Whether you’re taking a family staycation, reconnecting with friends and loved ones, exploring the glorious Cheshire countryside, or simply just because, there’s a lot waiting for you in Cheshire. You may be in need of some inspiration, so we thought we’d put together this guide to 24 hours in Cheshire; although with everything on offer, you may want to stay a little (or a lot!) longer than that.
You’ll need somewhere to call home away from home and luckily for you Cheshire is boasts some of the best and most unique places to stay around. We’ve got countryside manors for the regal retreat including Crewe Hall, De Vere Cranage Estate, Mottram Hall and Rookery Hall, just to name a few. For a luxurious resort stay there’s The Mere Golf Resort & Spa and Carden Park. Or there’s some gorgeous countryside boutique offerings from the likes of The Pheasant Inn, The Bear’s Paw, The Bridge and The Vicarage. Or you can get into the wilderness, luxury style, with Forest Holidays Delamere and The Hollies Forest Lodges. The list goes on and there are so many more hotels, self-catering providers and camping and caravanning sites, you’re sure to find the perfect place to stay in Cheshire.
With your lodgings secured, you’ll want to maximise your time in Cheshire. Whatever your style of staycation, there’s a lot to do. From family friendly fun and fascinating heritage to adventurous attractions and glorious gardens, Cheshire’s attractions will inspire all sorts of new memories.
There’s good reason to be excited about the family friendly attractions in Cheshire. We have BeWILDerwood – the huge outdoor adventure park for all the family to enjoy together. There are super slippery slides, extra-long zip wires, massive, muddled mazes, huge rope bridges, magical treehouses, den building and lots, lots more, making it all the more enticing to leave your technology behind and get out into the wild woods. Gulliver’s World Resort have also been eagerly awaiting your return and promise a fun-filled family day out. Families can enjoy a whole host of rides, shows and activities in the main park as well as slippery slides and water features at Splash Zone – perfect for the young and the young at heart! For those after some adventure, Cheshire’s serene countryside is home to a lot of adventure. Get up amongst the Delamere canopy on thrilling high wires and zip lines at Go Ape - it’s certainly a different way to take in the stunning views! Why not take a trip to Blakemere where you can experience a plethora of outdoor fun courtesy of Cheshire Outdoors. You can enjoy everything from archery and air rifles to falconry and off-road Segways; there’s even human table football!
If you’re visiting Cheshire, the history and heritage of our county is not to be missed! Cheshire is truly historic and throughout then county you can find the stories of how Cheshire has shaped the nation’s past. There’s the Lion Salt Works in Northwich, where at this multi-award-winning gem you can delve into an interactive history of one of Cheshire’s most historic industries: salt! And just a stone’s throw away is the “Cathedral of the Canals”, aka Anderton Boat Lift. This monument to Britain’s waterways and engineering is fully functional and a fascinating visit. And if the fancy takes you, you can visit the National Waterways Museum. With its delightful waterside setting, flotillas of historic boats and fascinating displays housed in Victorian buildings, the museum is a great day out whatever the weather. Macclesfield, or Silk Town, is home to the Silk Museum. This testament to the richly woven history of Macclesfield is full of artefacts relating to the dominance of the silk industry as well as Egyptian relics! And just a stone’s throw away is the spectacular sight of the Lovell Telescope at Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre. This UNESCO world heritage site is not to be missed with fascinating exhibitions and collections surrounding the wonders of the universe and Jodrell’s role in the history of space exploration. Or why not embark on a truly historic cruise aboard The Daniel Adamson? This unique 1903 Steam Ship, listed as 15th on the Register of National Historic Ships, boasts stunning Art Deco saloons which have been restored to exactly as they would have been in 1936. What’s more, there are even Gin Cruises throughout the summer so you can take in the gorgeous scenery with your favourite tipple!
A trip to Cheshire wouldn’t be complete without exploring some of the finest greenery around. With the summer months approaching, we can get out and explore Cheshire’s glorious gardens and the grounds that house them. Tatton Park is home to award-winning gardens alongside vast acres of parkland and the historic mansion. Tatton also plays host to a range of unmissable events and activities which this year include the RHS Flower Show, the Foodies Festival, as well as The Luna Drive in Cinema. Quarry Bank, as well as being one of Britain’s greatest industrial heritage sites, boats magnificent gardens on the banks of the River Bollin. The restored glass house and kitchen garden also give an insight into the lives of the past mill owners. Nestled on the edge of the Peak District, Lyme’s 1,400-acre estate (including the infamous Mr Darcy’s house) with its medieval herd of red deer is a paradise for bird-watchers and wildlife spotters, and hosts regular guided walks and running events. Ness Botanic Gardens on the Wirral Peninsula offer over 64 acres of superbly diverse plant life and are a great day out at any time of year. So if you’re in need of some inspiration for your own garden, why not visit some of Cheshire’s glorious gardens?
Or perhaps you’re looking for a little change of pace; a complete escape from the stresses and strains of the everyday? Cheshire is home to some of the finest spas in the country so you can sit back relax and enjoy some pampering. Renowned country estate Carden Park offers peace and tranquillity amongst the 1000-acre estate with a range of indulgent treatments and sublime facilities. You can even unwind in the extensive Spa Garden after your treatments and perhaps even sip some champagne while you relax. Nestled just outside Knutsford you’ll find The Mere where, alongside a luxurious hotel and golf course, you can indulge in a whole host of pampering treatments in their award-winning spa. You can unwind and while away the hours in the leisure facilities and relaxation terraces – pure serenity! Towards Chester you can find Spa by Kasia at The Grosvenor Pulford Hotel & Spa where the tranquillity of the Far East meets modern aromatherapy. Why not take a stroll through the Asian Sensory Garden after a luxurious treatment? And in the heart of Chester there’s The Spa at The Chester Grosvenor. Within the confines of this luxury boutique spa you can choose from a menu of rituals and treatments, all designed to balance mind, body and spirit – and with your body and spirit pampered, you may want to explore Chester a little further with our guide to 24 hours in Chester.
Perhaps your 24 hours in Cheshire can be filled with a spot (or a whole lot!) of shopping. Need to sort that Spring/Summer wardrobe? Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet is the largest designer outlet in the UK and is home to over 145 boutiques, cafés and restaurants. What’s more, there’s a whole host of great activities nearby including The Blue Planet Aquarium. Or if you’re looking for some unique finds, Cheshire’s high streets are filled with local character and a lot of independent charm. Far from sleepy idylls, towns and villages like Knutsford, Tarporley, Warrington, Frodsham and Nantwich are home to vibrant shopping districts. And for shoppers looking for some one-of-a-kind finds Macclesfield’s Treacle Market is a must with a wide range of independent crafts, homewares, clothing, florals, soaps, teas and much, much more. Or there’s Reclaimed World, Cheshire’s reclamation, salvage and antiques emporium. You’re sure to get lost amongst the staggering collections of gorgeous and truly unique vintage and restored items. And just a stone’s throw away is The Hollies Farm Shop. A true Cheshire staple, at The Hollies you can find all the very best local produce alongside gifts, homewares, garden ware and a whole host of other goodies.
Or maybe your 24 hours in Cheshire can be spent at one of our unmissable events. After going so long without them, there’s a fantastic range of goings-on in Cheshire over the coming months that will make for some magical memories. Highlights announced for this year include CarFest North, DogFest, Deva Fest, Just So festival as well as fixtures in the Rugby League World Cup at the home of Warrington Wolves. So make sure to see what’s on for your 24 hours in Cheshire.
With everything on offer across Cheshire, you’re sure to work up an appetite and you could spend 24 hours exploring Cheshire’s vast range of renowned pubs, restaurants and bars! There’s everything from country pubs with modern twists like The Fishpool Inn, and social drinks and bites to eat in places like Blakemere Village Social, to quintessentially English afternoon tea done to perfection from the likes of Davenports of Cheshire. So whatever your style, tastes and budget, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to food and drink in Cheshire.
And when it comes to getting around Cheshire, even if you’re not travelling by car there are plenty of options. With many locations connected along the Mid-Cheshire Line and West Coast Main Line, rail travel is a great way to enjoy your time in Cheshire to the fullest. Or if you’re feeling adventurous, Cheshire is connected via a whole host of scenic cycle routes like the Cheshire Cycleway and walking trails like the Sandstone Trail and Gritstone Trail.
As you can see, there’s a lot to do in Cheshire, and maybe 24 hours just won’t cut it. So with this in mind, you might want to stay another day (or hopefully more!)
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Tarporley
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.
**Taste of Cheshire Award Winner at the Marketing Cheshire Tourism Awards 2022/23**
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 60 years later, The Hollies Farm Shop has grown to become a destination and one of the best Farm Shops in the Northwest of England.
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 offers farm shop produce, a butchery, a delicatessen, a fresh fish counter, The Barn home & gift department, The Hollies Takeaway with indoor and al fresco dining, The Deli Bar, 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 true Taste of Cheshire!
Delamere
**Pub of the Year Award Winner 2019** Idyllically positioned on the edge of the enchanting Delamere forest, the award winning Fishpool Inn is a cosy, characterful inn dating back to the 18th century.
**Pub of the Year Award Winner 2019**
The Fishpool Inn is idyllically positioned on the edge of the enchanting Delamere Forest in the beautiful Cheshire countryside. Within the walls of the lovingly-refurbished 18th century building, you will find cosy nooks, welcoming fireplaces and plenty of Cheshire charm. The interior decoration is inspired by the popular pastimes of the Cheshire countryside, from fishing to polo. There is even a section dedicated to dog-friendly dining, where your four-legged friend is as welcome to drink, dine and unwind as you are!
The inspired seasonal menu features traditional home comforts, British classics and modern European dishes. Our talented kitchen team pride themselves on delivering freshly prepared fayre using locally-sourced and seasonal ingredients that represent the very best of gastropub dining. From all-day dining to our delicious take on Afternoon Tea, you will find a new favourite on the diverse range of menus available.
You will also find a diverse selection of real ales provided by local favourites Weetwood Ales, as well as guest beers from local some of the area’s finest micro-breweries. An extensive wine list boasts old and new world wines for every palate, whilst the cracking cocktail menu features popular classics, mocktails and gin twists.
The outdoor terrace with its picturesque beer garden and views upon the nearby Delamere Forest is the perfect spot for an al fresco lunch or tipple. The Fishpool Inn is more than just a pub; whether you come along to drink or dine, look forward to a warm welcome, great quality food and a unique and ambient surrounding.