Cheshire Holidays

Written by Donna on November 9, 2009

Enjoy holidays in Cheshire; an ancient county in the north west of England, home to many quaint villages, winding waterways, miles of stunning countryside and bustling market towns.

Cheshire’s county town is the medieval walled city of Chester close to the Welsh border. Founded by the Romans, Chester is full of unusual landmarks set within the city walls including the Victorian black and white architecture on Northgate, and unique Rows. Chester is the ideal base to commence a Cheshire holiday, with its characteristic streets, river strolls and boat rides, choice of accommodation, extensive facilities and excellent road links.

Other key towns in Cheshire include Crewe, Widnes, Runcorn, Nantwich and Northwich, with Warrington the largest town.

There are so many opportunities in Cheshire for either an active or relaxing holiday, with riding either by horse or cycle particularly popular as there are over 200 miles of bridleways and byways to explore. There are also the disused railways lines along the Wirral Way and Biddulph Valley Way, ideal for motor free riding.

Walkers have an extensive choice of routes through Cheshire, either taking short round walks through country villages or longer distances through the Gritstone uplands, winding river valleys or trails of Sandstone Ridge. Head to Nantwich Town Square and park your hire car in the Town Centre, then follow an easy five-mile round route of footpaths and towpaths to explore Elizabethan buildings, a water mill, a lake and Dorfold Hall Park.

There are two challenging walks from Tegg’s Nose Country Park near Macclesfield, with a pleasant moderate walk around Dane Valley near Holmes Chapel.

If the indoors is more to your liking whilst on holiday in Cheshire then there are plenty of museums, castles and stately homes to explore, with beautiful gardens and market towns for interesting walks.

Tatton Park is a fantastic historic estate near Knutsford with a beautiful landscaped deer park and gardens; the Georgian Dunham Massey house is a short drive away.

Constructed in 1225 is the Beeston Castle standing high above the Cheshire Plain overlooking the Welsh mountains, now maintained by English Heritage. Cholmondeley Castle is only just over two hundred years old and whilst the house is a private home, the gardens are magnificent.