Cholmondeley Castle Garden, Malpas, Whitchurch, Cheshire, SY14 8AH

Tel: 01829 720383 or see Cholmondeley website

Water gardeners can appreciate designs on large and small scales here, where the present fairy-tale Cholmondeley (pronounced Chumley) Castle (dating from 1801) presides over mature gardens and grounds that contain imaginative landscaping and interesting plantings, with woodland walks too.

The pretty Temple Garden has been created around a lake that boasts two islands (one complete with temple), densely planted walks, and a rockery surmounted by another temple. Mixed borders, bog plants of impressive size, and waterlilies combine to provide colour and texture throughout the season. The clever design creates many vistas, with a rustic bridge giving the opportunity to gaze into the water and spy Koi.

Beyond, visitors can follow the natural stream to its source, which is a wild pond that’s more or less left to its own devices.

More formal gardens offer plenty more colour closer to the castle, with attractive mixed plantings on a smaller scale beneath its windows. And don’t miss the terrace with its formal lily pond and elegant storks, or the stone-lined rill fed by a lion’s mask spout.

NB No credit/debit card facilities for admission fees.

Facilities included tearooms, toilets, plant sales, gift shop. Wheelchair access to some areas.

Dogs allowed on leads.