On a recent trip up North to Manchester, we were attending the christening of our niece. Usually, we stay with my father-in-law but for one reason or another, this wasn’t possible. I looked into the usual hotels nearby, and to be honest, they were expensive.
I turned to trusty Airbnb. Usually used for trips abroad, it only just occurred to me that there would probably be more suitable properties nearer to our family and, as luck would have it, I managed to find a 2-bedroom cottage only five minutes drive away from the church, and just outside the centre of Manchester.
It was in the perfect location, and much more suitable for our needs. Monkey was able to get to sleep in his own room, while we relaxed downstairs – much better than creeping around a dark hotel room! The cottage itself was very comfortable, clean and had a wonderful little garden that had been landscaped around a water feature which Monkey was fascinated by.
But this post isn’t really about our Airbnb accommodation, as much as we enjoyed staying there. The bonus of staying at The Reach was meeting Sally – the owner of the property and finding out about a project she has spearheaded.
The Secret Valley Garden Manchester
On the mantelpiece of the house was a fascinating book that contained photos of a work-in-progress; of a project to turn wasteland into a stunning piece of landscape. And, because we were staying in the house, we had the special code to gain access to this beautiful, hidden garden set in the middle of a housing estate.
Sally was kind enough to tell us a bit more about what has essentially been a labour of love for her and her family for the past three decades:
Let’s just say the photos don’t do it justice. The following morning, we had some breakfast and with excitement headed across the street to the entrance. As a child, I always loved the book The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett, and as an adult, I am still filled with wonder when I discover a walled, hidden horticultural oasis. Once through the door, we walked down some steps and came across a little tree house. And, while Monkey was happily scrambling up the ladder, I turned and was blown away by the sight in front of me.
Sally and her family have done a truly amazing job. The Secret Valley Garden Manchester has it all and the ethos behind this wonderful space has certainly been achieved 10 times over. Grassy banks with a winding stream with walkways over a lake filled with billowing plants and creepers; ducks and swans roaming freely; pathways leading up to secret sculptures, seating and swinging chairs to enjoy the surroundings; a dining area with a BBQ; an allotment with vegetable patches and fruit trees; play dens for children. But more than anything, a tranquil, peaceful getaway, that feels a million miles away from anywhere.
Monkey was in his element. He chased the ducks with delight; found sticks to play with, climbed up the treehouse, swung in the chairs, chomped on an apple: hid in the den; and played hide and seek. It was also fun for all of us to explore. And explore every inch we did. In fact, we spent so long enjoying the gardens, we had to rush to get ready for the christening!
Although The Secret Valley Garden Manchester is only available to the visitors of the two properties at The Reach, members of the public are able to enjoy the garden, together with an organic allotment and the meadow when it is open to the public on the first Sunday of every month from April to September in aid of McMillan nurses in the National Gardens Scheme. However, if you miss out, and need to stay somewhere in or around Manchester, then I would heartily recommend staying at The Reach and becoming a member of a secret club who’ve been fortunate enough to enter the Secret Valley Garden Manchester.
Now that we have discovered it, there’s no turning back for us. We will definitely be staying here again, and I look forward to being able to enjoy The Valley once more. Sssshhhh, just don’t tell too many people about it…
What an amazing place – can easily imagine my boys running around in there for a few hours. Hope you created a few memories while you were there.
Oh definitely Rachael. I’m sure we’ll go back again. It’s such a wonderful story.
wow, thanks for your write up! You are welcome back anytime. Glad you had such a nice stay.
My pleasure, your hard work deserves to be shouted about 🙂
They have done a great job. I loved the secret garden and I am totally with you about being inspired by any form of walled space that reminds of that story. I love that tree house.
I love it there, can’t wait to go back and spend the whole day there!
Wow, what an amazing garden. Monkey looks so happy in these gorgeous photos! I can’t begin to imagine how many hours of work have gone into creating this…
Me neither. Sally is such a wonderful woman and I hope she gets the recognition she deserves.
Oh wow this place looks just amazing, I will have to visit I love Gardens. Your photos are great x
Thanks Sarah. Defo go if you get the chance x
That is an amazing project! It reminds me of the Secret Garden too, must be fantastic to visit.
It’s ongoing still, too. I think they’ve added fountains in the lake!
An amazing story and the poor starving swan. How wonderful to transform the area like this for all to enjoy. Thankyou for sharing your fun with me on Country Kids
It is, and the project is still ongoing, as the revenue they use from the rentals goes back into the gardens. Such a wonderful woman and wonderful story.
That does look lovely-what an amazing place!
It is, can’t wait to go there again and actually spend a while there
I love AirBnB!! We used it recently on a trip to Provence for the same reasons you mentioned. Looks like you (as did we) struck gold with your cottage. And that garden project looks magical. I really want to go!! Shame we live down south. Great post. Love it!!
Ahh, you’ll just have to find an excuse to go to Manchester now! x
Oh wow!! What an amazing garden! I’m not surprised you had to hurry to get ready for the christening, it would be hard to tear yourself away from something so lovely.
I’m so happy to be able to publicise it and tell people the amazing work Sally has done x
Aw, what a lovely story! Absolutely beautiful and inspiring place. A fab place for kids to explore.
Thanks for linking #LetKidsBeKids
Oh my word we have to go. It’s not far from me. I would love to link this up. Is it on my list? Would you mind? #sharewithme
Of course! Please spread the word and yes, you do have to go – it’s really gorgeous
WOW look at that stunning location looks absolutely amazing. I love all your fun adventurous photos too. I bet yall had a brilliant time exploring around. Thanks for linking up to Share With Me. I hope to see you again soon. #sharewithme
Sounds great, Ting! If I’m ever down that way… 🙂
Oh definitely Jo worth a visit
Born and bred in Little Hulton. Lived in Swinton for years too. I am now struggling to find places to stay when visiting. Could you please give me info on the cottage you stayed at….its name as advertised on Airbnb?
The secret garden sounds amazing. WOuld love to visit next time I am “up”
Thanks for your comment. It’s definitely worth a visit. I think they no longer rent out the house unfortunately but you can still visit the garden through the national Garden Scheme