Arley Hall & Gardens

The gardens at Arley Hall are the real draw here - Victorian layouts that actually look after themselves properly, not some overgrown tangle pretending to be romantic. You've got herbaceous borders that punch well above their weight, a pleached lime walk that's genuinely impressive in summer, and enough topiary to keep you entertained for a solid afternoon. The hall itself sits there looking suitably impressive, though the gardens are what'll keep you wandering about rather than rushing back to the car.

Walkers and serious gardeners get the most from it. If you're the type who sketches border combinations or takes photos of other people's hedging, this is your sort of place. Families with young kids might find it a touch dull - there's no playground nonsense, no zip wires, just acres of proper horticulture. Older children who've inherited the gardening bug will be glued to the herbaceous borders.

It sits just outside Northwich, making it a solid addition to a week based around Belmont Hall Camping or Pickmere Leisure Park - both are minutes away. Allow a good two to three hours if you're actually looking at plants rather than just walking through. Spring and early summer are when the whole place earns its reputation; winter feels a bit thin on the ground. Worth checking ahead for opening times and whether you need to book, as these places can be particular about their schedule.