Cogshall Grange, Antrobus & Manley Knoll, Manley
We will meet at Warrington Bank Quay Railway Station – just under two hours by train from London Euston Station – to visit two very different, but equally spectacular, gardens in Cheshire.
Our first stop is Manley Knoll, a ten-acre garden that includes three acres of wonderfully atmospheric quarry garden – frequently described as the jewel in Manley Knoll’s crown. Here robust sandstone steps cut through the rocks surrounded by rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias, Japanese acers, evergreen bushes and trees.
The rest of the garden includes formal and semi-formal terraced areas and lawns with herbaceous borders and yew hedging enclosing separate garden spaces, including a stunning pool garden area. There is a steep hillside woodland walk, planted mainly with rhododendrons and several specimen trees, as well as a small kitchen and cutting garden, complete with greenhouse, and spectacular views to the hills beyond.
We will have morning coffee at Manley Knoll before travelling on to our next stop, Cogshall Grange Garden, the home of Julia Kirkham, a well known garden influencer. Lunch will be served within the Walled Garden at Cogshall Grange, which was designed by Tom Stuart-Smith.
In the centre of the walled garden is a long reflective pool with waterlilies, which has a very calming and contemplative feel. On one side of the pool, gravel paths lead through a prairie style planting of perennials and grasses, whilst on the other side are cloud topiary and hornbeams that rise above a sea of grasses.
The influence of Tom Stuart-Smith can be felt most in the Walled Garden, but there are several other stunning parts to this garden including a beautiful Orchard area, complete with wild-flower meadows. There are also several spectacular sculptures throughout the garden, and beautifully curated container planting.
Julia also has a cut flower garden, which is enclosed by spaced hornbeams and where she produces beautiful flower arrangements and instructional demonstrations.
This event has been organised by the Garden Museum’s Garden Visits Committee. We recommend you read our Garden Visits Charter and Refund/exchange policy before booking your place on any of our Garden Visits.
