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    • Curlew Cottage
    • Stay With Us
    • Explore Cheshire
    • About
    • Contact Us
  • Home
  • Curlew Cottage
  • Stay With Us
  • Explore Cheshire
  • About
  • Contact Us

Exploring cheshire

Our favourite places , hand-picked for you. We hope you love them as much as we do.

Why stay at Curlew Cottage

Curlew Cottage is your perfect base or exploring everything Cheshire has to offer. A luxury countryside retreat just minutes away from Knutsford, with three beautiful bedrooms, a private hot tub and resident alpacas, Tom, Dick and Harry, in the neighbouring paddock.


On-site you'll find an optional luxury beauty salon offering bookable treatments during your stay, perfect for an afternoon of pure indulgence.


Add to that the wealth of attractions, country walks, gardens, country pubs, festivals, concerts and family days out within easy reach, and you have everything you need for a truly memorable Cheshire stay.


Below are the places we send our guests to time and again. Some are well-known, some are quiet local secrets. All are tried, tested and loved.

DAYS OUT

Tatton Park and Farm

One of Cheshire's most beloved estates and one of the busiest events calendars in the county. The working farm is wonderful for families, and the gardens and deer park are perfect for a long afternoon wander. Dogs welcome on leads in the parkland.

Two Highlights worth booking around in 2026:

Saturday 20th to Sunday 21st June: Dog Fest with Matt Baker - have-a-go activities, open walking routes, sensory trails, scent work, water splashing and a course of tackle together. A brilliant weekend for dog-lovers.


Friday 20th to Sunday 12th July: Foodies Festival - the biggest celebration yet of top chefs, tasty food, delicious drinks and live music.


For the full events calendar throughout the year, visit tattonpark.org.uk

Into the Wild, Ashley

A magical woodland adventure playground tucked away near Ashley. Rope swings, tree platforms, dens and rails through the trees, a real children's paradise on a sunny day. 


Good and drink: wood-fired pizzas, coffees, snacks and toasted marshmallows!


Summer evenings (18+): selected jazz nights under the trees.

First Saturday of every month (18+): a top vinyl DJ playing soul, funk, hip-hop, dance and house. A proper local secret. 

Note: foot access only, across a field - wear sensible shoes

Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre

Home to the iconic Lovell Telescope, this is a fascinating day out for curious minds of all ages. The visitor centre and grounds are excellent.  


The Lovell Telescope has stood proudly over the Cheshire Plain since its completion in 1957 and is the flagship of the Jodrell Bank Observatory.


The observatory is a place of learning, teaching and research for the many engineers, astronomers and students who develop and use the radio telescopes. It is also a place of wonder and inspiration for the many people who come to the Visitor Centre each year.

Chester Zoo

 One of the UK's most visited attractions and well worth a full day. Fun for all of the family. Daily animal talks -  you can hear from the expert Keepers and Zoo Rangers, as they share fascinating facts about the animals they care for 

at the zoo. 

Tree of Imagination, Lower Peover

 Tucked away on the corner of FreeGreen Lane and Broome Lane, this enchanting carved oak tree is a magical find. Crafted in 2015 from the carcass of a damaged oak, it features fairy doors, windows, an owl box, a bat box and a nesting box, as if elves and fairies have made it their home. A delightful little detour for curious minds of all ages. 

Mobberley Minatures

A truly special place for little ones. Pony and unicorn parties, magical unicorn experiences, confidence-giving sessions and horse riding lessons. 


 The unicorn experience is a personal session that gives children a taste of owning their very own unicorn, perfect for a birthday surprise or a magical treat during your stay. 


 Minimum age 2. Weight limit 9 stone. All children must be supervised by an adult. Booking essential. 

Altrincham Market

A beautiful restored Victorian market hall open Tuesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, showcasing the best regional food producers, vintage fashion, contemporary craft, and home and garden. Buzzing at the weekends!

Knutsford Makers Market

A lovely artisan market showcasing local makers and producers, held on the first Sunday of every month. Well worth timing your visit around.

The Lambing Shed Farm Shop and Kitchen

A firm local favourite for breakfast and lunch, with delicious locally sourced foods. The farm shop has so much to offer including an amazing butchers section and delicatessen. There is a small play area for little ones just at the side of the cafe.


Since opening in 2015, the Lambing Shed has celebrated the very best of their own home-reared award-winning beef and lamb, alongside a carefully curated selection of Cheshire's finest food and drink. 


Magical in spring when the lambing is in full swing. Check dates for the seasonal animal experience 


Open Monday - Saturday 9am to 5:30pm (last hot food orders 4pm) Sunday 10am to 4pm (last hot orders 3:30pm)

Trafford Centre

For a shopping fix, one of the UK's largest undercover retail destinations is just a short drive away. Featuring high street and designer brands.

CHESHIRE SUMMER CONCERTS

Live at Arley Hall

A three-day weekend of brilliant tribute and live music in the grounds of Arley Hall. 


  • Friday, 15th May: Mega Y2K - 90s and 00s nostalgia
  • Saturday, 16th May: Back to Boogie - a glittering celebration of disco, funk and soul
  • Sunday, 17th May: Glam Rock - a day of stomping 70s rock anthems

For tickets visit arleyhallandgardens.com

Gawsworth Hall Open-Air Concerts

A summer-long programme of tribute bands, classical, comedy and Shakespeare in the grounds of a beautiful Elizabethan manor house. June through to August.


Highlights for 2026 include:


  • ELO Again, 19th June
  • ABBA Reunion, 20th June
  • Taylor Swift Tribute with Katy Ellis, 21st June
  • Richard Thompson, 26th June
  • Shakespeare in the Gardens, 28th June
  • A Night at the Musicals, 4th July
  • Pink Live, 5th July
  • Mercury, the Ultimate Queen tribute, 25th July
  • Ultimate Coldplay, 26th July
  • Fleetwood Bac, 1st - 2nd August

DOG WALKS

Cheshire is wonderful walking country, and Bailey would tell you Tatton Park is the best of the lot!

Tatton Park

A stunning historic estate located in the heart of Cheshire. Miles of open parkland and woodland trails with deer and Meres. Tatton Park has fascinating landscape to explore and has one of the finest dog walks in Cheshire.  There is a cafe, farm shop and childrens playground and Tatton also has many events on throughout the year. 

Alderley Edge

A dramatic sandstone ridge with woodland paths and sweeping views across the Cheshire plain. The village itself has a great selection of cafes, bars and top-tier restaurants, making it ideal for a full day out.

Dunham Massey

A beautiful National Trust deer park with well-maintained paths and a stunning hall. Dogs welcome throughout the parkland on a lead.

Rostherne Mere

A hidden gem. One of Cheshire's finest nature reserves and a RSPB site, with beauttiful circular walks around the mere.

Arley Hall and Gardens

Stunning gardens and grunds with lovely walking routes. Dogs welcome in the parkland on leads.


Arley Hall also hosts the brilliant Live at Arley concert weekend in May. See Cheshire Summer Concerts above.

Peover Hall and Gardens


In the village of Over Peover, there are amazing walks leading to Peover Hall, an Elizabethan house, a rare gem that boasts a fascinating history and is still used today as a family home. 


During World War II the house was requisitioned as the HQ for General George Patton of the United States 3rd Army to train for the D-Day landings in 1944. It also housed a POW camp. 


Peover Hall has played host to a number of film crews including that of internationally renowned television series, Peaky Blinders. The hall was the setting for scenes within this iconic British Drama following filming in 2015. 

LITTLE TREATS

Seven Sisters Posh Ice Cream

Seven Sisters Ice Cream is a family run business. The ice cream is hand made with milk from their very own herd, Holstein Friesian herd, dubbed (super models of the cow world)! A truly indulgent experience and not to be missed.

Knutsford Olde Sweet Shoppe

Knutsford's traditional sweet shop and the UK's leading high street and online sweet shop. A wonderful place to find a gift for sweet-toothed family and friends, or to indulge a craving of your own.


Expect rhubarb and custards, pink shrimps, cherry lips, coltsfoot rock, Uncle Joe's mint balls, pear drops and a high pick-and-mix selection, alongside specialist liquorice, sugar-free sweets, handmade chocolate and shocking mega sours for the brave. 


Pure notalgia, beautifully done.

The Real Fruit Creamery

Gelato and sorbets handmade in small batches  on the premises, using only the finest quality ingredients for a delicious, freshly made taste. Located on King Street, Knutsford. Expect a queue!

Lapland UK at Capesthorne Hall

13th November - 24th December 2026

A truly magical experience for all of the family✨


One of the most sought-after festive experiences in the UK, and just down the road from Curlew Cottage.


Lapland UK honours and celebrates the wonderment of childhood through a magical world, rich storytelling and immersive memory-making experiences. In the depths of the Enchanted Forest, a secret Elven world awaits. Step through one of the magical doorways at Capesthorne Hall to discover Father Christmas's mythical homeland.


Bringing together the scale and detail of film production with the believability of theatre, it immerses families in the original storytelling world to create memories that last a lifetime. 


A note on tickets: the official websit often shows as "sold out" but tickets do become available closer to opening dates. Worth checking back regularly, or planning ahead for next year. Always book through the official Lapland UK website.

KNUTSFORD

Our beautiful market town, just five minutes from the cottage

Knutsford is a real gem: a Georgian market town with independent boutiques, art galleries, antique shops and one of the best collections of restaurants and bars in Cheshire. Perfect for a relaxed morning of browsing, a long lunch, or an evening out. The town also hosts the famous Royal May Day celebrations and a lively events calendar throughout the year.

ALFRESCO DINING IN KNUTSFORD

Alfresco Dining

A real summer highlight in our market town. On three Saturdays each year, parts of Knutsford close to traffic and transform into an outdoor dining festival, with nine local restaurants spilling out onto the streets, tables set under the open sky, and a wonderfully buzzing atmosphere from morning until late.

It runs from 10am to 10pm (weather permitting) and is the perfect way to spend a long, lazy summer day, drifting between restaurants, soaking up the food, drink and the lovely market town atmosphere.

2026 dates: Saturday 14th June, Saturday 16th August, Saturday 13th September

A genuine local highlight, and well worth planning a stay around if your dates align.

Movies on the Moor 2026

A wonderful new addition to Knutsford's summer event calendar for 2026. Held on The Moor on a Friday evening in early summer, this free open-air cinema is a real community moment. There's an afternoon family screening for younger children, then an evening showing for ages 12 and up, with the public voting on which films are screened.

Bring a blanket, some friends, and settle in under the willow trees as the sun goes down.

Refreshments, a bar and food stalls run on the night.

Dates to be confirmed for 2026. Worth keeping an eye on discoverknutsford.com for updates.

Local Pubs

The Bells of Peover, Lower Peover. Our beloved local. A renowned dining pub set in a picturesque Cheshire country setting, urrounded by large landscaped gardens and patio area. Excellent food and great service in a stylish, relaxed setting and is next to St Oswalds Church,  one of England's most ancient timbered churches.


Dating back to 1839, the Bells of Peover was where Eisenhower and Patton planned the D-Day landings that ultimately ended World War Two. A truly remarkable little pub.


Sunday roasts are renowned here - so make a reservation.


Dog friendly: Well-behaved dogs welcome on leads in the bar area and front room.

The Dog at Over Peover

Nestled at the heart of the picturesque Cheshire coutryside, The Dog is a classic country pub offering freshly prepared, locally sourced dishes alongside a diverse selection of ales, wines and cocktails. 


Breakfast, lunch and dinner served, with cosy fires indoors in winter and an outoor bar and seating in the warmer months.


Dog and family-friendly. Reservations and walk-ins both welcome. 

The Three Greyhounds, Allostock

A popular village pub serving locally sourced food with excellent menu and Cheshire Ales. The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly and dogs are welcome. No need to book - walk-ins only. 

Casual Dining

Gail's Bakery, Knutsford

Perfect for a relaxed breakfast or lunch, with excellent coffee and freshly baked pastries.

April's Kitchen, Knutsford

A lovely neighbbourhood restaurant with seasonal menu and a warm and intimate feel

Smoke, Princess Street, Knutsford

Cafe, wine bar and eatery in Knutsford. 


Relaxed, stylish, and proudly partnered with the award-winning Cheshire Smokehouse. Serving great coffee, brunch, bold small plates, and curated wines from morning to late. 

Restaurants in Knutsford

Stolen Lamb, King Street, Knutsford

Stolen Lamb, King Street, Knutsford

Stolen Lamb, King Street, Knutsford

A Greek restaurant and a great addition to the local dining scene, with a lovely Mediterranean atmosphere. Family-friendly and a great choice for a relaxed lunch or evening meal.


Lunch deal: Two courses for £16.95, choose any meze and large plate. Excellent value and consistently good.

Piccolinos, King Street, Knutsford

Stolen Lamb, King Street, Knutsford

Stolen Lamb, King Street, Knutsford

A reliable authentic Italian favourite for a more relaxed evening out. Lovely bar and dining terrace on the second floor for Alfresco dining. Stunning food and a lively atmosphere.



Evuna, King Street, Knutsford

Stolen Lamb, King Street, Knutsford

A Spanish tapas bar and wine restaurant with fantastic relaxed atmosphere. A great choice for a special evening.

Mowgli, King Street, Knutsford

Knutsford’s Mowgli is nestled on a corner of lively King Street. Its fairy lights illuminate walkways and tantalize the high street with its floating aromas. The Knutsford home is a charming, neighbourhood Indian restaurant designed for family and friends to come together. With signature vines and rope swings, they've created a spot that feels just as right for a quick solo lunch as it does for a big family get-together. They are also dog-friendly, so feel free to bring your four-legged companions along. 

Smokehouse and Cellar, King Street, Knutsford

Smokehouse and Cellar, King Street, Knutsford

 

Smokehouse & Cellar Knutsford, England  is situated in the Royal George Building on King St / Regent St. The venue has undergone a substantial refurbishment to create a luxurious & atmospheric environment to enjoy your very own Smokehouse creations using authentic smoker ovens over hickory & fruit woods.

Cooked the traditional way low & slow the meats are treated with their own speciality house rubs & sauces & spend from 4-16 hours in our authentic smokers to cook to perfection.

Sigiriya, Tatton Street, Knutsford

Smokehouse and Cellar, King Street, Knutsford

 

Sigiriya, is a Sri Lankan restaurant that offers fresh authentic food, fantastic service and a warm welcoming environment that makes you want to go back for more. The menu is comprised of 80% of Sri Lankan dishes, as they aim to give you the most authentic in dining experiences. 


The mouth-watering, colourful food is naturally low in oil and the food is cooked using the finest fresh ingredients.

And this is just the start....

And this is just the start....

And this is just the start....

The villages of Wilmslow, Alderley Edge, Prestbury and Hale are all within easy reach and packed with independent restaurants, cafes and bars well worth discovering for yourself. 


We are always happy to help with further recommendations. 


 Just get in touch: info@cheshirehomestays.co.uk 

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