Plan your visit

Our lake has just been refurbished and is still undergoing landscaping.

How to find us

The Lovell Quinta Arboretum is located behind the Swettenham Arms
Swettenham Lane,
Swettenham Village,
Near Congleton,
Cheshire
CW12 2LF

Google Map

Please be careful when navigating to the Quinta. The postcode will only give you the general area. Note that, contrary to some maps and sat-navs, there is no vehicular access to Swettenham from the south. This is a bridleway open to horses, cyclists and walkers only.

Opening hours

The arboretum is open to the public every day except Christmas Day, from 9 am to sunset. Entry is by the outside eating area of the Swettenham Arms and visitors may use the large pub car park. For one day each year the site is open for the National Garden Society (“yellow book”) charity.

Parking

Parking is available at the Swettenham Arms carpark by kind permission of the pub. There is no charge for parking, but the pub would be grateful for your support with the purchase of drinks or the occasional meal.

Silent Space

We’re delighted to be part of the Silent Space project, a national initiative designed to encourage quiet reflection and appreciation of nature. Our Silent Space is located close to the main gate and has seating available; turn left as you come in and walk until you see the signs on your right. The Silent Space is available from the beginning of March until the end of November.

Entrance charge is £2.50, but is free to members of the Society. It is also free to RHS members all year round except October. If no one is present to receive the money, it may be put in the brick box at the entrance. The money is badly needed to help maintain this beautiful site, and we would also be grateful for any donations.

You can download our walking maps here for suggested routes through the Arboretum. Routes are clearly signposted. The yellow route takes about 20-30 minutes and the red route about 30-45 minutes, depending on how long is spent looking at the trees and their labels.

There are some 800 species and some 2,500 trees and shrubs, including three National Collections. There is a hebe collection with over 100 species in trial beds planted by the The Hebe Society. In 2005, over 60 new rhododendron taxa were planted.

Dogs

Dogs are welcome in the Arboretum, but please keep them on a lead so that they don’t disrupt wildlife. Please pick up after your dog, a bin is located just outside the main entrance gate by the Swettenham Arms seating area.

Accessibility

The paths are mown grass and mainly level. However, some have a gentle slope and may be unsuitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs in wet weather. Stout walking footwear is recommended. Benches and seating are available at various points.


“Beautiful walks very well signposted and maintained. Some fantastic views on the edge of Holmes Chapel viaduct. Highly recommended.”

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