It’s a popular place to live for people looking for a countryside feel while still being close to a city, and it’s no surprise why residents love it.
Often referred to as a ‘small town with a village feel’, Poynton’s main shopping street transforms into something resembling an upscale Mediterranean esplanade on a warm summer afternoon.
Paul, one of the town’s dedicated Council Support Community Officers, certainly thinks so. He enthusiastically lists off the independent cafes, restaurants and bars that line Park Lane, the leafy thoroughfare running through the town, saying it feels like being in Spain during the summer months.
Alongside his colleague, they serve as the ‘eyes and ears’ of Poynton, patrolling the pavements and tackling issues such as graffiti, littering, dog fouling and more, all while helping to curb low-level crime and anti-social behaviour.
Today, the pair, who have nothing but praise for the Cheshire town, would be warmly welcomed by any tourism board looking to attract visitors. They’re not alone in their high regard for their hometown.
Tucked away at the foot of the Peak District, Poynton is viewed as the perfect starting point for exploring the Cheshire countryside. Lyme Park is just a short walk away, and there’s also the Middlewood Way, a 16km traffic-free route that winds through the picturesque surroundings, reports the Manchester Evening News.
For those who prefer a leisurely stroll by the water, Poynton Park offers a pool, ancient trees and wildlife, and the Macclesfield Canal runs right through the heart of the town.
Though it boasts a distinctly rural atmosphere, Poynton sits merely minutes from Stockport, and just 11 miles from Manchester, making it a simple 20-minute rail journey to the city for those seeking the perfect balance.
Beth Harris, previously employed in marketing, launched The Greener Grocer, an independent grocery store and zero waste outlet in the town last Easter. She stocks everything from organic produce and fresh juices, to honey and blooming flowers, and reveals it has proved a hit with residents eager to purchase locally.
She says: “Since I’ve opened there have been even more independents joining the fold too, like the bakery La Chouquette down the road and, because of the development, there’s more families moving in and demand for what I do.
“It’s a nice high street, there’s pretty much one of everything. Quite a lot of people around here don’t travel too far, so a lot of residents are very Poynton-centric, which means they like to shop, eat and drink out here.
Back in March 2020, a county-wide study crowned it as Cheshire’s top spot for community wellbeing after examining factors including employment, healthcare, public amenities, cultural offerings and transport links. Boasting five primary schools, a secondary school, two GP surgeries and a bustling high street packed with restaurants and pubs, it certainly delivers the goods – particularly for growing families and pensioners.
Paul Stewart, branch manager at estate agents Moore Homes, sits at his office desk overlooking the junction where Park Lane meets London Road and Chester Road – part of the town’s innovative shared space initiative.
After the pandemic, Paul notes there was enormous appetite for properties in semi-rural settings.
As work patterns shifted, city-dwelling professionals from places like Manchester and London opted to relocate nearer to the countryside, including Cheshire communities such as Poynton and Adlington.
“The stamp duty holiday then created this increased desire to buy a home but also meant that the demand was far outstripping the supply, which forced prices up dramatically as you would have 15-20 people trying to buy the same property,” he explains.
“This carried on until the peak of July-August 2022 and then the disastrous ‘mini budget’ September 2022 when the mortgage market went into disarray.
“Poynton’s housing market did not suffer as much as many areas, due to factors like the five excellent primary schools, a good high school, having fantastic outdoor space such as Lyme Park, the Middlewood Way and Macclesfield Canal on the doorstep, plus Poynton village centre where you can find a lovely array of cafes, restaurants, bars and independent shops.”
Outside The Farmers Arms, a well-liked boozer recently revamped by Robinsons, locals are savouring outdoor pints in the beer garden, whilst Jan and her other half are browsing the shops. “We love it here,” she says, her gaze sweeping down Park Lane, flanked by Waitrose and the upscale eatery, Panache.
“I think it’s the community, and there’s plenty of places to eat out and have a drink. I have eight grandchildren too and having places like the park means we have nice places to take them during the school holidays.”
Debbie and her partner John, originally from Manchester, relocated to Poynton four years ago to support their son who was expecting a baby.
“We wanted to be hands on and help, and now they have two children, so we’re definitely hands on,” Debbie chuckles, taking a sip of her Rose.
After appearing on Channel 4’s A Place in the Sun a few years back and buying a property, the couple now divide their time between Spain and Cheshire.
“It’s wonderful here, we love it. It’s an amazing place to live. I know we don’t get much sunshine here, but on weeks like this when we do it’s so lovely to see everyone out, and even when shops close around here, it’s not long before someone snaps it up.”
Both Debbie and John are active in the local community, whether it’s volunteering or involvement with the local church. Debbie says it’s been a great way to make friends and has felt very welcomed into the community since they moved here.
“On a Saturday you see the butchers are really busy, lots of people in the bars, and we’ll go to Fire and Ice for breakfast and that brings together lots of different age groups. The ice cream shop today is rammed too.
“Really it’s the people though, they’re so lovely and basically like family. I still love Manchester, but when I go back I just think something is missing,” she adds.
And whilst she acknowledges the shared space system has its critics, she says the number of vehicles travelling through the town has decreased following the A43 bypass extension.
“I’m like a little meerkat when I’m sitting here, I just like to watch all the people, even those in their cars. We’ve all got cars – you can’t really go places without – so I’m not sure it bothers many people around here.”
For many, relocating to Spain represents the ultimate retirement dream, but the pair say they’ve ‘got the best of both worlds between here and their second home abroad. And John, who says he values how peaceful and secure Poynton feels, has just one complaint.
“The chippy closes at half past eight,” he chuckles, but beyond that, he says it’s a wonderful place to call home.