Cheshire Holiday Destination Guide

Want to discover what Cheshire offers for self-catering holidays?  Discover some of the best of Cheshire with Country Cottages Online.
 

Why Take a Self-Catering Holiday in Cheshire?

Cheshire is a lovely part of Northern England for a cottage break, offering visitors scenic countryside, the city of Chester, charming towns, villages, historic and cultural attractions as well as festivals and events.  

If you are looking for a holiday home to rent in Cheshire:

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Discover some of Cheshire's Top Attractions
 

• Stunning Countryside in the Cheshire Plains and Delamore Forest
   
• Chester, and Charming Towns and Villages in Cheshire
   
• Cheshire’s Historic and Cultural Attractions
   
• Festivals & Events in Cheshire

Explore Delamere Forest and the Gorgeous Cheshire Plains 

Delamere Forest is the largest woodland area in Cheshire, a stunning and secluded retreat that will delight any nature lovers who want to reconnect with the natural beauty of the countryside on holiday. There are walking trails suited for every ability, whether you’re an experienced hiker or just looking for some fresh air. And if you’re feeling particularly adventurous, then experience a whole new view of the forest with a trip up Go Ape!

Chill out with coffee and cake after a rewarding walk at the café or give your legs a break as you grab a Go Ape Forest Segway to explore on. Delamere Forest is the ideal retreat for any nature lovers!

For more walks and natural scenery explore the unspoilt Cheshire Plains.  This area of flat countryside features nature reserves such as Stapeley Water Gardens and Marbury Country Park where you can enjoy bird watching as well as good walking and cycle trails.  The Cheshire Ring guides visitors to some of the best of the Cheshire Plains and the Sandstone Trail guides visitors through the scenic Sandstone Ridge.

Also within the Cheshire Plains is the Shropshire Union Canal with its pretty canal-side walks where you can wander alongside the water’s edge and look out for herons and kingfishers in their natural habitats, and the Bridgewater Canal.

 

Discover Chester, and Charming Towns and Villages in Cheshire 

Chester

Explore the fascinating history of Chester on a self-catering break.  This historic city dates all the way back to the 1st century and features historic city walls that you can walk around.  Get up high and enjoy stunning views of the city. Step inside the 1000-year-old cathedral, visit Chester Zoo with its huge collection of animals and zoological gardens or look around the largest Roman Amphitheatre in Britain, the choice is yours.  Also well worth a visit whilst visiting the city are Chester’s Rows, a unique shopping district.  Chester with its high-end boutiques, bars and restaurants plus rich history and cultural attractions is well worth a visit.

On a sunny evening, savour a cocktail looking over the bright views of the city, or enjoy a sightseeing tour as you experience all the photogenic attractions lining the streets. If you fancy a night off cooking, then Chester is also the perfect place to go for a meal out; there’s an array of unique pubs as well as Michelin star restaurants to choose from! 

 

 

 

Cheshire is also home to pretty towns and villages including Knutsford with its cobbled streets, Alderley Edge with its views of the Cheshire Plains and Nantwich with its timber framed buildings.
 

Cheshire’s Historic and Cultural Attractions 

Cheshire is home to some fascinating places to visit, including historic castles and country houses, as well as other visitor attractions.  Some of the best are highlighted below.
 

Arley Hill and Gardens

This picturesque fifteenth century manor sits proudly in fifteen acres of beautiful gardens. Visitors can enjoy visiting the gardens with their sculptures, whilst younger visitors can spend happy hours at the Adventure Play Zone with its zip wire, swings and slide.
 

 

Beeston Castle

Beeston Castle and Woodland Park is an English world heritage site, offering glorious views as well as the chance to explore all the fascinating history of the medieval castle. Beeston has a 4,000-year history, perfect for any history buffs, as well as expansive landscapes that showcases the wonderful examples of the English countryside. You might even catch a glimpse of the Welsh mountains as you gaze across the Cheshire Plain. Visit the Sandstone café when you’re ready for a coffee break!

 

 

Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre

Jodrell Bank is a world-renowned research centre, part of Manchester University, that offers an inspirational day out. It’s a UNESCO world heritage site as well as a world-class deep-space radio observatory. If you’re a budding scientist, then it’s the perfect space to discover historic stories and futuristic scientific advancements, learning all there is to know about radio astronomy.

And, if you’re just here for an exciting day out accompanied by an unbeatable view, then explore the lovely cafes and spend the afternoon at the picnic areas.

 

Lion Salt Walks

For something a bit different, why not visit the partly restored historic open pan salt making site at Lion Salt Works?  Discover restored buildings and the industrial heritage of salt in this part of Cheshire close to the Trent and Mersey Canal.
 

 

Quarry Bank

Quarry Bank is a stunning national trust property and one of the greatest industrial heritage sites in Britain, perfect for wandering around pretty gardens and sublime countryside. Take in the sight of the eighteenth-century cotton mill as you relax in the gorgeous gardens. There’s a stunning restored greenhouse as well as a kitchen garden that offer plenty for you to enjoy!  Styal village is a highlight of Quarry Bank – the village hub has an exhibition and workers’ cottage. Whether you want coffee in the café or an iced treat in Stables ice cream parlour, Quarry Bank is well worth a day out!

 

 

Tatton Park

Tatton Park is a majestic estate, one of the most complete in the UK, and offers an amazing day out for the whole family. Explore the inside of the mansion as you visit the decadent state rooms and the historic servants’ quarters, all amazingly preserved for an authentic experience. Don’t forget to venture around the 50 acres of Tatton Park Gardens as well, where you can enjoy tours of the tranquil Japanese gardens.
 
There’s also farm tickets for any animal lovers who want to experience all the natural wonders at Tatton, from meeting the lambs and goats to discovering more about the farms story. End your trip with a quick shop and a spot at lunch at the Stable yard, which boasts a unique gift shop and several shops selling local produce. 

 

Festivals & Events in Cheshire

Various events and festivals are on in Chester throughout the year.  Tatton Park runs various events throughout the year, from garden festivals to seasonal celebrations.  Chester plays host to a Food Drink and Lifestyle Festival which is usually held in March or April, and Nantwich hosts an International Cheese Show in July each year.

 

 

Self-Catering Holiday Accommodation Options in Cheshire

Cheshire is home to a good choice of self-catering holiday homes.  Choose from luxury rentals in Cheshire, dog-friendly cottages, holiday homes with hot tubs and log cabins in Cheshire.  Wherever you opt to explore on a cottage holiday in Cheshire, whether the countryside of the Cheshire plains, the city of Chester or pretty towns and villages, we hope you have your best self-catering holiday yet in this part of Northern England.