The estate was the ancestral seat of the Dukes of Sutherland for over 400 years.
The mile-long lake was originally created in the 18th century by Capability Brown by damming the River Trent.
The Trentham Monkey Forest is home to over 140 free-roaming Barbary macaques.
The Italian Garden covers 12 acres and is maintained using historic planting schemes.
The site features a permanent 'barefoot walk' specifically designed to be navigated without footwear.
Many of the original estate buildings were demolished in the early 20th century due to subsidence from local coal mining.
The Floral Labyrinth, designed by Tom Stuart-Smith, is a primary component of the contemporary garden restoration.
Trentham Gardens is a 725-acre historic estate featuring restored Italianate gardens designed by Sir Charles Barry in the 19th century. The centerpiece is the mile-long, Capability Brown-designed lake, which serves as the focal point for the surrounding parkland. The estate integrates extensive shopping and dining facilities within the 'Trentham Shopping Village,' a complex of timber-clad lodges. It houses a prominent monkey forest where Barbary macaques roam in a semi-wild environment. Visitors can traverse the barefoot walk, a sensory trail featuring diverse terrains like mud, stones, and wood. The site hosts an extensive programme of open-air concerts and seasonal events throughout the year. The Italian Garden remains one of the few surviving examples of its kind in the UK.
The raised viewing platform overlooking the Italian Gardens provides a full panoramic view of the lake and floral displays.
Purchase your entrance ticket online in advance to expedite entry during peak weekends.
Check the event calendar before visiting, as the estate frequently hosts ticketed concerts that may impact access to certain areas.
Wear footwear suitable for long-distance walking, as the full loop around the lake is approximately 2.5 miles.
Do not attempt to feed the monkeys at the Monkey Forest, as this is strictly prohibited for animal safety.
The Monkey Forest is seasonal and closes during the winter months.
Dogs are permitted in the shopping village and specific parkland areas but are generally excluded from the formal Italian Gardens.
