Other stately homes and gardens
Chatsworth
Eyam Hall
Haddon Hall
Kedleston Hall
Peveril Castle
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Lea Gardens are near Matlock, to the south of the Peak District. Once the site of a millstone quarry, 3.5 acres of land have been transformed by planting azaleas, rhododendrons, alpines, conifers and a whole host more including orchids kalmias and camellias. The main focus however is on the rhododendrons; the hillside is spectacularly splashed with the colours of 650 varieties during the spring and early summer. There are carefully laid out paths to enable the visitor to these unique gardens to fully enjoy the pleasures of the blooms.
The garden has a thriving network of 'friends' who have worked hard to provide a haven for wildlife, particularly birds. This is best seen on a midweek visit when the area is a little quieter than at the weekend. There is a shop area selling the plants grown in the specialist nurseries. The gardens have a 'must visit' cafe where tea, coffee and ice creams are offered alongside the home baked traditional recipe cakes.
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