Quarry Side Barn

Looking for a quick escape that doesn't involve straying too far? Sporting types can cadge a caddy and head to one of the two golf courses on the outskirts of Congleton (five to 10 minutes' drive), while floral fans have the blissful blooms of Biddulph Grange Garden (15 minutes) to admire. Meanwhile, for kids who have spent a spell kicking a ball around at the on-site football area, further active frolics can be had at Mow Cop Castle (20 minutes), a hilltop folly. For longer-lasting country jaunts, lace up your boots and make for Danebridge (20 minutes) in the Peaks, where there's an abundance of riverside trails to tread; you might also like to stop off for extra leisure opportunities at Danebridge Fisheries or Wincle Brewery, both of which are in the village. Finally, for those that like the brisker pace of city life, there are urban explores on hand at Manchester's Science and Industry Museum (45 minutes), Stoke's spectacular Trentham Estate (35 minutes) or Chester's Roman ruins (an hour).