Hare Hill

Hare Hill is a small wooded garden between Alderley Edge and Macclesfield, created by Charles Brocklehurst, who planted it informally and left the estate to the National Trust on his death in 1977. Snowdrops and cyclamen open the year, followed by rhododendrons, magnolias and azaleas, and the walled garden at its heart has been restored to Brocklehurst's vision, its white perennial borders peaking in summer; a pair of wirework horses and riders there, by Christopher Hobbs, commemorates his twin. Children have a natural play area with a clamber perch and den building, and a permissive path crosses the tenanted parkland to Alderley Edge. Reviewers describe a compact, well-kept garden with step-free paths that suit wheelchairs, and the flowers along the pathways draw as much praise as the walled garden. Tips from visitors: there is no cafe, only takeaway drinks and ice cream from the welcome building by the car park, plus an honesty bookshop. Only assistance dogs may enter the gardens, though dogs on leads can use the permissive path.