Cheshire's gardens are renowned - few other areas of the country can boast the range and number of superb gardens that can be found in this famously green-fingered county. In fact more than one in eight of all garden visits in Britain take place in Cheshire.

To celebrate Cheshire's Gardens of Distinction, 2008 will be Cheshire's Year of Gardens. Part of the celebrations will be a 12-month long festival which will give prominence to the rich heritage of the gardens and green environment in Cheshire.

Whatever time of year you choose to visit Cheshire, you will be able to enjoy English gardens at their best - from snowdrop walks at Rode Hall in February to sumptuous and grand sweeps of daffodils at Cholmondeley Castle in spring.
May brings dazzling colour to Ness, as great expanses of rhododendrons and azaleas bloom in these beautiful botanic gardens. The bold colours of summer are perfectly displayed in the lush, historic herbaceous borders at Arley Hall - and during the longer warmer days, the Rose Walk in Norton Priory's outstanding walled garden, can be enjoyed at its best.

During August the lavish planting and intricate patterns of Lyme Park's 18th century Dutch Garden reflect the grandeur of this historic house - and the fiery tones of maples bring the autumn to a vivid climax in Tatton Parks' famous Japanese Garden.

Elsewhere in Cheshire you will find excellent public parks and National Garden Scheme gardens - and some of Britain's biggest and best garden centres, offering the ulitmate choice in plants and providing great ideas you can try at home.

Whilst in the City, don’t miss...

• The Rows - World famous two-tiered shopping galleries including the oldest shop-front in England.



• Chester Cathedral - Magnificent outside, breathtaking inside.



• The Eastgate Clock - The stunning Victorian timepiece spanning the original entrance to the city.



• The City Walls - The most complete in Britain. A 45-minute stroll encircling the city’s highlights.



• The River Dee - Boating, river cruises, bridges, alfresco art and riverside café bars.



• Amphitheatre - The site of Britain’s finest imperial Roman amphitheatre.