Tarporley Makers Market
Located in Tarporley, Cheshire.
Make a day of it, indie style
Independent businesses near Tarporley worth knowing about before or after the market.
Photo: Terrarium by Little Tap
An acclaimed small plates restaurant on the High Street — sibling to the award-winning Little Tap bar just opposite. The pork belly, sticky mango chicken, slow herbed lamb, focaccia and crispy potatoes all draw outstanding reviews. Open from 10am on Saturdays. One of the finest dining experiences in rural Cheshire.
“Went the other week and the food is delicious! Restaurant which does tapas/small plates. It’s sibling to the Little Tap restaurant which is located just opposite. Went to Little Tap few years ago and had some amazing food. Not sure why never went more often! And Terrarium restaurant is just as ...”
Photo: Paul “Brinsley Black” Schwarz
A charming independent tea room and gift shop on the High Street, celebrated for exceptional afternoon teas, beautifully made breakfast sandwiches, homemade scones and warm, welcoming service. The cranberry and orange scone is described as the best in Cheshire by more than one visitor. Open from 9:30am on Saturdays.
“My sister and I had afternoon tea on a Tuesday afternoon. It was lovely and quiet, the homemade scones were lovely and fluffy. The cranberry and orange one was the best scone I’ve ever had. Lovely sandwiches on lovely bread! Fabulous service, so friendly and welcoming. Would definitely return!”
Photo: Tilly's Bunbury
A beloved independent café in the neighbouring village of Bunbury, just four miles from Tarporley — very much worth the detour. Exceptional breakfasts, generous portions, freshly made soups, dog-friendly throughout and a genuinely welcoming team that visitors describe as feeling like family. Open from 8:30am on Saturdays.
“I must lead this review by saying the staff were lovely so I’m happy from that perspective. However, I felt that the inside of the cafe was relatively cold - I kept my coat on during my meal. Perhaps this is just a personal issue, as others didnt seem to mind as much, but I am usually fine eat...”
Photo: Little Tap
An award-winning independent bar on Tarporley High Street with a beautifully curated wine list, excellent rotating craft beers and a warm, inviting interior. Knowledgeable staff, comfortable seating and a genuine neighbourhood feel make this one of Cheshire's most loved village bars. Open from 2pm on Saturdays.
“What a Gem we found visiting Tarporpley. We didn’t eat but the wine was beautiful! We had Josh serve us who offered us a taster B4 we bought. My hubby went with a Nice English Sav Blanc & me with a Spanish Sav Blanc. We were so comfortable & cozy we hand a 2nd round. The service was Excellent!!...”
About this area
Places to go, see and play
Photo: Beeston Castle
A spectacular ruined medieval castle perched on a rocky outcrop above the Cheshire plain, just three miles from Tarporley. The views from the summit take in nine counties on a clear day, and the ruins of the inner gatehouse are dramatic even by English Heritage standards. Open daily, entry charge applies. One of the finest castle walks in England.
“Beeston Castle for me is a childhood memory as I was taken there a number of times by my parents and grandparents for an adventurous day out. On this visit, it was my wife's first time and it didn't disappoint. This English Heritage site is remarkable, with findings dating back as far as the Bro...”
Photo: Ryan Darkes
The UK's most visited zoo, just two miles from Chester city centre — a world-class conservation organisation with over 35,000 animals across 128 acres of landscaped gardens. The Islands experience, the Komodo dragon house and the orangutan forest are unmissable. Book in advance. Open daily.
“Fantastic zoo me and the wife loved it. Kids all grown up so us two went to the zoo 🤣 managed to see everything in a day 10 till 4pm thats with stopping and having food and sneaky pint at there beautiful bar and restaurant. Good day out”
Photo: Cholmondeley Castle Gardens
The spectacular gardens of Cholmondeley Castle, around ten minutes from Tarporley — one of the finest ornamental gardens in Cheshire, set around a romantic lake with Gothic towers reflected in the water. Open on selected days in spring and summer. Entry charge applies. A beautiful complement to a Tarporley market day.
“Cholmondeley Castle Gardens is a real gem. The gardens are full of beautiful flowers and greenery, with carpets of bluebells in the spring – I loved it all. The Arboretum is huge and makes for a lovely wander. The castle itself is private and can’t be visited, but it still adds a beautiful ba...”
Places to Stay near Tarporley
Make a weekend of it — find hotels, B&Bs and guest houses close to this market.
