New online research has rated every National Trust garden in the UK, and Tatton Park is number one. “It’s wonderful that the photos and reviews shared by our visitors have secured this top spot for us. We’ve always known how beloved our Garden is but for it to be rated in this way is great”, says Simon Tetlow, Head Gardener at Tatton Park.
The report, carried out by Rated People after rating all UK National Trust gardens against an index of visitor reviews on Google and photos on Instagram, also highlights Brits spending more time in their own gardens due to lockdown and staycations. Not only is Tatton Park Garden a welcome change of scenery post lockdown, it provides acres of inspiration for budding gardeners looking for achievable, take-home ideas. People find the Japanese Garden especially inspiring and the Walled Kitchen Garden evokes lots of interest for visitors keen on growing their own fruit and veg.
Simon and his team of Gardeners and Volunteers dedicate their horticultural skills and passion to looking after 50 acres of some of the most varied garden in the country. Specialised areas at Tatton Park range from Orchard, Arboretum, Italian and Rose, to Japanese, Fernery and Pinery, to name but a few. “It does feel extra special in the Gardens this summer” says Simon. “I don’t know if it’s a new appreciation of open spaces since lockdown, or people getting their social life back after self-isolating. Whatever the reason, it’s been a joy to welcome our staff, volunteers and visitors back to the Gardens, and to meet and work with people from all walks of life.”
“I never lose sight of the fact that hundreds of years ago, this magnificent garden was created for the pleasure of just one family” reflects Simon. “My team’s job is to maintain its beauty make it accessible for everyone to enjoy. It’s wonderful that today the Garden is shared by thousands of visitors, and they’re inspired to share photos and reviews online.”
Rated People researched all National Trust gardens in the UK and ranked them against an index of online reviews on Google and picturesque images on Instagram. Tatton Park came out on top, with Corfe Castle, Dorset in second place and Stourhead Landscape Garden, Wiltshire at number three. Locally, Lyme Park in Cheshire was rated sixth.