Lakeside

A lake of horticultural interest

The lakeside offers something different every time you visit. Spring brings fresh growth and woodland flowers, summer fills the meadows with colour and movement, autumn highlights seed heads and warm tones, and winter reveals the structure of the landscape and peaceful reflections on the water.

A lake of horticultural interest

At the heart of Trentham Gardens is the spectacular, mile-long, Capability Brown-designed Trentham Lake. Studded with small islands the Lake is alive with the sights and sounds of a wonderful array of wildlife. The circular lakeside walk takes in views of the River Trent, ancient wildflower meadows and woodlands, through the cascading weir and along atmospheric nature trails. There is so much to explore and be inspired by, including the bold and dramatic naturalistic planting design; ‘modern meadows’ by Nigel Dunnett creator of the acclaimed plantings at the Olympic Park, London. Created for successional seasonal interest and environmental suitability.

Early in 2023, we welcomed beavers into a 182-acre enclosure and parkland lake setting. Supported by experts at Beaver Trust, the family of Eurasian beavers – a native British species known for their keystone effect and benefits they bring to ecosystems – were reintroduced to the historic landscape which features a mile-long serpentine lake and historic woodland.

Lakeside Walk

Trentham’s lake is one-mile long, presenting as the perfect place for peaceful walks in all seasons. Since 2016, Trentham has been collaborating with Professor Nigel Dunnett in developing horticultural interest, as well as ecological value to the route

Woodland Meadows

Woodland Meadows, Professor Nigel Dunnett’s first planting scheme at Trentham, was introduced in 2016 and is inspired by North American woodland planting. Designed to thrive beneath trees and along woodland edges, these areas offer layered foliage, seasonal colour, and a calm, immersive atmosphere as the planting evolves through the year.

Sunny Meadows

Sunny Meadows bring bold colour and movement to the more open areas of the lakeside. Designed to peak from summer into early autumn, these meadows also play an important role for wildlife, with seed heads providing food for birds such as goldfinches, greenfinches, and bramblings.

Hazel and Oxlip Meadow

The Hazel and Oxlip Meadow introduces a softer, more woodland-inspired character. With spring highlights and a naturalistic, informal feel, this area reflects traditional woodland planting while supporting early-season pollinators.

Otters Meadow – new in 2025!

Designed by Professor Nigel Dunnett and planted in 2025, Otters Meadow continues the sustainable meadow theme around the Otter Sculpture. The scheme has been developed to support a diverse range of insects and wildlife while remaining low-maintenance and resilient.

Planted into a free-draining sand and grit substrate, and using carefully selected species, the meadow demonstrates an approach adapted to the challenges of climate change, including drought and variable conditions.

Kingfisher & Otter Hide Planting

Designed by Trentham’s gardens team in 2024, the planting around the Kingfisher Hide provides shelter, structure, and year-round interest while blending seamlessly into the lakeside environment. This area encourages quiet observation and offers opportunities to experience the close relationship between planting, water, and wildlife.

Bluebell Meadow

As part of our ongoing commitment to horticulture and biodiversity, we have spent the past few years planting bluebells and wildflower seeds through our Bluebell Meadow Project. This is a legacy initiative designed to benefit generations to come, and we are excited to watch this space continue to develop and mature over time.

North Jetty Wildlife Garden – new for 2026!

The North Jetty Wildlife Garden is a hub for learning and engagement where you can discover the Tip Toe Trail and Junior Kart Track, playful interpretation, planting and connect with wildlife in a natural environment.