There are interesting towns with a wealth of independent businesses, pretty villages and a historic city renowned for its gastronomy, shopping, culture and combination of the best of contemporary and traditional life.
Add into this rich mix, Cheshire's wealth of attractions and events and its location close to the beautiful coastlines of North Wales and the Wirral, as well as the vibrancy of Manchester and Liverpool, and you'll find the perfect location for a staycation.
Throughout the year there is a packed calendar of festivals, from music, well-being and outdoor theatre to family fun, food and celebrations of the county's agricultural heritage. This is a county full of friendly folk proud to live here and forever coming up with new ideas to engage and entertain visitors and locals.
The team at Visit Chester and Cheshire, who champion the county, produce the official online guide to help you plan a short break (visitcheshire.com).
'Our beautiful county is the perfect place to explore this year,' they say. From our vibrant towns and villages to our historic city of Chester, you can be sure of a truly unforgettable experience wherever you choose to visit.
'In Chester and Cheshire, you'll find everything, including rural escapes and city breaks, the country's best attractions and most unmissable events, cosy pubs and Michelin-starred dining and some of the finest shopping around.'
2023 was the year when Cheshire got back to its best, with a packed diary of events. 2024 promises to be even more eventful with new festivals planned and the theatres presenting an array of top productions. Then there are the permanent attractions: the world-class zoo with its global conservation work, Jodrell Bank, Roman Chester, and the many glorious locations for walking and nature watching. The town, villages and the city are lovely, relaxed places to stroll, eat and shop. And then there are the fabulous markets – Chester, Crewe, Altrincham, for example – plus the monthly Treacle Market in Macclesfield and the regular makers' markets across the county.
Chester has the most complete city walls, the oldest racecourse and largest Roman Amphitheatre in Britain, a 1,000-year-old cathedral and its unique 700-year-old unique black and white Rows filled with independent shops.
There is history and culture aplenty, outstanding events, traditional inns, independent shops and the best of fine dining and sophisticated nightlife.
5 things to do in Cheshire in 2024
The Right Royal County Show
The annual two-day celebration of Cheshire's agricultural heritage and so much more is a fabulous outing for all the family... and their dogs (June 18 and 19, 2024). As well as the farming and equestrian competitions, the vast Tabley Showground is filled with food, shopping, entertainment, a funfair and multiple county organisations showing off their offerings.
royalcheshireshow.org
Take a Chester tour
The Guild of Chester Tour Guides offer a variety of great-value walks through the city including the Ghost Tour – a night-time journey around the eerie haunts of Chester's mysterious and murky past, where you will hear spine-chilling tales of ghosts, ghouls and things that go bump in the night.
chestertours.org.uk
Taste Nantwich Food Festival
The largest free-to-enter food festival in the UK is a feast of astronomic gastronomic things to see and do and taste. The three days of deliciousness (August 30, 31 and September 1 in 2024) bring together the best of the county's culinary talent and produce, with music and masterclasses thrown into the mix.
nantwichfoodfestival.co.uk
Look to the skies at Jodrell Bank
Find your outer space in a field in Chester. The landmark Lovell Telescope is at the centre of a world-leading science research institute and an out-of-this-world events programme for all of the family to enjoy. There are indoor and outdoor exhibits, extensive grounds, two cafés and a gift shop.
jodrellbank.net
Talk to the animals at Chester Zoo
The zoo that grew has more than 27,000 animals and 128 acres of zoological gardens, plus special events throughout the year. The team of conservationists, scientists, educators, veterinary experts, botanists, wildlife managers, animal behaviourists, endocrinologists and environmental policy influencers are passionate about working with endangered wildlife around the world, as well as creating a brilliant day out for visitors.
chesterzoo.org
This article appeared in the Great British Staycations magazine.
You are sure to find some inspiration for your next staycation within the 172 pages of this FREE magazine.
