For those in the know, Shropshire is described as England’s best kept secret. For those who have yet to visit, using our Georgian country house hotel as a base to explore the splendid county is a must. Our luxurious and comfortable hotel, set in the heart of the English countryside, provides the perfect gateway to all that is green and pleasant. Not least a plethora of stunning gardens with delightful tearooms.
Golden Garden Triangle
Located very close to the Staffordshire and Cheshire county borders, we are lucky to be close to many award winning gardens of merit.
Gardens in Shropshire
Nearby Wollerton Old Hall, is a quintessentially English country garden and also a local treasure. The garden has been designed and developed by Lesley and John Jenkins since 1984 and it set around a 16th century house. The garden is open from Good Friday to the end of May on Fridays, Sundays and bank holidays and from June to August on Thursdays, Friday, Sundays and Bank Holidays. During September the garden is open on Fridays only. The Shropshire garden covers 4 acres and visits can take between 2 to 4 hours. Commenting on the garden, Chris Beardshaw said, ‘I can show anyone, anywhere in the world, photos of this place and they all agree that it is a world-class example of an English garden.’
Both Hodnet Hall Gardens and the local charitable trust, The Dorothy Clive Garden are also close by and worth visiting. Hodnet Hall Gardens is part of the historic houses association, privately owned and open on selected dates. Dorothy Clive Garden boasts a jewelled quarry garden full of resplendent rhododendrons when in season during in May and June.
If, like us, you are a lover of the rose, then a visit to David Austin Roses is a must. All David Austin Roses have beautiful blooms and in most cases wonderful fragrance held on graceful attractive shrubs. A timely visit is in June and July when the roses are in full bloom and splendid.
Stately Halls in Shropshire
If stately grandeur is your thing, then head to National Trust owned Attingham Park near Shrewsbury, followed by the famous Dingle flower garden located in the Quarry Park – home to the Shrewsbury Flower Show which takes place every August.
Gardens in Staffordshire
Just over the border in Staffordshire, you can enjoy Trentham Gardens with a mile long Capability Brown designed Trentham Lake. Plus the contemporary revival of the famous Italian Gardens which was led by renowned designer and multi-Chelsea gold-medal winner Tom Stuart-Smith. To the east of the Italian Gardens are the Rivers of Grass and the adjacent Floral Labyrinth. Both these schemes were designed by eminent Dutch plantsman, and Chelsea gold-medal winner, Piet Oudolf. The gardens are described by James Alexander Sinclair in The Telegraph, as “The garden makeover of the decade”.
Gourmet
When you’ve had enough of walking and just want to sit back and soak up the atmosphere, you can head back to Goldstone Hall Hotel and relax in our award winning five acre garden with a delicious afternoon tea and a glass of pimms!
To enquire, or make a booking, or for any further information, please contact us on 01630 661202 or email enquiries@goldstonehall.com.
