Italian Garden Trentham — Attraction in Stafford

A great mix of options for a lovely walk. A large lake which is great for a dog walk. Places to bird watch, little train for kids (extra charge), a cafe approx halfway around the lake for hot drinks in the winter and ice creams in the summer, the option of taking a boat ride (extra charge), and relatively good paths no matter the weather.

Then you have the Italian gardens which are absolutely beautiful spring/summer they are beautifully landscaped and well maintained. There's also so fantastic old buildings to see, and many statues to view.

You also have plenty to keep the children happy with the large adventure playground including a large sandpit area and barefoot walk which is fab during the drier months.

There is also the lovely totally delicious cafe which is rather expensive but lovely for a treat.

The day passes, i believe, are a little overpriced but you can make a full day of it. But the year membership is...

Beautiful gardens and lake in such an unassuming location. The circular walk around the lake has a very flat route that you can take which makes it quite accessible, but with smaller trails if you wish to take the more scenic but hilly route. It's great value if you want to spend a few hours there but you could easily stay all day. It seemed very quiet when I went on a weekday, but could imagine the on-site cafes getting busy on peak days. However your day ticket is valid for re-entry so I went out for lunch into the shopping village which has a good selection of restaurants and cafes and then went back in to continue exploring the grounds. I'm so pleased I finally went into the gardens having visited the shopping village and garden centre so many times...

No matter what time of year you peruse this fabulously laid out formal garden, with it's many water features and sculptures dotted amongst it's flowers and foliage it is a sheer marvel of hard work from all the gardening team. Loads of seasonal interest throughout the year. I have always wondered why it is not called the Greek Gdn. Since it's 2 permanent sculptures are both from Greek Mythology. Perseus and Medusa separates the Italian Garden from Capability Brown's Lake. And Hygieia Goddess of hygiene occupies the far end of the rose and wisteria trellis arched walk with her bowl of milk and large snake entwined around her. . Both easily 2 of my favourite statues. A beautiful ornate delapidated stable building at the far end adds...