Explore the hidden gems at Walton Hall and Gardens' heritage courtyard

Each of the individual units is home to a unique business that’s made itself at home in the heritage courtyard.

There’s The Willow Wood, Mind, Body & Sole Holistic Therapies and Turner’s Painting School as well as Faux Floral Designs and Argan Jones Emporium.

Each one of the small businesses welcomes visitors to the Walton estate offering something a little bit different to the high street.

We spoke to the five business owners to find out more.

Janet Knowles

Janet Knowles is the owner of The Willow Wood which she started in 2015 and opened her shop at Walton Gardens in 2019.

Janet said: “My shop specialises in miniature and fairy gardening.

“You can buy anything from fairy houses, miniature garden accessories and fairy doors to fairies, pixies, gnomes and trolls - everything you need to create your own miniature world!

“It’s a great way to fuel the imagination for all ages.

“I also sell a wide range of giftware including sentimental gifts, witchy and gothic items alongside cards, seasonal decor and pocket money toys.”

Janet has always believed in anything magical and mythical and she loved watching her children’s imaginations flow when they were younger, exploring the bottom of the garden on the lookout for fairies.

Janet said: “Fairy gardening is a fairly niche area.

“It is harder now to source stock but I have lots of items to choose from.

“I also try to source giftware not typically found on the high street.”

The Willow Wood

Many of Janet’s customers have followed her from previous locations, to add to their collections and expand their own fairy gardens.

What’s next for The Willow Wood?

Janet said: “I’m looking forward to the spring and summer months which bring more visitors to the park, especially when the artisan markets return next month.

“I have lots of new stock collections arriving over the next few months too.

“I also want to update my website so that I can start selling online again.”

Click here for more details and opening hours

Sarah Jones

Sarah Jones is the owner of Body, Mind & Sole Holistic Therapies and has been trading as a complementary therapist since 2014 moving to Walton Hall and Gardens in April 2017.

Sarah said: “Walton Hall and Gardens is such a beautiful place to work.

“I wanted to work as a complementary therapist and felt that this would be the perfect place to receive therapies.

“The sense of history of the buildings and amazing feel of the stable I work from makes it such a beautiful space.”

Complementary therapies are Sarah’s passion and she knew it was the business she needed to work in.

Mind, Body & Sole Holistic Therapies

With a background in teaching, she can teach and work as a therapist at the same time.

Sarah said: “My level of experience as a complementary therapist, assessor and teacher of complementary therapies, and also the varied client groups I have worked with, including pain management groups, charities, NHS services and many other client groups, have allowed me to develop a wealth of experience and expertise that I have used in my work.

“My customers are always happy with the service they receive.

“Most of my customers have been with me for years.

“I work around them and their needs and ensure that the therapies they receive are provided in the best way to support them.”

Sarah is preparing to teach diplomas in complementary therapies later in the year.

Click here for more details and opening hours

Marc Turner

Marc Turner has Turner’s Painting School, which he opened in October 2016, where he teaches adult students how to paint with oils – everyone from complete beginners to advanced and professional artists.

Marc said: “We have a wide range of courses - from impressionism to still life - running during the week, at weekends and in the evenings.

“We supply all the art materials so each student just turns up at the class without having to bring any kit with them.

“The art studio is fully equipped and the atmosphere is wonderful.”

The painting studio

Marc had a wrist replacement, which meant he had to give up his building career, and he’s been a teacher for many years on military engineering, driving and art at Sir John Deane’s College.

Marc said: “I respect any establishment teaching art and wish them all good luck but here at TPS we offer professional tuition at a very high standard in a wide range of genres.

“Many of our students continue to return time and time again.

“The atmosphere is amazing and students often say they can’t get the same tuition anywhere else.”

Over the next few months, Marc is hoping to hold more evening classes to make the most of the lighter and warmer nights and allow students to paint outdoors.

Click here for more details and opening hours

One of Michelle's faux floral bouquets

Faux Floral Designs is owned by Michelle Evans.

Michelle specialises in faux and dried flowers for births, marriages and deaths and everything in between.

Michelle has been a florist for more than twenty years but took time out to raise a family of four children.

Michelle said: “I can do anything with flowers and cater for any occasion.

“I absolutely love my job and really enjoy working with both fresh and faux flowers.

“I decided to work from home during lockdown and did a Christmas wreath workshop at Walton Hall, which is where I spotted an empty stable.

“It was perfect for me and my husband built a wonderful work bench so I could turn it into my own workshop.”

A wonderful wreath

Michelle’s shop is set up like a fresh florist, which is unusual for someone selling faux flowers.

Many of her customers have become friends, which she said is a credit to her friendly service and attention to detail.

Michelle said: “The surroundings here make it extra special as we are located in a lovely courtyard within the beautiful gardens of Walton Hall.

“I have many loyal customers - I never rush them and take the time to see exactly what they wish to order.

“This is especially true for weddings.

“I love meeting the bride and being part of her wedding plans, creating her bouquet and dressing her venue.”

Click here for more details and opening hours

Ailsa Gillis

Ailsa and Iona Gillis own Argan Jones Emporium, which first opened its doors in September 2022.

They sell a wide selection of antiques, vintage goods and retro articles as well as hand crafted products, bohemian clothes and much more.

Lovely lanterns

Ailsa said: “I have always had a great interest in antiques and vintage goods and we wanted to offer something individual that you don't find on the high street.

“Our emporium is not just a shop - we hope it is an experience for customers as they look round at the wonderful variety of little treasures we have on offer.

“Our customers’ reactions are just what we wanted and when we hear them say what a lovely little shop we have - and then they come back again for another visit– it’s perfect!”

Click here for more details and opening hours