Trentham Gardens are a real gem, and one that we come back to time and time again! The hall that they were attached to is long forgotten, bar some impressive, crumbling (and inaccessible!) ruins at one end of the site, but the enormous gardens are a destination in themselves – absolutely beautiful, and packed with sculptures and artwork that kids love to search for.
THE MAIN ATTRACTION FOR KIDS – THE FAIRIES!
The fairy sculptures are truly magical – made of sparkling, stainless steel wire, and bobbing about in the breeze, they look like they could blow away at the drop of a hat! We’ve lost count of how many there are, as a number of new ones have been added since we first discovered Trentham years ago, but it’s safe to say there’s a lot! Made by artist Robin Wight, they’re whimsical and enchanting, and make you feel like you’re in a fairytale – particularly the ones who are with enormous dandelion clocks! They’re so much fun to find, and elicit squeaks of joy (even from adults!) when you come across another one! If you’re determined to see them all, a fairy trail map is available from the ticket desks for £1, but you’ll stumble across a large number just from walking around. See if you can find the giant dandelion clock sculptures too!
THE ITALIAN GARDENS
The Italian gardens are enormous, impressive and just beautiful! Wide golden pathways and architectural trees lead you to packed flower borders, and more ponds and fountains than you can count! And of course, you’ll find a fairy or two tucked away – and maybe even a mermaid! They’re brilliant for a wander in the sunshine. If you love formal gardens, they’re a real treat! Just remember a few pennies for the kids to make wishes!!!
THE PLAYGROUND!
Trentham has a huge – and brilliant – playground! Our kids love it!!! There’s a wooden climbing/balance course, enormous bouncing swings, a massive climbing structure , a slackline and more. Plus, there’s a smaller, more manageable area with climbing and slides for toddlers and younger ones. If your kids have any energy left after hunting for fairies and running round the gardens, they’ll definitely burn it off here! There are toilets right next to it, plus an eat-in café, and take out snack hut that has super delicious ice cream! You could spend several hours here, without needing to go anywhere.
EVERYTHING ELSE
Trentham Gardens has an enormous lake – we’ve never made it all the way around, but I’ve been told there are more fairies hidden along the lake trail! There’s also loads of animal sculptures dotted about near the entrance, (just in case your kids are into animals rather than fairies) – bunnies, snails, and owls are all quite easy to find! There are plenty of picnic tables dotted about, if you’re bringing your own lunch, and there’s a large shopping village outside the entrance to the gardens, which you have to walk through to get to the gates, with plenty of gift shops and restaurants. The car park is free. And there’s a Premier Inn right next to the car park, if you’re coming from a distance. For current entrance rates and opening times to the gardens, please check their website.
Trentham Gardens are a fantastic and fun day out for families. They’re such a beautiful setting, made even more beautiful by the fairies! We can’t recommend them highly enough!!!
The important part – how to find them:
The Trentham Estate,
Stone Road,
Trentham,
Stoke on Trent,
Staffordshire,
ST4 8JG.
A Different Way To Go 