Cheshire is famous for its gardens, so much so that 2008 was officially Cheshire's Year of the Garden. Congleton is surrounded by famous gardens among some of the best are listed below:
The Tourist Information Centre, in the Town Hall, can provide further details of all these visitor attractions, with opening times and admission prices, plus a whole host of other ideas for an enjoyable excursion. Contact the TIC on 01260 271095.
Arley Hall and Gardens, near Northwich, won North West's small visitor attraction 2006. Visitors can explore the stately home and grounds which has been owned by the same family for over 500 years. Contact www.arleyhallandgardens.com or tel 01565 777353
Biddulph Grange Garden, two miles from Congleton, this National Trust attraction takes you on a journey of discovery through gardens around the world. Tunnels and pathways lead to individual gardens inspired by the Chinese, Egyptians and Italians amongst others. Tel 01782 517999
Bridgemere Garden World, off the A51 just south of Nantwich offers a Garden Kingdom Tour and flower demonstrations and promises that there is always something new. Contact www.bridgemere.co.uk or tel 01270 521100
Capesthorne Hall, three miles south of Alderly Edge, is open to the public on Sundays, Mondays and all Bank Holidays from April to October. There is a stately home filled with interesting collections, a Georgian Chapel and 100 acres of parkland to explore. Contact www.capesthorne.com or tel 01625 861221
Gawsworth Hall, on the way to Macclesfield, is an ancient manor house wrapped in romance, intrigue and great charm. The grounds are the venue for an extensive range of performances from Abba to Shakespeare. Contact www.gawsworthhall.com or tel 01260 223456
Little Moreton Hall, off the A34 just four miles south of town, is perhaps the finest example of timber-framed moated manor houses in Britain. Owned by the National Trust, the property is little changed in over 500 years and is brought to life by daily guided tours and events. Other attractions include a maze, a knot garden and orchard. Tel 01260 272018
Rode Hall, at Scholar Green just south of Congleton is an early 18th century country house with extensive gardens including a formal garden designed in 1860 and a walled kitchen garden which dates from 1750. Contact www.rodehall.co.uk or tel 01270 873237
Stapeley Water Gardens on the A51 a mile south of Nantwich, pulls in 1.5 million visitors each year. It is regarded as one of the world' leading water garden centres and, apart from the display gardens, offers a tropical oasis of palms as well as an angling centre. Contact www.stapeleywg.com or tel 01270 623868
Tatton Park is at Knutsford as is one of the North West?s most impressive historic estates. Visitors can enjoy the 50 acre gardens, an historic Mansion, a Tudor Old Hall and a 1930s working farm. There is also an adventure playground. Contact www.tattonpark.org.uk or tel 01625 534400