I was a member of this tennis club for 4 years before I started university and enjoyed every moment…read moreI spent here. The facilities available have been revamped by the new large clubhouse that's been erected, nice tarmac courts (unfortunately not lawn tennis as the name suggests) along with 3 astroturf courts, knock-up wall and seating areas for spectators. The new clubhouse boasts a large bar on the upper floor with a balcony for comfortable viewing on tennis competition days and for the parents whilst their children are being taught by the professionals at the tennis club. They run weekly tennis lessons ranging from beginner toddlers to pro-adults of all genders and ages, making them feel welcome in the atmosphere around the club. The prices of the membership are very cheap considering you get unlimited play on the courts throughout the years, obviously not when the courts are in use for competition or training, and also into the clubhouse. For those budding tennis fans/players around Congleton, this is definitely a must sign up for.

This large sports area in the centre of the town provides ample opportunity for the keen cricketer…read moreor keen bowler to join up. I started my cricketing career at this ground before switching to the more village style of Mossley to ensure myself of a game and to follow my mates who also all switched. The facilities cricket-wise include a large clubhouse, bowling net, astroturf wicket, roll-on cricket net and pristine outfield and wicket at times. The ground itself is rather large with long boundaries downhill to the pavilion and uphill to the far end othe ground. However, the side boundaries can vary in length from extremely short to large dependent on the wicket chosen for the game. Congleton CC has a 1sts, 2nds and 3rds adult teams along with U18s down to U9 children age groups. The clubhouse boasts a large bar area for functions/birthday parties etc and ample facilities for those visiting cricket teams who travel to Congleton. The car park is sadly inadequate for the size of the club.

From personal experience, having lived alongside the 14th fairway for 18 years and having been a…read moremember for 2 years before I started university, I found this course to be both beautiful to play on and challenging at the same time. The variety of hole from short 100-yard par 3 to long 500 yard par 5s through the brilliant Cheshire countryside, make this a great course to play on. It provides a challenge with varying wind conditions, extensive foliage and water hazards throughout the course but its upkeep is pristine. Other facilities at this course include the big clubhouse/small golf shop, knock-up holes on the other side of the road from the course and a small putting green right before the first tee. This knock-up hole facility is available to all members at all times and is handy for ironing out problems in the swing, however I would recommend fetching a few hundred old golf balls from the garage before heading out as some are always lost throughout a warm-up. The putting green is exact replicas of the green speed and firmness out on the course so gives early indications to those heading out on the course of the greens on all 18 holes. The clubhouse itself has a pool room/function room and large bar area along with a balcony area for a perfect view down the 18th tee to watching the weary hacker or pro finish his round. The bar also has a large restaurant area for those wanting to hire out a large room for a function/wedding reception etc. The course itself during the summer months has pristine greens both undulating and simple ones dotted around, along with the added challenges of lakes, the canal and even a large wood separating tee to first fairway on the 13th hole (where I have fell victim many a time). Most holes provide a challenge with slanting/dogleg fairways with varying pace and ball carry at times. During the winter months, these pristine greens are unfortunately swapped with small winter greens which are essentially small slightly shorter parts of the fairway and unfortunately ruin the experience. Also, a tee-off mat must be bought and used throughout the round of golf to avoid divoting the ground during the winter months. Competition days are Saturdays and club games are played on Sundays and Wednesdays I believe. The membership cost is rather steep at £300 sign up fee plus £250 a year for an under 18 with adult pricing hitting nearly £700 a year. The course would have to be used regularly personally to get money's worth, but definitely worth it for the keen and regular golfer.