Trentham Gardens REVIEW: a beautiful retreat for all ages

Getting to Trentham Gardens

Click here for location on Google Maps

Trentham Gardens is just a short 5 minute drive from Stoke-on-Trent and easily accessible via the M6. It’s well signposted, and you’ll find plenty of parking, including an overspill lot, all free of charge. For those with electric cars, there are charging points right next to the Shopping Village, and there’s also easy parking for families with young children or those needing accessible spaces.

Lakeside walk

Trentham’s lake is one mile long, and offers the perfect opportunity for a peaceful walk through all the seasons.

Take the circular lakeside walk and enjoy views of the River Trent, wildflower meadows and woodlands, and Trentham lake, catching the Trentham fairies along the way.

The Lakeside walk is relatively flat along the majority of the walk and is very pushchair friendly. Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a short lead.

Trentham Shopping Village

After stretching your legs on the lake walk, head over to the Trentham Shopping Village. It’s a lovely little area full of independent shops and well-known brands, all housed in pretty timber lodges. There are also a handful of great cafes and restaurants, perfect for grabbing a bite after your stroll.

If you’re into gardening, don’t miss the Blue Diamond Garden Centre;it’s one of the biggest in the UK and even has its own Italian restaurant, Terrazo del Giardino. It’s a great spot to relax with a coffee or grab a bite to eat.

Adventure playground

Trentham is home to a large adventure playground that offers the perfect reward for kids after a stroll around the lake. Children can navigate the climbing wall, or the altitude tower, or enjoy an exhilarating ride on the zip wire. For older children there is the Viking Rope Swing, the whirling roundabout and the boisterous ‘Queen of Swings’. Then race down our new twin zip-lines beside the Barefoot Walk.

For toddlers there is a toddler zone with willow dens and tunnels and a large sand play area including three activity boats and a sand play activity tower. You will also find nest swings, a mini slide, plus plenty of lawn area and picnic tables nearby.

Trentham Gardens Admission prices

Ticket prices vary, but on average, you can expect to pay around £11.70 for an adult and £8.55 for children (3-15 years). It’s definitely worth booking in advance for a discount, especially if you’re visiting during peak times.

Please note that the Monkey Forest isn’t included in the Trentham Gardens admission, but if you visit both, you’ll get 15% off the Monkey Forest tickets on the same day.

If you want to visit regularly it may be worth considering an annual membership. Trentham have recently updated the memberships and now offer platinum, gold or standard memberships. For a family of five prices start from £200 for gold membership. Adults £70, Children £25.

For more detailed pricing and to book tickets, check the website.

Is Trentham Gardens dog friendly?

Yes! Trentham Gardens is very dog-friendly. Dogs are welcome, but they must be kept on a short lead at all times. This helps keep both your dog safe and the local wildlife secure. Dogs are not allowed in the children’s play area or the Barefoot Walk, but there are plenty of paths and open spaces where they can enjoy the fresh air.

Final thoughts

Trentham is the perfect day out for all generations and offers an ideal dog friendly walk too. There is plenty to see and do, and a good choice of venue to grab a bite to eat or a drink.

The shopping village is a favourite of ours to wander and mooch around all the independent shops and stores after a walk around the lake. Don’t forget to stop by the Waffle House for a delicious crepe or waffle before heading home; it’s the perfect end to a great day out!