Popstar’s childhood home has top ice cream shop and a zoo | UK | Travel

Just an hour’s drive from Manchester lies a quaint village brimming with independent businesses, cosy tea rooms and even a renowned ice cream parlour. This charming spot gained international recognition thanks to a global music sensation.

Holmes Chapel in Cheshire, with its idyllic architecture and population of approximately 7,000, was once the home of pop star Harry Styles. The village was catapulted into fame over a decade ago when a young Harry Styles made his debut on The X Factor. Today, this small community is known worldwide, largely due to the Grammy award-winning former One Direction member.

However, Holmes Chapel offers more than just being the childhood stomping ground of the 31-year-old superstar.

Originally named Church Hulme, the village started as a modest farming community of around 400 inhabitants. The introduction of the railway line, train station, local road network and proximity to the M6 sparked a population boom during the 1800s and 1900s.

The parish council lauds it as a ‘thriving community’, highlighting its array of local shops and amenities, as well as the surrounding countryside ripe for exploration via numerous footpaths, including those along the River Dane at the northern boundary, reports the Manchester Evening News.

With a highly-rated comprehensive school, two primary schools, and a picturesque village centre featuring the impressive St Luke’s church, Holmes Chapel also boasts a variety of shops and hospitality venues. One such local gem is W. Mandeville’s bakery, known locally as just Mandeville’s.

This historic establishment has been a staple in the community for more than a century since it first opened its doors in 1900.

In recent times, it’s often referred to as ‘Harry’s Bakery’, given that the Watermelon Sugar singer worked there before he ventured off to audition for the renowned ITV talent show.

The village centre boasts two traditional pubs – the George and Dragon and the Red Lion – along with the Bottle Bank bar. Nearby, you’ll find convenient amenities such as a Sainsbury’s Local, Costa, and Tesco Express.

Adjacent to the fire station lies a shopping precinct housing various businesses including Morrison’s Daily and the much-loved London Road Fish Bar.

Nestled on the quaint cobbled path behind St Luke’s is The Cobbles Tea Room – a cosy, independent café and B&B. Towards the southern end of the village, you’ll discover The Vic, a social club, and the popular Chinese restaurant Fortune City.

The village also has a lot for families. Bidlea Dairy Ice Cream Farm recently experienced its busiest day of sales ever thanks to the recent spell of sunny weather.

Set against the backdrop of stunning countryside with awe-inspiring views of the Jodrell Bank observatory, the farm is a hit with visitors of all ages. Despite its rural setting, the ice cream farm is easily accessible, just four miles from junction 18 of the M6, and near Goostrey’s mainline train station.

Since its launch in 2021, Bidlea Dairy has rapidly amassed a dedicated fan base, thanks to its impressive array of 80 rotating ice cream flavours and seating areas boasting splendid views of one of Cheshire’s most renowned landmarks. The Dairy has expanded its offerings with a selection of fridges filled with its full dairy range, encompassing milk, creams, yoghurts, and family-sized tubs of ice cream.

Ice cream enthusiasts can select from a revolving menu of flavours at the milk and ice cream vending machines. Each day, 24 options are on offer, featuring tempting varieties such as Biscoff, birthday cake, bubblegum, and mint choc chip – all reasonably priced at £2.90 for a single scoop, £3.90 for double, and £5 for a hefty triple scoop indulgence.

The Bidlea assortment also includes decadent ice cream milkshakes, crafted from any two flavours of your choosing, at a cost of £6. If you’re dropping by the café, anticipate a delightful array of hot and cold beverages along with scrumptious snacks like cheese toasties at £3.95, home-cooked soup for £4.50, or a hearty bacon and sausage bap also at £4.50.

Even furry friends aren’t forgotten, with lactose-free dog ice cream on offer, ensuring that four-legged guests are well catered for. Visitors can savour the stunning panoramic vistas over the Cheshire landscapes and Jodrell Bank from the café’s outdoor area and elevated seating platform, providing customers with an unobstructed view of the famous telescope.

The farm’s allure has broadened with the introduction of Holmes Chapel Zoo. It hosts a variety of animals including meerkats, lizards, and owls. The zoo provides educational workshops and hands-on experience days, where visitors can spend up to an hour within the expansive habitat custom-built for meerkats.

Another must-visit when you’re in the area is Goostrey Home and Leisure. Nestled in antique farm structures along the A50, it isn’t a typical farm shop – it’s known for its range of local artisanal products, boasting fresh vegetables, meats, dairy, and baked edibles among others.

Venturing deeper into the converted barns reveals a veritable Aladdin’s Cave packed with retail delights. With a collection of stalls offering everything from homewares and crafts to clothing and garden plants, Goostrey is hailed as the “ultimate country shopping experience”.

Additionally, there’s a generously-sized tearoom onsite, replete with distinctive décor, inviting guests to partake in hot meals and indulge in cake selections presented on traditional stands. Parents will be pleased with the sheltered outdoor seating area adjacent to the main café, offering a view of a free play area where youngsters can burn off some steam.

The playground is packed with fun features including a structure with ladders and slides, adventurous elements like a rope ladder and stepping stones, swings, crawl-through tubes, and a sandbox for digging.