Cheshire

Cheshire's towns and villages range from the historic to the quietly rural. Chester leads the way with its Roman walls, half-timbered rows and cathedral, making it the natural base for a longer stay. Knutsford and Nantwich offer smaller-scale charm, the former known for its Georgian streets, the latter for black-and-white buildings and a riverside setting on the Weaver. Frodsham and Tarporley provide easy access to the surrounding sandstone ridge and countryside, both useful stops for walkers.

Elsewhere, the county turns quieter still. Marbury, Little Budworth and Sandiway sit close to meres and woodland, ideal for slow days outdoors, while Minshull Vernon and Lower Withington offer a peaceful rural pace among farmland. Towards the eastern hills, Wincle and Wildboarclough lie within striking countryside on the edge of the Peak District, well suited to hikers seeking moorland views and remote lanes away from the busier towns.

Cheshire's places to stay range from city-centre hotels in Chester to farmhouse B&Bs scattered through the surrounding countryside. Chester itself holds the biggest concentration, with options like ABode Chester and Stone Villa Chester putting you within walking distance of the Rows and the city walls, useful if you want to explore on foot and leave the car behind.

Away from the city, Knutsford and the villages around it offer a quieter alternative, with guest houses such as Laburnum Cottage Guest House and Golborne Manor Bed and Breakfast set among farmland rather than streets. This side of the county suits those touring Tatton Park or the Cheshire Plain, or simply after a peaceful night before moving on.

For something grander, properties like Fairmont Cheshire and The Mere lean towards spa breaks and golf, while smaller B&Bs such as Roseville Bed & Breakfast and Ba Ba Guest House keep things simple and personal. With 271 listed across the county, it's worth deciding first whether you want city convenience or countryside calm before narrowing things down.

Cheshire's mix of historic cities, market towns and open countryside gives it plenty of range for a day out. Chester is the obvious hub, with Chester Zoo drawing families from across the region, but there's also the more offbeat pull of a Chester Treasure Trail for those who fancy exploring the streets with a purpose. Knutsford and Macclesfield add their own smaller-scale options, from craft workshops to falconry displays.

Further afield, Nantwich, Runcorn and Warrington bring a different flavour, with science and discovery centres such as WDMES Daresbury sitting alongside adrenaline-driven options like Havoc VR in Adlington or VR Warehouse Ltd. Wildlife and outdoor pursuits feature strongly too, whether that's birds of prey at Gauntlet Birds of Prey and Eagle & Vulture Park, or a round with J F Polo Academy.

With such variety, it's worth deciding whether you want a full day out or something to fill an afternoon, as the county caters well for both.

Cheshire's dining scene runs from village pubs with open fires to smarter restaurants in its market towns, and the choice reflects the county's mix of rural parishes and busy commuter hubs. Knutsford and Wilmslow tend towards the polished end, with independent restaurants sitting alongside familiar chains, while Crewe and Warrington offer a broader spread of everyday eating, from takeaways to family-run establishments.

Pubs remain central to the picture across the county, whether as destination dining spots or straightforward locals serving a good pint alongside the menu. With over 850 places listed, options range from quick, budget-friendly stops to more considered meals out, so it is worth thinking about whether you want a proper sit-down pub lunch, a curry, or something quicker before picking a town to search.

Cheshire's mix of dairy farmland, canals and the fringes of the Peak District gives its campsites a settled, rural character. Around Wrenbury and Marbury, sites make the most of the canal network, with mooring or towpath walks close at hand, while Nantwich and Tarporley offer easy bases for exploring market towns and touring the wider county by car.

Glamping has taken hold strongly here, from Tipsy Tree Glamping and Lloyds Meadow Glamping to smaller retreats like Lower Hall Glamping and The Stables, many set on working farms with fields and hedgerows rather than large touring pitches. Wildboarclough sits apart from the rest, right against the Peak District moors, and suits those wanting proper hill walking rather than a canal-side stroll.

Larger touring options such as Oulton Country Park Touring Site sit alongside smaller, quieter setups near Congleton and Lower Withington, so it's worth deciding whether you want facilities and space for a caravan or a simple, secluded pitch before booking.