10 reasons to visit Cheshire

Sykes Cottages has teamed up with Cheshire Life to bring you just 10 of the many reasons to be out and about Cheshire right now. From fantastic eateries and vibrant bars to picturesque parks and fascinating museums, there truly is something for everyone to appreciate and enjoy.

1. Dine at The Clink Restaurant, Wilmslow

Dine with a difference at The Clink, regarded by Trip Advisor users as the best restaurant in Cheshire. This contemporary restaurant was opened at Styal Prison in 2015. It’s a fantastic joint project between Her Majesty’s Prison Service and The Clink Charity and is the fourth of its kind to open in the UK. It was the first restaurant to open inside a women’s prison and the purpose of the scheme is to give the female inmates hands-on experience in a true working environment, under the supervision of trained professionals and will lead to a NVQ qualification from City & Guilds. Quality fresh ingredients are guaranteed and you can be a part of something bigger than just a dining experience. Allow perceptions to be challenged and help to make a difference at this truly unique eatery.

2. Create your own cocktails at The Botanist, Chester

The Botanist is a fantastic Bar and Restaurant tucked away down St Werbergh Street in Chester. They serve a great selection of delicious appetisers, home comforts and straight-from-the-BBQ dishes guaranteed to tantalise the taste buds. But we particularly enjoy their collection of unique cocktail concoctions. For £25 per person, you can be involved in a cocktail masterclass, developing and sampling a range of drinks, from a fruity Blueberry & Passionfruit Martini to an aromatic Thai Chilli Crush.

3. Star gaze at Delamere Forest, Northwich

Delamere Forest covers an incredible 2400 acres, making it the largest woodland area in the country. Established in the late 11th century, the forest was originally the hunting ground of the Norman Earls of Chester. In 1924 the woodland came under the control of the Forestry Commission and the hunting laws were abolished. Today, the forest is a great place for walkers, cyclists, mountain bikers and horse riders. It is even transformed into a music venue from time to time. Elbow and Rick Astley will be amongst this year’s gig performers. But whilst winter is upon us, why not take advantage of the beautiful open space and visit in an evening to get a perfect view of the night’s sky, stargazing to your heart’s content.

4. Swing from the tree tops at Go Ape, Northwich

Enjoy a different kind of day out at Delamere Forest. This time it’s an adrenaline-filled trip to Go Ape, an unforgettable high-wire adventure. There’s the original Tree Top Adventure, featuring high ropes and zip wires and a child-friendly version, Tree Top Junior.

5. Have afternoon tea at Tatton Park, Knutsford

Tatton Park is the former home of the Egerton family, and stayed with them for almost 400 years, before it was given to the National Trust in 1958. Set amidst 1000 acres, it is open to the public to visit and explore. The estate is made up of a mansion, Tatton Hall, a manor house, Tatton Old Hall, a deer park, farm and gardens. There are eateries on site for lunch or afternoon tea, plus a gift shop and snack shop. There are more than 100 events taking place year-round, from photography tutorials to exhibitions to child-friendly walks. Take a guided winter Deer walk (8th February), a Winter Welly Walk suitable for children aged 3-5 (accompanied by an adult - 23rd February), attend Adopt a Farm Animal Day (19th March) or perhaps be lucky enough to witness the birth of a lamb during Lambing Week at the Farm (8th – 17th April).

6. Find your inner adventurer at the Crocky Trail, Chester

This mile-long adventure trail is perfect for kids who love to explore and enjoy the thrill of larger-than-life slides, testing gauntlets and tumbling through rotating barrels. There’s an on-site car park and a deli bar, serving sandwiches and other lunch time snacks. Alternatively, there is plenty of space around the site to enjoy a homemade picnic. Find your inner adventurer as you scramble through trees, across bridges, swing over streams by rope and enjoy many other adrenaline-fuelled challenges that lie in wait.

7. Take a historical walking tour of Chester

Join a guided walking tour of Chester and absorb in 2000 years of charming history. You will see the Chester Walls, which are the remains of the largest Roman stone-built amphitheatre in the country. Take pictures of the prominent landmark Eastgate Clock, the second most photographed clock in the country after Big Ben and the original entrance to the Roman fortress Deva Victrix. Visit the architectural masterpiece that is the Grade-I listed Chester Cathedral, the origins of which date back to the late 13th Century. Shop and stroll through Chester Rows, a continuous stretch of walkways forming a second row of shops set above those at street level along some of the main shopping streets in Chester. The Rows are unique to Chester and exist nowhere else in the world. It is unclear how they came to be built in such a way, but they are certainly impressive and beautiful to look at.

8. Be transported to the 18th Century at Quarry Bank Mill, Wilmslow

Quarry Bank Mill is a fantastically preserved textile mill that dates back to the Industrial Revolution. Presently, it functions as a museum dedicated to the cotton industry and examines how a complete industrial community once lived. Be transported back to 1784, the year the mill was built, when you observe the powerful waterwheel in action, along with other heritage machinery and steam engines. Take a tour of the Apprentice House and see how the children of the mill worked, learned and grew up. There are also beautiful gardens surrounding the property to take a leisurely stroll through. Enjoy an educational and interesting day absorbing in the history of this fascinating mill.

9. Stroll through Walton Hall & Gardens, Warrington

Walton Hall is an Elizabethan-style country house in Warrington. It’s a grade-II listed building and also features on the National Heritage List. The house was built in the mid-1830s for Sir Gilbert Greenall, 1st Baronet and a Member of Parliament and remained in the family’s possession until 1941, when it was purchased by Warrington Corporation. Shortly after in 1945, the gardens were opened to the public. Presently, you can stroll through the beautiful gardens and enjoy child-friendly activities such as pitch and putt, crazy golf and an informative walk through the children’s zoo.

10. Enjoy delicious desserts at The Ice Cream Farm, Chester

There is plenty to do at the Ice Cream Factory besides eating ice cream, although this is certainly a very enjoyable part of it! The farm is a great family day out, bursting with fun and entertainment. For the children, there is a sand and water play area, adventure golf, a garden for climbing and exploring and many more activities guaranteed to keep them entertained for the afternoon. And then of course, there’s the award-winning ice cream. There are more than 50 delicious flavours to choose from, so choose carefully! You can also learn more about the history of the farm, which dates back to 1980.

If you are looking for somewhere to stay whilst visiting Cheshire, Sykes Cottages has a fantastic range of holiday cottages at great value for money prices. Find out more by visiting our website.