A giant Paddington and a sweet family legacy at Snugburys

Drive along the A51 near Nantwich and you can hardly miss him. A colossal Paddington Bear, complete with hat and suitcase, gazes out across the Cheshire plain from Snugburys ice cream farm at Hurleston, the latest in a long line of giant straw creations that have become a much-loved local landmark.

According to Snugburys, Paddington stands 50ft high and took more than 1,500 hours of work to complete, spread over 62 and a half days of welding, straw stuffing, willow weaving, painting and cladding. Planning and design began in January 2024, and the materials include straw, willow and larch shingles. His famous hat and suitcase were woven by Sarah Gallagher of Twigtwisters, using two varieties of sustainable willow from Somerset.

He follows a memorable cast of predecessors, including Peter Rabbit, a Dalek, a giant bee and Big Ben, each one drawing visitors to the farm and its famous parlour.

The sculptures may catch the eye, but it is the ice cream that keeps people coming back. Snugburys began in 1986, when dairy farmers Chris and Cheryl Sadler had surplus milk they could not sell and began making ice cream in small batches in their farmhouse kitchen, trying it out on friends and family. Demand soon outgrew the kitchen window, and an old barn in the cobbled courtyard was converted into the parlour.

Nearly four decades on, Snugburys remains proudly family-run, now led by the Sadlers' daughters Hannah, Kitty and Cleo, who have continued to grow the business. The farm makes more than 35 flavours, and alongside the ice cream there are animals to see, trails to explore and hot and cold drinks to enjoy.

The family's efforts continue to be recognised: Snugburys was shortlisted for Food Producer of the Year in the 2025 Taste Cheshire Food and Drink Awards following a public vote, a fitting nod to a business that has become part of so many Cheshire childhoods.

With autumn here, the farm's seasonal displays make a visit worthwhile even when the weather turns, and a cone in the shadow of a 50ft bear is a treat at any age.

Snugburys is at Park Farm, Chester Road, Hurleston, near Nantwich, CW5 6BU. Find out more at snugburys.co.uk.