Cheshire


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why">Why?</h2>



<p>There&#8217;s a lot of love for Tarporley, thanks to its glorious Georgian-era high street, where locals grab green smoothies and strut from boutique to hair salon and back again. It’s not completely shed its tweed and flat cap reputation, but life has moved on immeasurably for those seeking a proper country lifestyle with all the frills.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eat">EAT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1250" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/09/455010232_18074624743535430_344181894123178153_n.jpg" alt="The Swan pub in Tarporley" class="wp-image-182" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/09/455010232_18074624743535430_344181894123178153_n.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/09/455010232_18074624743535430_344181894123178153_n-240x300.jpg 240w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/09/455010232_18074624743535430_344181894123178153_n-819x1024.jpg 819w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/09/455010232_18074624743535430_344181894123178153_n-768x960.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Swan</figcaption></figure>



<p>In the centre of the action, you&#8217;ll find <a href="https://www.theswantarporley.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Swan</a> which dates back to 1762 – a proper village boozer with rooms upstairs if you can’t waddle home after generous plates of pub grub. </p>



<p>For balloon glasses of Aperol Spritz and Italian food, nab a table at <a href="https://thecoasttarporley.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Coast</a> filled with dolled-up diners chattering until late. <a href="https://www.littletaptarporley.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Over at The Little Tap</a>, craft beers and expertly mixed cocktails are handed over to patrons grazing on olives and small plates. And just across the road at its sister restaurant, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/terrarium_cw6" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Terrarium</a>, the kitchen team deliver contemporary small plates with globally-inspired flavours. </p>



<p>Seeking an all-taste, no-frills café? Hunker down in <a href="http://www.latte-da.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Latte Da Tarporley</a>. When you’re craving afternoon tea in laid-back surroundings, beeline to <a href="https://gingerandpickles.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ginger and Pickles</a> and make sure you pick up one of its just-baked loaves. Or there&#8217;s the resplendent <a href="https://www.theholliesfarmshop.co.uk/hollies-farm-cheshire/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hollies Farm on the High Street</a>, where guests order coffee and pastries from a hatch and linger on the sunbaked terrace before nosing around the shop inside. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shop">SHOP</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1183" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/09/447752267_868915255280978_3312896441344412756_n.jpg" alt="The Hollie Farm shop exterior" class="wp-image-185" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/09/447752267_868915255280978_3312896441344412756_n.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/09/447752267_868915255280978_3312896441344412756_n-254x300.jpg 254w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/09/447752267_868915255280978_3312896441344412756_n-866x1024.jpg 866w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/09/447752267_868915255280978_3312896441344412756_n-768x909.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Hollies Farm Shop</figcaption></figure>



<p>Tarporley may be a village but it’s actually got more than its fair share of upscale boutiques and eclectic independent shops. <a href="https://www.svefashion.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sve</a> is a studio from fashion designer Sally Ellis, who designs and crafts unique womenswear and wedding dresses – all of which can be made to measure. In <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tabernam_tarporley" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tabernam</a>, an all-female crew bring its rails to life with female-owned brands and plenty of colour, plus there’s <a href="http://www.sibelle.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Si Belle</a> stocking brands such as Tory Burch and Marc Cain, whilst <a href="https://www.papillontarporley.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Papillon</a> is mother-of-the-bride territory. </p>



<p>Behind the Georgian façade of <a href="https://www.instagram.com/caroltheatticroom" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Attic Room</a> is an Aladdin’s cave of interior knick knacks and accessories, whilst <a href="http://bailehome.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Baile Home</a> (winner of the best lifestyle store in the Muddy Awards) is another gorgeous interiors spot, filled with sheepskin rugs, Scandi-style crockery and jewellery. If you&#8217;re looking for blooms, unique cards and floral-inspired gifts, pop into <a href="https://www.brambleandblooms.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bramble &amp; Blooms</a> (winner of the best florist the Muddy Awards) in a characterful store with heavy original beams strung across the ceiling. </p>



<p>Drive away from the high street and 10 mins along Tarporley Road and you’ll end up at <a href="https://www.theholliesfarmshop.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Hollies Farm Shop</a>, dubbed the ‘Harrods of farm shops’, a vast emporium to stock up your larder with a whole roll call of Cheshire producers.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-amp-wellbeing">HEALTH &amp; WELLBEING</h2>



<p>Let’s start with all that country air and miles of rural exploration. There’s a GP surgery, Tarporley Health Centre and a Bupa private clinic, as well as several gyms and wellbeing hubs, including <a href="https://www.instinct78.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Instinct</a>, <a href="https://www.enigmawellness.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Enigma Wellness</a> and <a href="https://www.swfitnesslondon.com/locations" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SW Fitness</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-community">COMMUNITY</h2>



<p>To really get a hold of Tarporley’s community spirit and joie de vivre, pull up a pew at The Swan on the high street and you’ll soon get chatting to in-the-know locals. January sees the Tarporley Beer Festival raise funds for the local primary school, where hot pies, beers and gin are served to rosy-cheeked punters. In summer, the Tarporley Carnival takes over the high street, bringing with it music, fairground rides, food stalls, street parades and a bustling prosecco tent.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nearby-attractions">NEARBY ATTRACTIONS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="749" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/09/447191145_844975061000871_3571760002562951637_n.jpg" alt="Peckferton Castle" class="wp-image-190" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/09/447191145_844975061000871_3571760002562951637_n.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/09/447191145_844975061000871_3571760002562951637_n-300x225.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/09/447191145_844975061000871_3571760002562951637_n-768x575.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=844975064334204&amp;set=pb.100064651545441.-2207520000&amp;type=3">Peckferton Castle</a>, photo Joshua Andrew Potter</figcaption></figure>



<p>Our advice? Pull on your flat cap and head into the great outdoors. Tarporley puts you close to the Sandstone Trail – a 34-mile route from the market town of Frodsham all the way to the rural tips of Shropshire. Pick a section and you can walk directly from the high street, forging towards the crumbling Beeston Castle and crossing open farmland towards the formidable-looking Peckferton Castle. Be sure to make a pit-stop at the Pheasant Inn. Bringing along the whole brood? Navigate the cycling paths and Go Ape! at Delamere Forest. Test your nerve with a racing car at Oulton Park. Whilst little ones will relish a trip to the Ice Cream Farm at Tattenhall, with a side of soft play, water fountains and more.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-culture">CULTURE</h2>



<p>Head into Chester, just 25 mins away and you’ll have everything covered, from indie theatre productions at artsy hub, <a href="https://www.storyhouse.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Storyhouse</a> to open air performances at <a href="https://www.storyhouse.com/seasons/grosvenorpark/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre</a>. Over in Delamere Forest, meanwhile, 15 mins further north, <a href="https://www.forestryengland.uk/music" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Forest Live</a> takes over a sweep of greenery every summer with live music from artists which have included Sting, Jess Glynne and Rag’n’Bone Man in the past. Next year, the vast grounds of <a href="https://bolesworth.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bolesworth Castle</a> will debut family-focused Together Again festival.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-average-house-prices">AVERAGE HOUSE PRICES</h2>



<p>Properties in Tarporley had an overall average price of £471,139 in 2024. Semis are worth around&nbsp;£381,333. Detached houses average £635,000, with terraced homes fetching £301,750.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hot-property">HOT PROPERTY</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/12/Taporley.jpeg" alt="A characterful barn conversion in Taperley" class="wp-image-1181" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/12/Taporley.jpeg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/12/Taporley-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2024/12/Taporley-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A characterful barn conversion set in more than three acres of landscaped gardens. <a href="http://www.hinchliffeholmes.co.uk/3169/5-bedroom-house-for-sale-in-utkinton-33382713">On the market for £1.695m. </a></figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nurseries">NURSERIES</h2>



<p>Right in the centre is <a href="https://tarporleydoneroompre-school.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tarporley Pre-School</a> (from 2 yrs) led by volunteers, which also runs an afterschool club from 3pm until late. Just 15 mins away is <a href="https://partou.co.uk/nurseries/brambley-hedge-day-nursery-pre-school/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Partou Brambley Hedge Day Nursery and Pre-school</a> with a lovely outdoor space, rated Outstanding by Ofsted, whilst <a href="http://www.littlergrange.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Littler Grange Children’s Day Nursery</a>, set in a Tudor Farmhouse, is surrounded by apple and pear trees offering wraparound care for children from 0 – 5 yrs.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-schools">SCHOOLS</h2>



<p>You’re very well placed for schools, starting with <a href="https://www.tarporleyce.cheshire.sch.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tarporley Church of England</a> primary school, rated Good by Oftsed. <a href="https://www.tarporleyhigh.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tarporley High School</a> and Sixth Form College is very popular and well regarded with a Good Ofsted rating, whilst the sixth form is rated Outstanding. Towards Chester are a number of excellent independents including <a href="https://www.firsschool.net/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Firs</a> (0 – 11 yrs), <a href="https://www.kingschester.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The King’s School</a> (4 – 18 yrs), <a href="https://www.abbeygatecollege.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Abbey Gate College</a> (4 – 18 yrs) and <a href="https://www.thequeensschool.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Queen’s School</a> for girls (4 – 18 yrs) – one of the top performing girls’ schools in the region.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-kept-secret">BEST KEPT SECRET</h2>



<p>Feeling thirsty? Tarporley is home to the acclaimed <a href="https://www.weetwoodales.co.uk/visit-weetwood/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Weetwood Distillery and Brewhouse</a> and if you turn up on a Thursday evening, there&#8217;s a rotating cast of street food vendors dishing up woodfired pizzas, Greek gyros and curries to line those tummies. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-commute">COMMUTE</h2>



<p>As it stands, Tarporley doesn’t have an active rail station but in October 2023, the Department for Transport approved funding for the reopening of the Beeston and Tarporley rail station. Watch this space. Otherwise, Chester is around 25 mins drive, and Manchester a 1 hr drive.</p>



<p><em>View the full&nbsp;<a href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/best-places-to-live/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Top 260 Best Places to Live</a></em>.</p>


Tarporley

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