Places to see: October 2021

Trentham Gardens

Trentham Gardens, near Stoke on Trent, was somewhere I had wanted to visit for a long time; and I was lucky enough to have had the most perfect sunny day when I went. I had heard about the Fairies at Trentham and was eager to see for myself - just what they were like. I hope you enjoy following my day around the park and gardens.

Twenty two stainless steel wire sculptures of different fairies can be found throughout the gardens - starting with this one Titania - Number One by the entrance. You can get a map showing where they are and tick off the ones you find. There are so many different types of fairies - in all sorts of cheeky poses.

The Trentham Estate was a royal manor as far back as the Doomsday book in 1086; and it has also been a priory and a convent. In the 1600's it was rebuilt twice in both Elizabethan and Georgian styles; and then in the 19th century the hall was massively extended - with an Italian grand entrance, a clock tower, balustrades and riding school. Despite being used for various activities in the 20th century, the hall building is now derelict - but is still an impressive sight.

The hall was demolished in the 20th century - the River Trent no longer fed the huge lake in front of the hall (it ran further away towards the edge of the estate); and the sewage from the nearby potteries polluted the lake and made life unpleasant at the hall - so it was eventually demolished in about 1912.

Below is the Porte Cochere - which is all that remains of the Grand entrance hall and conservatory.

The 300 acre landscaped park was redesigned as a serpentine park by Capability Brown in the mid 1700s - with a mile long lake surrounded mostly by woodland and a formal Italian garden at the top end.

The view from the top of the lake is particularly impressive - you can see the first of the islands which is home to a colony of herons.

Below is the statue of Perseus holding Medusa's head!

Since 2000, the gardens have been carefully restored - attracting millions of visitors every year. I was particularly looking forward to seeing the Italian gardens in their summer splendour.

These colourful borders are in the Upper Gardens.

Next to the formal gardens, there is an area of immense colour with huge areas of well established shrubs - grown on a flood plain. This area called the Rivers of Grass and the Floral Labyrinth.

Along the edge of the Italian gardens is the Trellis Walk covered in wisteria - and if you look hard enough - you might spot an up-side-down fairy.

Some of the fairies are quite hard to spot - especially when the plants are growing well.

The Lower Gardens contain some beautiful ponds and fountains - with the odd cheek fairy in them!

During World War Two, Trentham was used by the Bankers Clearing House for the clearing of the country's cheques - this memorial was commissioned by them to commemorate that time.

There are several different show gardens, which are being constantly being created and changed.

There is a fabulous adventure play area for children, with the biggest sandpit - and things to climb and play on. This is next to the Italian garden tearoom, restrooms and ice cream shop.

After a refreshment stop, it was time for the 2 mile walk around the lake.

This fairy is sitting on the little hut by the North Boat Jetty look out for boat rides from here to the south shore - there is also a miniature railway that runs along one side of the lake.

This otter sculpture carved out of an old tree was absolutely brilliant. There are bird and otter hides along the River Trent - which runs parallel to the lake.

There is so much to look out for whilst walking around the lake - as well as the fairies................!

Make sure you keep referring to the map so you don't miss anything.

This cascade is where water flows out of the lake - it is rather smelly here but there are many birds about.

At the south end of the lake, you will find another Café, the South Boat Jetty and the entrance to the Monkey Forest, Trentham Treetop adventures and Woodland Walks. The Monkey Forest is 60 acres of forest containing hundreds of Barbary Macaques - wandering freely within a really high fenced enclosure.

Continuing back along the path, there are many different things to find and admire........

Unusual wooden carvings...................

Bronze deer ....................

A well stocked stumpery with hundreds of ferns.....................

More fairies of course..........................

And great views over to the ornate Italian gardens at the end of the lake.

This fairy was particularly difficult to spot - she was sitting in a stream running down the hill - hiding in the surrounding ferns and grass.

Almost at the end of the lake walk, are these brilliant giant metal dandelions.

There are often music events happening in the park, and special concerts to look out for. You can hire pods and tents for picnics too; although I have never been anywhere with so may places to sit and have a picnic and enjoy the surroundings.

If you have any energy left, at the park entrance you will find a shopping village - with some of my favourite shops, as well as a massive garden centre.

A day at Trentham really has got it all for everyone.

For more info here is their link - https://www.trentham.co.uk