Crewe

Most people arrive in Crewe because of the railway, and it is still the reason the town exists in its current form. But a first trip here usually settles into something more relaxed than trainspotting: a look round the town centre, a stop at one of the family attractions, and an evening meal before heading back to wherever you are staying. Crewe works well as a base for a couple of days rather than a single flying visit, especially if you want to combine the town with the wider Cheshire countryside around it.

With children in tow, Crewe has a decent spread of things to fill an afternoon. Playworld and Funsters Crewe are built for younger kids who need somewhere to burn off energy, while Good Time Charlies adds another option for family entertainment. Oakhanger Riding and Pony Club Centre is worth knowing about if anyone in your group is keen on horses. For a more standard night out, ODEON Crewe covers the cinema trip, and Brocklebank Brewers Fayre is a straightforward stop for food alongside a pint.

Eating out in Crewe leans towards the familiar and reliable rather than the destination-dining end of things. You will find the usual chains covered, including Burger King, McDonalds Restaurant and Greggs for anything quick, and Big Mugs ltd or Cheer & Chug for a more relaxed sit-down. Istanbul Restaurant is a good shout if you want something with a bit more character on the menu, Cheshire Catering caters for events and larger groups, and CAKE BOX CREWE is there for dessert or a celebration cake to take away.

Altogether, a first trip to Crewe is best treated as a practical, easy-going base: comfortable places to stay ranging from grand to budget, enough family attractions to fill a day or two, and enough choice on the food front that nobody in the group goes hungry.