Percy the Park Keeper – The Secret Path in the Gardens

Sarah Gaffney-Lang, Families Editor

Book now

Percy the Park Keeper - The Secret Path in the Gardens

2 April-13 June 2021

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

Percy the Park Keeper - The Secret Path in the Gardens, Tatton Park
Book now

There’s nowhere quite like Tatton Park on a warm sunny day and Percy the Park Keeper – The Secret Path in the Gardens is the perfect way to explore the stunning parkland and all it has to offer. In our experience, one visit to Tatton Park is never, ever enough.

Running from 2 April to 13 June, the Percy the Park Keeper walking trail is sure to keep little ones entertained and provides a perfect opportunity to explore Tatton’s magnificent maze of ‘secret’ gardens.

Most importantly, Percy wants to finish his gardening in time for afternoon tea so there is some urgency!

The event is inspired by the wonderful children’s book ‘The Secret Path’ which was written by bestselling author Nick Butterworth and published way back in 1994. His books are known for their beautiful illustrations and this one is no different. It’s easy to imagine him pottering around with his animal friends and woodland helpers.

Your little ones have a very important task! Percy the Park Keeper is planning on carrying out a thorough spring clean of the gardens, but his animal friends have different ideas – with tricks up their sleeves to hide things. So, armed with the trail map, the first challenge is to stick to the right path so as not to get lost, and then to help locate all of his missing items. Most importantly, Percy wants to finish his gardening in time for afternoon tea so there is some urgency!

Soak up the stunning wildlife and meander around Tatton Park’s picturesque pathways in the company of Percy’s friend ‘squirrel’. Visitors are encouraged to stop by the potting shed for a family selfie, and of course, once your little ones have completed all their tasks, it’ll be time to reward the hard work with yummy ice cream.

We think this activity is a great way to inject some fun into your next walk.

The Percy the Park Keeper’s Garden trail route sheets cost £1 per child and can be purchased at the same time as tickets. Percy is welcoming little helpers between 10am and 6pm (with last entry at 5pm).

What's on at Tatton Park

Knutsford for Creative Tourist
TourKnutsford
Secrets of Knutsford

From wild buildings to wilder characters, explore hidden histories and architectural oddities in the Cheshire town of Knutsford.

From £20.00

Where to go near Percy the Park Keeper – The Secret Path in the Gardens

Cheshire House Bar and Grill
Cheshire
Restaurant
Cheshire House Bar and Grill

Based in the heart of Knutsford, Cheshire House Bar and Grill combines a beautiful location with top-level cuisine and a superb range of drinks.

Cheshire
Restaurant
Barristers Restaurant & Bar

The in-house restaurant for The Courthouse in Knutsford, serves high-end but pleasingly traditional food with a fantastic range of drinks for the thirsty traveller.

Cheshire
Hotel
The Courthouse Cheshire

A one-of-a-kind hotel experience in Knutsford, this beautiful dog-friendly venue is – as you may have already guessed – a renovated court house, with plenty of original fixtures and fittings.

Tatton Estate
Altrincham
Tourist Attraction
Tatton Estate

Cheshire’s renowned Tatton Estate is a beautiful patch of Cheshire countryside, playing host to Ashley Hall, which features many family-friendly events and happenings.

Bar or Pub
The Church Inn, Mobberley

This is one of our favourite cosy pubs: not far from Manchester, The Church Inn is Grade II-listed and dates back to the 18th-century.

The Bowdon Rooms in Altrincham
Altrincham
Event venue
The Bowdon Rooms in Altrincham

Boasting stunning Edwardian architecture with Art Deco influences, The Bowdon Rooms is a highly sought after wedding venue, conference centre and events hub located in the picturesque village of Bowden, Altrincham.

Path winding through the garden at Dunham Massey, Cheshire
Altrincham
Park
Dunham Massey

Whatever the weather, Dunham Massey in Altrincham takes our number one spot for a fun outdoorsy day out.

Attractions in Altrincham
Altrincham
Event venue
Inch Arts in Altrincham

Inch Arts in Altrincham is an inclusive and welcoming creative community and award-winning arts centre in South Manchester championing creativity among all.

Altrincham
Aura Music Academy

Always wanted to learn an instrument? Or looking to build on existing skills? No matter your ability, age or goals, Aura Music Academy has you covered.

Manchester
Restaurant
Axe & Cleaver

This is the perfect pub for an indulgent weekend, following up a long countryside walk with a hearty and high quality meal.

What's on: Activity

Foggy trees in Alexander Park, Hulme.
Walking TourManchester
Alexandra Park and Whalley Range Tour

Take a walking tour of both Alexandra Park and wider Whalley Range, uncovering the tales that lie within its mighty buildings, its churches and its people.

From £20.00
Until
ActivityManchester
Film Course: French New Wave at HOME

Coinciding with the release of Richard Linklater’s film Nouvelle Vague, this HOME course offers an accessible overview of one of cinema’s most influential movements.

From £65
Truly Madly Brutal - Jonathan Schofield Tours
TourManchester
Truly Madly Brutal

Explore the fascinating history of Brutalism in Manchester, while also exploring the movement’s wider intentions and ideals.

From £20.00

Culture Guides

Music

From underground festivals showcasing emerging talent to global icons unveiling new work, here are our latest live music highlights.

Food and Drink in the North

Spring has arrived, bringing with it Mother's Day, al fresco dining and a rush of high-profile food and drink-related events in Manchester.

A pair of white angel wings displayed against a dark, black background. The lower parts of the wings are stained with vivid red, resembling blood splatter.
Theatre

This month’s theatre highlights span dystopian classics, political thrillers and bold new opera.

Ceramic Sculpture
Exhibitions

Across Manchester and Salford, exhibitions are thinking hard about how things are made – and how materials carry stories.

Emily Lloyd-Saini as Grace in Space and Harrie Hayes as Lieutenant Strong in Horrible Science
Family things to do in the North

Whether you’re after storybook theatre, museum wanderings or illusion-bending play spaces, there’s plenty to keep curiosity ticking through winter and beyond.

A Girl Walks Home Alone At Night
Cinema in the North

There's no shortage of great films out at the moment, whether you're looking for the latest blockbuster, that hot arthouse flick fresh from Cannes or a cosy classic.