Felley Priory is easily accessed from the M1 as it is just off J27, so a great stopping off point for a lunch break as you travel along the motorway during the week, as it is open Monday to Friday 9am to 4pm, and some Sundays.
At the moment it is spectacular with a wonderful walk of about a mile up to bluebell woods and walking round in a circular loop breathing in that wonderful scent. The gardens themselves surround Felley Priory which was originally a Priory from 1156, but you do not visit the mainly Tudor house which is now privately lived in. The gardens have a wonderful field of daffodils, and a stew pond from priory times, with herbaceous borders as well as plants to buy.
There is a lovely tea room for light lunches and home made cakes. Allow over an hour if you wish to do the bluebell walk, explore the rest of the gardens and have some tea!