Top things to do on a spa break in Cheshire

From Roman forts to horse racing, Cheshire has so many wonderful things for visitors (and residents) to enjoy - so you’ll just have to visit more than once! For spa breaks, this is excellent news, because you can combine all those treatments, pampering and leisure time with experiences beyond your spa destination as well. Depending on the type of spa break you’re on (a celebration with friends, or a romantic getaway with your partner), you can select experiences to suit your passions and preferences. Here are a few of our top recommended things to do on a spa break in Cheshire.

Cholmondeley Castle Gardens

Having been in Cholmondeley since the Norman era, Cholmondeley Castle was built in the early 19th century by the 1st Marquess and remains an impressive feature on the landscape. Nestled into 70 acres of gardens, they have been beautifully curated and tended over the years, making for new things to discover at every turn. In the spring and summer it’s filled with colourful flowers, and you can roam the romantic Temple and Folly Water Gardens, Rose Garden, Glade, Arboretum, and the ornamental woodland upon Tower Hill. There’s also the newly created Lavinia Walk, which is a 100m long double herbaceous border and is dedicated to Lady Lavinia Cholmondeley.

Tatton Park

Described as ‘one of the UK's most complete historic estates’, Tatton Park is an impressive property including a Tudor hall, neo-classical mansion, beautiful gardens, a deer park and more. You can go on wellbeing walks in the impressive gardens, discovering the Japanese Garden, Arboretum or Italian Terrace. There are lots of activities for children, including parkland trails and forest play. Take a tour of the impressive mansion, seeing its collections of rare paintings and impressive interiors. Then shop and dine in the Stableyard, where you will find cafes, boutiques complete with local artisan produce including jams, chutneys, traditional teas and English wines.

Chester 

The Roman heart of Cheshire, Chester is a very pretty city, filled with boutiques, charming independent stores, cobbled streets, quirky lanes and the famous medieval Rows - 700 year-old-two-tiered covered shopping galleries. Sit in cafes and watch the world go by or enjoy lunch out - it’s a very chic city, and particularly joyful on a sunny day or around Christmas.

Horse racing

A day at Chester Racecourse is definitely an event. Dating back to 1539, it’s said to be the world's oldest racecourse still in operation. Men are asked to wear suits or blazers, and women are asked to dress smartly as well. After a morning of pampering and feeling your best, it’s a treat to head to a day of sport and champagne with a buzzy atmosphere!

Chester Cathedral 

If you are spending a day in Chester, do take time to include a little sightseeing in your day. Chester Cathedral is a really impressive place to wander. It dates back to 1092, but the present structure was largely built from 1250 and took 275 years. Once a Benedictine Abbey, its style is largely Gothic, intricate and ornate. You can take a tour or just pop in and have a look. 

Lyme - National Trust 

Another magnificent mansion to explore, with equally enchanting grounds, Lyme sits on the edge of the Peak District and includes 1400 acres of rugged moorland, ancient woodlands and formal gardens. The Regency property is inspiring, while the gardens include a pretty lake where Mr Darcy met Miss Bennet in the BBC production of Pride and Prejudice. There’s a cafe for snacks and lunch, and in general it makes for a charming visit in clement weather.

Chester Zoo

For those visiting with young families, Chester Zoo is a perennially popular attraction. Its team of conservationists, scientists, educators, veterinary experts, botanists, wildlife managers, animal behaviourists, endocrinologists and environmental policy influencers all work together to create this impressive environment and to help protect wildlife. They claim to be the most visited zoo in the UK, and are also a conservation and education charity. There are lots of animals, from Asian elephants to crowned lemurs - and lots of opportunities to learn in a fun and engaging way.