Embark on a journey through the heart of Chester and Cheshire, where history and modernity converge to create an unforgettable experience. Explore the charming town of Knutsford, rich in literary history, and immerse yourself in the grandeur of Tatton Park and The Old Hall.
Traverse the medieval streets of Chester Rows, indulge in retail therapy at Cheshire Oaks, and witness the historic Chester Cathedral. Venture beyond the city limits to marvel at the iconic Jodrell Bank and its First Light Pavilion, offering a fascinating glimpse into space exploration. Uncover the history of salt at Lion Salt Works, experience the artistry of silk at Macclesfield Silk Museum and Paradise Mill, and unleash your adventurous side at Cheshire Outdoors. Join the festivities of the Midsummer Watch Parade and Winter Watch Parade, steeped in centuries-old traditions.
Embrace the joys of Lambing Weekends at Reaseheath College and witness the miracle of new life. For a wild encounter, visit Chester Zoo, home to an impressive array of rare and endangered species. Immerse yourself in the cultural scene at The Story House, a dynamic entertainment hub hosting theatrical productions, cinema screenings, and festivals. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, nature lover, or culture connoisseur, Chester and Cheshire offer a diverse array of activities to captivate your senses and create lasting memories.
Visit Knutsford
Knutsford, was also once home to the Victorian author Elizabeth Gaskell, who set her famous novel, Cranford, here, and there are connected sights around the town to see or explore further on a guided tour from Knutsford Heritage Centre. You may know that Cranford is ostensibly a novel of manners, but it is also a comment on the far-reaching influence of imperialism in the East on everyday life this town.
Tatton Park and The Old Hall
Tatton Park is one of UK’s finest historic estates with acres of gardens and parkland’s. Located on the edge of Knutsford, one of Cheshire’s prettiest and chicest market towns, with lots of luxury boutiques. This is known as footballer’s territory and sits alongside the neighbouring towns of Alderney Edge, Prestbury and Wilmslow.
At Tatton Park you can take a trip through the beautiful River Dee choosing a thirty-minute cruise to discover the city’s rich roman, medieval and industrial heritage. Or take the scenic country route with the Iron Bridge cruise. Tatton Park also holds a stunning 19th-century mansion sitting in a thousand acres of greenery. The Old Hall has a working farm, deer park with lake, a stable yard with shops, attractions, and fabulous historic gardens. It’s also a spectacular setting for weddings.
Chester Cathedral
Has been a place of worship for a thousand years. The strong presence of the Roman times remains in the cathedral and city. The Saxons invaded the city after the Romans had left in the 7th century and they gave the city its name. Grosvenor Park was laid out in 1867 with a hotel, railway system, new town hall, library and the Eastgate clock that is also known as the second Big Ben. In 1541 Chester Cathedral was previously known as Chester Abbey.
Cheshire Oaks
Is the largest pull for tourists just fifteen minutes drive from Chester is UK’s largest designer outlet village, offering significant discounts on famous brands such as Armani, Burberry, Ralph Lauren, North face, Reiss and Ted Baker. It also has plenty of high street stores such as Next, Cath Kidston, and Yankee Candles. With plenty of coffee shops, world-themed restaurants and eateries like the Lebanese Comptoir Libanais and Leon you won’t go hungry whilst on your shopping mission.
Chester Rows
Dating back to the 13th century this shopping experience will take you back to the medieval times and is a shopping experience like no other. The city is a delight for visitor with four main streets East gate; Northgate, Watergate and Bridge Street branching out from the cross towards the roman walls surround the central area. You will find plenty of vintage and boutique shops along with restaurants and cafes to curb your cravings. Bridge Street is known as The French Quarter with Parisian- style bistros on the street. The Grosvenor Shopping centre is also known to be a hidden gem of Chester.
Jodrell Bank
Thinking about the historic role and influence of Islamic astronomers, how about visiting Jodrell Bank and the First Light Pavilion? This radio observatory is home to Cheshire’s most famous landmark, the Lovell Telescope, the great white dish that is an ear on the sky. Jodrell was given Unesco World Heritage Status in 2019 for its role in mankind’s understanding of the universe. In 2022, Jodrell opened a new multimillion-pound visitor centre, the First Light Pavilion. The striking subterranean architectural design echoes the shape of the iconic dish. Inside, state-of-the-art exhibits tell the story of the observatory and space exploration, plus there’s a fantastic planetarium show.
Lion Salt Works
Why not visit The Lion Salt Works education centre in Northwich that will give you a fresh insight into the story of salt brought to life. You will find plenty of fun, interactive, imaginative exhibits giving you lots of brain stimulation.
Macclesfield Silk Museum and Paradise Mill
Located just a few minutes of walking distance from each other,
The Silk Museum and Heritage centre in Roe Street has interactive films, audio presentations and displays of luxurious silk costumes from various centuries. Paradise Mill provides a historical insight providing guided tours into the twenty restored Jacquard looms which revolutionised silk making.
Cheshire Outdoors
Is an amazing activity centre where you can try out some falconry, laser clay? You can also enjoy the thrill of a Segway ride and glide through the woodlands, try your shots with air rifles and archery, arrow tag. Getting close and hands-on with magnificent birds of prey. You can also hire bikes and get around the forest.
www.cheshire-outdoors.com
The Midsummer Watch Parade
Is one of the oldest, colourful and iconic events in the country where angels, devils, green men and mythical beasts rub shoulders with Roman’s St Werburgh elephants and camels in a full parade of colour and music that dates back to the 14th Century. The Winter Watch Parade is also an eccentric parade celebrating the winter solstice.
Lambing Weekends
What an experience it would be to see baby lambs being born at Reaseheath College in Nantwich. It takes place during the first two weeks of March to welcome the baby lambs into the season. You can meet and feed the new-borns. If you’re lucky you can witness a live birth, which is an incredible joy. The college has a flock of 550 expectant ewes, which produce around 1,200 baby lambs by mid April.
Chester Zoo
Chester Zoo is officially the best zoo in the UK, and second best in the world. So it’s definitely worth the visit when you’re in Chester. There are so many wonderful things to see including over 21,000 animals and more than 500 species that are rare, exotic and endangered wildlife.
The Story House
The independent charity-led entertainment hub includes a 150- seat studio theatre, restaurant, two bars and a cinema. Story-house runs series of festivals. The award-winning Grosvenor Park Open-air theatre and Moonlight Flicks are a highlight to experience. This winter it is also showing a seasonal spectacular the most famous fairy-tale Cinderella this enchanting family-friendly show promises to send you home with a smile on your face.
For more information on all these activities visit www.visitchesire.com
Main Image Credit – Kyrianne Miller
Tahira Khan is our Features Writer & NCTJ-accredited Journalist.
She has experience in the Wellness industry and loves travelling.
She is a firm believer of authenticity and we at BMM are exactly that.
Her expertise lies in travel, wellness & lifestyle.
One of Tahira's favourite quotes...
'The most beautiful thing in the world, of course, is the world itself' - (Wallace Stevens)
