Today we are in Cheshire to visit two splendid gardens, each surrounding quintessential old hall houses that are steeped in history, and just a short distance apart. Our first stop is Stretton Old Hall, Tilston, where the garden covers just over five acres. The creation of owner Ken Roscoe, an architectural designer, it has been described as contemporary classic in style and “a masterpiece of considered design”. The garden continues to develop as it adapts to new additions and we will be amongst the first to see the most recent works that are being carried out early this year. Head gardener Stephen Gore works closely with Ken Roscoe in developing new areas such as the naturalistic planting with mown paths. After morning coffee, Stephen will show us its many features, including the formal terrace with its Italianate flair, the modern scree garden, the rill and kitchen gardens, all of which he skilfully tends.

After lunch at a local restaurant, we will travel the short distance to Broxton Old Hall, Broxton. This very private garden (which has been compared to a mini Highgrove) has many varied and unusual features within its ten acres. There are formal parterres, an ornamental lake, cut flower, vegetable and herb gardens, a wildflower meadow and woodland. It beautifully combines both formal and fun elements such as a multi-storey treehouse made from timber milled on site and a hobbit house with a living roof. We will be met by head gardener Andrew Woolley who will introduce us to all these delights and later we will be shown the classic walled kitchen garden and cutting garden that supply the house, plus the herb garden designed by Jekka McVicar. We will also enjoy the formal gardens, lawns and perennial borders and topiary that surround them. Our visit to this very special garden full of surprises will conclude with afternoon tea in the orangery.

This event has been organised by the Garden Museum’s Garden Visits committee. We recommend you read our Garden Visits Attendee Charter and Refund/exchange policy before booking your place on any of our Garden Visits.