Take a bird’s eye view of this lovely Cheshire village with its blend of history and high-end retailers and restaurants
There’s too much to love about Tarporley, a picturesque village with a thriving high street that oozes the feel of a cosy countryside escape yet one that is perfect for everyday living. The shopper’s paradise has a desirable café culture, and venture further down the cobbled streets and you’ll find handfuls of high-end boutiques and fine dining in its element.
There are the sort of pretty old Georgian houses you’d expect to see in a Christmas rom-com; full of charm and wonder, and beyond their welcoming doors is a plethora of rolling green fields. Some say it’s the heart of rural Cheshire, and no matter the weather, this beauty of a village gem is always worth a look.
Kickstart your weekend with carefully selected spirits and classic cocktails at the intimate ambiance of the Italian-influenced The Coast (who quite rightly believe there’s always room for dessert), or head next door to The Little Tap for its comeback part two, having just relaunched its bar and kitchen menu, ideal for sharing.
A place where everybody knows your name and that serves great Indian cuisine, The Rasoi has an eclectic choice of dishes and a friendly atmosphere. There’s always a warm (and dog-friendly) welcome at The Rising Sun, with great food and great beer, and the characterful more than 400-year-old The Swan has just been refurbished so you can get cosy with some delicious pub food in one of its many nooks and crannies.
For homemade cakes, loose leaf teas and savoury delights including a hearty English breakfast or celebratory afternoon tea, Ginger and Pickles is your place.
Enhance your home with gifts from around the world at family-owned boutique Baile Home. Landfill Angels stock vintage furniture, sustainable homewares and is an official stockist of the Frenchic furniture paint; The Vintage Charity Shop helps the hospital with quality goods (you can buy and donate) and boutique Papillon is home to luxury occasionwear for ladies.
There’s The Little Potting Shed for seasonal flowers and inspirational items for the home and garden, while Pink Diamond specialises in bespoke jewellery and handmade engagement and wedding rings.
Or for exceptional personal service and fashion-forward brands, pop into Tabernam, where co-owner Alicia Fyffe says: “Not only is Tarporley a very beautiful village, but it also has an incredible community spirit. We feel very lucky to spend our days working in a village full of creative independent businesses who have become good friends. We regularly catch up over a gin in Little Tap, we dressed up as the Nativity together last year for the Tarporley Christmas Festival and joined in with the Stay Sunny Tarporley campaign. There is always something interesting happening in the village.”.
Si Belle – meaning so beautiful in French – stocks the best designer womenswear on beautifully presented rails. The boutique is colourful and lively, and stocks high-end clothing and accessories from designers including Marc Cain, Riani, Tory Burch and Hale Bob. Max et Moi and D. Exterior has lovely ranges of knitwear, perfect for this season, and for Christmas, check out Si Belle’s bags, scarfs, candles and cushions.
One of Tarporley’s main attractions is its closeness (half a mile, to be exact) to the 34-mile Sandstone Trail, one of the most popular of the middle-distance trails in the north west of England, which swings into the centre of the village. You’d need about two to three hours for the five-mile Tarporley to Burwardsley route (park in the free car park behind The Rising Sun and follow field footpaths to join the trail at Back Lanes), which will take you through Beeston Castle and Peckforton Castle, as well as along the picturesque Shropshire Union Canal.
And when it comes to where to live? Robert Reed, Gascoigne Halman branch manager, says: “My first day working in Tarporley was the summer of 2004. From my first moment walking down the high street, I absolutely loved it, the beautiful Georgian buildings and sympathetic contemporary build was immediately apparent. There was a great buzz created by a thriving high street with so many individual retailers, cafés and restaurants. Wind the clock forward to the present day and all these factors remain.
“In terms of estate agency, Tarporley showcases a wide range of property right through from a village centre cottage to a rural country estate with land, and everything in the middle. In my 16 years as an estate agent here, the area has remained robust in the face of wildly fluctuating market conditions.
“Why is this? A combination of factors. The sheer beauty of the area is an unquestionable attraction – the walks and views in nearby Willington, Utkinton, Beeston, Peckforton and Bickerton are amongst the best in the county. And whilst rural in character, Tarporley is far from remote, with two international airports within just 28 miles. And for those seeking great schools, there is extensive choice in the area.
“Tarporley is a gem and such a delightful place to work – I consider it a real privilege to do so.”
