Jodrell Bank's Lovell telescope has been in the spotlight after news of a proposed funding cut to its scientific research sparked a wave of support. Many are now planning visits to the Cheshire observatory, and those who stop for ice cream at its visitor centre will be tasting a product from Bidlea Dairy, an award-winning farm just a couple of miles across the fields in Twemlow village.
Bidlea Dairy Ice Cream Farm is a destination in its own right. From the terrace, visitors can enjoy sweeping views across the South Cheshire countryside, including the famous Lovell telescope in the distance. The farm also sits right next to Holmes Chapel Zoo, making it a combined family day out.
Ice cream and café at the farm
The farm has a large café inside, plus plenty of outdoor seating. The menu goes beyond ice cream, offering savoury treats, home-made cakes and hot and cold drinks. Each day, 24 flavours are on offer from a full roster of 80, ranging from Jaffa Cake, bubblegum, birthday cake and blue raspberry to traditional favourites like raspberry and mint choc chip. Bidlea has won multiple Great Taste awards since launching, including for its original Gold Top, honeycomb and vanilla.
Prices start at £3.30 for a single scoop in a waffle cone or tub, £4.30 for a double scoop and £5.30 for a triple. For £6.25, visitors can choose one or two flavours blended into a bespoke milkshake topped with whipped cream.
From struggling dairy to ice cream success
The ice cream farm first opened in 2021 and has expanded since due to growing demand. It is run by Ray and Jill Brown, their sons Adam and Ryan, and the sons' wives, both named Becky. More than a decade ago, the Brown family faced what looked like a critical decline in dairy farming, with supermarkets offering just 16p a litre for their cows' milk.
They decided to start processing and pasteurising their own milk, building an adjoining dairy on Twemlow Lane. Milk is pumped over the road through a supply line straight from the free-range pedigree cows into the dairy, producing fresh milk 24 hours later for local farm shops and wholesalers. When lockdown began in March 2020, demand for fresh milk surged, and Bidlea partnered with local delivery services across Cheshire to reach customers directly.
The ice cream idea came as another knock-on from lockdown. The family invested in ice cream equipment, experimented with flavours and launched their product. Through word of mouth and social media, crowds began flocking to the farm.
Holmes Chapel Zoo
Just over a year ago, Holmes Chapel Zoo arrived in one of the farm's fields and has big plans for expansion. It is best described as a mini zoo with big ambitions. The outdoor field site houses a host of animals, including meerkats, tortoises, skunks, owls, deer and wallabies. Daily animal talks are held, and children can hold creatures such as lizards, guinea pigs and snakes at regular intervals.
Entry is reasonably priced: adult tickets are £8.50, child and concession tickets are £6, and under-2s go free. A family advance saver ticket for two adults and up to three children costs £26 if booked 36 hours in advance. The zoo also features a rustic play area made from recycled tyres, a colouring tent where children can draw the animals they have seen, and a gift shop with animal toys.
How to get there
Bidlea Dairy Ice Cream Farm is on Twemlow Lane, near Holmes Chapel, Cheshire, CW4 8DS, around a five-minute drive from Junction 18 of the M6. The farm is open every day until 7pm, with visitor hours listed as 9am to 5pm; 24-hour milk and ice cream vending machines are available for after-hours treats. Entry and parking are free.
Holmes Chapel Zoo is just behind the ice cream farm and opens 10am to 3pm on weekends and 11am to 3pm on weekdays. Tickets can be bought online in advance, which is recommended, or on the door. The nearest train station is Goostrey, on the main line between Manchester Piccadilly and Crewe, a one-mile walk from the zoo and ice cream farm.
