Biddulph Grange Garden | National Trust
When the sun comes out on the May Bank Holiday, it would be remiss of us not to head out and enjoy it, right? Our 2023 destination of choice was Biddulph Grange Garden, and what a beautiful place to head at this time of year.
Read on to explore all that this National Trust hidden gem has to offer, and how you can enjoy this family day out for yourself.
About Biddulph Grange Garden
Set into a valley in North Staffordshire, Biddulph Grange Garden is a Grade I listed garden created by James Bateman and his friend, Edward Cooke. Bateman collected plants from all over the world for 20 years by employing plant collectors who sent the specimens back by sea. He gathered these together with rockwork, topiary, tree-stumps.
In its history, Biddulph Grange was a farm, before becoming Bateman's home and garden. After he sold up, the house burnt down. It was rebuilt, used as a hospital, and finally saved by campaigners in the 70s and placed under a conservation order. Since the National Trust took over ownership in 1991 a huge restoration journey has been undertaken, and continues to this day.
When is Biddulph Grange Garden open?
The garden itself is open 10 am - 5:30 pm. The shop adjacent to the car park which offers handmade gifts, souvenirs (so we could pick up a magnet as per usual!) and even garden ornaments and plants is open 11:00 am - 5:30 pm.
Where can I park?
There is a good sized car park beyond the entrance gates, and an overflow which they use on busy days. The car park closes at 6 pm.
To find the car park, use this post code: ST8 7SD
How much does visiting Biddulph Grange Garden cost?
As a National Trust property, Biddulph Grange Garden is free for members to visit. If you wish to head for a day out without a National Trust membership, charges apply:
Adult tickets: £12
Child tickets: £6
Family ticket (2 adults, up to 3 children): £30
Family ticket (1 adult, 2 children): £18
What is available at Biddulph Grange Garden?
I think the name gives away what you'll find once you head inside the gates of Biddulph Grange Garden, but there are so many places to explore within the boundary of the land heading up and down over 400 steps throughout. Here are a few of the highlights from our day out.
Egypt
From a path flanked by a number of stone sphinx sculptures to the topiary obelisks and of course the grand temple set amongst the grass and hedges, the Egypt area of Biddulph Grange Garden is another wonderful space to enjoy as you explore.
The Geological Gallery
Within a relatively short corridor sits a Victorian display of fossils and geological strata. Brought together by James Bateman, the gallary is laid out according to the six Biblical days of creation, and is an interesting historical journey to both view and read about.
The China Garden
This has to be one of the most stunning and brightly coloured areas in Biddulph Grange Garden. From the red gravel dragons, to the bright red and gold temple and pagoda, and even the colourful acer trees, there are plenty of bright sights to see and beautiful spaces to explore.
It was pretty amazing to wander through the China Garden and discover the recently restored Chinese bridge over the pond. We recently saw it being put together and placed back in the garden on TV. It features in the first episode of Hidden Treasures of the National Trust on BBC Two.
Woodlands and other walks
As well as beautiful gardens to explore, Biddulph Grange Garden has a woodland walk complete with an adventure playground for all ages. Other paths take you around the main garden where you can see a bird hide and keep an eye out for wildlife such as squirrels.
Outdoor games
Around the site there are a variety of spots to play. Biddulph Grange Garden provides everything you need for activities such as giant tic-tac-toe to a field dedicated to games, badminton, and ‘dress-up as a bee or butterfly’. As you wander through the various gardens, keep an eye out for these activities beside the paths.
The stumpery
This was fascinating, and beautiful in its own unique and somewhat odd way. The path is sunken between upside-down oak tree roots, with natural flora growing in some of the gaos between and you make your way further down the path. Biddulph Grange Garden's stumpery is the oldest stumpery in England and was used as inspiration for others that have been created since.
FAQs about our family days out
Is it suitable for children and / or dogs?
Although the garden is suitable for families with children, due to a number of steps plus narrow, steep, and rocky terrain due to being built into the valley, Biddulph Grange Garden is not an accessible day out. They do offer seasonal activities for children if you fancy adding something extra to your day out.
You should bear in mind the lack of accessibility when planning your day out, and consider a baby carrier for younger members of the family. As for dogs, you unfortunately cannot take your fur babies to visit Biddulph, although assistance dogs are allowed on site.
Are there facilities available?
There are facilities available including changing tables and accessible facilities adjacent to the reception and shop building just beyond the car park. Additionally, there are facilities within the garden adjacent to the café.
Is there anywhere to eat nearby?
Adjacent to the Biddulph Grange Garden car park is a picnic area with wooden picnic benches, some shadowed beneath large trees and others with umbrellas. If you don't fancy bringing your own picnic, there is a tea room on site, offering a range of hot and cold food with both indoor and outdoor seating. The tea room is open 10 am - 5 pm.
With that, you have everything you need to know to head to Biddulph Grange Garden and enjoy a lovely day out there with your own family. If you have any questions about the garden, be sure to let me know in the comments box below.
For more blog posts about exploring the beautiful outdoor spaces in England and Scotland, check out the other blogs in my days out and travel blog.
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