An Award Winning Break in Chester

Treat yourself to an award winning break in Chester this summer! Chester is a city full of high quality, award winning places to stay and visit and we've put together some ideas for the perfect break away.

Where to stay
 

Enjoy the Pause Holiday Home (Self Catering Accommodation of the Year Winner)

Enjoy the Pause Holiday Home is ideally located in Chester city centre next to the Roman Gardens & Walls, close to the River Dee, Independent Shops, Bars, Cafes, Chester train station and more.

A relaxing award-winning, 2 bedroom home, fully equipped for families or couples. Nestled in a quiet cul-de-sac, this self-catering property has many amenities for longer stays and the personal touch of a boutique hotel. Find out more about Enjoy the Pause >

The Pheasant Inn, Tattenhall (Pub of the Year Winner)

The Pheasant Inn is an award-winning country inn tucked in a peaceful corner of rural Cheshire and featuring charming countryside accommodation and an AA Rosette award restaurant. Part of the family-run Nelson Hotels group, this stunning inn is the perfect place to get a different view on drinking, dining and unwinding.

Here you can escape to the countryside whilst staying in reach of the city. Located only 15 minutes from the historic city of Chester and 30 minutes from North Wales, this is the ideal base for exploring the many exciting attractions and great days out that Chester, Cheshire and North Wales have to offer. Plus, the inn is dog-friendly throughout, meaning your four-legged friend need not miss out on the splendour of the countryside. Find out more about the Pheasant Inn >

The Grosvenor Pulford Hotel & Spa (Business Events Venue of the Year Winner)

Grosvenor Pulford Hotel & Spa is a four-star Cheshire hotel which beautifully combines traditional elegance with contemporary luxury. Despite its picturesque surroundings amongst the scenic countryside on the Welsh border, the Cheshire hotel is conveniently located just a 5 minute drive outside the historic city of Chester.

Part of the family-owned Nelson Hotels group, this luxury Chester hotel offers 75 beautiful, boutique-style bedrooms, all with en-suite facilities, along with two restaurants to provide guests with a choice of dining.

Palm Court Restaurant, Bar & Piano Lounge is an opulent dining venue offering exquisite British and European cuisine, along with its signature Afternoon Tea. Upgraded in an extensive refurbishment in 2018, this elegant and glamorous garden room restaurant in Cheshire is the perfect choice for all-day dining in casual luxury. Find out more about the Grosvenor Pulford Hotel & Spa >

Hive at 52, Northwich (Small Serviced Accommodation Provider of the Year Winner)

Hive at 52 is a home away from home in the heart of Cheshire. The perfect cosy base to relax, unwind and explore what Cheshire has to offer. Enjoy a great night’s sleep in one of the luxurious rooms with all the comforts of home, and a delicious freshly cooked breakfast; the perfect way to start your day. Find out more about the Hive at 52 >

The Chester Grosvenor (Large Hotel of the Year Winner)

Experience timeless elegance at The Grosvenor Hotel. Situated right in the heart of the city centre, this iconic hotel offers luxurious accommodation, award-winning dining, and rejuvenating spa experiences. Immerse yourself in Victorian grandeur and explore the city's rich heritage from this perfectly situated location. An unforgettable Chester getaway awaits. Find out more about the Chester Grosvenor Hotel >

Manor Wood Country Caravan Park (Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year Winner)

Recently awarded the Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year Award, Manor Wood welcomes you and your family to enjoy exceptional facilities and explore the unspoilt countryside.

Just 11 miles from Chester, it is the perfect base for visiting local tourist attractions including The Ice Cream Farm and Stretton Water Mill.

The park has 5 stars from both the AA and Visit Britain with first class facilities for touring caravans, motorhomes and tents in an exceptional area of beauty and tranquillity. The perfect place for a relaxing break away. Find out more about Manor Wood Country Caravan Park >

Where to visit
 

Chester Zoo (Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Award Winner)

A visit to Chester is not complete without a trip to our famous zoo, home to over 35,000+ endangered and unusual animals. With over 500 different animal species in 125 acres of award-winning gardens, you’re sure to have great day out full of adventure.

New for 2024, Penguin Breakfast at the Zoo. Begin your day with a guided tour of the much-loved Humboldt penguins with an exclusive talk from rangers, followed by a delicious breakfast at The Oakfield.

See the Snow Leopards, Nubra and Yashin, in their new home at Chester Zoo for the very first time! There are large indoor viewing windows and spacious outdoor viewing platforms, meaning you’ll have every opportunity to spot the snow leopards roaming around their carefully crafted habitat. Find out more about Chester Zoo > 

Tours Around Chester (Experience of the Year Award Winner)

Think you know Chester? Here is a new way to discover the city, with an award winning food tour, providing you with the ultimate, off the beaten track, food and cultural experience. This guided walking tour offers a relaxed unique and memorable food tasting experience through historic Chester. So if you love food and you love Chester this might be a new one to try! Find out more about Chester Food Tours >

Tower Tour at Chester Cathedral (Experience of the Year Highly Commended)

See Chester is a new light! Climb the Cathedral's 216 steps to the top of the Tower, via various viewing galleries to admire breath-taking views of the Cathedral's interior. 

Once at the top (125 feet high), take in the view encompassing of one city, two countries and five counties! You will also visit the former Bell Ringing Chamber, several other secret behind-the-scenes areas, and learn fascinating facts along the way. Find out more about the Tower Tour at Chester Cathedral >

Storyhouse (Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award Highly Commended)

Storyhouse is a theatre, cinema and library based in Chester city centre, presenting the best home-produced and internationally acclaimed work. The restored and revitalised 1930s Odeon building houses an 800-seat auditorium, a 150-seat studio theatre, a restaurant and two bars plus a 100-seat boutique, independent cinema. Alongside the building, Storyhouse run a series of must see events such as Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre and Moonlight Flicks. At Storyhouse they aim to make a space for everyone with accessible parking and facilities. Find out more about Storyhouse >

Busybus (Unsung Hero Award Winner)

BusyBus were established in 2003 and provide fully narrated award-winning sightseeing adventures to North Wales, The Lake District and Yorkshire.

Departing daily with dedicated BusyBuddie driver guides who love their jobs and headed up by Peter Rosenfeld recent winner of the Unsung Hero Award at the Marketing Cheshire Tourism Awards. BusyBus have carefully carved out routes off the beaten track not accessible to larger vehicles to deliver an exciting mix of on and off vehicle delights. It’s all about a relaxed but fun-filled day out! Find out more about Busybus >

Escapism (Visitor Attraction of the Year Winner)

Escapism Chester is a live escape room experience and Cheshire's Visitor Attraction of the Year Award winner. You will be locked in a room for 60 minutes and challenged to hunt clues & solve puzzles to make your escape. In teams of 2 - 6 players, your brain will be creatively challenged and your imagination sparked! Find out more about Escapism >

Dark Chester Tour (New Business of the Year Winner)

Brace yourself for an evening walking tour full of plague, poltergeists and persecution. Join David Atkinson for a storytelling stroll through Chester's rich, 2000 year history. Expect tales of witches, gladiators and headless knights as you peer into the shadows of Chester's dark tourism heritage. David is a Chester Green Badge Tourist Guide, offering local expert tips to make the most of your visit to Chester. Find out more about Dark Chester Tours >

Where to Eat
 

Artezzan (Taste of Cheshire Award Highly Commended)

Located in Chester’s iconic Pepper Street, Artezzan takes an honest approach to Mediterranean inspired food served in a modern, fresh, feel-good way. Offering a unique dining and drinking experience celebrating an authentic Mediterranean taste.

The A La Carte menu has been designed to take guests on a journey through the Mediterranean. Inspired by the dishes of Spain, Italy, France & Greece, every bite will invoke memories of the golden beaches and sun-soaked terraces of holidays past. Find out more about Artezzan >

Storyhouse

Head to the Kitchen at Storyhouse for freshly made, inspiring lunches and pre-theatre dinners. Grab a snack whilst you’re working, a drink to take into the cinema or theatre or pick up something from the wide range of take away options available.

The Kitchen serves freshly made, inspiring food from the Eastern Mediterranean. It’s open from 8am for breakfast, to 8pm Monday – Saturday, 9.30am – 8pm on Sundays. The Kitchen Bar is open until 11pm each night, and the Garret Bar is open for selected events. Find out more about the Kitchen at Storyhouse >

The Pheasant Inn, Tattenhall (Pub of the Year Award Winner)

The Pheasant Inn is Cheshire's Pub of the Year, sitting high atop the Peckforton Hills, with stunning panoramic views across the Cheshire plain and rolling Welsh hills. The outdoor terrace is the perfect place to enjoy these unparalleled vistas. Within the walls of the 300 year old sandstone building, you’ll find a cosy restaurant interior featuring country chic décor, characterful nooks and welcoming open fires. The inspired seasonal menus marry traditional British gastropub fayre with modern European cuisine, perfectly complemented by local real ales, worldly wines and unique spirits for all tastes. Find out more about the Pheasant Inn >

Chester Market (Taste of Cheshire Award Winner)

Chester’s new award-winning market offers a vibrant selection of produce and goods together with a fantastic choice of authentic global foods all under one roof. Since opening in late 2022 it has now welcomed over 3 million visitors.

The driving force behind the new market has been to create a ‘modern traditional market’ in a welcoming and inclusive space for everyone to enjoy – where you really can shop local and eat global. Find out more about Chester Market >

All businesses included in this blog were winners or Highly Commended at the Marketing Cheshire Tourism Awards 2024.

Find more award winning places to visit and stay in Cheshire here.