Highlights
- The China Garden, with a red pagoda and bridge, a golden water buffalo and the country's oldest golden larch
- Egypt, with a yew pyramid and obelisks guarded by sphinxes by Benjamin Waterhouse Hawkins
- The Dahlia Walk, with tulips in spring and dahlias peaking in late August and early September
- The Stumpery, described as the oldest in the country
- The Italian terraces, Pinetum, Wellingtonia Avenue and Geological Gallery
About Biddulph Grange Garden
In 1842 the plant collector James Bateman and his wife Maria moved to Biddulph Grange, then a farm. Over the next 27 years they created the house and garden with Bateman's friend, the marine artist Edward Cooke. Bateman paid collectors to send him plants from around the world and set them among rockwork, topiary and eccentric garden buildings designed by himself and Cooke.
Later the house became a children's orthopaedic hospital, and parts of the garden were lost to new wards. Campaigners won protection in the 1970s, and the National Trust bought the garden and opened it in 1991. It was the Trust's largest garden restoration at the time, and the work continues.
What to see
The garden is divided into small rooms separated by yew hedges, rockwork and tunnels, each with its own microclimate.
- China: a hidden garden with a replica of the Great Wall, a red pagoda and bridge, and blazing acers in autumn.
- Egypt: a pyramid and obelisks of clipped yew, guarded by stone sphinxes.
- Italy: formal terraces below the house, planted with hardy holly and rhododendrons.
- Dahlia Walk: tulips in spring followed by historic and modern dahlias.
- Stumpery: a sunken path lined with upturned oak roots, ferns and mosses.
- Pinetum, Wellingtonia Avenue and Geological Gallery.
Planning your visit
Biddulph Grange is on Grange Road, off the A527, about 3.5 miles south-east of Congleton and 7 miles north of Stoke-on-Trent. Parking is free in the visitor car park, Congleton station is about 2.5 miles away, and the 94 bus stops nearby from Monday to Saturday.
There is a tea-room, a shop, a plant shop and a bookshop. The garden is hilly, with more than 400 steps and dark tunnels, so it is not easy for wheelchair users; an access guide and accessible route map are available. A self-guided trail of about a mile takes in Italy, the Pinetum and China.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to visit Biddulph Grange Garden?
Adult entry is £15.40 with Gift Aid or £14 without, and children aged 5 to 17 pay £7.70 or £7. Under 5s and National Trust members go free.
Can I bring my dog to Biddulph Grange?
No. Only assistance dogs are allowed in the garden.
Is Biddulph Grange Garden accessible?
Access is limited. The garden sits on a valley side with more than 400 steps, slopes, narrow gravel paths and dark tunnels. There is an accessible route to parts of the garden, and manual wheelchairs can be borrowed from Visitor Reception.
Is there parking at Biddulph Grange?
Yes. There is a visitor car park off Grange Road with no extra charge.