Tickles Cottage is nearby Mintaro, one of the Clare Valleys heritage listed towns where you will find Martindale Hall, a pleasant 2 km walk or bike ride from the cottage, it is the same distance into the township of MIntaro. MInaro is home to the Magpie & Stump, a fantastic country pub, Reilly's restaurant, Swans a beautiful cafe opened in October 05, wineries, a living maze and well preserved heritage buildings.

The Clare Valley also offers a plethora of restaurants, cellar door winery outlets, art galleries, Heritage & history. Its also a great place to sit by the fire or in the garden and read a book!

Energetic guests can cycle the nearby Rielsing Trail or play a round of golf 15 minutes drive away from the cottage on the fantastic greens in Clare, .Wineries, art galleries, a living maze, heritage towns showing beautiful stone work in much loved buildings and remnants of a by gone era, country pubs, a plethora of great restaurants, some in vineyards, and some on hill tops. Martindale Hall at Mintaro, all belong to the rich tapestry which is the famous Clare Valley.

Visit the studio of Murray Edwards at his gallery - Corella Hill at Watervale, Ian Roberts is the resident artist at the beautiful Medika Gallery in Blyth, where you can purchase professional quality art & craft.

Clare is acknowledged as a teriffic olive growing region and you will now find several olive oil sales outlets dotted around the valley, amongst them the award winning "Glendalough Estate" sales outlet, The Terrace Gallery at Armagh for olive oil & home made jams & sauces

Clare is home to "The Sugar Shack" where you purchase hand crafted pure olive oil soap made with A grade olive oil and take the opportunity to talk to Jenny Edge, the lady who makes them . These soaps are promoted by dermatologists and doctors for people with sensitive skin and babies. An ideal gift to take home for the neighbours who have "minded the cat". An excellent opportunity to stock up for Christmas & birthdays

Garden lovers can also indulge their passion, in Mintaro you will find the fantastic waterwise garden "Timandra Garden, open every day. Alison Aplin designer and creator of this fantastic garden is a step ahead of many garden designers with her fantastic array of water wise plants. Timandra is a multi award winning garden.

At Sevenhill visit historic Sevenhill Cellars at St Aloyisius Catholic Church, & speak to the wine makers,you may be able to make arrangements to see Walter Duncans magnificent rose garden, if not from the inside certainly from the road on the Scenic Route.

Another interesting garden at Mintaro is the Mintaro Maze where you can test your skills at finding your way out.......dont follow the dog, I did presuming for him it would be a "well trod path"....I thought I was doing very nicely until he ducked under the hedge!!