Best days out in Cheshire

The historic county of Cheshire is mostly rural, meaning you have unrivalled access to idyllic country lanes, sweeping fields, and even a breathtaking section of the Peak District, perfect for rambling and soaking up the sounds and sights of nature. Cheshire enjoys a rich history, with castles scattered across the landscape and beautiful gardens playing host to all manners of bees and bugs.

Get lost in the moment as you discover the shaded joys of the many woods and forests that cover Cheshire’s great vistas or slow things down even further with a visit to the slow-moving ebbs of the canals.

Read on to discover our favourite ways to fill the days during a visit to Cheshire…

Unearth the power of forest bathing in Delamere Forest

Slow things down with a visit to the dappled delights of Delamere Forest where you can explore the ancient practice of shinrin-yoku, otherwise known as ‘forest bathing’. A welcome escape from a world dictated by time and technology, forest bathing is the art of returning to nature, allowing yourself to be totally immersed in the moment as you sit amongst the quiet presence of the trees. Delamere Forest is perfect for this restorative practice as there are many trails and paths you can take to find your own quiet spot in which to find meditative peace.

You can also make the most of the many trails in other ways, connecting to your surroundings as you walk or ride (bikes or horses) through the rich green majesty of the forest.

Find out more about the art of forest bathing in our guide.

While the day away at Tatton Park

With 1,000 acres of beautiful parkland and 50 acres of landscaped gardens, Tatton Park is the perfect place to visit for quiet contemplation as you explore the seemingly endless grounds. The 100-year-old Japanese Garden is particularly enthralling and is considered one of the best examples of a Japanese Garden in Europe, following carefully the tradition of creating harmony between every rock, plant, and sculpture.

The surrounding dog-friendly parkland, which is bursting with wildlife, is equally inspiring with plenty of lakes, woodland, and trails to explore. Bring the dog, a bike, or a picnic – or all three – for a day spent strolling through acres and acres of stunning Cheshire countryside. When you’ve soaked up all you can from the surrounding area, head towards the house to catch a film at the outdoor cinema or join one of the many mindfulness events that are held throughout the year.

Walk through Cheshire’s Peak District

Home to reaching crags, deep reservoirs, and fields upon fields of wildflower meadows, Tegg’s Nose Country Park is a truly astonishing place to visit. A part of both Cheshire and the Peak District, this cross-section of patchwork fields and hiking bliss is ideal if you want to fill your lungs with fresh air as your eyes soak up the reaching views. The Tegg’s Nose walk is a moderate 7.5 miles and takes you from the Tegg’s Nose Country Park visitor centre through ancient farmland, rocky crags, and alongside the towering treeline of Macclesfield Forest, all the way up to the top of Tegg’s Nose where you can bask in the 360-degree views and a climb well done.

After your invigorating trek, a visit to Tegg’s Nose Tea Room is a happy must, where you can sip on artisan coffee and feed your soul with some homemade cakes and light lunches. This family-run tea room is dog-friendly too, welcoming every rosy-cheeked guest through its doors.

Step back in time at Beeston Castle

Keeping watch over the tranquil idylls of Cheshire Plain, Beeston Castle is a tremendous reminder of the past, with 4,000 years of history etched into its now crumbling walls. On a clear day, you can see all the way from the Pennines to the Welsh mountains, from the lofty heights Beeston Castle enjoys – you can certainly see why this spot was chosen for the series ‘Castle of the Rock’.

While time and abandonment have made their mark on the castle, there is still lots of history to explore here, from exhibitions to fading legends. A deep castle well, which is said to be the hiding place of Richard II’s lost treasure, is a fascinating sight, while the surrounding woodlands provide an enchanting place for a walk and some wildlife watching.

Spend the day amidst sun, sand, and sea

While most of Cheshire’s landscape is crowned in vibrant fields and woodland, there is a small section of coastline around the Wirral peninsula where you can swap solid ground for the restorative charms of the sea. A smattering of beaches make up this coastal stretch but the best by far for nature lovers is National Trust’s Formby beach. Backed by sloping sand dunes and a sweet-smelling pinewood forest as well as Formby Nature Reserve, this sweep of sand and sea is a paradise for both eager beachgoers and the animals that call the area home.

Ride a horse down the beach for a magical moment of total freedom or stroll through the trees, keeping an eye out for red squirrels and the rare Natterjack Toad as you go. You can also search the beach for fossils as well as the ancient footsteps that are revealed at low tide – it’s not every day you can literally walk along the footsteps of your ancestors.

Read our guide to wild swimming to make the most of the refreshing waters here, which are perfect for swimming throughout the year – yes, we are big supporters of winter dips!

Surround yourself in nature at Ness Botanic Gardens

Whether you’re visiting in the height of spring when the buds start to bloom or the depths of winter when a different kind of magic takes over the borders, Ness Botanic Gardens enjoys stunning displays of natural beauty throughout the year. 64 acres of diverse garden await, alongside stunning views of the River Dee and North Wales.

Swathes of colour fill the gardens across the many displays of Camellias, Rhododendrons, and wildflower meadows, which keep the bees happily buzzing throughout the summer months. You’ll also find some pretty south-facing terraces that transport you to the Med while the vegetable gardens remind you of the rich bounty we can enjoy from the ground. Aside from visual delights, Ness Botanic Gardens also provide guests with opportunities to learn something new, whether it be floristry, woodcarving or the heart-pumping pastime of Nordic walking.

Forage for your dinner with Totally Wild

With foraging events taking place in Wirral Park and Delamere Forest, Totally Wild offers the chance for you to return to the wild as you make the most of what the surrounding landscape provides. Learn which edibles can be harvested from the land alongside a myriad of delicious recipes that make the most of these humble ingredients, from wild noodle salad to some seriously morish tapenades and pates.

These are skills you can take home and bring with you wherever you go, perfect for a stay in one of our unique hideaways where nature becomes your constant and cherished companion. Take a look at our spring, summer, autumn and winter foraging guides to continue your journey through the joys of wild cooking.

Discover our collection of enchanting hideaways in Cheshire and find the perfect place to unwind after a day spent exploring this magical county.