Christmas returns this year to Cheshire in full force, with a whole host of exciting activities, events and shopping. Cheshire is truly one of the best places around to explore this Christmas, with charming local towns and villages, cosy pubs, plenty of space to roam around and much more. We thought we’d put together this itinerary to give you some inspiration for your festive stay in Cheshire:
Find your festive lodgings
You’ll need somewhere to stay during your Cheshire Christmas weekend. Somewhere to take a little break from the everyday – a chance to refresh and really get into the swing of the holidays. Luckily you can do just that at one of Cheshire’s hotels. You can enjoy a winter staycation, whether it’s for enjoying your Christmas shopping, for a spa escape, to enjoy some fine dining, or just because. Across the county there are some great winter break offers and packages so you can save as you get into the spirit.
The Flat Cap Hotel group presents an adults-only package at their rural boutique hotels The Bridge in Prestbury and The Vicarage in Holmes Chapel. The Winter Warmer – a dinner, bed and breakfast package, which includes mulled wine and mince pies, dinner in the stylish restaurant, a signature cocktail and a delicious locally sourced breakfast from £144 based on 2 adults.
The Nelson Hotels family which includes The Pheasant Inn in Tattenhall and The Bear’s Paw in Warmingham, are offering guests the Winter Escape package. If you’re exploring winter in Cheshire from one of these countryside boutique inns, this offer includes an overnight stay, dinner in the restaurant and breakfast. What’s more, both are dog-friendly, meaning your four-legged friend can enjoy the season too.
Knutsford’s Cottons Hotel & Spa are offering a luxurious getaway with some seasonal sparkle. The Bollinger Experience package gives guests a one or two night stay complete with champagne, signature cocktail, dining, a spa taster session, breakfast as well as early check in and late check out to enjoy your time away to the fullest.
And luxury resort and spa Carden Park are offering Christmas shopping breaks. With its vicinity to the shopping meccas of Chester and Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet, Carden Park can serve as your base of operations to relax after your Christmas shopping. What’s more, guests will receive a complimentary 10% off voucher for Cheshire Oaks.
Need more ideas? Find more Cheshire Christmas accommodation offers here
Shop local for some presents on one of Cheshire’s high streets
For some it may be a little stressful shopping for Christmas presents, but in Cheshire it doesn’t have to be. Across Cheshire there’s an abundance of great independents and spending some time amongst the Christmas window displays looking for a special, unique gift will inspire the festive spirit.
There’s Knutsford, for example, which is fiercely independent and the proud home to numerous independent retailers including 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 as well as the traditional Market Hall.
A little further east is Macclesfield, which is home to many wonderful and truly unique independents and galleries. The highlight for any independent shopper is the Treacle Market, held on the last Sunday of each month. At the Treacle Market visitors can find unique crafts, homewares, clothing, florals, soaps, teas and much, much more. Celebrating its 11th anniversary this year, the Treacle Market around Christmas time is a great option for some festive shopping that’s unique and independent. What’s more, on 2 December, the town will be open later for some late night festive shopping, complete with festive food and drink!
In the West, Frodsham boasts a picturesque high street full of independent charm. Guests can enjoy treats like artisanal cheese and wine and other delicacies, find great gifts and interiors and shop the latest styles at some independent boutiques. Frodsham also hosts a regular market on Thursdays complete with a whole host of independent traders.
And no festive shopping experience would be complete without a trip to The Hollies Farm Shop. This family-run staple is chock-full of local and artisanal produce, food and drink – perfect for bringing home something extra special for Christmas dinner. And what’s more, the Gift Barn at The Hollies is your one stop shop for gorgeous gifts, homewares, ceramics, clothing and much more. You can even enjoy a special seasonal hot chocolate from the takeaway café to really get you into the spirit.
Find some festive charm at a local Christmas Market
To add to the already abundant charm of shopping in Cheshire’s towns and villages, there are also a great range of local Christmas Markets to peruse and find that special something. Warrington plays host to a number of pop up market events in Time Square. There’s the Classical Christmas Market featuring gifts, food, drink and music from 27 November – 3 December. And on 4-5 December there is A Greener Christmas Market, complete with vegan, ethical and sustainable food, drink and gifts. Then on 12 December, there’s the festive Makers’ Market, which will showcase over 60 unique stalls offering local artisan food and drink, art and crafts and top vintage finds.
The centrepiece of the Frodsham Christmas Festival, the Festival Market returns on 27 November, where visitors can walk the historic streets lined with festive traders offering gifts, crafts, jewellery, toys and delicious food & drink! And visitors to Knutsford on 27 and 28 November can find the Christmas Market, where you can fin the best local artisan traders selling food, drinks, crafts, art and special gifts for your loved ones.
Picturesque Sandbach brings a truly special Christmas market on 3 December. Whatever the weather the town glows brightly on this special night, with choirs singing carols around the Christmas Tree, Brass Bands playing, Christmas lights twinkling, chestnuts roasting and the aroma of mulled wine. More than 100 stalls cover the town and Market Square, with late night shopping to get you feeling extra Christmassy.
And on 5 December, join Blakemere Village for a market sure to give you that Christmassy feel. Small Street Markets will be bringing you a fantastic selection of gifts, food and drink to compliment the permanent retailers at Blakemere Village.
You can find even more Christmas markets here
Embrace the outdoors
Grab your hiking boots or wellies, put on your warm winter coat, pick your best scarf, gloves and hat, and go and explore some of Cheshire’s forests. There’s nothing quite like the smell of pine around Christmas to fire up the festive senses
A firm favourite for locals and visitors alike is Delamere Forest. With a range of fairly easy walking routes through the pine-filled forest, around Blakemere Moss and even up Old Pale Hill for panoramic views, Delamere is a great option for a festive stroll. Accessible via its own historic railway station, Delamere also has a Visitors Centre where you can sit back and relax with some hot chocolate on your walk.
Another firm favourite is Macclesfield Forest. Part of the Peak District National Park, the former ancient hunting grounds offer all kinds of walking routes including around the Trentabank and Ridgegate Reservoirs and up Teggs Nose and Shutlingsloe. With lots of flora and fauna including Norway Spruce trees (i.e. Christmas Trees!) a walk around Macclesfield Forest is a must-do festive activity. What’s more, for those seeking a festive tipple by a cosy fire, the famous Cat & Fiddle is not far. Enjoying a whisky by the fire at the highest distillery in England is a sure-fire way to get in the festive spirit.
And we’d be remiss not to mention Tatton Park. You can really embrace the festive season with a stroll around the 1000-acres of historic parkland. With vast open spaces and cosy woodlands, the Parkland offers many routes to explore and take in the season. And if you’re visiting with the kids, Tatton’s season of Percy the Park Keeper trails continues on The Farm, with One Snowy Night – where the little ones can grab a trail sheet and help Percy and his animal friends escape the cold.
Enjoy a spectacular light trail
A popular way to enjoy a festive evening is to experience a light trail. These walking trails include awe-inspiring light and laser displays to entertain and delight and have proven themselves firm favourites in the festive season. Luckily Cheshire’s glorious scenery serves as a fitting backdrop for a number of these light trails across the county.
From 19 November, Dunham Massey will host a light trail including over a million lights and lasers alongside seasonal sounds for you to enjoy while wandering through the grand estate.
At Walton Hall and Gardens, Luminate is coming from 24 November, bringing enthralling lighting elements and fabulous light play, all set to ambient music.
A favourite staple of Cheshire’s light trails, Magical Woodland makes its welcome return to Blakemere from 16 November and promises to bring the 15 acres of woodland to life with light displays.
On the outskirts of Chester, Bolesworth Estate will be transformed for the festive season including a new light trail from 26 November. The trail takes visitors along the lakeside with the backdrop of the illuminated castle, into the woodlands (where you may see some reindeer) and back through the estate’s grounds – all of which will be lit up for Christmas.
From 26 November – 12 December, the streets of Crewe will be illuminated in dazzling style as part of the Lumen Lite celebration. The self-guided light trail is produced by the team behind the famous Blackpool illuminations, so you know it’s going to be spectacular.
And at Delamere from 26 November, guests will be able to enjoy specially chosen illuminations, all choreographed to a soundtrack of Christmas classics with independent street food vendors to add to the festive charm.
Need more inspiration? Make sure to see just what’s on this Christmas in Cheshire
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Macclesfield
Our newly refurbished 26-bedroom property in the picturesque village of Prestbury sits on the bank of the River Bollin. Contemporary Grade II listed interiors blend old and new with an industrial nod in our vaulted restaurant & bar. Benefiting from riverside gardens featuring an outside bar & terrace, the perfect setting for your iconic event.
Our newly refurbished 26-bedroom property in the picturesque village of Prestbury sits on the bank of the River Bollin. Contemporary Grade II listed interiors blend old and new with an industrial nod in our vaulted restaurant & bar. Benefiting from riverside gardens featuring an outside bar & terrace, the perfect setting for your iconic event.
Since 1952 the Bridge has been one of Cheshire’s most respected hotels providing luxurious accommodation, fine food, private dining facilities and the very best in social entertainment.
The beautiful restaurant and Garden room are the ideal venues for a spot of lunch, dinner or a delicious Afternoon Tea.
The recently refurbished Riverside Suite is nestled in the stunning garden and overlooking the River Bollin. The room can cater up to 80 for banquet and 100 for drinks reception. Available to hire for conferences, weddings, birthdays and anniversaries throughout the year.
Holmes Chapel
Our Grade II listed country establishment in Cranage is home to 26 individually designed bedrooms. The buildings 17th century heritage has been re imagined through a handful of event spaces and a stylish family friendly food & drink environment.
Our Grade II listed country establishment in Cranage is home to 26 individually designed bedrooms. The buildings 17th century heritage has been re imagined through a handful of event spaces and a stylish family friendly food & drink environment.
It is conveniently located for easy access to the North West and Manchester Airport and just 1 mile from Junction 18 of the M6 motorway.
The hotel has snug areas, a games room and a welcoming restaurant, bar and library. The ever-changing menus emphasise excellent regional food and drink which is seasonal and, wherever possible, sourced from local suppliers. The Vicarage plays host to a variety of events including corporate meetings, weddings, Christmas parties and private parties. The Hotel also offers exclusive use packages.
20 comfy bedrooms & 6 signature rooms have quirky touches throughout. All unnecessary stuff is stripped out and they just focus on the things that make for a great stay such as comfy beds, artisan tea & coffee facilities, complimentary eco-tap water, 32” Plasma TVs, Rainmaker showers & roll top baths.
Tattenhall
Tucked in a peaceful corner of rural Cheshire, yet sitting high atop the Peckforton Hills, The Pheasant enjoys some of the most magnificent panoramic views in the area stretching across the Cheshire plain to the Welsh hills.
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 charming 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.
The Pheasant Inn sits high atop the Peckforton Hills, meaning it enjoys 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.
Enjoy a rural escape in the utmost comfort, with 12 boutique-style bedrooms which are beautifully furnished and appointed with all the modern conveniences you could need for your stay.
Plus, brand new for 2020, experience an unparalleled countryside break at Pennsylvania Cottage, where luxury, convenience and freedom combine within a thoughtfully appointed self-catering property. Overseen with care by the same professional team which manages The Pheasant Inn, you can be assured that expert service and assistance is never far away.
This newly-refurbished property features 3 beautifully designed bedrooms and sleeps up to 6 guests. You will experience a perfect home away from home, complete with a fully-equipped kitchen, cosy lounge and your own spacious garden and alfresco patio dining area.
Winter Escape Package
Available: 1st October 2020 until 28th February 2021
Price: From £59.50 per person
Includes: overnight accommodation, dinner (£25 per person allocation towards food and beverage) and full English breakfast. Also use of leisure facilities.
Terms: Available Sunday-Friday from 1st October 2020 – 28th February 2021, subject to availability. Based on two people sharing a room. Excludes special event dates and bank holidays
Sandbach
The Bear’s Paw is a delightful 19th century inn located in the heart of Cheshire. Nestled in the charming village of Warmingham, this charming 5-star property is conveniently placed between the major market towns of Sandbach, Middlewich and Crewe, and easily accessible from the M6.
The Bear’s Paw is a delightful 19th century inn located in the heart of Cheshire. Nestled in the charming village of Warmingham, this charming 5-star property is conveniently placed between the major market towns of Sandbach, Middlewich and Crewe, and easily accessible from the M6; making The Bear's Paw the ideal base from which to explore the many delights which Cheshire has to offer.
The 17 luxurious, boutique-style bedrooms boast exquisite decor and furnishings whilst providing you with total relaxation in comfortable surroundings. All bedrooms are en suite and are appointed with all the modern conveniences you could need for your stay, including free WiFi, smart TVs and media hubs.
The inn boasts its own AA Rosette awarded restaurant, which takes pride in crafting the finest gastropub fayre using the very best of local, seasonal produce. The inspired daily menus marry traditional British gastropub fayre with modern European cuisine, and can be catered to suit any dietary requirements.
The bar features six real ales which rotate regularly to feature some of Cheshire’s best micro-breweries, including its very own exclusive beer crafted by Beartown Brewery. The wine list features a fantastic selection of old and new world wines certain to please any palate, whilst the bar is stocked with an enviable selection of gins both local and world-renowned.
As well as providing first-class accommodation and dining, this charming country inn is also an intimate venue for wedding receptions, brimming with rustic-chic style. If you are seeking a relaxed country space in which to celebrate your love, look no further than this uniquely warm and welcoming restaurant.
The Bear’s Paw has maintained its traditional Cheshire charm yet with a stylish, contemporary twist. You can expect a warm welcome from the experienced and friendly team at the inn, who are committed to ensuring your stay in the Cheshire countryside is an unforgettable one.
Winter Escape Package
Available: 1st October 2020 until 28th February 2021
Price: From £59.50 per person
Includes: overnight accommodation, dinner (£25 per person allocation towards food and beverage) and full English breakfast. Also use of leisure facilities.
Terms: Available Sunday-Friday from 1st October 2020 – 28th February 2021, subject to availability. Based on two people sharing a room. Excludes special event dates and bank holidays
Knutsford
Staying at Cottons Hotel and Spa, guests are perfectly placed to venture further afield to cities of Chester, Manchester and Liverpool and even an overnight stay before heading off from Manchester Airport too.
Knutsford is one of Cheshire’s most famous and picturesque villages, with an abundance of boutique shops and artisan suppliers on the high street. And just next door, there’s Tatton Park, with acres of beautiful parkland and year round activities.
Staying at Cottons Hotel and Spa, guests are perfectly placed to venture further afield to cities of Chester, Manchester and Liverpool and even an overnight stay before heading off from Manchester Airport too.
All 139 guest rooms are furnished to a high standard, with air-conditioning, and little touches like the fresh milk in the fridge for an early morning cuppa and complimentary bottled water.
The first-class spa includes a 13m pool ,sauna, steam room, whirlpool and well equipped gym, plus a functional studio and 7 spa treatment rooms with a stylish relaxation lounge for pre and post treatments. Cottons also offers a giant outdoor hot tub which is as much fun on a cold winter day as it is on a hot summer afternoon.
The restaurant offers a great range of dining options, with a well-thought out menu featuring many local and regional specialities. Awarded an AA rosette for food, the emphasis is on the best quality ingredients, simply prepared to let the flavours do the talking.
The hotel is part of the Daniel Thwaites family, which has a long tradition in the hotel and hospitality business stretching back more than 200 years and still brews craft ales today that are sold exclusively in their hotels, inns and pubs across the UK.
Chester
Carden Park Hotel - Cheshire's Country Estate is set in a beautiful 1000 acre estate in Cheshire. Ideal for business or pleasure, Carden Park can cater for all your requirements.
Carden Park Hotel truly is Cheshire's Country Estate. Set in a beautiful 1000 acre location in Cheshire, a mile long drive leads you through the championship Nicklaus golf course to the hotel entrance. Ideal for business or pleasure, Carden Park can cater for all your requirements.
*Winner of Cheshire’s Wedding Venue of the Year 2018 and England’s Best Golf Hotel at the World Golf Awards 2018*, whether you are planning your big day or seeking the perfect game you can rest assured you have found the perfect venue. The hotel hosts 198 beautiful bedrooms, three areas for dining - including the AA Rosette awarded Redmond’s Restaurant and The Vines, inspired by the on-site vineyard - and two championship golf courses, the Nicklaus and the Cheshire. The four bubble awarded spa is a must-visit for a relaxing stay with facilities including 20 treatment rooms, a 20 metre swimming pool, sauna, steam room, hyrdotherapy pool and a fully equipped gym. On the grounds are tennis courts, a children’s play area and vineyard. With 18 conference and meeting facilities for between 10 delegates and 400 delegates, all business and event needs can be fulfilled at Carden Park Hotel. The Carden Suite has the latest technology for your perfect event: impress your guests with nine 60 inch plasma screens, 6000 optical fibre light ceiling, BOSE sound system and much more. Carden Park has a fun variety of onsite activities including Archery, Segways, Off-road experience and the KONG aerial ropes course plus much more. Ideal for some team building or family fun! Carden Park has 700 complimentary parking spaces and is in an ideal location. It is just 15 minutes from Chester, 50 minutes from Liverpool John Lennon Airport and 55 minutes from Manchester International Airport.
Tarporley
*Current GOLD AWARD holders of Taste Cheshire’s Local Produce Shop of the Year!*
Welcome to The Hollies; more than just a farm shop.
*Current GOLD AWARD holders of Taste Cheshire’s Local Produce Shop of the Year!*
Welcome to The Hollies; more than just a farm shop. A family business since 1959, The Hollies began as a vegetable stand on the side of the road selling homegrown produce with an honesty box. Over 50 years later, The Hollies Farm Shop has grown to become a destination and one of the best Farm Shops in the North West.
4 generations in the making, the family’s heritage lies in farming and their passion for sourcing great food and providing the best customer service is shown throughout every part of their business.
The award-winning Little Budworth site now incorporates a butchery, a delicatessen, a fresh fish counter, The Barn home & gift department, a The Hollies Takeaway with al fresco dining, a greenhouse selling seasonal plants and 5 luxury forest lodges for the perfect staycation.
With more than 70 local suppliers, The Hollies Farm Shop stocks some of the best products that Cheshire has to offer, complimented by the best food from other regions and abroad. From Mrs Darlington’s jams and Clotton Hall Dairy Clotted Cream to Weetwood Ales and Three Wrens Gin, The Hollies offers a great Taste of Cheshire!
Warrington
A Classical Christmas Market: 27 Nov – 3 Dec. Festive gifts, bar, food, music.
Presented by Warrington Market.
A Classical Christmas Market: 27 Nov – 3 Dec. Festive gifts, bar, food, music.
For full details please see Warrington.gov.uk/market
Academy Street, Warrington
After the huge success of our first Vegan Market earlier this year, we are back with a Christmas special!
After the huge success of our first Vegan Market earlier this year, we are back with a Christmas special!
Showcasing traders who make, create or sell vegan, free from, gluten free, ethical, sustainable and/or environmentally friendly food, drink and gift items all from our very own Chalet Christmas Village in Time Square!
Opening Hours
Saturday : 10am to 7pm Sunday 10am to 5pm
Make sure you follow our event page for updates on our trader line-up, entertainment schedule and more!
Warrington
The monthly pop-up event will be located at the fabulous Times Square, adjacent to the newly relaunched Warrington Indoor Market. The Makers Market will showcase over 60 unique stalls offering local artisan food and drink, art and crafts and top vintage finds.
The monthly pop-up event will be located at the fabulous Times Square, adjacent to the newly relaunched Warrington Indoor Market. The Makers Market will showcase over 60 unique stalls offering local artisan food and drink, art and crafts and top vintage finds.
Frodsham
Soak up the atmosphere and follow the market stalls through our historic streets tempting you with gifts, crafts, jewellery, toys and delicious food & drink!
Soak up the atmosphere and follow the market stalls through our historic streets tempting you with gifts, crafts, jewellery, toys and delicious food & drink!
As you know the market is a key part of the Frodsham Christmas Festival and the wide range of food, drink, crafts, gifts and decorations really get the town into the festive spirit.
Knutsford
Knutsford Christmas Market is back to mark the start of the festive season on 27th and 28th November 2021!
Knutsford Christmas Market is back to mark the start of the festive season on 27th and 28th November 2021! Organisers hope to bring back the full programme including a larger market, live entertainment, parade and switch on. The market will take place from 12-7pm on 27th and 11am-4pm on 28th Nov, where you can enjoy a market full of the best local artisan traders selling food, drinks, crafts, art and special gifts for your loved ones! The market will be held on Princess Street and Silk Mill Street. The Switch On Stage is back on Saturday 27th, with live entertainment from 1pm, and then join us as the Mayor of Knutsford lights up the town for the festive season at 6pm! You can also enjoy the fantastic Santa Parade on 27th from 5pm on King Street and Minshull Street. Santa’s Grotto will be back on Silk Mill Street all weekend, and you can enjoy the funfair on Princess Street car park behind Waitrose! You can enjoy balloon modelling on Silk Mill Street from 12-4pm on Saturday 27th November, and also take some photos in Santa’s Sleigh! The event is suitable for all ages so come and enjoy some festive fun.
Sandbach
Sandbach has one of the best Christmas Markets in Cheshire with an extensive variety of goods on offer and a really Christmassy atmosphere in the town!
Sandbach has one of the best Christmas Markets in Cheshire with an extensive variety of goods on offer and a really Christmassy atmosphere in the town!
Whatever the weather the town glows brightly on this special night, with choirs singing carols around the Christmas Tree, Brass Bands playing, Christmas lights twinkling, chestnuts roasting and the aroma of mulled wine. More than 100 stalls cover the Market Square, spread up the High Street, fill the Market Hall and expand over Little Common. With Town Centre shops offering late night shopping and The Olive and Stitch Market hosting further stalls within Town Hall there is a wealth of goods on offer.
The market runs from 3pm until 8pm and features hand made or decorated goods and home grown, cooked or reared produce along with Fair Trade wares.
Sandiway
Join us at the fabulous Blakemere Village for a market sure to give you that Christmassy feel. Small Street Markets will be bringing you a fantastic selection of gifts, food and drink to compliment the permanent retailers at Blakemere Village. This is set to be a day that you don't want to miss!
Join us at the fabulous Blakemere Village for a market sure to give you that Christmassy feel. Small Street Markets will be bringing you a fantastic selection of gifts, food and drink to compliment the permanent retailers at Blakemere Village. This is set to be a day that you don't want to miss!
Northwich
Delamere Forest is Cheshire's largest area of woodland and is a place for families to let off steam, escape the crowds, enjoy the stunning views and find peace in the heart of the forest.
Enjoy a fun day out in Cheshire’s biggest woodland!
Located between Liverpool and Manchester, Delamere Forest provides a stunning setting for your next family adventure. Whether a leisurely wander through the trees, scaling the heights at Go Ape, an adventure in the deep, dark wood on the Gruffalo Spotters Trail or enjoying a family bike ride, Delamere Forest is bursting with opportunities to explore the great outdoors.
Explore the stunning landscape on a choice of three walking trails or two cycling trails. If you’re stuck for wheels why not visit the brand new Tracs cycle centre who’ll happily fix you up with a hire bike, they’ve got something to suit everybody. Be sure to visit the new eco-friendly visitor centre which is also home to the Delamere Forest Café – for all the post-fun refreshments you’ll need.
You can become a Delamere Forest member for £60 and get free parking all year round, plus a range of discounts and benefits. You’ll also be supporting the nation’s forests. Find out more here.
Macclesfield
Today Macclesfield Forest is managed by United Utilities as part of the water catchment area around the reseroirs. There are four reservoirs in the vicinity with Ridgegate and Trentabank reservoirs providing Macclesfield town with drinking water.
Today Macclesfield Forest is managed by United Utilities as part of the water catchment area around the reseroirs. There are four reservoirs in the vicinity with Ridgegate and Trentabank reservoirs providing Macclesfield town with drinking water. The forest has a herd of red deer and various other wildlife which you may encounter on a visit. The reservoirs are home to many species of wildfowl and Trentabank is home to the largest heronry in the Peak District.
The forest is a working area and as the timber is felled and replanted the woodland scenery is always in a state of change. As a result, the paths may be closed temporarily, so please follow the forestry waymarked trail numbers at all times. Open all day every day. Please telephone for more details.
Macclesfield
From 4pm until late, make a start on your Christmas shopping from a large selection of independent and chain stores opening late.
From 4pm until late, make a start on your Christmas shopping from a large selection of independent and chain stores opening late. A large marquee in Market Place will complement hospitality venues in the town centre, and Macclesfield 2nd December 4pm – late Market Place, Macclesfield, SK10 1EA will be feeling festive with food, drink and entertainment dotted throughout the town. With FREE parking in 7 car parks from 3pm
**#1 National Trust Garden in the UK 2020**
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
Altrincham
It's the most wonderful time of the year when over a million lights, lasers and seasonal sounds fill the air with festive fun at Dunham Massey.
It's the most wonderful time of the year when over a million lights, lasers and seasonal sounds fill the air with festive fun at Dunham Massey. Look forward to some together time and make everlasting memories, as you enter beside glittering deer, discover sparkling tunnels of light, dancing waterside reflections and trees drenched in jewel-like colour. Pause at mesmerising flickering flames in the fire garden for a moment of reflection, marvel at larger-than-life illuminations and don't forget to glimpse Father Christmas along the way. Your very merriest Christmas starts here. Limited capacity with timed entry. Plan now to secure the date and time of your choice.
Higher Walton, Warrington
A spectacular, illuminated trail, full of wonder and intrigue, to delight and enthral your senses. As darkness descends, join us on our enchanting journey, as we weave a captivating light trail through the stunning, grounds of Walton Gardens
Walton Gardens Winter Light Trail A spectacular, illuminated trail, full of wonder and intrigue, to delight and enthral your senses. As darkness descends, join us on our enchanting journey, as we weave a captivating light trail through the stunning, grounds of Walton Gardens. Immerse yourself in our mesmerising trail, with stunning lighting elements and fabulous light play, all set to ambient music. A Timeless experience to be enjoyed by all, young and old alike. Luminate Cheshire at Walton Gardens will run nightly from Friday 24th November until Friday 24th December 2021. Tickets must be pre-booked online in advance.
From | To | Distance * (metric) |
---|---|---|
The Bridge (53.28869,-2.15002) | The Vicarage (53.20671,-2.36676) | 15.37 |
The Vicarage (53.20671,-2.36676) | The Pheasant Inn (53.1041,-2.71376) | 23.25 |
The Pheasant Inn (53.1041,-2.71376) | The Bear's Paw Inn (53.14804,-2.43653) | 17.24 |
The Bear's Paw Inn (53.14804,-2.43653) | Cottons Hotel & Spa (53.31952,-2.39295) | 17.38 |
Cottons Hotel & Spa (53.31952,-2.39295) | Carden Park Hotel – Cheshire’s Country Estate (53.07392,-2.80774) | 35.01 |
Carden Park Hotel – Cheshire’s Country Estate (53.07392,-2.80774) | The Hollies Farm Shop - Little Budworth (53.20382,-2.62723) | 16.95 |
The Hollies Farm Shop - Little Budworth (53.20382,-2.62723) | A Classical Christmas Market (53.38888,-2.59141) | 18.67 |
A Classical Christmas Market (53.38888,-2.59141) | A Greener Christmas Market (53.38888,-2.59141) | 0 |
A Greener Christmas Market (53.38888,-2.59141) | The Christmas Maker's Market (53.38888,-2.59141) | 0 |
The Christmas Maker's Market (53.38888,-2.59141) | Festival Market (53.29629,-2.7257) | 12.27 |
Festival Market (53.29629,-2.7257) | Knutsford Christmas Market (53.30059,-2.37183) | 21.2 |
Knutsford Christmas Market (53.30059,-2.37183) | Christmas Market and Late Night Shopping (53.1435,-2.36183) | 15.75 |
Christmas Market and Late Night Shopping (53.1435,-2.36183) | Christmas Market (53.22877,-2.60295) | 16.81 |
Christmas Market (53.22877,-2.60295) | Delamere Forest (53.22871,-2.67853) | 4.53 |
Delamere Forest (53.22871,-2.67853) | Macclesfield Forest (53.23932,-2.07642) | 36.13 |
Macclesfield Forest (53.23932,-2.07642) | Festive Thursday & Late Night Shopping (53.2607,-2.12513) | 3.62 |
Festive Thursday & Late Night Shopping (53.2607,-2.12513) | Tatton Park (53.33615,-2.38866) | 17.5 |
Tatton Park (53.33615,-2.38866) | Christmas at Dunham Massey (53.38285,-2.39993) | 4.73 |
Christmas at Dunham Massey (53.38285,-2.39993) | Luminate Cheshire (53.35993,-2.60225) | 12.31 |
Luminate Cheshire (53.35993,-2.60225) | Christmas at the Magical Woodland (53.22876,-2.60295) | 13.14 |
Christmas at the Magical Woodland (53.22876,-2.60295) | Christmas at Bolesworth (53.11013,-2.76495) | 15.36 |
Christmas at Bolesworth (53.11013,-2.76495) | Lumen Lite (53.0974,-2.43912) | 19.64 |
Lumen Lite (53.0974,-2.43912) | Christmas at Delamere Forest (53.2302,-2.66642) | 19.07 |
Total Distance * | 355.85 miles | |
Estimated Journey Time | 11.45 hours |
* Approximate distance by road