I have driven past The Vale Stables and their signs indicating logs and manure for sale many times…read morethinking it was just a horse stables. It may well be this but when I walked past I was overjoyed to find a little garden centre that looks like it rose up from ground and grew out of the trees that hide it. It exists mostly outside with a lady, a cat and dog huddled round a wood burner, running the place. There are plants everywhere, planted in boots, old toilets, amongst carved pieces of wood, as well as in pots, for sale. Recently I picked up a pot of thyme for £1.50 but there were loads of herbs and flowers I could have chosen from. I also wanted some trays and pots to plant my seeds in so I asked if they had any. The lady told me they had loads and to help myself from the pile for no charge! This beats sterile and expensive landscaped garden centres I have tried to avoid since my childhood any day.

The Vale Stables is truly a hidden gem…read more A lovely rambling space packed with seasonal plants of all kinds, where the owners can be found warming their hands on a crackling wood-burner in all weathers - inspiring you to the outdoor life. They sell beautiful healthy plants which are so much cheaper than at any local garden centre. You can also buy wood and good quality manure in the autumn. The atmosphere is friendly and welcoming. The owner, Gwen, and her daughter, have a wealth of gardening knowledge and will go out of their way to help and advise. My 3 year old boy loves to visit and see the hens, the dog and the river while I browse the plants on offer and soak up the atmosphere.

I have been riding here for many years and have never had any problems. The horses provide…read morechallenges and enjoyment that help you to continue learning and developing. There is something for everyone to do, for the parents on the cold winter evenings there is even a heated viewing area. Go ahead and try it for yourself. I have tried almost everything that is on offer, from having a party there where the content was tailored to the abilities of the riders, it would be something I would recommend doing. Through the Stable Management courses I learnt a lot regarding the horses and how to look after them, they now also have a pony club which compliments their stable management teachings.

A good riding school, particularly for children. a good range of horses used in the lessons. They…read moreoffer childrens parties which include a ride on a horse and party games. They offer lessons for all ages and abilities and have regular jumping competions. They also offer hacks out around the local area and to middlewood way. It now has a coffee shop where you can view the lessons from, which is handy if it rains. There are two outdoor schools which are used, which arent that big but big enough. They also do childrens stable management day courses.

It's early days yet, the official opening isn't until 26th August, but a lot of this newly…read moredeveloped attraction is up and running. There has been a livery stable here for a long time and this included a saddlery and farm shop. Now Swithens farm are about to launch their petting corner, play barn, improved farm shop and cafe. The shop stocks local produce including meat from the farm as well as a strange assortment of household items, the produce seems competitively priced and is obviously nice and fresh. A selection of sausages and burgers are also for sale crafted by the resident butcher. I haven't yet tried the cafe but a glance at the menu shows reasonable prices (coffee £1 and a full breakfast £3.50). Trust me, I WILL be trying it out. The staff are friendly and there are lots of smiles (will they stand the test of time?) I suppose there might be some explaining to do when your child finds out that the burger they enjoyed was the mummy of the calf they were just petting :/ I will be checking Swithens Farm out again so expect an update.

Visited Swithens Farm after having been recommended it on the Streetlife website…read more My goal was to find a local farm shop selling lots of locally grown produce, as an alternative to buying from supermarkets. Despite some high hopes, Swithens Farm didn't live up to that goal. There was very little fruit and veg available (half a box of Apples, a few lettuces and some sprouts was about it). The rest of the farm shop was stuff you would expect to find in the supermarket (Coca Cola, Crisps etc).

Horse riding holidays in the beautiful surroundings of Cumbria's hills and dales. Pennines trail…read morerides for groups and the option of horse holidays and livery. Thoroughly recommend this location, with professional, experienced and personable staff.

This is the worst riding school I have ever come across. Please do not take any lessons here.I did…read more8 years of riding but hadn't done it for a while so wanted a few lessons to get back into it. I went 4 times, once they didn't bother turning up the next time they made a mistake and had me down as a 6 year old child and the last time they apparently booked the wrong time so I couldn't ride. It's ok to make mistakes but most appalling was their attitude. I have never come across such rude people. They treat you like dirt if you're new and have no interest whatsoever in teaching. They could seriously benefit from some lessons on social skills!!! I'm really surprised they can get away with being so awful.

I have only been there once on a night residential, will probably go there again when the time…read morecomes for BHS exam prep. Pros: 1) Staff was friendly and food was great! 2) I love Herpy the Border Collie, he's so smart and adorable 3) Best-looking horses I have seen 4) I like the cats too 5) I was invited to watch lessons and had fun interacting with the horses Cons: 1) Coach sometimes forgot about me and left me alone to untack a horse for the first time, and in lessons also; but I am a free-spirited type so it's ok to leave me alone; from health and safety point of view that is a minus 2) Prices are quite high, especially since I have to travel some distance to the location 3) Did not learn as much as I had hoped

barleyfields is such a good and friendly riding school I have learnt so much there and hopefully…read morewill in the future I definitely recommend it to all ages bc it's just the best yard to learn how to groom and tack up and more I LOVE BARLEYFIELDS

Good fun pony trekking without too much instruction if you feel confident. They have various walks…read morewith 1, 2 or more hours. The tracks are steep and precarious but it just adds to the fun. They also have a pro photographer taking shots as you head off up the hill for a wee memento of the day. The views as you go aloing the walk are stunning. Dress in old clothes prepare to get wet and dirty!

A little less pretentious than many of the mainstream chain gyms in the area but also a little…read more'tired' looking. That said there's lots of equipment, 3 pools, saunas, physiotherapy, hairdressing and cafe facilities on site. They do seem to be a little slow at fixing equipment but plenty of other stuff to move on to. Some of the equipment can be a little hard to adjust is ome of the larger guys have been on before and tightened the adjustment screws a little too much. No need to feel intimidated by either the buff or the beautiful here -wide range of people go with a special area for those wanting to use free-weights and a ladies room for any really self-conscious women. Classes can only be booked on the day and do tend to fill up quickly so you need to be calling as soon as they open. Massive car park and easy access.