The gardens at Tatton Park were established over 200 years ago and today it remains a wonderful example of how an Edwardian garden would have looked and is now one of the UK's most complete historic estates.

The gardens have many different areas for visitors to explore, providing scenic, architectural and botanical interest - there is a Mansion House too for those keen on interiors.

The gardens feature a balanced mixture of rolling lawns, impressively large (and typically British/daft) topiary and some especially impressive Rhododendrons in spring time.  

There are not a lot of intensely planted mixed borders that so many historical gardens have to display - Tatton Park is more about scale than close-up intense colour.

Having said that there is an Italianate Garden that is typically formal with neatly clipped, low edging hedges interspersed with colourful annuals.

There is also a very large kitchen garden which, as per the fashion in days gone by, they grew plenty of colourful flowers in amongst the veggies - usually as companion plants to ward of pests.  

Lovers of old glasshouses will also find plenty to enjoy here too.

The most famous feature of Tatton Park however is the 100 year old Japanese Garden which is hailed as the best of its kind in Europe. 

This delightfully serene garden features traditional Japanese elements such as a bridge over a koi pond, stone lanterns, carefully placed rocks and Niwaki clipped Black Pine trees - not forgetting of course the essential traditional tea house.  

Take your time here . . visiting a Japanese garden is all about soaking up the atmosphere created by the careful manipulation of nature - the Japanese do it so well.

Water features and champion trees including some rather rare conifers complete the big garden experience that provide an ever present backdrop to your wanderings in prime Cheshire countryside.

Tatton Park is a great location for a day out with or without family in tow.