10 Reasons to Visit Cheshire and Derbyshire
Many of my friends don't believe this, but despite my vague accent, I am actually from the North West (not Kanye's child, the place). Since going to university I have heard many Southern friends say that they're not really aware of anything interesting between Birmingham and the Lake District. So to prove them wrong, and as a loyal tribute to my Northern roots, I have compiled a list of the places I long to go when I'm stuck in Surrey, the county of manicured lawns and London commuters.
1. Blaze Farm, Wildboarclough, Cheshire
Just a half hour drive from my hometown, seemingly in the middle of nowhere but deceptively close to civilisation, lies the magical retreat that is Blaze Farm. My friend and I drove here a few weeks ago for a day of relaxation in the countryside. I can't speak highly enough of this place: it is a true haven. From the outside it appears to be a normal farm with chickens running around in the courtyard where you park your car (no fancy car parks here thank you very much), but behold! Lo there appeareth a tearoom and homemade ice cream. And beautiful ice cream at that. We sat on one of the many outdoor picnic benches in the sunshine enjoying ours with a view of the surrounding countryside, but there's indoor seating for those all-weather visits, and they're open all year round. Take the kids or younger siblings in Spring and there's a lambing barn where you can watch the lambs being birthed (quite frankly disgusting, if you ask me, but my vet student friend likes that kind of thing). There's also a nature trail with a long or short route option, with cards along the way telling you helpful facts about trees. My friend and I, despite our £9000 a year university education, failed to follow the arrows and got a little lost along the way, but in countryside as beautiful as this, it really doesn't matter.
2. Alderley Edge, Cheshire
You may have heard of the famous Alderley Edge. If you've read Alan Garner's novel, 'The Weirdstone of Brisingamen', seen the MTV television series 'Living on the Edge', or stalk Manchester City/United football players, it is likely you will recognise the name. Alderley Edge is known for its WAG appeal and bright orange 'milfs' in Range Rovers, but if you are visiting or live nearby, it's the perfect place for a classy night out. The main street is lined with shops, bars and restaurants, all of a considerably higher calibre than in your normal village. We like to park at Waitrose (free after 6pm) and go for a lovely Italian meal at Gustos, which is far better and more reasonable than Pizza Express, followed by drinks at my favourite bar, The Botanist (or The Bubble Room if it's packed, which seems to be a regular occurrence). The streets are lined with taxis waiting to take you home if you've given your driver the night off or you couldn't be bothered to find a parking space for your Mercedes, and there's a train station just down the road. The trick is to plan which day you're going carefully to avoid overcrowded bars, and book tables in advance. One of our favourite games is 'spot the champagne' when we see how expensive the bottles are that people have in their ice buckets on the surrounding tables. Fun for all the family.
The Botanist, Alderley Edge
3. The Artisan Meat Company, Cherry Tree Farm, Cheshire
I discovered the Artisan Meat Company on a trip to pick up my Christmas tree - in fact it is almost directly opposite the Christmas tree farm we use (which I also highly recommend), and after spotting it I immediately dragged my mother out to look for our turkey. I can confirm that the organic turkey we ordered was excellent despite being slightly more pricey than your regular supermarket bird...think Kate Middleton compared to Kerry Katona. As well as all the tasty steaks and sausages they sell other non-meaty local goods. I can't express how much I support the ethos and values of this place, so I will leave you with a few words from their website instead.
"Our ethos is to be the antithesis of the supermarket. [...] All our meat is from our own land, or at least locally sourced, meaning a fabulous quality product at a great value price. [...] We love being able to provide customers with a level of detail as it is important as where the meat comes from and how the animal is treated. We really want to be able to explain what things are and how the animals have been looked after from field to fork."
The Artisan Meat Company. Photo from didsburylife.com
4. Buxton, Derbyshire
Buxton, Oh Buxton, an Ode to Buxton. There is so much to say about Buxton. An acquaintance recently confessed via Facebook that she had never realised Buxton Water was named after a real place until she visited. This tickled me but I also worry that not enough people know about the town. My GCSE English teacher once presented us with an essay she had written on why Buxton is the best place to live and she convinced me wholeheartedly (there was probably an educational point to the essay but it obviously hasn't stayed with me). For me, the best thing about Buxton is that the journey there is half the fun. To drive there you have to traverse the most dangerous road in the country, the Cat and Fiddle. But if you forget about the danger, it truly is the most beautiful road I know. Once you're in the town centre there are quaint tea rooms and local shops aplenty, the Buxton Opera House (famed for the annual Buxton Festival and the International Gilbert and Sullivan Festival), and the Pavilion Gardens, a free attraction complete with lovely café and art gallery/gift shop. The best thing, though, is the cultural and historical atmosphere. There is now a Buxton Fringe for the edgy hipsters among you, and as it is a spa town (from whence the water cometh), you can 'take the waters' just like Mary Queen of Scots did back in the day.
The Cat and Fiddle Road. Photo from drivingroads.co.uk
Buxton Crescent. Photo from partyhouses.co.uk
5. The Peak District
There are so many beautiful bits of the Peaks that I couldn't choose just one. Between our Year 9 camping trip to Pindale, Bronze D of E and a one night camping/drinking stay at a site near Lathkill Dale, I have seen and appreciated many of the various hills, valleys and ridges that keen hikers rave about and photographers risk pneumonia for. Amongst my favourites are Mam Tor, The Roaches, and Stanage Edge.
Mam Tor a.k.a. "Shivering Mountain" is, essentially, a pointy hill. It's a bugger to climb and rather windy at the top, but the views are well worth it - on a clear day you can supposedly see Manchester city centre. Just don't join the hoardes of cyclists on Winnats Pass...it is a long uphill climb and apparently haunted.
The Roaches is a big craggy ridge above a reservoir. Extremely popular with climbers and hikers and suchlike, I tackled it in ridiculously strong wind and rain and ended up trying to shelter behind the rocks...it didn't work. Apparently in good weather you can see Snowdon. If that hasn't tempted you, some wallabies live there. WALLABIES.
Stanage Edge is a local rock climbing spot where Keira Knightley filmed that windswept 'I'm visiting Derbyshire look how thoughtful I am' scene in Joe Wright's 'Pride and Prejudice'. Need I say more?
Plus if you like that kind of thing, Harry Potter and Jane Eyre amongst many others have been filmed in the area. You can do some snooping here:
Stanage Edge. Photo from nationalparks.gov.uk
6. Cherry Blossom Bakery, Macclesfield, Cheshire
A friend recently took me to this place for tea, cake and a long catchup, and I am completely converted. I have many favourite spots in Macclesfield, but being served tea in a proper china teapot and floral cups and saucers has bumped this one to the top of the list. The cupcakes are to die for and if you book 24 hours in advance they'll do you a proper afternoon tea with finger sandwiches, crumpets, scones and cakes for £10 a person. Friendly to a student budget and beautifully decorated, what more could a girl want?
Cherry Blossom Bakery. Photos from cbbakery.co.uk
7. Stately Homes
If there's one thing we're good at in Cheshire and Derbyshire it's stately homes. There are so many I can't even count. At my school we had four houses named after the local grand halls: Adlington, Tatton, Capesthorne and Gawsworth. All are beautiful in their own right but being loyal to my house I find myself drawn to the wondrous Capesthorne Hall and Gardens in Siddington. Managed by the National Trust, the estate is known for its lovely fishing lake, bluebell woods and impressive interior decor.
Another massive house to ogle at is Chatsworth in Derbyshire, famous for playing Mr Darcy's crib in Pride and Prejudice. The Duke of Devonshire lives there (not Colin Firth, unfortunately) and plays host to a load of events throughout the year - including a local favourite, Chatsworth Country Fair, where you can pick up a new flat cap and tweeds whilst watching the hot air balloon race. Tickets are a whopping £20 but you get to see Mary Berry. Win-win!
Capesthorne Hall. Photo from widecow.com
Chatsworth. Photo from www.chatsworth.org
8. Bakewell, Derbyshire
Bakewell, home of the pudding and tart! My friend and I roadtripped to this lovely town specifically to get tarts just before we went to university. It's very cute and there's a market on Mondays, but the most fun is trying to figure out which bakery claiming to have 'the original recipe' is telling the truth.
Photo from geograph.org.uk
9. Cinemac, Macclesfield, Cheshire
There is very little that I miss more than cheap cinema tickets when I'm in the South. My local cinema in Staines-upon-Thames is heinously overpriced even with a student discount. When I'm at home, I drag friends to this cosy independent cinema in Macclesfield where tickets are £3.50 on Sundays and Mondays, and you can sneak in your own refreshments if you're feeling rebellious. Located in the old silk mill, the Heritage Centre, there's a convenient pub across the road where you can sit and natter about the film. Always a fantastically chilled evening.
Cinemac. Photo from treaclemums.co.uk
10. The Snow Goose, Macclesfield, Cheshire
There are so many great pubs in Cheshire, but this list wouldn't be complete without my favourite. Café by day, pub by night, this place - inspired by the French Alps - can magically transform itself from a cosy, log-fired, sofa-filled haven into a full on live music venue with ease. When it's not being used for gigs, the Snow Goose is filled with battered old acoustic guitars, a few colourful upright pianos and enough board games to make even the most awkward gatherings entertaining. The managers even organise outdoor activities like abseiling and cycling where they provide lunch and dinner. Amazing.
The Snow Goose. Photo from ingeniouscreative.com
