HARRY'S HOME VILLAGE
GUIDED TOURS
From June 2024, Holmes Chapel Partnership ran Guided Tours of Holmes Chapel.
There will be no more Guided Tours in 2024. To receive Tour updates for next year please sign up to our mailing list: CLICK HERE
If you are visiting Holmes Chapel to have a look around without coming on a Tour, please CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD OUR FREE WALKING MAP
Harry’s Home Village Tour will last around 2.5-3hrs and include safe walking routes to popular locations such as Mandeville’s Bakery and Twemlow Viaduct. Tour participants will each receive a unique Harry’s Home Village Tour map offering exclusive offers at retailers and venues throughout Holmes Chapel.
For more information and to book a tour please click the button below.
PLEASE NOTE:
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The route down to the viaduct is over fields and can be very muddy.
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There is no shelter from the weather so please wear suitable clothing and footwear.
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You will need to be able to climb over several stiles on this tour.
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The Tour is unsuitable for wheelchairs, pushchairs or anyone with mobility issues.
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We do not recommend this tour for anyone under the age of 4 years old.
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Anyone under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult who is over 18 years old.
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Dogs are not allowed on the tour.
Can't see availability on the date you were planning to visit? Please get in touch and we'll see what we can do. Email: guidedtour@hcpartnership.org.uk
(Please note: Bookings close at 8am on the day of the tour.)
Tour merchandise is available to purchase from Sam Dale's shop in Holmes Chapel,
or online here:
UK: https://www.samdaleandson.co.uk/collections/harry
Worldwide: https://www.ebay.co.uk/str/dalesholmeschapel
CLICK HERE to sign up to our email list to receive Tour updates.
Here's a preview of what your can expect on your Guided Tour. Thank you to SWNS for the amazing video.
"My daughter and I travelled from Somerset to experience this new tour.
We both want to thank you for firstly setting this up and all the hard work that goes into it, from the locals, shop workers and all the preparations.
The tour guides were so lovely - we were lucky to have three lovely ladies who gave us so much information about Harry himself and about the surroundings of Holmes chapel.
Anyone looking to do this won't be disappointed!"
TOUR FAQs:
How long will the Tour last?
We estimate 2.5-3 hours for the Tour but also recommend taking some time afterwards to explore Holmes Chapel village centre.
Where does the Tour depart from?
The Tour will depart from Holmes Chapel Train Station which is conveniently located opposite the Community Centre where you will find a cafe for refreshments and toilet facilities.
What should I wear?
Cheshire is renowned for its changeable weather. We recommend practical outfits for a day in the countryside plus strong, ideally waterproof shoes and coats. The walk to the Viaduct includes a path through open fields which can get muddy and slippery. Kissing gates and stiles will also need to be traversed. Attendees will be loaned high viz jackets, walking poles and shoe covers at Sam Dales, if required.
I’m travelling with a suitcase where can I leave it?
Our friends at Dales will kindly store any bags and luggage for free while you are on the Tour and if you wish to spend time more time in the village afterwards. Dales is open until 5pm Mon-Fri and until 4pm on Saturdays.
Will I be able to write on the Twemlow Viaduct on the tour?
Twemlow Viaduct is a Grade II listed structure owned by Network Rail. It is a criminal offence to deface it and visitors struggle to find a space to add their own message to the viaduct. A slate heart that you can decorate and leave at the Viaduct is provided as part of the tour.
What is the Country Code?
Echoing Harry’s message to ‘treat people with kindness’, Holmes Chapel Partnership is asking Tour attendees to follow the Country Code and be respectful when traversing the walk to Twemlow Viaduct which is across working farmland. Straying from the guided path and littering can be harmful, and even fatal, to livestock.
A briefing on the Country Code will be provided during each Tour and can also be found here: Countryside_Code_A5.pdf (publishing.service.gov.uk)
What are stiles and kissing gates?
Stiles and kissing gates are structures commonly found in rural areas, especially in the countryside of the United Kingdom. They serve as a way for pedestrians to cross over fences, walls, or other barriers while keeping livestock contained. The walk to Twemlow Viaduct includes stiles, a short bridge across the River Dane and a kissing gate. The Tour Guides will happily demonstrate how to use all of these, to those unfamiliar.
Please be aware barbed wire is used to fence livestock around Twemlow Viaduct. This is very sharp galvanised steel. Please do not attempt to cross it.