Stroll along walkways that wind around decorative gardens, glasshouses and ponds. Brush up on local history via interpretive signs and spot varied wildlife.
Enjoy a day out exploring the picturesque grounds of Grappenhall Heys Walled Garden. Admire wonderfully maintained parkland and colorful flower displays while retracing the steps of the owners of this one-time private estate. Thomas Parr, an affluent financier from Warrington, established the estate for his family in 1830 and they lived here for three generations. Renovations took place in 2014 to return it to its original glory. Today Grappenhall Heys Walled Garden is a non-profit attraction and.
These 4-acre (1.6-hectare) gardens are a great place for walking. Interpretation panels provide information about the Parr family, flora and resident wildlife. Enter via a stone arch to the pleasure gardens, where a brick-paved pathway cuts between a series of ponds. Spot bees, bugs, butterflies and resident birdlife, including duck and heron.
Pathways continue from the pleasure garden to the vast kitchen garden. Here you can see a flourishing vegetable patch with rows of seasonal produce in addition to fruit trees and spice plantations. Note the brightly colored herbaceous borders outside the refurbished Victorian-era glasshouses. Inside the glasshouses is a café and a space for art exhibitions and fruit and vegetable markets.
Wander along the Holly Walk to reach the Parr family’s private gate into the gardens. From here a trail leads to the remains of the original owner’s house. Back in the garden, you’ll find several picnic benches and tables. Bring your own food or purchase sandwiches and pastries from the café.
Located in the village of Grappenhall, the garden is 4 miles (6.4 kilometers) to the southeast of Warrington. Parking is free on the village streets. Buses run from Warrington Bus Station to the garden.
Grappenhall Heys Walled Garden is open in the afternoon from Tuesday to Sunday and admission is free. The café opens on weekends only. The fruit and vegetable market is held on Sunday at other times you can leave payments in an honesty box.
