Seven idea for a romantic weekend in Cheshire
You might not actually be able to visit Tippermere, but it’s not hard to find some romance of your own in Cheshire. Here are just a few of the many things you could do…
What could be more romantic than flowers? Luckily you don’t have to be in Chelsea to visit an RHS flower show, there’s one in Tatton Park every July. There’s everything you’d expect – show gardens, Pimm’s, masterclasses and even the BFG this year! I’m lucky enough to be able to walk all the way from my cottage to the show – but if you can’t there is plenty of parking, and a free minibus service from the town entrance.
Take a trip to Tabley in June and go to the Royal Cheshire County Show. You don’t have to be a fan of horses, dogs or farm animals – but it adds to the enjoyment. I love the food and drink tents where you can sample (and buy) delicious ice-cream, pies, fudge, speciality whisky and a whole lot more. I always watch the dog classes and show-jumping, but there are all kinds of furry four-legged animals (and two-legged birds!). You can also look at vintage machinery, wander over to the countryside area and try your hand at archery or watch a falconry display, stroll around the craft stalls and more…
For a really romantic evening, book tickets for an opera, Shakespeare play or musical event at the Garden Theatre at Gawsworth Hall. The Tudor courtyard setting is gorgeous (but the theatre is also covered – a bonus given the UK weather!), and you can take a picnic to enjoy before the show.
Check out gardens that have open days – I have found some stunning country gardens in the area, and the owners often offer cream teas and homemade cake. You might even be able to buy some plants to take home.
Go to the point-to-point – have a bet on the tote, mix with the locals and get up close to the horses. This is a far more casual affair than professional racing and really is a fun afternoon out – you might well need wellies, and dogs are welcome.
Visit The Makers Market in Knutsford – I love this artisan market which is held once a month. There’s cookery demonstrations, food, drink, music and lots of wonderful crafts and plants to buy. It’s got a happy, buzzy vibe about it… then why not stop off for a romantic lunch somewhere in the town?
And last but not least I’d recommend a day (or whole weekend) in Chester – wander along the city walls, shop in The Rows, dress up and go to the races, have lunch at Carluccio’s, afternoon tea at The Chester Grosvenor, sail up the river on a pleasure cruise or hire a rowing boat or pedalo! I’m not suggesting you do all of these – but Chester is an incredibly romantic place with endless possibilities!
Country Rivals by Zara Stoneley Also by this author: Stable Mates, Country Affairs, A Very Country Christmas, The Wedding Date
on May 26th 2016
Pages: 392
Goodreads
Amazon Kindle, Audible
Dashing eventer Rory is ready to button up his breeches and settle down. His gorgeous wife, Lottie, wants a bank balance in the black so she can protect the beautiful family estate for future generations.
But with the wedding business at Tipping House going up in flames, and rumours that it was arson not accident, Lottie begins to wonder who she can trust with her future.Tranquil Tippermere is under siege as movies moguls and insurance investigators invade the countryside, and as events gather pace rescue plans start to look too good to be true, and intentions may not be as honourable as they seem.
As a moody, but definitely marvellous, polo player enters the fray and squares up to the eventing hero of Tippermere, does Lottie stand to lose her husband as well as her home?
You can buy ‘Country Rivals’ from Amazon or visit Zara’s website to see all buy links.
And you can grab the other Tippermere books (all the books can be read independently) here –
‘Stable Mates’ – ‘Country Affairs’ – ‘A Very Country Christmas’ (FREE!)
Thank you so much for hosting me today, Emma!
Zara x