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Gardens & Arboretums in Stoke-on-Trent

Trentham Estate is the obvious start, four miles out with award-winning gardens and a lake, tickets from £8.50 and the shopping village next door if the weather turns. There's a picnic area, a restaurant and step-free access throughout, so it works for a slow wander or a proper day out. For something free, it's a drive out to Buxton for Pavilion Gardens, Victorian grounds with an outdoor play park and a miniature train or boats if you want to spend a little. Toddlers will get the most from the play park at Pavilion Gardens or a picnic on Trentham's lawns, while older children might prefer exploring further afield. For that, Lyme in Disley is worth the longer trip (around 40km), with a deer park, the Crow Wood playscape and gardens from about £4.50 for kids, plus dogs are welcome. All three have parking and toilets, so the choice really comes down to budget and how far you fancy driving.

✓ 3 places✦ 1 free to visit