Former Emmerdale star Kelvin Fletcher has made his home in the picturesque Cheshire village of Wincle.

I visited Kelvin Fletcher’s picturesque Cheshire village(Image: Reach)

Former Emmerdale star Kelvin Fletcher has settled in a picturesque Cheshire village that residents describe as “going back in time”. Upon arriving in Wincle, situated just over an hour from Manchester, the striking red telephone box and the roaring waters of the River Dane immediately capture one’s attention.

Set within the Peak District, this village is surrounded by rolling hills and breathtaking panoramas. Despite its rural character, it remains conveniently close to larger towns like Macclesfield and Congleton, offering residents the best of countryside life without sacrificing access to urban facilities.

Fletcher, best known for his portrayal of Andy Sugden in Emmerdale, moved to the region with his wife Liz and their family in 2021. This relocation marked his career shift from television actor to agricultural entrepreneur, chronicled in the documentary series Kelvin’s Farming Adventure and, latterly, Fletcher’s Family Farm on ITV One.

He currently lets out a farmhouse cottage through Airbnb – generating as much as £78,000 annually.

The journey along winding country roads to Wincle reveals several notable Cheshire sights, including the imposing BT Tower at Sutton and the spectacular Macclesfield Forest, located a stone’s throw from the village. The town of Macclesfield itself lies a mere 15 minutes away, reports the Mirror.

Upon reaching my destination, I managed to park my car amidst a line of vacant vehicles, spotting several walkers preparing for their journey as I headed towards the river. The area’s countryside walks can be aptly described in two simple words – walker’s paradise, according to the Manchester Evening News.

This quaint village is also rich in history. The Ship Inn, currently shut “until further notice”, has been a fixture in Wincle since 1739, whilst St Michael’s Church first welcomed parishioners in 1647.

The church, which underwent restoration works in 2018, was built on the site of an ancient neolithic burial ground.

Off the beaten track, the historic Cleulow Cross, a gritstone pillar thought to originate from the Dark Ages, overlooks the Peak District hills, attracting hordes of walkers. After their stroll, visitors can drop by the Wincle Brewery, cosily situated beside the River Dane.

But it’s not just tourists who are smitten with the area’s allure. Chris Gardener moved to Wincle over ten years ago, entranced by its stunning landscapes and tranquil rural lifestyle.

He shared: “I live here and I love it. It’s just the beauty of it. It’s a very lovely place and it feels like going back in time. I’ve lived here for around 10 years now and it’s all about the community, the people are lovely.”

Following his appearance in Kelvin’s documentary chronicling his portrayal of Andy Sugden, the village has apparently experienced a notable increase in tourists eager to catch a glimpse of the actor. Local entrepreneur Giles Meadows, proprietor of Wincle Brewery, notes that Kelvin is regularly seen contributing to community activities.

He commented: “There has definitely been an influx of people into the village since Kelvin moved in. People walk around looking out for Kelvin himself and he has really integrated into the community. He likes to help out at the village fete and at local events.”

Giles explained that numerous tourists are attracted to the picturesque village owing to its breathtaking countryside, stating: “It’s a very beautiful part of the country, it’s got the beauty of the Peak District but it’s still relatively close to civilisation.

“A lot of the people here are extremely friendly and welcoming. People come here because it is a naturally beautiful place with some fantastic walks.”

Kelvin makes his return to television this evening (23rd February) with Fletcher’s Family Farm on ITV One at 7:30pm. This instalment features Kelvin readying his mature pigs for sale and enduring an unplanned visit to A&E after an unfortunate run-in with a wasp’s nest.

Additionally, a young kitten becomes the latest addition to the expanding Fletcher household.