Places To Visit
Back to 'Things To See & Do'
Hack Green Secret Bunker - first-time visitors are surprised to see signs pointing to a 'secret bunker'. How secret can it be if there are signs for it?! But in the Cold War of the 20th century, Hack Green was one of several 'regional government headquarters'. These were to be boltholes that those in charge could retreat to, when the Soviet bombs and missiles started falling - the idea was that they could carry on governing whatever remained above ground, from the safety of the their underground lair. All rather 'James Bondish', you might think. Of course, the idea was never tested, thankfully. Hack Green has a military history dating back into WWII, when it was a decoy station serving to confuse the bombers over Crewe railway yards. It then became a radar station, controlling military aircraft over a large area, before becoming part of Dr Strangelove's world.
We have some excellent garden centres close to us -
- Bridgemere Garden Centre is renowned for its excellent range of plants and trees - but it also has prize-winning Chelsea gardens for you to admire, as well as shops and restaurants. Top-quality food with a local slant, clothing and furniture can all be found, together with Hobbycraft and Ripples Waterlife stores.
- Stapeley Water Gardens - as well as a huge range of plants and water plants, you can buy outdoor clothing, camping equipment, pet supplies. And if you get bored, you can even get married! - the Palms Tropical Oasis at Stapeley is a popular venue for weddings.
- Dagfields Crafts & Antiques Centre at Walgherton is just 8 miles from Coole Hall Farm. There are over five antique emporia, with over 200 separate dealers to tempt you, plus 25 craft workshops. When you need refreshment, there's a tearoom and restaurant - and there's an animal village for smaller children, with goats, sheep, pigs, rabbits, guinea pigs, pheasants, bantams, geese and doves.