Cheshire Polo Club

Watching grown men on horseback whack a ball around a field might sound rather daft, but there's something rather hypnotic about polo once you get into it. This well-established club near Tarporley runs matches through the summer season, and you can usually turn up to watch from the sidelines without much fuss. The atmosphere is surprisingly relaxed - none of that stuffy country set nonsense you might expect.

Families with older children tend to get the most from a visit here. Little ones might lose interest after the novelty wears off, but teenagers often find themselves surprisingly engaged by the speed and skill on display. The horses are magnificent creatures, and watching them pivot and charge is half the entertainment. Most matches run for about an hour and a half, though games can overrun if it's close.

Timing your visit is key - matches typically happen at weekends during polo season, roughly May through September. Check their website before making the trip, as fixtures can change. It's a proper countryside location too, making it a decent afternoon out if you're staying at one of the nearby parks like Blakemere Holiday Park or Wild Shore Delamere. Just don't expect much in the way of facilities - this is polo as it's meant to be, outdoors and unpretentious.