and down the circular steps of the unique Goat Tower which will entertain all visitors, and there are inquisitive llamas, Cholmondeley Castle Nurseries The castle nurseries offers visitors the opportunity to purchase plants, seeds and cuttings many of which are cultivated from plants growing within the Gardens.

St Nicholas Family Chapel The Duckery This tranquil area of the garden with its Gothic ruin constructed out of

St. Nicholas s Chapel is situated in the Park accessed either by car or on foot and is well worth a visit to

Play Area Children will enjoy the open spaces, hidden paths and play areas.

Nantwich Natural History Society. Hard walks help wheelchair access to parts of this beautiful area.

6 St Nicholas Family Chapel The Duckery This tranquil area of the garden with its Gothic ruin constructed out of local sandstone and water garden leads to what will be a wild plant area but is at present under construction. St. Nicholas s Chapel is situated in the Park accessed either by car or on foot and is well worth a visit to admire its stained glass altar window, ornate panelling and peaceful atmosphere. Play Area Children will enjoy the open spaces, hidden paths and play areas. Nature Trail The Deer Park Mere has an extensive bird and wild fowl population monitored and recorded by the Nantwich Natural History Society. Hard walks help wheelchair access to parts of this beautiful area. The nature trail is a lovely walk for visitors with the aim of providing a free environmental facility for Schools and people with special needs. It is advisable to wear appropriate footwear as walkways can flood in bad weather. Group guided visits on garden open days can be booked through the Castle Office. Farm Shop The Award winning Farm Shop is near the Castle Gardens exit and offers superb locally-produced foods.

7 Special Events 2012 Easter Sunday 8th April - A FAMILY EASTER EGG HUNT An enjoyable family day out at Cholmondeley Castle Gardens, come and find the bunnies and win an Easter treat. Bunny trail commences 11am to 3pm The Month of May - ALL RHS MEMBERS FREE ADMISSION Sunday 13th May - CLASSIC CAR RALLY (Admission to Gardens at Event Prices please refer for details) Sunday 20th May - PROFESSOR HUMO PUNCH & JUDY Two half hour performances 1pm and 3pm at the Tea Room. Wednesday 23rd May - OPEN FOR THE NATIONAL GARDENS SCHEME All proceeds given to Charity. 11am to 5pm Sunday 27th May - WHITCHURCH BAND Visit Saturday 9th June - PINK RIBBON WALK IN AID OF BREAST CANCER RESEARCH for applications and information please visit Friday 15th, Saturday 16th & Sunday 17th June - CHOLMONDELEY PAGEANT OF POWER A fantastic family weekend of exhilarating motorsports, historic and modern racing cars and bikes, powerboats and helicopter displays and demonstrations. Admission to gardens at event prices. For further details please refer or telephone Saturday 16th June - FIREWORK CONCERT SPECTACULAR An evening of music and spectacular fireworks in celebration of the Queens Diamond Jubilee. Ticket Hotline or visit Sunday 24th June - TRIATHLON AT CHOLMONDELEY PARK In aid of Help for Heroes and The Wingate Centre. For further details and applications call or visit Saturday 28th & Sunday 29th July - CHOLMONDELEY CASTLE HORSE TRIALS. For further information please refer or telephone Sunday 5th August - TEDDY BEARS PICNIC Why not bring the children to the Teddy Bears Picnic and support a children s charity with lots of fun, including face painting, games, treasure hunt, tombola, Professor Humo Punch and Judy and lots more. Don t forget your Teddy Bear. For details of the nominated charity and to prebook tickets at discounted rate please visit Thursday 16th to Sunday 19th August - PONY CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS For further information please telephone or Friday 17th August - RAIN OR SHINE THEATRE COMPANY Presents an outdoor evening performance of As You Like It, why not bring a picnic and enjoy this light hearted performance against the beautiful backdrop of Cholmondeley Castle. Tickets available by contacting Cholmondeley Castle or Bank Holiday Monday 27th August - JAZZ IN THE TEMPLE GARDENS The Robin Joiner Quartet performs standards from the jazz and latin repertoire, including music by Gershwin, Cole Porter, Mancini and Jobim. With its relaxed sound and varied programme the Quartet provides a pleasant backdrop on a summer s afternoon. 12noon 4pm Sunday 2nd September - CLASSIC CAR RALLY (Admission to Gardens at Event Prices please refer for details) Sunday 30th September - GARDENS CLOSE Sunday 14th & 21st October 11am-5pm and Sunday 28th October 11am-4pm - AUTUMN TINTS With the changing of the Season why not take the opportunity to enjoy the array of wonderful Autumn colours presented by the Gardens at this time of the year. Our Tea Room and Gift Shop will be open as normal. For further information please contact Cholmondeley Castle on th & 18th November - TOUGH MUDDER A mile obstacle course designed by special forces to test the competitors all round stamina, mental grit etc. For more information please visit Supporters of "Help For Heroes".

Chester A51 A54 Tarporley 18 Middlewich A530 M6 A41 A49 A534 17 A534 Cholmondeley Castle Nantwich Crewe A500 16 to Wrexham Whitchurch Located off the A49 Whitchurch Tarporley Road, conveniently near

8 Chester A51 A54 Tarporley 18 Middlewich A530 M6 A41 A49 A A534 Cholmondeley Castle Nantwich Crewe A to Wrexham Whitchurch Located off the A49 Whitchurch Tarporley Road, conveniently near Chester, Northwich and Wrexham. (Railway stations at Chester, Crewe and Whitchurch) Opening Times 2012 Sunday 1st April - Sunday 30th September 2012 Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday and Bank Holidays 11am to 5pm Open for Autumn Tints Sunday 14th October, 21st October & 28th October 2012 (Castle open for groups only, by pre-arrangement on limited days) Admission Charges: Adults 6.00 Disabled access Children 3.00 (reduction for groups of 25 and over) Some areas of the garden are unsuitable for wheelchairs, scooters and other mobility aids(we have provided a signed wheelchair route through the Temple Garden.) Gift Shop 2012 Open 12noon - 5pm on normal Garden Open days. Christmas Opening: Please refer to our website at for opening dates and times for Christmas Shopping. Cholmondeley Castle Nurseries Plants for sale in the Castle Nurseries Weekdays 9am to 5pm Sundays and Bank Holidays to 5pm DOGS ALLOWED ON LEADS. For Further Information: The Secretary, Cholmondeley Castle Cholmondeley, Malpas, Cheshire SY14 8AH Tel: Website: Sat Nav SY14 8ET Designed and printed by Delmar Press (Colour Printers) Ltd. Maps created by Deborah Cole.

The Cholmondeley Family

The Cholmondeley Family The Cholmondeley family have lived at Cholmondeley in Cheshire since 1200. The present Castle was built in the early 19th Century by the 1st Marquess and has been home to three