The bluebell walks at Rode Hall – among the finest in the North West – begin on Saturday, with the famous farmers’ market returning the following week.
Rode’s grade II listed park and gardens were designed by Humphry Repton, and visitors can soak up the colours of bluebells and spring flowers at their best. Walk through the shimmering bluebell carpets covering the ground of the Old Wood, experience the wildflowers in the Wild Garden and the blaze of colours from rare early rhododendrons, azaleas and Chilean fire bushes.
Rode’s bluebells are predominantly the endangered and protected native ancient variety, which flower on one side of the stalk, are strongly perfumed and can also appear as a white or pinkish flower.
Highlights of a visit also include the two-acre walled garden, resplendent in spring blossom from the many varieties of pear, apple and plum trees and with an abundance of vegetable seedlings.
Visitors can also buy Rode Hall’s fragrant Lily of the Valley and bright primulas and pelargoniums to plant at home.
Rode Hall’s next farmers’ market is on Saturday, 1st May (9am–1.30pm). More than 70 top producers offer the finest artisan produce from Rode Hall, Cheshire, Staffordshire, Derbyshire and Lancashire (see rodehallfarmersmarket.co.uk).
Rode Hall’s Courtyard Kitchen is also open. Everything possible is grown in the kitchen garden and home made at the hall or sourced from the Rode Hall Farmers’ Market including soups, sandwiches, oatcakes, cakes, cream teas, biscuits and ice cream.
The bluebell walks are open from Saturday to Wednesday, 4th May 10–4pm. Entry to the walk is £5.50 adults / £2 children / under-5s free.
For tickets, visit rodehall.co.uk
