It is now week 27 of my Year of Reasons to Visit the Moorlands and this week I am delighted to be focusing on the beautiful Biddulph Grange Gardens.
James Bateman moved into Biddulph Grange and started to develop the gardens in 1842 to house his collection of plants from around the world. After falling into disrepair, the National Trust took ownership of the Grade 1 listed gardens and set about beautifully restoring them to their original glory, keeping as close as possible James Bateman’s original version and opening them up once more to visitors in 1991.
A walk around Biddulph Grange takes you on a global tour of plants from around the world which are arranged into a series of gardens. Connected by tunnels, passageways and gaps in the vegetation, you can walk from Italy to Egypt, and to my personal favourite the China garden.
The gardens are stunning all year round, and while you may not think that now would be the best time to visit, Christmas at Biddulph Grange Gardens really is special. A series of ‘Festive Nights’ are taking place on selected dates throughout December which gives visitors an opportunity to visit after hours and see the gardens beautifully lit with Christmas lights – it really is not to be missed. To book please see: www.nationaltrust-tickets.org.uk
Throughout December there is also the opportunity to do the Christmas trail - following it around the Garden to find Father Christmas in his cottage. If you have booked for this, please do share your photos on my Year of Reasons Twitter/X @VisitMoorlands.
A trip to Biddulph Grange Gardens in December is always special and a brilliant way for all the family to get into the Christmas spirit and that is why this week it is my Reason to Visit the Moorlands.
