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 Opening
The gardens reopen on Sunday 1st March and are open Sundays only throughout March.
Regular Season (April–October)
From Wednesday 1st April until Sunday 27th October, the gardens are open every Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday and Bank Holiday. Hours are 10:00am–5:00pm (last entry 4:00pm).
Summer Holiday Special
Children go free from Saturday 19th July to Sunday 31st August (excluding event days).
May Events and Special Openings
In addition to regular opening days, the gardens have special openings throughout May 2026:
- Sunday 3rd May & Monday 4th May – 7.2 Million Bank Holiday Bluebells, 10:00am–5:00pm
- Wednesday 6th May – General Admission, 10:00am–5:00pm
- Thursday 7th May – NGS Charity Garden Day, 10:00am–5:00pm
- Sunday 10th May – General Admission, 10:00am–5:00pm
- Wednesday 13th May & Thursday 14th May – General Admission, 10:00am–5:00pm
- Sunday 17th May – General Admission, 10:00am–5:00pm
- Wednesday 20th May & Thursday 21st May – General Admission, 10:00am–5:00pm
- Sunday 24th May – General Admission, 10:00am–5:00pm
- Monday 25th May – Bank Holiday Monday, 10:00am–5:00pm
Facilities
The Den (Natural Play Area), Children's Play Area, and Lakeside Walk are all available during garden opening hours.
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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