words and images supplied by Jeff Heywood
We recently visited Arley Hall for their Spring Plant Fair – the owners graciously allowed us to park in front of the Grade 2 listed Hall in the courtyard, which is normally off limits for vehicles.
The Hall itself is one of the most interesting and attractive stately homes in the North West, with elaborate ceilings & oak panelling, impressive fireplaces, intricate stained glass and has some beautiful contents. The present Hall stands on the same site as the first Hall built by the family in 1469. The present Hall was built between 1832 and 1845 by Rowland Egerton-Warburon to the design of George Latham, a Nantwich architect. It is situated at the very heart of the Estate. It overlooks the famous Gardens and beautifully landscaped Park. The stonework of the house is Hollington stone.
The Hall is often used as a backdrop for many TV dramas & shows, and it’s current claim to fame is acting as the ‘home’ for a Mr Thomas Shelby in the popular Peaky Blinders drama – some of us were hoping that Cillian Murphy put in an appearance on the day of our visit!!
We’ve visited the Hall many times for their Spring Plant Fair, when quite a number of specialist plant nurseries attend the event with their wares, with stalls set out in the cobbled stables courtyard – it’s all very pretty and makes for a nice morning out before a hearty roast lunch!
As a region, we attend several events, find out more information here: https://bmwcarclubgb.uk/regions/north_west.html
