Childe Of Hale Cottage Hale

This is Childe of Hale Cottage, the one I told you about in Hale. It's the thatched one, detached. It's very old, early 1500s, and Grade II listed. It's where John Middleton was born, the local giant - over nine feet tall, which is where the name comes from.

It sleeps four. Two bedrooms, and one bathroom. It's got a 4 Star rating, so it's comfortable. The main thing to know is the stairs. They're an old, open spiral staircase, and they're steep. People manage fine, but you need to be aware.

You get the garden to yourselves, it's enclosed. There's parking right there. The facilities are all there: wifi, TV, a washing machine, woodburning stove. Bedding and towels are included. We can take two dogs.

The village pub is literally just up the road, about 150 yards. There's another one too, and a shop. The Trans Pennine Trail goes right through the village, so it's spot on if you've brought bikes or want to walk.

You can be in Liverpool city centre in about half an hour. The Albert Dock, Speke Hall - that sort of thing. We're also close to the coast. The beaches at Formby and Crosby are about a 30 minute drive. Knowsley Safari Park is nearby, and Chester isn't far either.

Useful links if you're planning: National Trust Liverpool and for the trail, Trans Pennine Trail.