Cotebrook Shire Horse Centre Visit
Overview
Join us as we spend the day with these magnificent animals. Lauren and Vikki had a visit last year and loved it. They had a Shire experience day. so got to enter the paddocks & to cuddle the foals under supervision but don't worry, we won't be getting that close on this visit. If we are lucky we may get to pat/stroke a Shire horse.
Set in 50 acres in the heart of the beautiful Cheshire countryside, Cotebrook Shire Horse Centre and Stud Farm offers everything for the perfect day out. It is home to the internationally renowned Cotebrook Shire Horse Stud, where the King family have been breeding Champion Shires for over 50 years and they form the centrepiece of the Centre with up to 30 horses at any time for you to meet. All their foals are given the "Cotebrook" prefix, with females named after Scottish Lochs and males named after Scottish mountains
At Cotebrook Shire Horse Centre there is lots to see and do to make your visit interesting and enjoyable. You can learn all about the Shire horse, from its history carrying knights in armour to the important studwork today, ensuring the future of this magnificent breed.
There is an opportunity to meet the horses up close and there are regular talks with a personal introduction to some of the Shires.
As well as the fabulous Shire horses there is a selection of British animals and birdlife both wild and domesticated including rare breeds.
We can wander around the various trails to meet the horses further afield, explore the Wildlife Watch Trail and Woodland area, browse around the gift shop with its unique country gifts and souvenirs, and visit the Lakeside Cafe which offers light lunches and cream teas. You can take a look a sample menu HERE
What animals can I see during my visit?
As well as lots of Shire Horses, Shetland Ponies, Pigs, Ducks and Hens, they also have Red Foxes, Scottish Wildcats, Otters, Polecats, Red Deer, Owls.
Please note: it is a requirement of their Zoo Licence that they offer these wildlife animals the opportunity to hide away from the public if they wish to do so, so we cannot guarantee that they will be visible to you at all times however you are most likely to see them at their feeding times.
Includes
- Entry ticket to the Shire Horse Center (which Spice have to charge VAT on top of)
- A warm excited welcome from your Spice Host
- A small admin fee
Extras
- lunch in the on site cafe which helps to fund the centre
- any souvenirs bought from the gift shop which again helps to fund the centre
- Any animal feed purchased for the ducks and chickens
Location & Itinerary
- Between 10am and 10.50am meet your host in the cafe
- 11am Shetland pony Grooming- Pearl loves to be brushed and have her mane plaited.
- 11.15am Take a walk on the wildside, where we will join a staff member as they feed the Otters, Polecats, Red Foxes and Scottish Wildcats. Meet by the otters and follow the animal keeper for the opportunity for a chat and to ask any questions. Also includes introduction to Red Squirrels and Owls.
- 12 Noon Meet a Shire- Meet some of our magnificent shire horses at close hand under the open barn for a talk about our stud work and the Cotebrook bloodline.
- 12.30-1pm Lunch - In the on site cafe
- 2pm Meet a Shire- Meet some of our magnificent shire horses at close hand under the open barn for a talk about our stud work and the Cotebrook bloodline.
- 2.30-3pm A walk around the trails
Do you love animals? Always wanted to be up close to a Shire horse? Enjoy fresh air and socialising then this is for you!
- Vikki will meet you in the on site cafe from 10am as she will have breakfast there.
- You can arrive anytime up until 10.50am which is when we will go into the Shire Horse Centre
Cotebrook Shire Horse Centre is located on the A49 in Cotebrook, two miles north of Tarporley next to the Alvanley Arms Inn.
They have plenty of free parking on site.
Host & Everything Else
Gallery
