With scores of places to eat, stylish shops and glorious countryside, this could be the perfect village

Shopping

There’s an impressive range of independent shops in Stockton Heath, selling just about everything you could possibly need. Up the road in Warrington they have the national chains and big name stores, but here it’s more about the boutique store.

Countryside idyll

Stockton Heath is just two miles from Warrington town centre at the junction of two major A roads, but you’d never know it – quiet countryside walks are just a minute or two from the crossroads. The village is bordered by the Manchester Ship Canal and the Bridgewater Canal and with fields and golf clubs on the edge of the village, there’s plenty of green spaces and attractive countryside to explore.

Canals and waterways

Take a trip on the Bridgewater Canal and relax as you cruise gently through the countryside. Thorn Chandlery, beside Stockton Heath’s London Bridge, thornmarine.co.uk, 01925 265129.

Farmers’ Market

Stockton Heath farmers’ market is held on the last Saturday of the month, in front of the Mulberry Tree pub. stocktonheathvillage.co.uk

Notable neighbours

George Formby Snr was born and died in Stockton Heath and his former home on London Road is now the Amado boutique hotel.

Full of character

Much of the centre of Stockton Heath was designated a conservation area in 1988 in an effort to preserve its character. It worked. The modern red brick architecture blends sympathetically with the older buildings and there is a tangible sense of pride among residents and business owners.

Watering hole

Stockton Heath is a great place for a night out, and that’s official. The village was the first in the UK to be awarded a purple flag which recognises the standards of hospitality in pubs, bars and restaurants. Most holders of the award are large towns and cities but despite Stockton Heath’s size, the village has more than 30 food and drink venues which serve food from all over the world.

Dining

There is no shortage of places to eat in Stockton Heath but Tom at 101 is consistently one of the best in the area. They serve modern English food and have a chic champagne bar. tomat101.co.uk, 01925 212660.