The walk is perfect for a family adventure this Easter
Rivington Terraced Gardens
There’s something truly magical about a countryside walk on a bright spring day. The gentle warmth of the sun and the sight of blossoming trees are particularly delightful after enduring a long winter indoors.
Despite the weather forecast indicating rain in the coming days, there are still chances to venture outside. And there’s a stunning walking route that features hidden gardens and beautiful views, which is only an hour away from Liverpool.
If you’re on the hunt for a family-friendly activity over the Easter weekend, this could be the perfect walk for you. It’s brimming with fascinating ruins, cascading waterfalls, and hidden gardens.
Nestled on the border with Bolton is Rivington, an area renowned for its stunning reservoirs and lush countryside vistas. It’s a paradise for nature enthusiasts, boasting five reservoirs, a Go Ape adventure park, and the ‘ruins’ of a castle.
Rivington is also home to the Rivington Terraced Gardens, a country park nestled on the hillside of Rivington Pike, covering approximately 45 acres. As you meander through the gardens, it feels as though you’ve discovered a lost village, complete with winding paths and ruined structures, according to the MEN.
Rivington Terraced Gardens
The entire location appears to be abandoned and frozen in time – and indeed it was. The gardens were the brainchild of soap magnate Lord Leverhulme, the founder of Lever Brothers (now Unilever), with the assistance of landscape gardener Thomas Mawson.
Construction commenced in 1905 and carried on until 1925. Lord Leverhulme even had a bungalow built on the premises to serve as a holiday retreat, although the original bungalow was set ablaze by Suffragette Edith Rigby in 1913, leading to the construction of a second one.
Rivington Terraced Gardens
However, following Lever’s demise in 1925, the gardens were sold and left unfinished. They were abandoned after World War II, while the houses on the site were demolished.
The land is presently owned by United Utilities, and a volunteer-led conservation and repair project, led by the Rivington Heritage Trust, is underway.
Visitors can roam the gardens free of charge and uncover all the unique features, including the grand Pigeon Tower, which was erected between 1905 and 1909 as a gift from Lever to his wife.
Rivington Terraced Gardens
There’s the breathtaking Japanese Garden, complete with a tranquil lake that was once decorated with lanterns and pagoda-style tea houses. Tucked away among the trees is the smaller Italian Lake, where Lever would indulge in his morning swim.
For those who fancy rounding off their countryside walk with a refreshing pint, Rivington even has its own brewery, complete with a spacious beer garden offering panoramic views of the surrounding hills.
Take a stroll across the reservoir via Horrobin Lane and you’ll find yourself at Rivington Brewer Co taproom, nestled on the western flank of the Lower Rivington Reservoir.
This contemporary craft brewery presents an impressive selection of beers, alongside natural wines, soft drinks and nibbles, making it an ideal spot for a post-ramble pick-me-up.
But it’s the beer garden that truly steals the show. The brewery prides itself on its expansive outdoor seating area, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding gardens.