There are few more nature-inspired visitor attractions than gardens. But, sadly, all too few gardens are easy to reach by public transport.
Cities that are well served by trains and buses, by-and-large, have parks – with gardens.
But actual gardens, with parklands, are seldom located next to a mainline railway station, or readily accessible by bus. They’re more likely to be found at the end of long, scenic drives – and often served by busy car parks, where spaces can be at a premium.
That’s why The Trentham Estate – home to one of the top half-dozen most-visited paid-for garden attractions in England – is keen to promote the ease with which green-fingered visitors really can be the greenest of the lot at this historic, yet contemporary garden…
Who?
Trentham is for everyone. Garden types of every level – from horticulturalists, to have-a-go gardeners; keen photographers; walkers; Sunday strollers; bird-spotters; fairy-hunters; bloggers; holidaymakers; locals; friends and families; young and old. From fit bits, to those who need a little more help to enjoy the Great Outdoors with the aid of some state-of-the-art accessible facilities. And they flock through the gates of Trentham Gardens at the rate of almost three quarters of a million people a year.
What?
Having matured into some of the finest in Britain, these are the gardens that were famously named as “the garden makeover of the decade” by the Daily Telegraph. Renowned designer and multi-Chelsea gold-medal winner Tom Stuart-Smith led the contemporary revival of the famous Italian Gardens. To the east are the Rivers of Grass and the adjacent Floral Labyrinth. Both were designed by Chelsea gold-medal winner, Piet Oudolf. At the centre of Trentham Gardens is the mile-long Capability Brown designed Trentham Lake. Take the circular lakeside walk and stroll beside the River Trent – which also features vast meadow schemes by Nigel Dunnett and the team who were responsible for the stunning wildflower plantings at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. While these were chosen for seasonal interest and environmental suitability, there’s plenty more besides for the whole family: from a toddler play zone, and Fairy Trail; to a relaxing boat ride, and tearooms.
When?
On every day of the year – except for Christmas Day. From the Spring Bulb Festival, to the height of summer; through the magical colours of autumn, and onwards into one of the finest, most magical winter gardens in Britain. High days and holidays are celebrated in the gardens, as well – from outdoor lakeside concerts to monumental firework displays.
Where?
On the southern edge of Stoke-on-Trent & “The Potteries”, in the parklands once owned by the Sutherland family. Within easy striking distance of three mainline railway stations: Stoke-on-Trent, Stafford, and Crewe. A short cab ride from the National Express buses which drop-off and pick-up at the grass-roofed bus station of the city centre, Hanley. Slap-bang in the middle of the Two Saints Way 92-miles footpath which links Chester to Lichfield. Close to numerous other footpaths. And accessed off the A34 for those arriving by bicycle.
How?
Stafford station and Crewe station provide two options for anyone arriving by train from the south west, south east, or north west. The nearest railway station is Stoke-on-Trent, approximately 4 miles from The Trentham Estate, which also opens up the possibility of travelling here from the north, south and east. Stafford Station is around 12 miles from Trentham. Buses and taxis are readily available at all stations. Or, request an Uber from Stoke railway station to Trentham Gardens from around £6.
And why?
So why visit Trentham Gardens by public transport? For the good of the planet. Bragging rights. To drive less and see more. To reduce your carbon footprint. There’s never going to be a better way to show just how green those fingers can be. And, once you’re at Trentham, there’s no need to jump in the car to go sightseeing. Check into the on-site Premier Inn Hotel, to extend your stay…and spend the next day with 140 free-ranging Barbary macaques in the UK’s only Monkey Forest (which is also playing its part in research and conservation to protect this endangered species in the wild); shopping in The Trentham Village; or making even more of the ‘Great Outdoors’ on a longer walk around the extended parklands of The Trentham Estate.
Useful weblinks:
Trentham Gardens: https://www.trentham.co.uk/trentham-gardens/
Plan your visit: https://www.trentham.co.uk/plan-your-visit/how-to-find-us/
Trentham Shopping Village: https://www.trentham.co.uk/shopping-village/
Trentham Monkey Forest: https://monkey-forest.com
Premier Inn Trentham: https://www.premierinn.com/gb/en/hotels/england/staffordshire/stoke-on-trent/stoketrentham-gardens.html?cid=GLBC_STOTRE
