Cholmondeley Castle Gardens
The large ornamental gardens at Cholmondeley Castle, near Malpas, are superb, dominated by the red sandstone Gothic style Castle, which dates from 1801. The castle was built by George Cholmondeley, 1st Marquess of Cholmondeley. It was designed by the local architect William Turner who was directed by the Marquess to give it the appearance of "an old Gothic Castle.
Hugh Cholmondeley, 1st Earl of Cholmondeley had created gardens around the house in the eighteenth century. The grounds of the castle now cover some 5,000 acres (20 km2).
The lovely Temple Water Garden has a small lake with huge Koi carp, a rockery, a waterfall and The Temple, an elegant structure which was taken from the gardens of the Old Hall. The gardens also feature Rose Gardens and mixed borders. They were originally laid out when the 1st Marquess of Cholmondeley built the castle between 1801 and 1804.
The gardens and grounds feature many beautiful specimen trees, herbaceous borders, shrubberies, ponds and lakes. Visitors can follow The Somerset Lodge Walk, The Camellia Walk and The Terrace Walk. The Silver Garden features Bakewell ironwork and silver leaved plants to commemorate the Queen's Silver Jubilee.
The grounds also contain the chapel of St Nicholas, which datws from the thirteenth century, a nature reserve and a rare breeds animal centre complete with children's corner.
Tearoom, picnic area, gift and plant shop and a farm shop located just outside the main Castle entrance.
The Castle itself is not open to the public.