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Share special moments amongst the beauty of Cheshire

Things to do near the Blue Cap, Sandiway

Whether you’re looking for a stroll through the scenic settings of Cheshire or a trip back to the Northwich of yesteryear, there’s something for everyone in and around Sandiway. With the villages of Sandiway and Cuddington home to a breadth of war time history, there is so much to uncover in a seemingly unassuming area. Step outside of the tree-lined streets surrounding the Blue Cap and Sandiway and explore all that the area has to offer.

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Beacon Fell Country Park

If breathtaking views and rolling hills are on your getaway wish list, make a beeline for Beacon Fell Country Park. Forming part of the Forest of Bowland AONB, this country park stretches out over 180 acres of woodland, moorland, and rolling fields crisscrossed with dry stone walls.

Here you’ll find a choice of trails to explore, all of which give you the chance to spot local wildlife like the elusive Roe deer, fluttering dragonflies and scurrying weasels. For the best vistas, consider walking up to Beacon Fell. Its lofty summit sits 837 metres above sea level, and on clear days, you can see as far as the Isle of Man.

Need a drink after all that fresh air? Luckily, there are plenty of welcoming pubs near Beacon Fell Country Park – including the Roebuck in nearby Bilsborrow, where you can tuck into a delicious meal alongside your drink.

Brock Bottom

Sunny days were made for picnics at Brock Bottom. This stunning spot sits just west of Beacon Fell Country Park and is well-loved by families, dog owners and hikers alike.

The Brock is a particularly lovely place to while away a warm summer’s day. Spread out a blanket on the grassy bank and cool off your toes with a paddle in the shallow river. There are also several walking trails nearby if you’d like to begin your visit with a stroll.

Our top tip? Plan your trip in springtime to see the banks of the river blanketed in vibrant bluebells. It’s one of the most beautiful things to do in Lancashire, let alone Bilsborrow.

Lancaster Canal

If you fancy a walk in the local countryside after a delicious pub lunch at the Roebuck, why not venture down the Lancaster Canal? One of the most relaxing things to do in Bilsborrow, the canal runs right through the village and serves up incredible views regardless of which way you choose to stroll.

Head north towards Brock to cross the 18th-century Brock Aqueduct. Or go south to walk through miles of untouched scenery. For a shorter walk south, head left off the canal path at the first bridge you meet.

Then, loop back through the lanes to Bilsborrow, passing by the quaint Planks café for a cup of tea and a slice of cake. Just make sure you save enough room for your meal at the Roebuck after all your exploring.

Bowland Wild Boar Park

Another wonderful attraction in the Forest of Bowland is the Bowland Wild Boar Park. This family-run wildlife park sits in the Ribble Valley and is home to dozens of amazing creatures, including its namesake boars.

Whether or not you’re travelling with kids, it’s a fun and memorable day out. Get up close to all manner of farmyard favourites, including pigs, donkeys, sheep and goats. The park is also home to a few more exotic inhabitants like ostriches, meerkats and alpacas. You may even get the opportunity to feed and pet a few of them!

Or, if you fancy something a touch more exhilarating, why not take a tractor ride through the fields or even learn how to drive a tank? The park is easily one of the best family-friendly things to do in Bilsborrow.

Harris Museum

With Preston less than ten miles down the road, a day trip into the city is always on the cards when you’re in Bilsborrow. As well as checking out the shops at the bustling Fishergate Shopping Centre and grabbing a bite to eat at Preston Market, make sure you check out the Harris Museum.

This handsome venue sits on Market Square and hides all manner of treasures, from exquisite ceramics to intricate costumes and other fashion items from throughout the ages. What’s more, the collection is constantly growing.

While you're at it, consider visiting the equally impressive Guild Hall across the road. As the new home of the Harris Library and its fantastic gift shop, you may even say it’s one of the best things to do in Preston.

A mobile sized illustration advertising local attractions near to The Blue Cap.

Go for par at Sandiway Golf Club

Formed in 1920 and just across the road from the Blue Cap, the esteemed Sandiway Golf Club is home to generous, tree-lined freeways with sandy subsoil, making the course an excellent golfing location all year round. Spot the oak, beech and birchwood trees, dotted with birds and insects, and as you play through the back nine, take some time to enjoy the ravishing backdrop of Pettypool — best viewed on the 11th and 12th holes.

The club holds an extensive history, from its original layout by Ted Ray, the first UK & Ireland Ryder Cup Captain, to part of the course being lost in the Second World War as the fairways were ploughed for food production. In the 1950s, some holes were lost or abandoned due to enforcement by the completion of the Northwich bypass, which you may drive on today as you make your way to the Blue Cap! Today, the club is often chosen to host international, national, regional and local championships and is held in high regard as a traditional private members’ club.

If your golfing skills are a little rusty, you can check out the course before you arrive on the Course Flyover page. Booking is advised at this esteemed golf club.

Sprinkle some time in Northwich into your day

Northwich is famous for its salt industry, which is, in fact, the reason the town has such few ancient buildings. The constant pumping of brine from beneath the district and the collapse of old salt mines has weakened the landscape around, sadly causing subsidence of the town, but this has been arrested in recent times with the introduction of controlled pumping.

Take a stroll through the old market town, pop into a few independent shops on your way past and, if you’ve timed your trip well, visit the monthly Artisan Market, full of unique treasures and handmade goods. The town is vibrant and welcoming, sitting prettily on the confluence of the River Dane and the Weaver Navigation, and has a distinctive look with its black and white timber-framed buildings.

Northwich lies at the end of the Heritage Cycle Trail route from Anderton Boat Lift and is home to the Weaver Hall Museum and Workhouse, where the history of West Cheshire comes to life through film, reconstruction, models, displays and artefacts. It’s a truly lovely day out for any family, made even better with a visit to a pub near Northwich. Why not try the Blue Cap, just 11 minutes' drive away, to complete a day of heartfelt memories?

The Ice Cream Farm

Award-winning ice cream, fun at the farm and family-friendly events are aplenty here at the Ice Cream Farm, and it's just a 25-minute drive from the Blue Cap, Sandiway, too. There are ten different areas for the little ones to run wild in, including Europe's largest indoor sand and water play, an adventure golf course and an arcade room for older children.

The Ice Cream Farm is also home to the world's biggest ice cream shop. The shop is filled with over 50 flavours of award-winning Cheshire Farm Ice Cream, which are topped with enough sprinkles and sauces to fulfil even the sweetest of tooths.

If you're looking for an event for the whole family, the Ice Cream Farm has themed escape rooms, scavenger hunts, toddler time and more. It's the perfect place to treat everyone to a day of fun and excitement in a fun and engaging environment. And, after a busy day of play, you can pop into the Blue Cap for a drink and some non-ice-cream-themed food afterwards.

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