Short family break in the Cheshire countryside
This short break is an ideal chance to hone your skills as an equestrian lover. It specialises in giving you, as a family, a chance to really understand and learn what is required of you when it comes to looking after a horse. Whether it's just brushing up or you're new to the whole thing, this is alaways a useful break, conveniently doubling as a nice, inexpensive holiday.The Itinerary is as follows:Day OneArrive and settle into your hotel or cottage. You can choose to stay in four star golf and spa accommodation, in an award winning farm house B&B or in a pretty self catering cottage. All are located in the heart Cheshire just minutes away from the lovely town of Tarporley. The City of Chester is a short 10 - 15 minutes drive. This evening you have a host of local restaurants and pubs to choose from, all just a few minutes drive (or walk) away.Day TwoAfter a hearty breakfast today you will be heading for the riding centre, a short drive from most of the properties (and walking distance from two!). The Children's programme runs from 10am - 1pm each day and during this time the children will ride twice. They start the morning with a lesson followed by stable management instruction where they will be learning how to care for and handle their pony safely. Lastly they will go on a hack.  They will be under the supervision of their instructor at all times. You must be a minimum of 8 years old for the pony mornings and children need to be capable of walk, trot and canter. Adults who enjoy riding themselves can take a lesson in the morning and/or a hack later to coincide with dropping off and picking up their children. This leaves you plenty of time to explore this particularly nice corner of the world during the afternoons.Day ThreeToday there will be another fun filled morning at the stables for the children. Adults can follow a similar programme to yesterday allowing you time in the afternoon to take a walk up to Beeston Castle, where you can take in the panoramic views of the area that stretches from the Pennines in the East to the mountains of Wales in the West. Alternatively you may like to visit the historic city of Chester. Its unique black and white Tudor-style shopping rows draw visitors from around the globe. This evening you can choose from a range of dining experiences in the pretty local village of Tarporley. Here there are a number of good restaurants and pubs' including Cristiano's which is one of the best Italian restaurants in Cheshire and The Swan Hotel which holds a reputation for tasty pub food.Day FourThis is the last day at the stables for the children who should now be experts, and will no doubt take great delight in explaining to you in great detail the difference between a body brush and a dandy brush! Those adults who have been riding will also notice the improvement in themselves, but don't worry if you don't want to ride there is so much to do around Cheshire. Today, why not enjoy a stroll in beautiful Delamere Forest; Cheshire's largest woodland. This is a popular destination for local riders, walkers snd cyclists, there is an ideally situated café along the route where you can take a rest and enjoy a coffee whilst admiring the views and watching all the forms of glorious wildlife.Day FiveToday you will be departing but before you go you should visit the Cotebrook Shire Horse Centre. This is just two miles from the stables; it is set in 50 sprawling acres in the heart of the Cheshire countryside. They have been breeding prize winning Shire Horses here 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 including red deer, red squirrels and even the now incredibly rare otters. The Alvanley Arms pub is adjacent to the Shire Horse Centre if you fancy something to eat. ACCOMMODATION                ADULT RIDER        CHILD        ADULT NON RIDERFarmhouse B&B                          £335            £450            £1954 star Spa Hotel                          £385            £495            £245Self catering cottage (sleeps 4)    £255            £375            £125