Cheshire – so much to do and explore!

Under the current circumstances some of you may be self-isolating and thinking about all the lovely places that you would like to visit when the time is right for us to venture out again.  We thought you might enjoy a little look around some of the things Cheshire had to offer.

Where to begin?  Cheshire has so much to offer from world famous archaeology ruins to the most up to date research centres. But let’s look at some of the best days out that both families and couples can enjoy, the choice is huge and there truly is something for everyone.

Gardens, Nature and Parks – outdoors, culture and historic facts all in one!

There are so many to choose from, so here are some favourites, that you could visit with the whole family including your furry friends.

Country House owned by the Warburton family

Arley Hall Near to Northwich

Arley is a place of enormous character, charm and interest and visitors are frequently struck by the warm and intimate atmosphere and the feeling that Arley is a much-cherished family home. The Gardens, which are amongst the finest in Britain, are outstanding for their vitality, variety and historical interest and are particularly celebrated for the magnificent double herbaceous border. The Hall is an impressive example of a Victorian country house built in the Elizabethan style.

Visit the kitchen arbour garden, the walled garden, herb & scented gardens, daffodil and wildflower meadow & take a leisurely stroll through the woodland walk and admire the many sculptures along the way.  This is an easy place to spend a whole day at; the house is open on Tuesdays and Sundays, plus Bank holidays. Arley Hall has played host to the ‘Dogfest’ for the last three years, if you’re a dog lover you must visit next time it’s on

Roman Gardens in the heart of Chester City centre

Chester Roman Gardens, Chester

This Roman city of Chester has so much to offer, such as the Cathedral, the city walls the unique city rows, to name but a few.  To get a good overview of this amazing city’s history visit the Grosvenor Museum in Grosvenor Street.

The Chester Roman Gardens is a small garden and park complex close to Chester Roman Amphitheatre which contains several Roman finds and artefacts gathered from various sites in Roman Chester.   Originally built in the early 1950s, the gardens were re-designed in 2001 and now provide a scenic spot to browse the Roman ruins.  There is a range of remains from local Roman sites, including columns from the Roman gymnasium and carved fascias from the Deva Victrix Roman fortress.  There is so much to explore such as the hypocaust – the underground heating system used by the ancient Romans, and the gateway entrance connecting the two sides of the ancient walls to the garden.

Stunning gardens open to the public

Tatten Park

Tatton Park really is a special place to visit, with so much to see and do there truly is something for everyone.  – There are acres of Parkland and Gardens to explore, no matter what time of the year you visit you will not be disappointed as each season offers something different for you to marvel at.  There is an impressive 18th century Mansion, historic working Farm and adventure playground, the choice is yours. With over 100 events to discover too, you can experience the world famous RHS Flower Show, indulge in Foodies Festivals or even watch film classics in the picturesque deer park.  Inside the hall is a must visit museum, take a peak and see this for yourself, you won’t be disappointed.

One of Cheshire’s top tourist attractions

 Anderton Boat Lift

The Anderton Boat Lift was built by Edwin Clark in 1875 to lift cargo boats the 50 feet from the River Weaver to the Trent & Mersey Canal. Like all great things, the concept is simple: two huge water tanks, each with watertight sealable doors carry boats up and down. The original counter-balanced system was replaced in 1908 by electric operation, but the lift now works hydraulically again. No description can adequately convey the sheer scale of this engineering feat. There is an Operations Centre which offers interactive displays, educational facilities, there is also a gift and coffee shop. From April to October you can enjoy boat trips through the lift and along the River Weaver Navigation.

Fancy a drink or maybe a spot of lunch!

There is an array of superb eateries and food and drink tours and establishments in Cheshire.  Here are a couple of favourites for you to try.

Fresh produce at the Hollies Farm Shop

Hollies Farm Shop – Little Budworth

The Hollies is an emporium of goodies, there is no other way of describing it, pure yum!! Definitely take a trip here if you fancy some real treats.  There is also a very nice gift shop with some truly amazing gift ideas, and to top it off there is a lovely restaurant on site for you to enjoy some amazing home cooking… definitely one to visit. Plus, its only a 2 minute drive from Outlon Park Race Track and The Cheshire Polo Club is next door (rumour has it that Prince Charles’s frequents occasionally!!)

Great outside seating area and views

The Pheasant –  Higher,Burwarsley

The Pheasant has it all not only is it a truly lovely place to be, it also has a fabulous walk right outside, which will take you through wooded lanes that will eventually give you the most amazing views of both Beeston and Peckforton Castles. Then Discover a different view of dining at the five-star Pheasant Inn; a quintessentially English country pub nestled in the gloriously unspoilt Peckforton Hills. It Proudly overlooking everything from the Cheshire Plain to North Wales from its location along the historic Sandstone Trail, this hidden treasure is a retreat for locals and visitors alike, championing delicious, honest, homecooked food made from the finest locally sourced fresh ingredients and produce.  Dogs are more than welcome at the Pheasant which is great – a good dog walk followed by or after a delicious home cooked meal,  and if you love ice cream, then simply cross the road and you at one of Cheshire’s best ice cream shops … heaven!

Traditional country pub

The Church Inn at Mobberley

The Church Inn offers seasonal ingredients as much as possible and is sourced from Artisan bakers, Farmers, Butchers, Cheesemakers and the delicious array of seafood is delivered on a daily basis. With ales from within a 15-mile boundary, but with one pump dedicated to craft ales from further away. Wine is celebrated here too with a simple yet interesting list. This award-winning pub has so much to offer, not only from a food and drink point of view but also from the intimate ambiance it offers as soon as you walk through the doors. So lovely and well worth a visit, you will not be disappointed. There are also some lovely walks nearby, so if you fancy a bar meal or a well-earned drink, the bar is open for you and your four-legged walking companion.

 If you fancy doing a bit of research for yourself, below is a start point for you, take your time and enjoy all that Cheshire has to offer and intime make a date to visit some.  Enjoy!!

Farms – Great day out for all the family

Lakemore Farm Park  –  Crewe

Oakmere Alpacas – Oakmere

Cotebrook Shire Horses – Cotebrook

The Ice Cream Farm – Tattenhall

Water and Amusement Parks – always a favourite for the kids

Crocky Trail – Warrington

Apple Jacks Adventure Farm – Warrington

Cheshire Outdoors – Sandiway

Wild Shore – Delemere

The Great Outdoor Activities – perfect for everyone!

Delemere Forest – Delemere

The Sandstone Trail (120 miles long) part Cheshire

Hunts Lock Blue Bridge Circular Walk – Northwich

Limdow Common – Wilmslow

Two Lock Walk – Northwich

Have fun exploring and planning your days out in Cheshire – there truly is something for everyone!! If you have a favourite place in Cheshire you would like to share with us, we would love to hear from you.