We are fortunate to live in a beautiful part of the world. It also looks like the Great British Summer might have decided to show up for once. So we thought we would take this opportunity to share a few of our favourite hidden gems with you. As you are out and about over the next few months, why not drop in on some of them? We think you will be both surprised and delighted.
The Old Garages – Wilmslow
Right on our doorstep, this is a lifestyle and gardening store with an excellent coffee shop in the centre of Wilmslow. It is a wonderfully quirky place, offering unusual ideas for your home and garden from terrariums to Calla lilies. In fact, we love it so much it is where we had the photography taken for our website. All the food in the cafe is prepared using fresh, seasonal and locally sourced ingredients, including delicacies such as lemon tart and mini pistachio meringues. They even run sunrise yoga sessions to get your day off to a great start!
Hare Hill – Near Macclesfield
This National Trust property is a riot of colour, when the rhododendrons are out. It is also home to a secret walled garden which is the perfect spot to while away an afternoon. Once you have taken your fill of the beautifully landscaped garden, you may decide to take a longer walk down to the lake or through the woods. The Ranger team are full of useful information and offer guided walks.
The Courtyard and Penny Farthing Museum – Knutsford
Knutsford always reminds us of a mini Chester, with its cobbled streets and boutique shops. It has also got its own share of history, being famous for King Canute and Elizabeth Gaskell’s Cranford. Tucked away at the end of King Street, you will find The Courtyard Coffee House, which is also home to the intriguing Penny Farthing museum. This is a fascinating collection of antique penny farthings dating back to the 1890s. When you have finished, why not stroll in to Tatton Park and see if you can spot some deer.
Nether Alderley Mill – Near Alderley Edge
It is all too easy to drive past this ancient mill on the main road without even noticing it. However, beneath the long sloping roof of this medieval building is a fully restored and working corn mill. It is well worth taking a guided tour to learn more about the fascinating history of the family of millers, who turned wheat into flour to make the daily bread for the villagers of Nether Alderley in days gone by. You can even see the graffiti they left!
The Hardman’s House – Merseyside
We have also thrown in a North West one too, for good measure. It may be a bit further afield but our final hidden gem offers something quite different and is an indoor option for those inevitably rainy days. Behind the door of this unassuming house on Rodney Street in Liverpool, you will find the former home and photographic studio of the Hardmans. It is full of vintage treasures and fascinating photography from the 1950s. It is a veritable time capsule of society and creativity.
