Cholmondeley Castle Gardens

The Cholmondeley Family have resided in this part of Cheshire since the Norman times.  The gardens were originally laid out in the early 19th Century using architectural elements from the formal gardens of the Old Hall.

When Lavinia, Marchioness of Cholmondeley came to live at Cholmondeley in 1947 together with her husband the 6th Marquess she set about creating ‘a garden of great romance’ introducing many specimen trees and shrubs, including rare magnolias, camellias and rhododendrons.  Her legacy is continued today with new developments in the Rose, Temple Water Garden and Folly Gardens together with the creation of a 100m long double herbaceous border, a fitting tribute to Lady Cholmondeley’s life and work in the gardens.

Tower Hill offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy a woodland ramble amongst interesting shrubs and trees under planted with many wild flowers and bulbs, whilst the Deer Park Mere and nature trail offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy the tranquillity and beauty of the surroundings with magnificent views of Cholmondeley Castle.

The Cholmondeley Family Chapel of St. Nicholas lies to the north-east of the Castle.  The oldest surviving part of the Chapel dates from the 15th Century and the Chapel is well worth a visit to enjoy is tranquil atmosphere, and the fine 17th Century carved oak screen and rare examples of early Flemish stained glass.  The Chapel is still used for services and family occasions.

Discover the romantic Temple and Folly Water Gardens, 100m double herbaceous bordered Lavinia Walk, Glade, Arboretum, and the ornamental woodland upon Tower Hill. New for 2023 is the Cholmondeley Rose Garden with the creation of two very different Rose rooms between old and new with over 800 new plantings.

Visits are offered to the gardens only.

Our Head Gardener, Barry Grain, offers a guided tour of Cholmondeley Castle Gardens which takes an in-depth look at the seasonal highlights and history of the Gardens. Tours are £5 per person.