Horses & Chocolate - A Perfect Short Break

Day One:

Arrive and settle into The Swan Hotel. The Swan is a picturesque 16th century Coaching Inn located in the centre of Tarporley; Cheshire's most charming Georgian village. The Swan has 16 individually designed en-suite bedrooms, six of which are located in the converted Coaching House.
Today you have the opportunity to go next door to The Old Fire Station Chocolate Shop for afternoon tea. You will be offered a variety of sandwiches to choose from, a piece of cake, tea, coffee or hot chocolate and a selection of handmade truffles to take home with you. Charles, who runs the Chocolate Shop, is the third generation of his family to be involved in the confectionery industry. In 1994 Hardy & Co expanded from purely wholesaling into retailing with the opening of The Old Fire Station Chocolate Shop in Tarporley. Since 1994 the business has grown rapidly and has often been featured on television and radio!
For dinner tonight, The Swan has a number of dining rooms with original beams, coal fires, oak panelling, cosy corners and twinkling candlelight vying for your attention. For guests staying at The Swan a discount will apply. However, if you would like to dine somewhere else Tarporley offers many high quality restaurants and pubs including Cristiano’s which is one of the best Italian restaurants in Cheshire and The Rising Sun which is renowned for great pub food.

Day Two:

After breakfast, you will travel the short distance to Willington Riding Stables where you will start your riding. Most people choose to start with a lesson but for experienced riders this is flexible. Later this morning you may like to visit the Cotebrook Shire Horse Centre; home to some of the top show horses in the country. Cotebrook Shire Horse Centre is set in 50 acres in the heart of the beautiful Cheshire countryside. It is home of the internationally renowned Cotebrook Shire Horse Stud and they have been breeding prize winning Shires there for over 35 years. You will meet the Stallions, Mares and Foals and learn about this fabulous Old English Breed. As well as the Shire horses they have a fantastic selection of British animals & birdlife as well as many rare breeds including Birds of prey, Red Deer, Red Squirrels and Otters. The Alvanley Arms pub is adjacent to the Shire Horse Centre if you fancy something to eat. After your lunch we will arrange another ride for you at Willington Riding Stables. You will be riding along picturesque bridleways and quiet country lanes whilst looking out across the beautiful surrounding countryside.

Day Three:

After breakfast you will be going to Willington Riding Stables and hacking in Delamere Forest. Delamere Forest is Cheshire's largest woodland and is extremely peaceful making it a haven for all forms of wildlife. This afternoon the choice is yours. You may like to go to Delamere Forest and try out Go Ape. This involves sliding across high wires, crawling through tunnels and crossing rope bridges all set high up in the tree tops. If you are not feeling quite as adventurous you may like to climb to the top of Beeston Castle taking in the spectacular views of the area which stretches from the Pennines to the mountains of Wales. Alternatively, the historic city of Chester is only 11 miles away if you fancy a little sight-seeing or retail therapy.

• 2 night’s accommodation at The Swan Hotel on bed and breakfast basis
• 3 riding opportunities at Willington Riding Stables
• Afternoon tea at The Old Fire Station Chocolate Shop (day one or day three - which ever suits you best)


Equestrian Escapes has worked in conjunction with Visit Chester and Cheshire to provide you with a selection of horse riding holidays, UK style. If you are planning an overseas holiday a horse riding holiday UK could be your perfect introduction.


If you are interested in riding in the UK please look at the other holidays that we offer in the Horse Riding Holidays UK range.

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