During a visit down to my parents in Staffordshire, we lucked out to have one day of sunshine during a week that had been otherwise blighted by rain.
So instead of staying in, we decided to pack up and head across to Trentham Gardens which sits on the outskirts of Stoke on Trent.
It’s a place I visited as a child, not that I can remember it in all truth. We tend to go and wander around the chalet-style gift shops or mooch in the huge garden centre, but since they started charging to visit the estate it was something we never bothered with.
I was put off by the price to be honest, £12 per adult but we managed to find a 2 for 1 discount voucher which made it much more affordable, especially as under 4’s go free.
I needn’t have worried about the price though as I believe it is worth every penny.
This place is vast. We arrived, four children in tow, and immediately hit by the space on offer. The flowers hadn’t bloomed yet but this didn’t detract from the beauty of the Italian Gardens. What I found really refreshing was that there was no ‘keep off the grass’ signage, making it the perfect place for the kids to let off steam.
Donned in their splash suits and trusty wellies, they rolled down hills, ran about and climbed a small tree. My youngest – who is still a little wobbly on his feet – was safe crawling and stumbling over the grass. We also managed to enjoy a sit down with a coffee on one of the many picnic benches. The wide paths are perfect for buggies too.
The lake is stunning and deserves a moment to stop and soak up the view. There is a circular walk around the lake, but with four children under 5 in tow we didn’t quite manage it.
The kids’ loved the adventure playground and had a good dig one of the two sandpits. They played on the car track and tore around in the cosy coupes – which my F1-obsessed nephew loved.
Jack had great fun getting lost while running about in the maze. The real highlight for the kids was the barefoot walk where they ditched the wellies and followed the sensory 1km path where they squelched in mud, walked across pebbles, bark and splashed in babbling streams. I had a go too and some of the textures were a bit rough underfoot!
We had a pit stop for lunch at the restaurant near the adventure playground but if we had been more prepared I would have packed a picnic and taken in the beautiful views and fresh air.
There is so much more to explore at Trentham Gardens, including a fairy trail and a wildlife garden area and I’d love to see the gardens in full bloom.
The prices are:
Adults: £12
Concession: £10.00
Child (aged -15 years): £9.00
Family Friendly (Two adults and three children): £42
If I lived in the area I would probably purchase an annual ticket for the family which costs £154.
You can also use exchange your Tesco Clubcard vouchers for Days Out tokens. It’s a great option as £10 Tesco Clubcard vouchers can be exchanged for £40 Days Out tokens which can be redeemed against all Garden Day Tickets and Annual Tickets – but can’t be used in conjunction with any offers.
Please visit the website for more details.
23 Comments
viewfromthebeachchair
What a great day! Love the mud! #LGRTStumble
EmmaMC84
It was so much fun! The kids absolutely loved it and were caked it mud afterwards!
nightwisprav3n
That place looks absolutely beautiful! And the mud that your girl was playing in. That’s something I would do lol. #LGRTStumble
EmmaMC84
It’s so gorgeous, I really can’t go back. She’s my niece and is absolutely fearless! She couldn’t get enough of all the mud!
nightwisprav3n
That’s awesome! I always liked playing in the mud?
EmmaMC84
Same, I felt like a kid again walking through the mud and getting mucky!
Emma T
We’re going on Sunday – we quite often go and meet my best friend and her kids there because it’s nearly half way and brilliant for the kids. This is earlier in the year than we’d usually go so I’m hoping it’s dry and not too cold.
EmmaMC84
Ooo I hope you have a fab time and that the weather is nice for you! I think it’s actually going to be quite nice so you might be lucky!
Claire | The ladybirds adventures
I love trentham gardens although only been once. the barefoot walk was closed when we visited.
EmmaMC84
I hope you manage to go back! The barefoot walk had just reopened I think for the spring/summer. Wouldn’t like to do it in winter… brrrr!
Rose-Marie Muller
Such a lovely day outside! It is so important our kiddos get to be outside and explore nature! Thanks for the post!
Rose @ Our House of Love
EmmaMC84
Totally agree with you there. There’s no better playground for them!
Jen
It looks fantastic! We love days out like this where the kids can run around and be kids.
EmmaMC84
They’re the best days aren’t they? The kids get so much out of being outside and exploring. It gives them such a sense of freedom!
Jade bowden
This is so beautiful! I cant wait until my little boy is bigger so we can go on mini adventures like this!
EmmaMC84
It’s gorgeous and we didn’t even see the majority of it. I can’t wait to go back to explore more. I would like to go without the kids though so I can do the walk around the lake.
Sophie
Wow this looks fab! I probably would have been put off by the price too but I would definitely go if we’re in the area now! Thanks!
EmmaMC84
I’m considering getting an annual pass as it works out cheaper. I’m down in Staffordshire quite a lot and I’m thinking it would be great to go there during the school holidays!
Maria Hughes
That looks such a lovely day out x
EmmaMC84
It was such a fab day, a real gem of a place.
Sleepingthroughyet
Wow, love the barefoot experience, what a great idea!
EmmaMC84
We loved it! I can’t wait to go back when it’s a bit warmer!
Suzi - raisingbadgers.com
I grew up in Newcastle and still don’t live far away so have been A LOT. We had annual passes when our children were very small. It’s amazing how much it’s changed, isn’t it?!