Highlights
- The Double Herbaceous Border, possibly the first in England
- The Ilex Avenue of fourteen clipped holm oaks
- The Pleached Lime Avenue and Furlong Walk
- The Walled Garden, Flag Garden and Kitchen Garden
- The Grove and Rootery, colourful with rhododendrons and azaleas in spring
About Arley Hall Gardens
Arley has been the home of the same family for more than 550 years, and its gardens have been shaped by successive generations over some 270 years. The present hall was built between 1832 and 1845 by Rowland Egerton-Warburton, and the double herbaceous border, thought to be the first planted in England, already appears on the estate plan of 1846.
The gardens mix formal compartments with an informal woodland. Later additions include the Flag Garden, made in 1900 by Antoinette Egerton-Warburton, a remodelled walled garden from 1960 and a kitchen garden redesigned in 1993 by the present Lady Ashbrook. Lord Ashbrook has tended the woodland Grove for 50 years.
What to see
- The Double Herbaceous Border, divided by yew buttresses about 30 years after it was planted.
- The Ilex Avenue, fourteen holm oaks clipped into cylinders each July.
- The Pleached Lime Avenue and the Furlong Walk, a 220-yard terrace with views back to the hall.
- The Walled Garden, Flag Garden, Kitchen Garden and Vinery, the vinery dating from 1872 to 1873.
- The Grove, Woodland Walk and Rootery, an informal arboretum and rock garden of tree roots, best in spring.
Planning your visit
Arley is signposted from the M6 (junctions 19 and 20) and M56 (junctions 9 and 10), between Northwich, Knutsford and Warrington. Parking is £4 per vehicle, free for Blue Badge holders. The Gardener's Kitchen café, gift shop, plant nursery, chapel and a play zone for children up to 10 are on site.
The gardens are fully accessible. The hall opens only on selected days each month, so check the website if you want to see inside.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to visit Arley Hall Gardens?
In the 2026 high season, garden entry is £13 for adults, £6.50 for children aged 4 to 16 and £36 for a family. From 2 November it drops to £7, £4 and £20. Hall entry is an £8 adult upgrade when the hall is open, and parking is £4 per car.
Can I bring my dog to Arley Hall?
Yes. Dogs on leads are welcome in the formal gardens, the Grove, the Woodland Walk, the café and the gift shop, but not in the hall or the Children's Play Zone.
Is Arley Hall Gardens accessible?
The garden is fully accessible and wheelchairs can be hired by calling the shop. The hall has no lift. Carers accompanying a disabled visitor go free.