Owned by the same family for over 500 years, Arley is a delightful estate. The award-winning gardens, recently voted in the top 50 in Europe and in Britain’s top 10, have been created gradually over 250 years with each generation of the family making its own contribution. The result is a garden of great atmosphere, interest and vitality, which blends strong elements of design from earlier centuries with modern ideas in both planting and design. Arley is, therefore, a wonderful example of the idea that the best gardens are living, changing works of art. Outstanding features are the renowned double herbaceous border (c1846), the Quercus Ilex and pleached Lime Avenues, Victorian Rootree, walled gardens, yew hedges and shrub rose collection. The family tradition continues today with the current Viscount Ashbrook, who over the last 30 years has created the less formal Grove and Woodland Walk, where 300 varieties of rhododendron grow amongst a collection of rare trees and shrubs in a delightful tranquil setting. One of Cheshire’s most charming stately homes, the Hall (Grade II*) was built by the present Viscount Ashbrook’s great, great grandfather, Rowland Egerton-Warburton between 1832 and 1885 and is a fine example of the Victorian Jacobean style. Each room is given its own individual character by the elaborate plasterwork, wood panelling, family portraits and porcelain. From the grandeur of the Gallery to the intimacy of the Library the Hall exudes charm. The Emperor’s Room was even home to Prince Louis Napoleon, later Napoleon III of France, in the winter of 1847-48. Arley won the title of 2009 ‘Small Visitor Atraction of the Year’ in the North West and with its new, purpose built conference facility ‘Olympia’ is also a wonderful, exclusive venue for weddings, corporate functions and private parties.