Great Places To Take A Break In Cheshire

While you wouldn’t quite go quite as far as referring to it an undiscovered gem, Cheshire definitely doesn’t get the same sort of raving publicity that other places get. Locations like Devon, Cornwall, Wiltshire or Northumbria often seem to soak up the spotlight, and are popular destinations for anyone travelling in campervans, motorhomes or caravans.

This is despite Cheshire being one of the UK’s richest sources of places to visit and things to do. We thought it was about time we redressed the balance somewhat, and so in this edition of our blog we’ll be pointing you in the direction of stuff you can do or see for terrific days out, weekend breaks or longer holidays.

Chester

The hub of Cheshire, Chester is a beautiful cathedral city with Roman heritage, sited on the River Dee and not too far from the border with North Wales. It’s possible to take a medieval walking tour, or relax with a cruise on the river, passing under amazing bridges to see some stunning riverside properties, and glimpsing the city’s rich Roman, Medieval, and industrial heritage. Chester Zoo is another popular pastime in the city and has developed a fantastic reputation over the decades since it was founded in 1931. It’s one of the UK’s biggest zoos and holds a large and diverse selection of animals. There is also a Blue Planet Aquarium in the city, which features shark tunnels, crocodiles, pelicans and more!

Macclesfield

This is one for the rock ‘n’ rollers and space freaks amongst you, as the town is rather rich for both.

Macclesfield has a population of around 60,000 and its most famous son was Ian Curtis – the frontman of post-punk band Joy Division. After his death in 1980, the remaining members formed New Order. That group went on to achieve global success, and it continues to this day – but back in the late 1970s Joy Division was little more than a highly respected cult band led by Curtis. Ill with psychological problems, troubled by a difficult marriage and extra-marital affair, and suffering from epilepsy, he took his own life in May 1980. The band was on the brink of major success with the classic single Love Will Tear Us Apart. Macclesfield has become something of a mecca for those wanting to pay homage to him, and to his singular talent. You can visit his grave at the town’s cemetery and go to the house on Barton Street where he lived and died (obviously you cannot go into it as it is still a privately owned dwelling, though there are plans afoot to turn it into a museum). Other spots around the town include his school and his workplace, as well as sites related to band rehearsals etc.

Jodrell Bank, Macclesfield

Close by the town of Macclesfield is Jodrell Bank, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Jodrell Bank, one of the UK’s most important ‘space sites’, is an observatory which hosts many space telescopes (and a famous dish). It was established in 1945 and has played a crucial role in the research of meteoroids, quasars, pulsars, masers and gravitational lenses. Jodrell Bank was heavily involved with the tracking of space probes at the start of the Space Age in the 1960s. It’s still in operation today, and the visitors centre makes for a highly educational way to spend some of your time. It’s also a great location for your Instagram shots!

Tatton Park

Just north of Knutsford is Tatton Park, a wonderful estate and gardens owned and managed by the National Trust. The gardens lie to the south of the impressive Hall, and feature a range of formal and natural gardens, including the Italian Garden, which has been there since 1847 on two terraces, contains a a statue of Neptune as its centrepiece. The Walled Garden contains various glasshouses and grows fruit and vegetables which were grown at Tatton in the Edwardian era. The Pleasure Gardens, Arboretum, Conservatory, Fernery and Showhouse are amongst the other attractions in the garden which will keep you occupied for hours. Tatton Park is also home to the annual RHS Show Tatton Park (arranged by the Royal Horticultural Society) as well as regular car shows, concerts, courses and craft and antique fairs. It really is something special.

Sandstone Trail

If visiting built-up areas or historic spots is not really your thing, and you’re more of a ‘get away from it all’ walker, then the Sandstone Trail could be for you. Following the ridge of sandstone that rises dramatically from the Cheshire plain, and beginning in Frodsham, you will take in Tarporley, Beeston and Peckforton Castle, the Georgian market town Whitchurch and everything else the route has to offer in between. Along the way you’ll experience Overton Hill and wonderful views of the Delamere Forest (including the hidden gorge Urchin’s Kitchen, a glacial melt-water channel from the last Ice Age. Tarpoley has plenty of places you can stop for a bite or a drink. The invigorating 12-mile route should take you around five or six hours, at a nice pace, and you’ll find yourself completely relaxed at the end of it!

Cheshire, of course, has plenty more to offer than the handful of tips we’ve given you here. We would seriously encourage you to explore and find your own favourite things – and we’d love to hear from you when you’ve discovered something new or something great! Cheshire really is a terrific spot to visit when you want to take time away from the day-to-day grind and recharge your batteries. Whether you’re an off-the-beaten track kind of a person, or someone who likes to visit more well-established places of interest, there’s always something to do, find or see.

At Spinney we have a massive stock of motorhomes for sale. You can browse our website to see what is currently available and, if you have any queries about any of the vehicles then please feel free to give us a shout. We’re always more than happy to help!