Perched on a rocky sandstone crag 350 feet above the Cheshire Plain, 13th-century Beeston Castle is a sight to behold. Though now a partially crumbled ruin, it is still rumoured to contain the undiscovered treasure of Richard II and retains a wonderfully mysterious and atmospheric feel.
From its outer walls, enjoying the seemingly endless view, you may just find yourself joined by fellow tourist types, peeping in and out of binoculars as they lick their melting ice-creams. Little do they know that this too is another wonder of the local area. Though not quite as historic – it’s been around for 30 years – the Cheshire Ice Cream Farm is a mere three miles from the castle and an equally interesting spot to explore. And, if you do find yourself visiting this neck of the woods, we know just the place to stay!
Edging the green fields of their huge dairy herd and within ice-cream licking distance of the family-friendly visitor centre, Cheshire Farm Yurts is a glamping hideout with a quirky location. Inside, the traditional Mongolian-style structures feature a luxurious double bed and two sofas, creating either a romantic hideaway for two, or, fold out the sofas, and the space becomes a perfect family unit. There’s electricity and all the wares you need for cooking – including a kettle, microwave, hob and grill, while private toilet and shower facilities mean this really is camping with some homely comforts.
Despite it’s location however, the yurts are not a part of the ice-cream farm site, owned and managed, rather, by Marv and Anna Roden who live a few doors down and give the whole place a refreshingly uncommercial feel. Guests find themselves camped out, as if in a large and welcoming garden, somewhere between a campsite and self-catering accommodation. The nearest village, Tattenhall, is perfect for an easy wander – taking in the Jacobean village hall, the red sandstone church with its grey-green slate roof and, of course, an essential stop in the local pub, The Letters Inn (see what they did there?) – while the charming city of Chester is just a 20 minute drive away.
So it’s not all ice cream and milkshakes then? Well, we certainly wouldn’t advise you to tell the kids that, but as the welcome basket of eggs and Cheshire cheese and the sheet of local suggestions reveals, the neighbouring farm is little more than the tip of the iceberg. Or, erm... ice cream, should we say?