Places to stay, eat and things to do in Chester and Cheshire - Englands North West
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Chester & Cheshire

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This charming county

If you’re after archetypal idyllic British scenery then you need look no further than the lush green peaks and plains of Cheshire.

With its gorgeous countryside and abundant produce, Cheshire is awash with picturesque villages, charming country inns and mouth-watering gastropubs and restaurants. You can also take your pick from some of England’s most popular stately homes and gardens, ranging from mansions full of art treasures and historic deerparks to horticultural and historical marvels.

If all that greenery gives you urban withdrawal symptoms, you can always head for Chester, where the city’s remarkable Roman and medieval heritage is mixed with a tempting selection of contemporary charms, ranging from chic new boutiques and restaurants to a leisurely boat cruise along the tree-lined River Dee.

For further visitor information visitchester.com

 

Places to eat & drink

The Bells of Peover

The Cobbles, Knutsford WA16 9PZ

T: 01565 722269; thebellsofpeover.co.uk

One of Cheshire’s most picturesque pubs. Situated down a cute cobbled lane, adjacent to a picture-perfect church, the Grade I-listed building dates from the 13th century but a recent revamp has brought its culinary reputation bang up to date.

The Duke of Portland

Penny’s Lane, Lach Dennis CW9 7SY

T: 01606 46264; dukeofportland.com

Voted the Northwest’s top gastropub in 2009, this elegant reworking of a traditional Cheshire inn boasts great food, an excellent range of cask ales, plus an extensive outdoor eating area where you can catch the last drop of sunshine at the end of the day whilst looking out over the lush Cheshire countryside. Hog roasts and barbeques in the summer months too.

Joseph Benjamin

Northgate Street, Chester CH1 2HT

T: 01244 344295; josephbenjamin.co.uk

Located right next to the city walls, this cute deli-restaurant has been voted Chester’s best small restaurant for two years on the trot. The tasting plates are a great way to try the local and homemade delicacies before you buy.

Cheshire Smokehouse

Vost Farm, Morley Green, Wilmslow SK9 5NU

T: 01625 548499; cheshiresmokehouse.co.uk

Nationally-famous farm shop with a bijou winery, an artisan bakers and a fabulous café. A complete gastronomic destination in the heart of the Cheshire countryside.

Cheshire Peaks pubs

T: 01625 548499; cheshiresmokehouse.co.uk

Try The Leathers Smithy at Trentabank Reservoir in Macclesfield Forest, The Crag Inn in Wildboarclough and The Ship Inn at Wincle, to name but three.

Places to stay

Chester Grosvenor & Spa

Eastgate, Chester CH1 1LT

T: 01244 324024; chestergrosvenor.com

This luxurious 5-star hotel and top-notch spa is a Chester institution and the ultimate Cheshire-set weekend escape. From its Grade II-listed, black and white timbered exterior you may be expecting a cacophony of chintz, but inside it’s all muted contemporary tones and understated elegance, plus a restaurant that has retained its coveted Michelin star for 19 consecutive years.

Abode Chester

Grosvenor Rd, Chester CH1 2DJ

T: 01244 347000; abodehotels.com

Newly-opened, this latest outpost of chef Michael Caines’ gastro empire, is a spanking new hotel with fantastic views over the city’s racecourse, plus an eponymous restaurant and champagne bar on the 5th floor complete with outdoor terrace. A Michelin star is bound to beckon.

The Pheasant Inn

Higher Burwardsley, Tattenhall CH3 9PE

T: 01829 770434; thepheasantinn.co.uk

Located right in the middle of the Sandstone trail, this destination dining inn with boutique hotel-standard rooms makes an ideal base for enjoying Cheshire’s walking country. Take your drink out onto the terrace for the most breathtaking sunset views across the Cheshire plain to the Welsh mountains.

The White House Manor

New Road, Prestbury SK10 4HP

T: 01625 829376; thewhitehousemanor.co.uk

Restored Georgian townhouse in the leafy Cheshire suburbs voted Northwest Small Hotel of the Year in 2008. Tastefully-designed rooms, a delightful garden and a first-class restaurant, plus a location that’s ideal for visiting the statelys at Tatton and Lyme Park or striding out over the Cheshire Peaks.

The Green Bough Hotel

60 Hoole Road, Chester CH2 3NL

T: 01244 326241; chestergreenbough.com

Tripadvisor’s No.1 hotel in Chester, this restored Victorian town house hotel trails a raft of awards behind it, including Best Small Hotel in England in 2006. Quiet elegance, exemplary service and a location just a few minutes walk from the historic city centre.

Oddfellows

20 Lower Bridge Street, Chester CH1 1RS

T: 01244 400001; oddfellows.biz

This grand 17th century Georgian manor house has been transformed into a sumptuous dining venue, with four luxury boutique suites for staying over in the converted 3rd floor attic space. There’s a wonderful walled garden, a swanky Champagne Bar and a rather glamorous and grown-up Pantry that does fabulous bistro food and a mean afternoon tea.

Things to do

The Rows

Eastgate, Chester

Effectively double decker shops, these black and white buildings date from the middle ages but are now packed with contemporary boutiques to taunt your plastic.

Concorde

Manchester Airport Aviation Viewing Park, Sunbank Lane, Altrincham WA15 8XQ

T: 0161 489 3932;

Marvel at one of the 20th century’s most iconic pieces of engineering in a purpose-built museum hanger at Manchester Airport and you’ll understand why G-BOAC Alpha Charlie was the pride of the BA fleet.

Chester Boat

The Groves, Chester CH1 1SD

T: 01244 325394; chesterboat.co.uk

Go boating on the river Dee, cruising through Chester and the surrounding countryside.

Jodrell Bank Visitor Centre

Holmes Chapel SK11 9DL

T: 01477 571339; manchester.ac.uk/jodrellbank/viscen

The iconic Lovell Radio Telescope is a prominent feature of the Cheshire skyline. The on-site science centre provides eye-opening 3D views of the solar system while for more down-to-earth pursuits there’s an arboretum and environment centre.

Chester Ghost Tours

T: 01244 402111; ghostcity.co.uk

Discover your inner Derek Acorah with a trip round what many consider Britain’s ‘most haunted’ city. The Chester Ghosthunter Trail is a night-time guided walk around the city’s spooky and scary places, with tales of eerie goings-on across the centuries.

Chester Zoo

Upton-by-Chester CH2 1LH

T: 01244 380280; chesterzoo.org

You’re never too old for a good zoo, and Chester is one of the best.

JF Polo Academy

Nortons Lane, Great Barrow, Cheshire CH37JZ

T: 01928 740869; jfpoloacademy.com

Go swinging with the Cheshire set and discover whether you’re a natural at one of the world’s most glamorous sports with a two hour introductory lesson.