WALKING & CYCLING
We are just a short drive away from Cheshire's Sandstone Trail. It is one of the finest and most popular long distance walks in North West England. It stretches for 34 miles/55 kilometres and offers superb, unbroken, and often elevated walking across the green and pleasant county of Cheshire. From Bickerton hill you can savour the views over to the Welsh mountains and there's some very nice pubs to stop off at too!
Should you be brining your dog with you then please leave only your footsteps. Our surrounding area is fabulous for dog walking but please always dispose of dog waste properly.
We have OS maps and books available in both the cottages and on our CL site to guide you through the myriad of wonderful footpaths in the area. Or perhaps just a stroll across the field to the canal- turn left for Tattenhall Marina Cafe/Bar or right for Beeston Castle and The Shady Oak pub.
We are ideally situated on the Sustrans National Cycle Network - routes 45 & 70. We can of course store your bikes securely for you during your stay.
Delamere Forest has some great cycling trails and additionally you can hire bikes. See links below for more details.
SHOPPING
Just ten minutes drive to the Roman walled city of Chester.
(You can take the bus from the bus stop just down the road or alternatively use the Park & Ride).
Chester boasts the famous elevated rows of shops with many independent shops and restaurants. Why not walk the walls? It gives you the chance to really get to know the City.
You can also take in the River Dee where you can hire a pleasure boat. Don't forget Chester racecourse too.
McArthur Glen Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet is only 20 minutes drives from the farm along the M53 and is a must do shopping destination for those die hard shoppers.
DELAMERE FOREST
In Delamere Forest not only can you walk along the forest trails but it's a great place for cyclists too. You can also find GoApe for some forest canopy fun and segway action. Only twenty minutes drive from the farm.
Fancy a Park Run? Saturday morning at 9am from the Visitor Centre.
CHILDRENS ACTIVITIES
Apart from The Ice Cream Farm which is right on our doorstep there are an abundance of attractions to keep kids of all ages occupied. Some of our highlights are Manley Mere Adventure Trail and Water Sports, The Crocky Trail, Wildshore Delamere and of course not forgetting Chester Zoo.
CASTLES & GARDENS
On our doorstep we have Beeston Castle. On a clear day you can see all the way from the Pennines to the Welsh mountains. With a 4,000 year history and a 40-acre woodland park Beeston Castle has something for everyone to enjoy.
Peckforton Castle on the neighbouring hill is a hotel that holds lots of events and our cottage is a good stop for anyone who might be attending a wedding there or perhaps afternoon tea in the spectacular surroundings of a castle.
You can even try a spot of off road driving with the Land Rover experience.
Cholmondeley Castle is also not too far away and has delightful gardens with events for all ages annually.
Bolesworth Castle just two miles from the farm has many events such as The Equerry International Horse show, Christmas lights spectacular and music events.
Visit their website for what's on when you visit.
We also have many beautiful National Trust properties not too far away and also some majestic and historical houses to visit such as Arley Hall & Gardens, Abbeywood Estate near Delamere and Tatton Park to name just a few.
FOOD
We have such an abundance of great places to eat in our local area. From the humble fish & chip shop to gastro pubs to great independent restaurants, there really is something for everyone. Ask us for a recommendation or follow the links below.
If you'd like a breakfast package of good locally sourced bacon and sausages then let us know. (Details below- add to your booking on the extras page or email to request) or perhaps hire our wonderful gas pizza oven for the night.
We're also more than happy to take in your grocery delivery for your arrival at the cottage.
Breakfast for 2:
6 Free Range Eggs, 6 Sausages & 6 Bacon (locally bred), 1/2 pack Cheshire butter, Small White loaf (located baked), home made jam when available otherwise Cheshire made jam, pint of Cheshire milk in a glass bottle. (£22)
Breakfast for 4:
8 Free Range Eggs, 8 Sausages & 8 Bacon(locally bred), pack of Cheshire Butter, large white loaf (locally baked), home made jam when available otherwise Cheshire made jam, 2 pints of Cheshire milk in glass bottles. (£28)
Gozney Roccbox Pizza Hire:
6 Homemade Neapolitan dough balls, tomato sauce, mozzarella, basil, olive oil. Buy your own toppings to make them your own. Instruction given. (£40)
RECOMMENDATIONS
Ok, so we like good food! Here's some of our recommendations for the area. Click on the bold type for link to websites.
Where to eat:
The Pheasant, Burwardsley Just a five minute drive from us in Burwardsley. Great place and amazing panoramic views. (Dog friendly)
The Inn at Huxley. Again a five minute drive from the farm and now includes a fabulous deli and butchery with all meat from within a 5 mile radius.
The Dysart, Bunbury Classic English pub in the beautiful village of Bunbury famous for the ITV series 'Home Fires'. In fact the pub was used as part of the set.
The Yew Tree, Bunbury Again another classic pub in the village of Bunbury. (Dog friendly)
The Egerton Arms, Bickerton Lovely pub, child friendly, great menu and delightful staff.
The Cholmondeley Arms Super pub in converted chapel close to Cholmondeley Castle. (Dog friendly)
Alisons Country Kitchen Breakfast and lunch by day- Tapas by night. Only a few minutes drive to the village and a really super breakfast to be had.
Tattenhall Marina- The Boathouse Cafe & Bar Calm and picturesque surroundings. Why not take a walk across the field and along the canal to this lovely marina? It's a good 20 minute walk but you can meander back along the lane to the farm.
Farm Shops:
The Inn at Huxley Deli & Butchery With meat sourced from within 5 miles of the deli- your breakfast pack should you have ordered one will include bacon and sausages bought here. Just a five minute drive from the farm. Can highly recommend the 'Huxley Pasty' and sausage rolls.
The Hollies This is a destination farm shop and is well worth a visit.
Rose Farm Shop Specialising in quality beef and pork. A farm shop that sells it's very own produce- again another great visit.
Fancy a takeaway? We have Chinese, Indian and good old Fish & Chips in our village only 1.5 miles away plus a handful of pubs and a well stocked Spar. The Letters Inn is dog friendly.
USEFUL WEBSITES
Sandstone Ridge- a breath of fresh air
Foresty commission England- Delamere Forest
The National Trust- Bickerton Hill
Walks from the Pheasant Inn at Burwardsley
Sustrans National Cycle Routes
Forestry Commission Cycle Trails
The Countryside Code- A reminder
Take a look at our 'Wanderguide' for some more of our recommendations by clicking the travelled link below or follow the link to Visit Cheshire for their Ultimate guide to the county:
