The Best Hotels to Book Near Trentham Gardens & Estate

The gardens have 725 acres (293ha) of outdoor space
The gardens have 725 acres (293ha) of outdoor space | © Ed Rhodes / Alamy Stock Photo
Lucie Grace

One of the Midlands’ best days out, Trentham Gardens & Estate has fantastic local hotels waiting for you to check in to – and they’re bookable on Culture Trip.

The sprawling Trentham Gardens & Estate have been a family favourite since their restoration and reopening in the early noughties. Just a few miles from Stoke-on-Trent, central England, the grounds – which encompasses magnificent gardens, ancient woods, a ‘treetop adventure’ and a monkey park – hosts magical events all year round. Finding the perfect place to stay for your visit is a must – luckily you’ll find period properties, full of character and charm, to suit all budgets.

1. The Upper House

Hotel

The Upper House
Courtesy of The Upper House / Expedia

Less than a 10-minute drive away from Trentham Gardens, this period property is steeped in history. Originally built for the son of famous local ceramicist Josiah Wedgewood, this beautifully refurbished hotel boasts 24 en-suite, light and airy bedrooms that are bursting with original features – think classic, patterned wallpaper and chandelier light fittings. Upper House has 10 tranquil acres (4ha) of landscaped gardens to explore, plus a restaurant downstairs serving veggie options as well as hearty plates of beef, duck and gammon.

2. Potbank Aparthotel

Apartment

Potbank Aparthotel
Courtesy of Potbank Aparthotel / Expedia

This former potter factory pulses with industrial heritage. Its warehouse-vibe interior keeps the concept modern and design heavy – all exposed brickwork and beams. Then, the self catering rooms and studios come in all sizes and for all needs, whether you’re travelling solo or as a group. The property’s claim to fame is that it was featured on C4’s Four in a Bed series, and it’s just a 10-minute drive out north of Trentham Gardens, in central Stoke-on-Trent.

4. The Little George

Guesthouse

The Little George
Courtesy of The Little George / Expedia

This bar and guesthouse is another period property, this time in a renovated Georgian shop-fronted house in Eccleshall – a 15-minute drive south of Trentham Gardens. Rooms are spacious and monochrome with feisty pops of colour, tiled floors and the odd exposed beam. The pub downstairs offers the best local beers and ales on tap, plus 75 different gins to try once settled in the spacious outdoor seating area with its fun wooden-barrel pods.

5. The Swan Hotel

Hotel

The Swan Hotel
Courtesy of The Swan Hotel / Expedia

This historic coaching inn in Stafford town centre has been welcoming guests since the 18th century. The unique and individually designed bedrooms come with a touch of class, adopting antique furnishings and modern, luxurious textiles. If you really want to push the boat out, ask for the room with the coveted four-poster bed. The cherry on top is the smart restaurant downstairs, offering fine dining as well as burgers made from quality local produce.

6. Manor House Hotel Alsager

Hotel

Manor House Hotel Alsager
Courtesy of Manor House Hotel Alsager / Expedia

In the heart of the countryside, this 17th-century farmhouse guarantees a warm, cosy environment after a day of sightseeing. Stay in one of the 53 elegantly designed bedrooms, all flush with soft textiles, and enjoy the great food and local ales served at the in-house restaurant, Stables Bar & Grill. You’ll get fantastic pies, steaks and salads, as well as some international options. There’s also an indoor heated swimming pool, and spa suites on the way, so you can treat yourself to a soak after an afternoon’s walking in Trentham Garden.

7. Crewe Hall

Hotel

Crewe Hall
Courtesy of Crewe Hall / Expedia

This 17th-century mansion and Grade I-listed hotel is like something from an old Hollywood movie, with plush interiors that take you a step back in time to a more glamorous age. Thanks to the exquisite bedrooms with four poster beds and ornate interiors – and a spa decked out with a heated swimming pool, sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi and relaxation lounge – a stay here is guaranteed to be memorable.

8. Rookery Hall Hotel and Spa

Spa Hotel

Rookery Hall Hotel and Spa
Courtesy of Rookery Hall Hotel and Spa / Expedia

First built in 1816, the Rookery Hall Hotel is amongst the most renowned country house hotels in Cheshire, blending old-world charm with modern amenities. The ornate Georgian Manor House is awash with history and hillside views, and if that isn’t enough to tempt you, let the spa with indoor swimming pool, hydrotherapy pool, sauna and steam room reel you in. Just when you think it couldn’t get any better, it’s dog friendly, too.

9. The Old Hall Country House

Bed and Breakfast

The Old Hall Country House
Courtesy of The Old Hall Country House / Booking.com

Just 20 minutes in the car from Trentham Gardens, this Tudor timber-framed house has impressive architecture, whether you’re a lover of history or not. The Old Town Hall Country House dates to 1530 and is in remarkable condition, complete with a luxurious renovation inside by current owners Gary and Simon, who bought the Hall and transformed it to the utterly divine B&B it is today. Beds are four-poster, ceilings are oak-beamed and there’s an Orangery lounge with wicker chairs facing out onto the flower garden outside. If this is how the Tudors lived, we’ll start working on that time machine.

For more excellently located stays in England, see the best hotels to book near the Port of Dover and the best hotels to book near Chester Zoo.

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