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Trentham Gardens, located in Staffordshire, UK, is a perfect day trip for families. With its impressive gardens, serene lakeside walks, and plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained, it’s no wonder that Trentham is a popular destination for visitors of all ages. In this post, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know to make the most of your visit to Trentham Gardens.

Before diving into the details, don’t forget to check out our full Trentham Gardens travel vlog on YouTube.

What is Trentham Gardens?

Trentham Gardens is a historic estate with over 725 acres of stunning gardens, woodlands, and a large lake. Originally designed by the famous landscape architect Capability Brown, the gardens have been lovingly restored and maintained, blending historical charm with modern facilities. The Italian Gardens are a particular highlight, offering a range of vibrant flower displays. Whether you’re into nature, history, or just looking for a peaceful spot to relax, Trentham Gardens has something for everyone.

How to Get to Trentham Gardens

As I mentioned, Trentham Gardens is located in Staffordshire, in the North West of the UK. So, for us, it was an easy 1-hour drive from Manchester, making it the perfect place for a day trip.

For those travelling from London, it’s a bit more of a journey, but still manageable as part of a longer weekend trip. You can either drive, which will take around 3 hours via the M40 and M6, or take a train from London Euston to Stoke-on-Trent, which takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes. From there, it’s just a short taxi or bus ride to the gardens.

Tickets for Trentham Gardens

Tickets for Trentham Gardens are available online and at the gate. It’s usually a good idea to book in advance, especially at weekends, to ensure entry.

Booking online also gets you a slight discount:

Adults: £11.70 online or £13 at the gate

3-15s: £8.55 online or £9.50 at the gate

Things to Do at Trentham Gardens

Italian Gardens

The Italian Gardens are the heart of Trentham and an absolute must-see. Designed with a blend of classical and contemporary styles, these gardens are filled with stunning flower beds, elegant fountains, and beautifully manicured lawns. The gardens are the perfect spot for a leisurely stroll or to sit and soak in the scenery. Don’t forget your camera, as there are plenty of photo opportunities!

As you explore the gardens, you’ll also see the ruins of Trentham Hall, which make for an interesting backdrop to the area.

Trentham Lakeside Walks

For those who enjoy a bit of a walk, the lakeside trails at Trentham are a real treat. The circular walk around the lake is about 2 miles long and offers lovely views of the water, wildlife, and surrounding woodlands. It’s a flat, easy path, suitable for all ages and fitness levels. There are plenty of benches along the way if you need to take a break or just want to sit and enjoy the view.

Boat Trip

One of the highlights of our visit was the boat trip across the lake. For just £3 each, you can hop aboard the Miss Elizabeth, a small boat that takes you on a leisurely 30-minute cruise from one end of the lake to the other. It’s a relaxing way to see the gardens from a different perspective and a hit with both kids and adults.

Mini Train

If you’re visiting with children, the Miniature Railway is sure to be a hit. The little train runs regularly along a short track through the woodlands. Tickets cost £2.

Cafés and Eateries

After exploring the gardens, you’ll probably want to stop for a bite to eat, and Trentham Gardens has plenty of options. Whether you fancy a quick coffee and cake or a more substantial meal, there are several cafés and eateries on site. We had lunch at the Tea Rooms by the lake, where the scones were a real treat.

Trentham Shopping Village

Before heading home, be sure to check out Trentham Shopping Village. This is a small outdoor shopping centre made of wooden buildings and featuring independent boutiques and well-known brands. Whether you’re looking for a unique gift, some garden inspiration, or just want to browse, it’s a nice way to round off your visit. There’s also a garden centre on site, perfect for picking up a few plants or gardening tools.

Is Trentham Gardens Worth It?

Absolutely! We had a fantastic time at Trentham Gardens, and I’d say it’s one of the best gardens we’ve visited in the UK. The variety of activities, from the stunning Italian Gardens to the relaxing boat trip, which is actually pretty good value at just £3 each, means that there’s something for everyone to enjoy. And, with all that to explore, it’s easy to spend the entire day there.

So, if you’re looking for a fun and relaxing day out with your family, Trentham Gardens is definitely worth a visit.

Thanks for reading our Trentham Gardens Visitor Guide! If you enjoyed this post, don’t forget to like and subscribe for regular updates. And be sure to check out our full Trentham Gardens vlog over on YouTube, where you can see all the highlights from our visit. See you next time!