Arley Hall

Arley Hall was begun in 1469, and it has been owned by the same family ever since. The house was built by Piers Warburton, who was probably responsible for the cruck-framed barn and outbuildings. The barn now houses a restaurant for visitors.

The current hall is a product of the 19th century; it was built by George Latham for Rowland Egerton-Warburton beginning in 1832. The library in particular is a good example of Victorian Gothic style, with richly coloured stained glass windows flooding the large wooden bookcases with light.

Napoleon III lived at Arley briefly, and his bedroom is preserved upstairs, with watercolours by Piers Egerton-Warburton decorating the walls. Near the house stands a mock-Gothic chapel designed by Anthony Salvin.

GARDENS
The gardens at Arley Hall were the site of one of the first herbaceous borders planted in England (by Rowland Egerton-Warburton once again). The current gardens extend to 12 acres ringed by hedges and brick walls. The Tea Garden cottage boasts a fine collection of shrub roses, while two walled gardens provide space for open lawns, herbaceous borders, fruit trees, and kitchen produce. An avenue of pleached limes leads to the house, and nearby ilex trees are clipped into tall cylinder shapes. Woodland walks garden and a rock garden add interest to this award-winning horticultural experience.

In late June the 2-day Arley Garden Festival attracts keen gardeners from all across Britain to view displays by plant nurseries, attend question and answer sessions with top garden designers, and buy plants and garden accessories. Arley also hosts regular gardening workshops and study days from February to November.

Details
Arley Hall
Northwich
Cheshire
England
CW9 6NA
Location: 6 miles from Knutsford and Northwich, off the M6 and M56
Website: Arley Hall
Email: enquiries@arleyhallandgardens.com
Phone: 01565 777 353
Fax: 01565 777 465
map
OS SJ674808