Cotebrook Shire Horse Centre

Cotebrook Shire Horse Centre, a three-time winner of Cheshire’s “Visitor Attraction of the Year,” is nestled on 50 acres in the middle of the lovely Cheshire countryside and offers everything you need for a perfect day out. Alistair King has been producing champion Shires at the world-renowned Cotebrook Shire Horse Stud for 50 years, and they are the centrepiece of the Centre, with up to 25 horses available for you to see at any given time. There is plenty to see and do at Cotebrook Shire Horse Centre to keep your visit interesting and entertaining. You can discover everything there is to know about the Shire horse, from its history of carrying knights in armour to the vital studwork that ensures the breed’s future. There is a chance to get up close and personal with the horses, and Alistair gives regular talks with a personal introduction to his Shires. There are a variety of British animals and birds, both wild and domesticated, including unusual breeds, in addition to the magnificent Shire horses. You can walk the mile-long Nature Trail to see the horses further away, explore the Wildlife Watch Trail, browse the gift shop for one-of-a-kind rural items and souvenirs, and then stop by the Lakeside Cafe for light lunches and cream teas. FOAL WATCH, a video journal of each mare in the weeks and days leading up to her foal, is held every spring. The foals are then followed as they grow and explore their new surroundings in Foal Watch. Alistair also runs Shire Horse Experience Days, which have been covered on BBC1, where you can learn everything there is to know about preparing a shire for the show ring or explore other parts of studwork. A warm welcome is guaranteed throughout the year, with the exception of Christmas Day and Boxing Day.