Discover more at Quarry Bank
Find out when Quarry Bank is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.
Explore the gardens at Quarry Bank
Discover some of the best views of Quarry Bank. Paths twist and turn through the valley, passing caves, cliffs and garden bridges. Stroll along the river, step inside the glasshouse, or see what's growing in the walled garden.
The gardens in summer
At this time of year the gardens are awash with colour, abuzz with bees and butterflies feeding on the summer floral displays. Swathes of colour can be found across the upper and lower gardens.
Look out for these summer highlights
- Eagles Sweet peas climbing their supports are another highlight of the summer gardens. You can find them in the vegetable border, and also feature in bouquets on the donation table.
- The vegetable beds in the upper garden will be bursting with fruit and vegetable, and in the spirit of the Greg’s who liked to try and grow different varieties, this summer will see a crop of Strawberry corn and asparagus pea being harvested ready for visitors to buy at the donations table.
- Don't miss a wander through the historic curvilinear glasshouse, where you will find vines and exotic fruit and vegetables.
- Plants in the small glass house near the dipping pond are cared for by gardener Peter. These exotic flowers and succulents are a marvel.
The industrial picturesque movement
The valley garden at Quarry Bank is a rare example of the industrial picturesque movement, where elements of nature such as the caves and cliffs feature alongside the industrial mill backdrop to create a sense of drama.
Lower garden
Wander through the mill meadow, cross over the garden bridges and follow the bubbling River Bollin as it flows past the Ornamental Ladies Garden created by mill owner Robert Hyde Greg in the 1860s.
Upper garden and glasshouse
Take in the elevated views over the valley and discover Hannah Greg’s favourite spot to sit and enjoy the garden. Head to the Walled Garden to see what grows here, and step inside the historic curvilinear glasshouse where exotic plants and fruits were grown. And in the back sheds, you can can uncover the stories of Quarry Bank's gardeners from the 19th century.
Apprentice House garden
See where apprentices grew herbs, fruit and vegetables for their meals, after long days working inside the mill. The Apprentice House garden, orchard and pond are a haven for wildlife, where you can often spot birds, insects, reptiles and amphibians.
The garden shop
Whatever your gardening plans, there’s something to help you get the job done. From tools to seeds, plants to pots and even books stuffed full of tips, find inspiration and gift ideas in the Garden Shop, nestled next to the walled garden at Quarry Bank.
Family activities in the gardens
There are lots of self-led trails around the gardens to enjoy with your family. Whilst you explore jump in puddles and play a game of poohsticks from the lower garden bridges.
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