The chocolate box village perfect for spring walks - with a great pub at the end

Stroll into the village of Gawsworth in Cheshire and it is a vision of tranquillity - with the historic tower of its 15th century church reflecting in the still waters of the lake it looms over.

Daffodils are about to burst into bloom along the village lanes, while ducks quack merrily as kiddies sprinkle bread around the lakes for them to eat.

Just along the lake from St James' church, behind rhododendron bushes and bending trees, peeps out a flash of the black and white tudor mansion house Gawsworth Hall, which throws its doors open to the public come the summer months.

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Just across the lane is the Georgian splendour of Gawsworth New Hall, looking like something out of a Jane Austen novel with its imposing architecture reflecting in its own lake before it.

It's a vision of chocolate box charm at every turn here - making it an attractive spot for walkers and families alike.

Particularly as the popular Grade II listed pub The Harrington Arms waits with a warm welcome at the foot of the village offering all-day home-cooked food and a large outdoor beer garden with spectacular views up to Mow Cop.

But the beauty of this village is, despite its tranquil appearance, it's not all that hidden away - in fact it's just off the main A536 near Macclesfield, and 23 miles from Manchester off the A34.

And it's filled with fascinating lanes and woodlands to explore - most intriguingly Maggoty Wood, so named after the last court jester of England Maggoty Johnson who famously requested to be buried there back in 1773.

Maggoty, born Samuel Johnson but also known as "Lord Flame", was famously employed as a