Trentham Gardens

Trentham Gardens sits at the heart of a 725-acre estate in Staffordshire and welcomed over 800,000 visitors in 2024. The site combines historic gardens with modern family attractions and a shopping village spread across 80 timber lodges.

Italian Gardens and Capability Brown Landscaping

The Italian Gardens form the centerpiece of Trentham's historic landscape. Sir Charles Barry designed these gardens in the 1830s, creating formal terraces and ornamental plantings that have been carefully restored by award-winning landscape designers. The gardens feature vast perennial plantings that change with each season, offering different views throughout the year.

A mile-long lake surrounds the formal gardens, laid out by Lancelot 'Capability' Brown in the 18th century. Visitors can walk the full circuit of the lake or take a ride on Miss Elizabeth, a 42-seat electric catamaran that runs scenic cruises. The estate also includes a popular Fairy Trail with sculptures by artist Robin Wight, enhanced in 2024 with new installations like Dancing with Dandelions.

Adventure Playground and Family Activities

The adventure playground provides climbing structures, slides, and play equipment for children of different ages. Additional activities include a hide-and-speak maze, a barefoot walk, and a disc golf course spread across the grounds.

Families can explore various trails throughout the estate, including the Fairy Quest that features guided installations and special exhibition markers. The estate runs seasonal events year-round, from summer concerts to holiday light displays. The Beaver Safari Experience won gold in 2025 from Enjoy Staffordshire, adding wildlife encounters to the recreational options.

Shopping Village and Artisan Markets

The shopping village contains more than 80 timber lodges housing independent retailers and established brands. Blue Diamond Trentham Garden Centre operates on-site, selling plants, gardening supplies, and home goods.

Visitors can browse shops selling clothing, gifts, home décor, and food products. Multiple cafes and restaurants serve meals throughout the day. A 119-bedroom Premier Inn provides overnight accommodation for guests wanting to extend their visit beyond a single day.