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Norton Priory and Gardens

Norton Priory and Gardens is an absolute delight to visit. 800 years ago Augustinian canons came to this area of north Cheshire and built a priory. Today you can wander round the remains of their buildings before taking a stroll through the delightful gardens set in a tranquil and peaceful setting.

Garden background:

The gardens at Norton were created by the Brooke family. They developed tranquil woodland gardens bounded on the one side by the famous Bridgewater Canal. Between 1757 and 1770 the family built a walled garden which acted as the kitchen garden for the Norton Priory mansion.

The Garden:

This garden certainly has a peaceful air. It is a comfortable size to happily wander around in a couple of hours and at every turn there is something interesting and even unexpected. There is a laburnum walk and a National Collection of Cydonia Oblonga (tree quince). A Sculpture Trail has been devised in keeping with the tradition of artistic and creative activity which has been associated with Norton since medieval times. I particularly liked this aspect of the garden especially the Kneeling Monk by Thomas Dagnall.

You will find the Monk by the recreated medieval herb garden recently featured on television in BBC2's Hidden Gardens. My visit to the garden was in Spring and so I was able to enjoy a variety of colours and scents and was particularly inspired by the streamglade and rock garden. Then it was on to the walled garden. You can sometimes be overawed by walled gardens but not this one. Here you will find themed areas which include old roses, vegetables and flowers and fruits. The walled garden has been carefully restored and there are plenty of places to just sit and enjoy the scents and the peace. It is easy to see why Norton has won several tourism awards including the North West Tourist Board Chairman's Award 2003. A most enjoyable visit with something for everyone.

Inspiration:

How you can use sculpture in your garden.

How to get there:

Norton Priory (Runcorn) can be reached from Junct. 11 of the M56 for Warrington (follow signs for Norton Priory). From other directions follow "All other Runcorn traffic"and then Norton Priory signs.

There is excellent wheelchair access, a coffee shop, plant sales and an excellent museum.

Contact No. 01928 569895. Email: info@nortonpriory.org

© Reckless Gardener Magazine 2005 Mill Cottage New Media