Itinerary Planner

Cheshire's Peak District on a budget

Cheshire's Peak District on a budget

Cheshire's Peak District is brimming with breath taking scenery, dramatic landscapes and world class events. It is an area that delights just about everybody. Here we take a peek at this refreshingly different part of Cheshire and recommended must-do's to help you enjoy a sensational short break.

Day 1

Explore Cheshire’s Peak District. Cheshire’s Peak District covers 100 square miles of inspiring scenery. Take a walk through Bollington and up to White Nancy, originally a summer house built in 1815 by the Gaskell family, White Nancy is a famous landmark in the Bollington area and can be seen from miles around. If you fancy a longer walk then try the Gritstone Trail, a 35 mile walking route covering wild moorland, rocky outcrops, impressive peaks and breathtaking scenery, you don’t have to do the whole 35 miles though!

After a refreshing walk enjoy lunch in one of the many country pubs or cafes.

Visit Lyme. Lyme is a stunning National Trust estate with decorated house and fine gardens. The backdrop to where Darcy meets Elizabeth in the BBC’s production of Pride and Prejudice and one of Cheshire’s Gardens of Distinction it’s a must visit whilst in the area.

Day 2

Alderley Edge. A pretty town in rural Cheshire Alderley Edge is worth a visit, explore the town for some window shopping in the boutique shops before heading to the Edge to discover the legend!

Legend has it that a long time ago a farmer from Mobberley was crossing the Edge to sell his beautiful milk-white mare at market. Upon reaching the Thieves’ Hole an old man appeared and offered to buy the horse.

The farmer refused and the old man told his that no one would buy his horse and he would return later and the old man await his return and buy the horse. The old man’s prediction came true and when the farmer returned to Theives’ Hole the old man, who was now a tall, proud wizard was waiting. He led the farmer and horse to a large rock in the hillside, which when he touched it with his staff opened to reveal a pair of Iron Gates. The wizard led them to a large cavern full of sleeping knights. Beside all of but one knight was a milk-white mare. The wizard led the farmer into another cavern full of jewels and told him to take what he wanted as payment for the horse as it was needed for the last knight. The farmer took payment and left.

The farmer returned many times to search for the Iron Gates but never found them. From that day to this people have scoured the Edge trying to find the Gates. Will you be the one to find them!?

Other Suggestions

Tatton Park. One of the UK’s most impressive historic estates with 2,000 acres of deerpark, a stunning neo-classical mansion, 1930’s rare breed farm, Tudor old hall, 250 year old gardens, adventure playground , speciality shops and a restaurant there’s plenty for everyone to enjoy.

Knutsford. Knutsford is a picturesque town, with pretty shops, cafes and a rich heritage. Visit Knutsford Heritage Centre to discover it’s past and take a relaxing walk through the streets.

Macclesfield Silk Museum. Discover the story of silk at Macclesfield Silk Museum, with compelling exhibits and hands on experiences you’ll experience the story of silk from cocoon to catwalk.

Product Information

  1. Bollington

    Macclesfield

    Bollington nestles in the foothills of the Pennine range and is a gateway to the Peak District National Park. The town provides a great base for walking, cycling, boating and horseriding in the Peak District.

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    Bollington

    Known to residents as the ‘Happy Valley,’ Bollington nestles in the foothills of the Pennine range and is a gateway to the Peak District National Park.

    Bollington’s skyline is dominated by White Nancy, a Grade II listed landmark built as a summer house by the Gaskell family around 1815. Intrepid explorers can hike up to White Nancy and enjoy the stunning views across the Cheshire Peak District.

    The town provides a great base for walking, boating and horseriding, as well as plenty of great pubs and cafes to revive those tired limbs!

    Contact Details:

    Macclesfield, Cheshire, SK10 5HT

    Website

    Web Site

  2. White Nancy

    Bollington / Kerridge

    The White Nancy overlooks the village of Kerridge and town of Bollington.

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    Built in 1817 by John Gaskell to commemorate the victory at the Battle of Waterloo, the White Nancy is a striking monument on the top of the northern extremity of The Saddley of Kerridge. With stunning views overlooking Kerridge and Bollington, and with panoramic views of Cheshire Plain, mountains of North Wales, Shropshire and the Pennines, it is a Grade II listed building and is on the National Monuments Record.

    Contact Details:

    Bollington / Kerridge, Cheshire
  3. The Gritstone Trail

    Macclesfield

    Follow the 35 mile / 56km trail through Cheshire’s Peak District

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    Stride out along the Gritstone Trail and sample some of the finest walking in Cheshire. There are stunning views in all directions from the gritstone ridges abutting the Cheshire plain. On a clear day you’ll see views to the Welsh hills and the cathedrals of Liverpool. Along the route there’s a variety of interesting landmarks and features. Although the Trail is well waymarked you are strongly advised to use the Ordnance Survey Explorer map 268, Wilmslow, Macclesfield & Congleton, and the Explorer OL1 Dark Peak map. Explorer map OL24 is also useful, as it includes the Peak District to the east as well as covering the Trail from Bollington to Rushton Spencer. The Trail is located on the edge of the Peak District. Walking the Trail from north to south is recommended. The Trail starts at Disley railway station ( ///loosens.summer.sparkles), to the south east of Manchester and follows the Pennine edge southwards to finish at Kidsgrove railway station near Stoke on Trent. Road links to both ends of the Trail are good and other main roads cross the Trail in the middle section. Manchester Airport is nearby. The Trail is very hilly but not mountainous, with several long climbs and some short, steep ascents and descents. There are many stiles, including ladder stiles along the way. Surfaces vary and can be rough, boggy or slippery. There are few facilities along the Trail so walkers need to be self sufficient in food and drink. The ability to read a map and use a compass is recommended although the route is well waymarked. Equipment should include walking boots, full waterproofs, warm clothing and a first aid kit. Before setting out always let someone know your intended route and estimated finish time. Mobile phones do not always work in some areas along the Trail. The Trail is well waymarked using a mixture of fingerposts and yellow waymark discs with a ‘G’ in a footprint. Waymarks indicate the way to go as you stand directly in front of them. Often there is a clear path on the ground but sometimes the path is not obvious. Look out for stiles in hedges, fences or walls or waymark posts to guide you.

    Download the guide here.

    Contact Details:

    Tegg’s Nose Country Park, Old Buxton Road, Macclesfield, Cheshire, SK11 0AP

    Tel:

    01625 614279

    Website

    Web Site

  4. Lyme (NT)

    Disley, Stockport

    Glorious house, surrounded by gardens, moorland and deer park. Nestling on the edge of the Peak District, Lyme Park was once a great sporting estate and home of the Legh family for over 500 years.

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    ©National Trust Images/Annapurna Mellor
    © National Trust Images - Lyme Gardens
    ©National Trust Images/Annapurna Mellor
    © National Trust Images - Lyme in Autumn
    The stunning historic house at Lyme
    ©National Trust Images/Annapurna Mellor
    © National Trust Images - Lyme Gardens
    ©National Trust Images/Annapurna Mellor
    © National Trust Images - Lyme in Autumn
    The stunning historic house at Lyme

    Glorious house, surrounded by gardens, moorland and deer park Nestling on the edge of the Peak District, Lyme Park was once a great sporting estate and home of the Legh family for over 500 years. The house is renowned for its elegant interiors and beautiful gardens, against a backdrop of sweeping moorland with extensive views across Manchester and the Cheshire Plain. Step inside the house and discover unusual objects and strange secrets as you walk through six centuries of family history, including the Lyme Missal, the most important printed book in the National Trust’s collection. The 1,400 acre estate with its medieval herd of red deer is a paradise for bird-watchers and wildlife spotters, and hosts regular guided walks and running events. For a more tranquil stroll, explore the Edwardian rose garden, ravine garden or orangery next to the reflecting lake where a certain Mr Darcy met Miss Bennett in the BBC production of 'Pride and Prejudice'.

    There's plenty of room for little ones to let off steam, whilst the Timber Yard Cafe offers hot and cold snacks, soups, and a range of cakes.

    Visit the Timber Yard café for a selection of hot meals or book into the Salting Room for a luxury afternoon tea.

    Assistance dogs are welcome in all areas of Lyme.

    Park: Dogs are welcome in all areas of the park. To protect the wildlife that calls Lyme home, we ask that dogs are kept on leads in areas of the park.

    We recognise how important it is for dogs to be able to get exercise off the lead, so we offer a secure off-lead dog-walking area in Knightslow Wood all year round as well as a route through Pursefield Wood. To find out more, keep an eye out for signs in the park and use the maps below to plan your visit.

    Garden: Dogs on leads are welcome in the garden every day.

    Eat: Visitors with dogs are welcome to sit in the Muddy Paws Engine House in the Timber Yard, which follows the same opening hours as the Timber Yard Café. Unfortunately, due to the size and layout of the Timber Yard Café, dogs are not permitted inside. If you’re visiting alone please use the doggy doorbell and one of our team members will pop out to take and bring your order to you.

    Shop: Pop into our Timber Yard Shop with your four-legged friend to check out our range of dog treats and accessories.

    Crow Wood Playscape: Dogs on a short lead are welcome in to the play area. Help us ensure this is a clean, safe space for children to play by being extra vigilant to prevent dog fouling and not taking dogs near the tunnels or onto the play equipment.

    Only assistance dogs are welcome inside the house, café and shops.

    Contact Details:

    National Trust, Disley, Stockport, Cheshire, SK12 2NX

    Tel:

    01625 527468

    Website

    Web Site

  5. Alderley Edge

    Alderley Edge

    The picturesque village of Alderley Edge sits in the east of Cheshire and offers a fabulous range of shops, cafes, restaurants and bars. Famed for being home to the rich and famous it’s known as the Champagne capital of Britain.

    Add Alderley Edge to your Itinerary

    alderley edge
    june cooper
    alderley edge
    june cooper

    Magic, myth and legend abound in the pretty Cheshire village of Alderley Edge.

    The picturesque village of Alderley Edge sits in the east of Cheshire and offers a fabulous range of shops, cafes, restaurants and bars. Famed for being home to the rich and famous it’s known as the Champagne capital of Britain.

    Although a vibrant village there is much more to Alderley Edge than shopping and eating and a walk up to ‘The Edge’ provides you stunning views across the Cheshire Plain. The setting for Alan Garner’s books The Weirdstone of Brisingamen and The Moon of Gomrath.

    Known as the Champagne capital of Britain, Alderley Edge has more than its fair share of quality restaurants and trendy bars. The Alderley Bar and Grill, the Bubble Room, The Alderley Edge Hotel and the Wizard Restaurant are among the Northwest's most fashionable venues.

    But it’s not all bubbly and caviar. Scratch the surface and you’ll find traditional bakers, butchers, a specialist cheese shop and the monthly Alderley Edge farmers' market.

    Contact Details:

    Alderley Edge, Cheshire, SK9 7SW

    Website

    Web Site

  6. Tatton Park

    Knutsford

    Tatton Park’s ancient Parkland is just waiting to be explored.


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    Daffodils in the Parkland at Tatton Park
    Blossoming trees in the parkland at Tatton Park
    Landscape of Deer
    Mansion from the Italian Gardens at Tatton Park
    Japanese Gardens at Tatton Park
    Daffodils in the Parkland at Tatton Park
    Blossoming trees in the parkland at Tatton Park
    Landscape of Deer
    Mansion from the Italian Gardens at Tatton Park
    Japanese Gardens at Tatton Park

    ** Business Events Venue of the Year Award Winner at the Marketing Cheshire Tourism Awards 2022/23**

    Tatton Park’s ancient Parkland is just waiting to be explored.

    This beautiful corner of Cheshire has been home to deer herds since 1290 and they wander as freely as visitors throughout the year. The 50-acre Garden is one of the most picturesque and varied in England, with ever-changing seasonal views across the world-renowned Japanese Garden, Walled Kitchen Gardens and Arboretum, plus the historic glasshouses, maze and topiary.

    The 18th century Mansion displays treasured collections of the well-travelled Egerton family including a recently-discovered portrait by renaissance artist Francesco Salviati. The amazingly-complete Servants’ Quarters provide a fascinating insight into life ‘downstairs’ for 18th century servants in a grand house.

    And a family favourite is the working rare breed Farm, where you can step back in time as its ‘field to fork’ story brings to life bygone farm characters, rare breed animals and seasonal demonstrations. Don’t forget to say hello to the pigs, sheep, donkeys, chickens, horses and goats! Tatton Park hosts a huge programme of events throughout the year.

    Visit www.tattonpark.org.uk for details

    Tatton Park welcomes dogs in the Parkland, Farm and Stableyard outdoor area under close control. In some clearly signed areas, including some areas of the Farm and parts of the Parkland, dogs must remain on a lead. 

    Unfortunately, we are unable to permit dogs to swim in the Meres, or go inside the Gardens, Play Area, Mansion, Old Hall, Restaurant and shops.

    We allow assistance dogs, such as guide dogs, in all areas.

    Contact Details:

    Knutsford, Cheshire, WA16 6QN

    Tel:

    01625 374400

    Website

    Web Site

  7. Knutsford

    Knutsford

    If you are visiting Cheshire, do not overlook this quaint and quirky market town.  Conveniently situated just off the M6 (its more than its motorway services) it is an ideal town for a day or weekend visit.

    Add Knutsford to your Itinerary

    Gaskell memorial tower in Knutsford
    People sharing food
    Hollingford house blue plaque
    Exterior of The Lost & Found Knutsford
    Sign for Bikes N Gear LTD Knutsford
    Gaskell memorial tower in Knutsford
    People sharing food
    Hollingford house blue plaque
    Exterior of The Lost & Found Knutsford
    Sign for Bikes N Gear LTD Knutsford

    If you are visiting Cheshire, do not overlook this quaint and quirky market town.  Conveniently situated just off the M6 (its more than its motorway services) it is an ideal town for a day or weekend visit.

    It is hard to sum up Knutsford in one word.  So, we have chosen a few –, historic, quirky, independent, celebration and foodie. 

    Historic Knutsford. The town was the inspiration of Elizabeth Gaskell’s Cranford.  The author lived in Knutsford for many years and is buried in the churchyard of beautiful Brook Street Unitarian Chapel. The Rose and Crown, a traditional and friendly pub, is home to a fireplace that was first lit in 1641.  Enigma code breaker, Alan Turing’s trial took place in Knutsford’s courthouse and the historical building has now been sympathetically restored as a hotel, bar and restaurant.  During World War II, famed General George S Patton opened a welcome club for officers of the American Third Army in the Ruskin Rooms.  Situated at the southern edge of the main shopping street (King Street) you will find Tatton Park – 50 acres of landscaped gardens and the ancestral home of the Egerton Family. 

    Historic Knutsford leads us quite nicely to quirky Knutsford. Knutsford is home to several Tudor, Georgian, and Victorian buildings but it is the Italianate style of architect Richard Harding Watt who really left his stamp on the town.  The Ruskin Rooms and the Gaskell Memorial Tower on King Street are two great examples but if you venture out on to Legh Road you will see more.  Try to spot the house where Steven Spielberg filmed Empire of the Sun (Cheshire stood in for Singapore!).  Penny Farthings are also a thing here with the Courtyard Coffee House also hosting the penny farthing museum (plus toy train that goes round the café’s perimeter) – and once every 10 years these farthings are used in The Great Race.If this has whet your appetite, you must visit Knutsford Heritage Centre.  Situated off a cobbled alleyway on King Street, it is a treasure trove of information about the town.  It is an attraction in its self too – it is housed in a 17th century timber framed building and is home to Knutsford Millennium Tapestry.  The tapestry is 13 metres long and was created by 3000 local residents to celebrate Knutsford in the millennium year.

    Despite is proximately to North West’s big cities of Manchester and Liverpool, Knutsford is no commuter town. It is fiercely independent and the proud home to numerous independent retailers.  A traditional toy shop, bike and bike repair shop, a specialist perfumery, a home interior shop that has called Knutsford its home for 100 years sit alongside a traditional Market Hall and known brands such as Oka, Sofas and Stuff and Overfinch.  The town is full of gorgeous fashion shops too offering a personal shopping experience that is poles apart from online ordering. Once a month the town hosts the largest outdoor Artisan market in the North West with 150 stalls selling the best food, drink and products Cheshire has to offer.

    Knutsford loves a celebration and the town’s events calendar truly has something for everyone. It hosts an Easter Bunny Hop, a Royal May Day parade (which is over 150 years old), a weekend Music Festival, an Art Trail, Pumpkin Path and a weekend long Christmas Market and Light Switch.  Added to that is the RHS Flower Show at Tatton Park. To celebrate that the shops hold a floral walk along the main shopping streets.  If you are visiting the flower show, it worth visiting the town first to enjoy the free spectacle. 

    Foodie Knutsford.  Squeezed into it’s streets is over 30 pubs, bars, cafes, restaurants and tea rooms.  There is pizza, a specialist cheese shop and deli, tapas, a gin bar, and a shop selling gelato made on the premises.  These sit alongside traditional pubs, Italian restaurants and the obligatory curry houses.  If you cannot decide where to go, this is where Taste Knutsford comes in.  A guided walking food tour that takes you around 8 venues before you flop full clutching a doggy bag!  For further information visit www.tasteknutsford.co.uk

     

    Contact Details:

    Knutsford, Cheshire, WA16 6TA

    Website

    Web Site

Itinerary Distances

FromToDistance * (metric)
Bollington (53.29082,-2.10346)White Nancy (53.29089,-2.09209)0.68
White Nancy (53.29089,-2.09209)The Gritstone Trail (53.2582,-2.07346)3.46
The Gritstone Trail (53.2582,-2.07346)Lyme (NT) (53.33817,-2.05509)8.09
Lyme (NT) (53.33817,-2.05509)Alderley Edge (53.28656,-2.26593)13.64
Alderley Edge (53.28656,-2.26593)Tatton Park (53.33615,-2.38866)8.87
Tatton Park (53.33615,-2.38866)Knutsford (53.30106,-2.37507)3.61
Total Distance *38.34 miles
Estimated Journey Time1.23 hours

* Approximate distance by road

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