Tatton Park is a historic estate in Cheshire, England, north of the town of Knutsford. It contains a mansion, Tatton Hall, a medieval manor house, Tatton Old Hall, Tatton Park Gardens, a farm, and a deer park of 2,000 acres (8.1 km2). It is a popular visitor attraction and hosts over a hundred events annually. The estate is owned by the National Trust, which administers it jointly with Cheshire East Council. Since 1999, it has hosted North West England's annual Royal Horticultural Society flower show. Tatton Park, England's Largest Visitor Attraction of the Year in 2014, is one of the North West's most popular heritage attractions.
Mansion
Set amidst more than 50 acres of Tatton Park Gardens, at the heart of 1,000 acres of landscaped parkland, the elegant Mansion sits in an elevated position. The Mansion houses one of the National Trust's finest libraries and an outstanding collection of Gillow's of Lancaster furniture. Tatton Park's lively musical life during this period is highlighted in recent films and brought to life with the 1897 Ball story. The extensive array of domestic offices and servants’ quarters and the Mansion offers a complete view of life in days gone by.
The Mansion at Tatton Park houses a large and diverse collection from paintings to vehicles, furniture to ethnography. The collection reflects the evolving tastes and interests of the different generations of the family to own and inhabit the house.
A recent BBC TV program – Britain’s Lost Masterpieces - worked with staff at the Mansion and filmed the fascinating process of restoring and identifying a portrait by Salviati.
The Stoning of St. Stephen by Van Dyck is a true masterpiece and joined the art collection at Tatton Park over 200 years ago.
The Library is perfectly symmetrical, in keeping with the formality of the neo-classical style. It houses one of the largest and most important library collections owned by the National Trust with over 8,000 books in this room alone, many still in their original covers and mint condition.
The music and drawing room is the most ostentatious room in the house; Tatton’s collection of Gillow furniture is unrivaled. Wilbraham Egerton’s ownership (1777–1853) saw the commission of many pieces, especially for the house. The scullery, kitchen, salting room, and wine cellar all show what life was like for the servants at Tatton. Did you know: Over the 66 years recorded, 51,000 bottles were listed here for consumption by the Egertons.
Fine ceramics also grace the Mansion’s interiors. Collected by successive generations, they illustrate the changing status and fortunes of the family. A beautiful Minton dessert service in the Sèvres style graces the Dining Room table. Display cabinets in the Card Room and on the upper landing of the Mansion display fine examples from the collection.
The Gardens
The 50 acres of landscaped gardens at Tatton Park are the product of almost 300 years of cultivation. Each successive owner from the Egerton family played a part in the evolution of the Gardens by seeking the expertise of the leading landscape architects of the time. As one of the most picturesque gardens in England, it shows visitors today an almost complete picture of how it would have looked in Edwardian times.
Our Gardens offer a special kind of space during the winter months. Many visitors come for peace. Some come to admire the longer views across the lawns through leafless trees. And others to be rewarded with a fabulous view of the Parkland at the Choragic Monument, or study dozens of native varieties of apple and pear trees in our historic Orchard.
Created over 100 years ago, our Japanese Garden is renowned for its authenticity around the world, including Japan. Features include a Shinto Shrine, Tea House, Flying Goose Bridge, lanterns, Almond-Eye Bridge, and a mound representing a snow-capped Mount Fuji.
The Farm
Tatton Park’s 40-acre farm fed the Tatton Estate family and staff. The woodland play area, den building, and kid’s trails bring young imaginations to life. The farm is one of only 17 farm parks in the UK to have received the Rare Breeds Accreditation award which recognizes their commitment to the conservation, breeding, and promotion of rare or endangered breeds of farm animals.
Discover this Field to Fork story by meeting farmworkers from the past and present, exploring original buildings such as the impressive 18th century Mill, and watching fascinating demonstrations.
Winter Farm, keeping sure that the animals have got enough to eat whilst the grass isn’t growing in winter.
Family Farm Fun, meet all of the rare-breed animals, old and new to the Farm, explore the seasonal maize maze, talk to characters from the past and present like Aunt Mary making butter in the Caretaker's Cottage, listen to soundscapes in the Slaughterhouse, enjoy food demonstrations & enjoy a picnic.
A Rare Breed Farm has to meet various criteria, involving not only the livestock but the standards of the premises, the knowledge of the staff, and detailed examination of pedigree records, movement information, and health requirements. Meet animals like pigs, horses, donkeys, goats, cows, and sheep.
Parkland
With 1,000 acres of deer park for the public to enjoy as well as woodland areas and meres, the Parkland is a fascinating landscape to explore.
The Old Hall
The medieval Old Hall is its hidden gem. The hall was originally timber-framed, which was subsequently replaced by brick. It is L-shaped, in two stores. The floors that had been inserted into the older wing have been removed, revealing the complex wooden roof. The Old Hall stands on grounds surrounded by a wall. Within these grounds is a reconstructed cruck barn. The Cruck Barn at Old Hall with its rustic symmetry is a rare example of 15th and 16th-century architecture - constructed from a series of paired timbers called crucks, each forming a shape like a letter The Old Hall and its grounds make the ideal place for live events.
The Gift Shop
With an impressive choice of stylish gifts, traditional souvenirs, and contemporary ideas. They are stocking more locally sourced gifts - "Handmade Naturals" for bathing and hand creams; locally made soaps; "Thatched Candles" made from soy & "Vintage Poultry" who make beautiful cards & cushions. "Buzzbalms" is also available in the shop.
Shopping and Dining
Shopping and dining have never been so enjoyable at Tatton Park, with plenty of food, drink, and gift offerings to complete your day out.
The Garden Shop, gift shop, The Tuck shop, etc. are a few of the shopping areas.
Tatton Park is a beautiful piece of a countryside full of roaming deer and amazing wildlife. It’s a must-visit that provides lots of activities and most of all an opportunity to enjoy the countryside.
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/tatton-park