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OPENING TIMES

WE ARE OPEN BANK HOLIDAY MONDAYS
The Gardens are open for 6 Months from MARCH to AUGUST inclusive

Open from 10.30am to 5.00pm

MARCH to JUNE 2009: OPEN THURSDAY to SUNDAY
CLOSED MONDAYS, TUESDAYS and WEDNESDAYS,
OPEN BANK HOLIDAYS

JULY & AUGUST 2009: OPEN SATURDAY and SUNDAY
CLOSED MONDAY to FRIDAY
OPEN AUGUST BANK HOLIDAY MONDAY

See Calendar

Occasionally, due to adverse weather conditions, i.e. wind or heavy rain, the Gardens may be closed.

The Nursery is open whilst the Gardens are open
and also for Plant Sales, by appointment only, in Autumn and Winter.

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GARDEN ADMISSION

2009:
Adults £3.50 or €5,20
Children £1.50 or €2,25
Sorry, we are no longer doing Season Tickets
We accept major Credit and Debit Cards from March to August inclusive.
PLEASE WEAR SHOES WITH GRIPPING SOLES

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THE HIDDEN GARDENS

See a collection of over 550 different species and hybrid Rhododendrons as though in a hidden Himalayan valley with Acers, Magnolias and associated plants with streams, waterfalls, ponds, bridges, bog gardens and a wide variety of unusual perennials and shrubs, in a magnificent scenic setting, making a fantastic day out for all to enjoy.
Take a beautiful hidden valley in a wonderful setting in the rolling Pennine hills and this is the scene for Dunge Valley Hidden Gardens. As the name suggests the approach gives no clue to what lies beyond the car park. The sound of curlew and skylark overhead fill the air as you are now deep in the tranquil countryside.
This is a beautiful garden with a wealth of planting in a style designed to blend with the outstanding views over the scenic Pennine hills.

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PARKING

Parking is free to Garden and Nursery Visitors at all times.

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TEA ROOM

Lunches and refreshments are available from the Dunge Valley Tea Room with seating inside and out. Meals can be booked in advance for Groups and Societies going round the Gardens; limited to 28 people. For any group greater than 12 wishing to have early morning coffee or lunches please let us know in advance as we only have a small kitchen and like to buy in fresh food daily, keeping quantities to a minimum. No picnics please. Thank you.

See Tea Room Menu

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GROUPS & SOCIETIES

Groups by appointment only please. Sorry NO LARGE COACHES.
We can accommodate up to 35 seater Mini Buses only.
Sorry, we no longer do evening visits.
If you would like us to send you some leaflets please
E-mail us at david@dungevalley.co.uk

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CHILDREN

The gardens are suitable for children only if strictly supervised. We ask everyone to please keep to the footpaths as there are dangers such as the pond and steep banks.

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DISABLED VISITORS

The Gardens are not suitable for wheelchairs but a patio seat gives a panoramic view of the front garden and surrounding hills.

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WILDLIFE

There is a wealth of wildlife in the Gardens and surrounding land. For the keen Ornithologists there is a wonderful variety of bird life such as Goldfinches, Greenfinches, Kestrels, Redstarts, Spotted Flycatchers and Tawny Owls. Please see our BIRDS page.

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DOGS

Only guide dogs are allowed in the gardens, otherwise please leave your dogs at home.

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THE GARDEN YEAR

MARCH is full of anticipation with early flowering Rhododendrons and Snowdrops, followed by Narcissi and Daffodils in profusion.
APRIL brings the first green flush of Spring with many Rhododendrons already flowering and the Skylarks and Curlew flying and calling overhead.
MAY is a wonderful month as most of the trees now have their fresh green leaves and many of the Rhododendrons are in full flower giving a kaleidoscope of colour with the scent of bluebells filling the air.
JUNE still has a wealth of Rhododendrons flowering along with the yellow Azalea lutea scenting the air in the gardens and many of the early shrub Roses are coming into bloom.
In JULY the borders and old fashioned Roses really come into their own with the heavy scent of honeysuckle on the breeze. Stunning blue Delphiniums stand out majestically in the south facing borders.
In AUGUST the borders are a riot of colour with Crocosmias and Geraniums at their best and the Eucryphia bloom just before we close. We are constantly updating the plants for sale from our Hardy Plant Nursery, which is also open in the Winter, by appointment only.

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METCHECK WEATHER FORECAST for
DUNGE VALLEY HIDDEN GARDENS

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CUSTOMERS' COMMENTS

".....When you create a work of art, you shouldn't hide it away, you should share it with everyone....."
(12th June 2005)

".....It is quite unlike anywhere else, and so peaceful and beautiful. Even our eleven year old was impressed!"
(21st August 2005)

".....What a find! I never expected to see such a colourful collection of plants."
(8th June 2006)

".....What an amazing place you have here....."
(27th August 2007)

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CELEBRATORY SEATS

We know that regular visitors to the Gardens like to sit and ponder. We welcome the idea of Celebratory Seats in the Gardens to enhance the pleasure for all. Please speak to us next time you visit about purchasing a seat with a plaque for the Gardens.

RE-CYCLING POLICY

We use 2L, 3L, 5L and 7.5L black plastic pots in our plant sales area. If you would like to return your pots after planting your plants we will re-use them. No remuneration will be given, but you will have the satisfaction of knowing that the plastic will not be using up space in a landfill site somewhere.

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ADDRESS

Dunge Valley Hidden Gardens & Hardy Plant Nursery, Windgather Rocks, Nr. Kettleshulme, Whaley Bridge, (Stockport), High Peak, Cheshire, SK23 7RF, ENGLAND.
Tel / Fax: 01663 733787.
E-mail us david@dungevalley.co.uk

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LOCAL HOLIDAY LET

"Reed Barn" in Kettleshulme is a ideal retreat all the year round.
Self catering accommodation with 2 bedrooms sleeps 4-5.
Contact Kym on 01663 732641 or
E-mail: reedbridge@aol.com

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LOCAL B&B

"Kinrara Bed & Breakfast" on the doorstep just into Whaley Bridge
B & B accommodation with two double bedrooms and one twin bedroom.
Contact Jean on 01663 734587 or
E-mail: jean@kinrara-bedandbreakfast.co.uk
Web: www.kinrara-bedandbreakfast.co.uk

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