Top garden venues in the north west

The first daffodils of Spring are always a hint of good weather to come. If, like us, you’re already dreaming of alfresco summer parties, these five wonderful top garden venues in the north west are the perfect place for a summer event.

Tatton Park

TLC has organised so many amazing garden events at Tatton Park over the years, and with good reason. The estate is home to one of the most beautiful gardens in the whole of England. Its 1000 acres include parkland home to wild deer, beautiful meres and ornamental gardens. Throughout the year the venue hosts more than 100 different events from the RHS Flower Show to Classic Car conventions. It is also a fabulous setting for outdoor concerts. It provides plenty of space for guests to set up gazebos and picnic tables, even large marquees by the lake.

The Neo-Classical Mansion at its centre is also available for hire and can be arranged to accommodate dining from a small intimate dinner to a gala reception for 350 guests.

Arley Hall and Gardens

The burst of colour in Arley Gardens is nothing short of breath-taking. In 2018 the gardening team was awarding a gold medal at RHS Tatton for ‘The Flowers of Arley’. This gave a taste of the historical double herbaceous borders at Arley and how they can be created in your own back garden. The idea of being in your own back garden is part of the charm of these intimately designed spaces. What an amazing back garden it is.

Surrounding a grand Victorian Country House, built in Elizabethan style. On hiring the hall and gardens for an event it in effect becomes your garden, always hired exclusively as home for you and your guests.

The Hall and Gardens are also available for a range of events. For those seeking a venue to plan an outdoor summer wedding, we can recommend ‘The Alcove’. It’s a wedding photographer’s dream situated at the end of a double herbaceous border and licensed for civil ceremonies. If the unpredictable UK weather is giving you doubts don’t be put off. Should the sun fail to shine on your big day, the staff will quickly and smoothly move the celebration indoors to Arley Hall at a moment’s notice.

Sefton Park Palm House

Compared to the grounds of grand stately homes, our choice of Sefton Park may seem a little out of place. But don’t be deceived by Liverpool’s botanical gardens. The Victorian Grade II listed Glass House may look compact, but the space can accommodate parties much bigger than you might first imagine. For this indoor garden can be transformed into a party venue. It accommodates 220 seated or 400 attending a drinks reception among the exotic palms, orchids and vibrant bromeliads.

Marquees can be added too if you want more space or to have a more outdoor focus on the Park surroundings. This striking venue has hosted corporate events, circus, fiestas, live music gigs and in 2018 was the winner of Hitched’s Best City Wedding Venue.

Gisburne Park Estate

There are private parties and then there are parties on Gisburne Park Estate. This family-run estate, nestled within 1000 acres of Ribble Valley countryside, is available for exclusive hire. The estate houses a number of modern and well-equipped cottages which can accommodate 200 guests. This includes a Bridal Cottage, Riverside House, which sleeps six.

If you are looking to organise a large private event in a garden setting, the estate offers use of a purpose-built, solid marquee and tipi structures. They are all beautifully lit with festoon and spot-lighting. Hire of the venue also includes use of the warming outdoor fire-pits, straw-bale seating and canopy umbrellas and blankets. For that reason it crerates a fairy-tale setting within this spectacular country landscape. This combines a forest and mass expanses of lawned gardens, includes stunning picture opportunities by the historic bridge, set over the tributary where Stock Beck meets the River Ribble.

Colshaw Hall

Last in our collection of the top garden venues in the north west is another beautiful private country estate available for exclusive hire. Colshaw Hall is certainly one of the most picturesque settings for a garden event in the north west. The Grade II listed halls comes with 300 acres of land, partly sectioned into a number of more intimate manicured gardens. These include its Japanese Garden featuring a miniature lake over which stands a horse-shoe bridge – an ideal backdrop for romantic photographs. There are other intimate photo opportunities in the stunning Magnolia Garden to the rear of The Hall. The formal walled gardens, outside the Hall’s Peel suite, are another good option for alfresco drinks and canapés.

Finally, built in 1903, the historic hall can hold up to 180 guests, with overnight accommodation for 36 on site. It is reached via a long private drive with secure gates. Or, if you really want to arrive in style you can always use the helicopter pad.