Things to do in Cheshire

Cheshire is packed with a number of days out including a walk on the wild side at Chester Zoo where you can see over 7000 animals and take in the award winning gardens, to cool down visit Manley Mere enjoy the water or go underground and explore the Hack Green Secret Nuclear Bunker to see the secret lives of service personnel. Other attractions include Tatton Hall manor house and parkland, the Blue Planet Aquarium where you can dive with sharks, Grosvenor Miniature Railway and Cheshire Ice Cream Farm.

Chester attracts thousands of visitors a year, keen to explore the Roman fortress city, with its red sandstone city walls, Roman amphitheatre and many Tudor buildings. Relax in the city atmosphere or tour the retailers in the Rows shopping district. There are numerous attractions to see including the medieval Chester cathedral, Eastgate and Eastgate Clock at one of the city entrances, the Grosvenor Museum or may be take a cruise on the River Dee and see the city from a different perspective.

Cheshire has a number of stately homes open to the public. The origins of Lyme Park date to Tudor times though it is now a mainly Italian style palace in a spectacular setting – tour the state rooms and explore the 17 acres of Victorian gardens. The larger estate includes a deer park and parkland. Little Moreton Hall is possibly the most famous black and white half timbered house in the country where you can discover the amazing carvings, tour the house and explore the moat. Capesthorne Hall is a large Jacobean style house, accompanied by a chapel and over 100 acres of gardens and park containing lakes and an arboretum. Other houses in the county include Bramall Hall, Arley Hall, Adlington Hall, Dunham Massey on the banks of the Bridgewater canal, Dorfold Hall, Peover Hall and Gawsworth Hall – there is plenty to see!

Cheshire’s border position has spawned a series of castles for visitors to enjoy. Beeston Castle ruins stand on red sandstone cliffs rising 500 feet high and rewarding visitors with fantastic views. Legend has it there is hidden treasure at the castle site. Chester Castle itself is largely gone, destroyed by fire – the only surviving building is the Agricola Tower. Elsewhere you can explore more of Cheshire’s 20 castles including Cholmondeley Hall, Peckforton Castle and Mow Cop.

The countryside of Cheshire lays between the Peak District and the hills of North Wales and gives rise to some beautiful scenery. Shining Tor is Cheshire’s highest point and on clear days you can see to Snowdonia in Wales.

Cheshire’s famous names include DJ and TV presenter Chris Evans, musician Gary Barlow, TV presenter Paul Hollywood, Harry Styles of One Direction fame and James Bond star Daniel Craig.
Cheshire has a large range of annual events including Nantwich Jazz, Blues and Music Festival, Chester Food, Drink and Lifestyle Festival, Goosefest and Just So Festival at Rode Hall.

The county is world famous for its cheese; Cheshire Cheese is Britain’s oldest named cheese. Other specialities from the county include Cheshire Pork Pye, layered apple and pork topped with crust, two versions of Chester Pudding – one suet, one merengue and Chester Buns.