Summer Gardens at Quarry Bank

Kristy Stott, Theatre Editor

Book now

Summer gardens at Quarry Bank

9 July-30 September 2019

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

Summer gardens at Quarry Bank
John Millar
Book now

Take a trip to Quarry Bank this summer and see the picturesque summer gardens at their very best. We really love that the gardens are set in a dramatic valley on a number of different levels with something different to see around every corner. Take a stroll to take in the summery scent, discover spectacular views and displays of colour.

During the beautiful summer months, you’ll find Peonies, geraniums, nepeta and tiarella in full bloom; elsewhere in the garden, lots of fruit and vegetables coming through – onions, garlic and runner beans ripening and strawberries on their way.

With stunning views down the River Bollin, Quarry Bank gardens were first established in the 1790s by Samuel Greg and his wife, Hannah. A perfect emulation of nature, paths trail upwards through the valley passing by caves, cliffs, fantastic mature Beech trees and rhododendrons. A lot of the trees and plantings that the Gregs cultivated back in the eighteenth century are still thriving today.

Wander around the upper garden at Quarry Bank and marvel at the recently restored glasshouse. With thousands of panes of glass, shimmering and sparkling in the sunlight, it is home to many exotic fruits and plants. A perfect spot for taking in the spectacular views – grab an ice-cream at the Garden Café and enjoy the vantage point.

Bursting with lots of wildlife, the lower garden has plenty to keep little eyes, hands and minds active. Take time to spot the many trout in the meandering river Bollin and if you’re visiting as a family make sure you grab a tracker pack from the garden kiosk. Complete with binoculars, microscope and sheets to record your findings, little ones will love spotting dragonflies, butterflies, bugs and many other wondrous creepy crawlies.

The gardens at Quarry Bank are all maintained and loved by a dedicated team of 60 staff and volunteers. You’ll see them out and about, pruning and planting vegetables, during the warm summer months. There’s plenty to explore this summer at Quarry Bank. Keen gardeners and lovers of the outdoors, of all ages, will find that Quarry Bank offers a wealth of green-fingered inspiration.

Where to go near Summer Gardens at Quarry Bank

Manchester
Bar or Pub
Pigeon Beer Wanderer

Pigeon Beer Wanderer brings wine-level ceremony to Manchester’s new “Beermuda Triangle”, courtesy of Joshua Lightfoot and his crack team of booze experts.

Image courtesy of Unitom.
Castlefield
Gallery
UNITOM Projects

The exhibition arm of Manchester indie bookshop UNITOM is a dedicated space for contemporary visual culture in the St John’s neighbourhood.

City Centre
Restaurant
Portfolio

Portfolio is a Champagne boutique on Manchester’s Bridge Street, offering a set menu of fine-dining small bites.

Manchester
Gallery
Bridge 5 Mill

Bridge 5 Mill is a sustainable event space and community hub on Beswick Street in Ancoats, hosting independent cultural projects and ethical supper clubs.

1853 gallery 1
Manchester
Gallery
1853 Studios

1853 Studios and Gallery is a Creative Studios and community of creative professionals occupying the 3rd floors of Osborne Mill, Oldham.

Deansgate
Restaurant
Podium

Podium delivers high-end, seasonal dishes, largely geared around produce and ideas from the British Isles, but with a few deft twists and turns.

Tai Wu
Manchester
Restaurant
Tai Wu

Long-standing, trend-swerving Chinese restaurant on Manchester’s Upper Brook Street, with a reputation for authentic dim sum and traditional Cantonese cuisine.

Manchester
Food hall
BAB Korean Food

A highlight of Manchester’s K-Food space, Bab Korean Food serves up authentic, well-made dishes at the Kargo MKT food hall in MediaCity.

Dimitri's
Castlefield
Restaurant
Dimitri’s

Longstanding Greek taverna Dimtri’s delivers traditional, fuss-free Greek food, aimed at everyone from courting couples to multi-generational families in Manchester.

Kong's NQ
Manchester
Restaurant
Kong’s NQ

Kong’s isn’t like other chicken shops. This much-loved Northern Quarter restaurant is all about high-grade ingredients and expert preparation.

Castlefield
Restaurant
Trading Route

Trading Route serves up time-honoured Sunday grub, in a modern Manchester setting. Worth a visit for the expertly-curated soundtrack alone.

What's on: Families

Culture Guides

Theatre in Manchester
Theatre

Community, memory, technology and love collide in this month's selection of thought-provoking theatre.

Food and Drink in the North

It's heatwave time, so set your small talk phasers to 'weather' and get out there and grab some cold drinks and delicious food.

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.

Blue triangles with white clouds on them against a beige backdrop. A gold sun is in the middle.
Exhibitions

Five exhibitions worth your time this month - and between them, a lot of ground covered.

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.

One Leg One Eye
Music

From drone metal to art pop, free festivals to gigs in museums, here's one of our more eclectic music updates.