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The Gardens

15 ha

Plan your visit

BirdsWildlifeAncient
Public accessFree entryDogs welcome15 ha

Visiting this summer

Seasonal nature notes and what to look for now

  • 🐦85+ species recorded in this area — summer evenings are best for activity; watch for Blackbird and Robin
  • 💜Bluebell walks is at its best in summer here
  • Forest Feast — makes this an easy full-day family visit without needing to pack food

Good to know

  • £Free to visit — no entry charge
  • 🐕Dogs welcome
CaféToilets

Best for

11 activities

Bird watching

Birds — Blackbird, Robin, Pochard +82 more · last seen 2026; Ancient woodland — owls, woodpeckers, warblers

Free

Wildlife

Mammals — Grey Squirrel, Rabbit, Otter +19 more · last seen 2026; Deciduous woodland priority habitat

Free

Ancient woodland

Ancient woodland — continuous woodland since before 1600

Free

Bluebell walks

Ancient woodland — native bluebell habitat

Free

Seasonal nature

Ancient woodland — bluebells, fungi and autumn colour; Plants — Opposite-leaved Golden-saxifrage, Hart's-Tongue, Himalayan Balsam +22 more · last seen 2026

Free

Picnic day out

café, toilets; Urban park — open green space

Free

Trails nearby

Within roughly 5 km
🚶

Walking

4 signed routes nearby · 2 public paths nearby

Signed route nearbyPublic paths
Limestone WayWalking route74 km

Castleton to Rocester

Named routeLength 74 kmPoint-to-pointRegional walking route
Weaver WalkWalking route
Named routeLocal walking route
Staffordshire Way (Rushton Spencer - Cannock Chase)Walking route76 km

Staffordshire Way, part Rushton Spencer - Cannock Chase

Named routeLength 76 kmRegional walking route
Churnet WayWalking route
Named route
🚴

Cycling

1 signed route nearby

Signed route nearby
Churnet Valley CyclewayCycling route
Named routeLocal cycle route

Wildlife to spot

Photos

Alton Tower Gardens, Staffordshire

Alton Tower Gardens, Staffordshire

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