Cholmondeley Castle Gardens
The life's work of Lavinia, Marchioness of Cholmondeley.
Malpas, Cheshire, SY14 8AH
Facilities
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Accessible loos
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Accessible parking
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Cafe / restaurant
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Facilities for children
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Free parking
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Garden only
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Pet friendly
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Picnic area
- Guide dogs welcome
- Accessible toilets
- Accessible parking
- Wheelchair ramps/routes
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, Glade, Arboretum, double herbaceous bordered Lavinia Walk, ornamental woodland upon Tower Hill and the new Cholmondeley Rose Garden with over 800 new plantings creating two very different connected Rose Rooms between old and new. The Castle and gardens also provide a stunning backdrop to a host of great events held throughout the year, offering something for everyone.
Important information: opening info is generated by artificial intelligence; check specific attraction details before travelling.
The indicator above will show ‘open’ when the public have any kind of access to any part of this property. That could be the park, a shop, or a special event, and may not reflect regular admission times to the main attraction. Always consult the website of the house or garden you intend to visit before travelling to check that the attraction you are interested in is open.
Opening Times
March
The gardens reopen on Sunday 1st March and remain open on Sundays only throughout the month.
April to October
From Wednesday 1st April until the end of October, the gardens are open on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Sundays and bank holidays. Opening hours are 10am–5pm, with last entry at 4pm. The gardens are closed on Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
November
The gardens are open on Sundays only in November, with the final opening day on Sunday 28th November 2026. The Autumn Festival takes place on Sunday 1st November.
Special Events and Tours
- National Garden Scheme Open Day – Thursday 7th May
- Bank Holiday Monday – 25th May (gardens open)
- Four Seasons Rose Garden Guided Tours – Wednesday 10th June, 10am–5pm
- Bank Holiday Monday – 31st August (gardens open)
Free for Historic Houses members. No need to book, simply turn up with your membership card.
£9 per adult in advance, £10 on the gate on the day
£4.50 per child in advance, £5 on the gate on the day
Under 5’s free
Event prices vary, please refer to website
Group visits and guided tours available, pleased email [email protected] for more information
- Guide dogs welcome
- Accessible toilets
- Accessible parking
- Wheelchair ramps/routes
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