Things to do
The Boot Inn, 1.3 miles
A warm welcome awaits you at The Boot Inn. Nestled in the hillsides of Little Switzerland, this charming traditional English pub offers great food, well-kept cask ales, carefully chosen wines, and tranquil views across the fields. We offer seasonal, locally-sourced hearty meals and good old-fashioned Cheshire hospitality, a perfect place for a Sunday Roast by the roaring fire or you can eat outside before heading off for a stomp around the countryside. We are the perfect spot to begin or end a walk, ramble, or leisurely stroll across the sandstone ridges, we welcome rambling groups but would advise that large parties pre-book to avoid disappointment, with limited parking and seating.
Address The Boot Inn, Tarporley CW6 0NH
Telephone 01829 751 375
The Sandstone Trail, 0.9 miles
The Sandstone Trail is perfect if you enjoy stretching your legs as the Trail stretches for 34 miles across the county of Cheshire, which is still mostly green and pleasant. The walk is beautiful with some incredible views along the way. Most people walk from North to South with the sun on their faces and some great views of Beeston Castle, but the choice is yours.
If you don't fancy an epic hike (which you can split over several days), there are also several circular trails instead you can choose from, including some of the best circular walks in areas such as the Bickerton Hills or Delamere Forest and there is plenty to see along the way, like the ancient Utkinton Hall, the earthen ramparts of Eddisbury Hill Fort, or the Norman market town of Malpas.
Website www.sandstonetrail.co.uk
Chester Zoo, 8.9 miles
Chester Zoo was opened in 1931 by George Mottershead and his family. It is one of the UK’s largest zoos at 51 hectares. The zoo has a total land holding of approximately 160 hectares which can be home to plenty of wildlife. The Zoo is operated by the North of England Zoological Society, a registered charity founded in 1934. The zoo receives no government funding.
It is the most visited wildlife attraction in Britain with more than 2 million visitors in 2019. Now that’s a lot of visitors! In 2007 Forbes described it as one of the fifteen best zoos in the world. In 2017, it was named the best zoo in the UK and third in the world by Trip Advisor.
Address Chester Zoo, Upton, Chester CH2 1EU
Website www.chesterzoo.org
The Ice Cream Farm, 7.8 miles
The Ice Cream Farm is a family-friendly tourist attraction bursting with all the fun you need in Cheshire. You can count on us for a quick play and a scoop of your favourite Cheshire Farm ice cream. The Ice Cream Farm is free to enter (and free to park) a family-friendly tourist attraction located close to Chester.
Even if you don't have kids, if you love ice cream, it's worth a visit to enjoy one (or more) of over 50 flavours of delicious ice creams on offer! The Guinness World Record has even awarded the 851 sqm ice cream parlour 'The World's Largest Ice Cream Shop' world record!
Address The Ice Cream Farm, Newton Lane, Tattenhall, Chester CH3 9NE
Opening 10.00am to 5:00pm (7-days a week)
Website www.theicecreamfarm.co.uk
Visit Chester, 8.4 miles
The ancient city is a truly breathtaking experience. Each chapter of Chester's history is etched into the very fabric of the city. Walk where Roman Legionaries marched to war, Viking raiders wreaked havoc and Norman invaders conquered Anglo Saxons. Chester has the most complete city walls, the oldest racecourse, and the largest Roman Amphitheatre in Britain, plus a 1000-year-old Cathedral with Europe's finest example of medieval carvings - and of course the only 700-year-old Rows with galleries and where shopping is a double-delight.
Website www.visitcheshire.com
Get the number 82 bus from opposite the Royal Oak. They run every 30 minutes. An adult return is only £2, a bargain!
Beeston Castle, 8.8 miles
Built-in the 1220s by Ranulf de Blondeville, 6th Earl of Chester, on his return from the Crusades. In 1237, Henry III took over the ownership of Beeston, in the 16th century, when it was considered to be of no further military use, although it was pressed into service again in 1643, during the English Civil War. The castle was partly demolished in 1646, following Cromwell's destruction order, to prevent its further use as a bastion. The castle is a Scheduled Ancient Monument owned and managed by English Heritage. The walls of the outer bailey and the gatehouse and curtain walls of the inner bailey are recorded separately in the National Heritage List for England as Grade I listed buildings.
Address Chapel Lane, Beeston CW6 9TX
Website www.english-heritage.org.uk
Rose Farm Shop, 3.1 miles
Rose Farm is a mixed livestock farm situated in the small village of Utkinton in the heart of the Cheshire countryside. We specialise in the production of quality beef cattle and pigs. We also have numerous animals kept on a small farm, ideal for the kids to see - they can even feed carrots to our donkeys! There are also various units within the site - an antiques store, The Hound Dog pet store, a garden shop and, an ice cream store. We even sell our fresh meats and other produce in our very own mini-market. This has everything you need, including freshly cooked pies and sausage rolls. We also have a Post Office which is located inside the shop too!
Address Utkinton, Tarporley CW6 0LP
Telephone 01829 732978
Email rosefarmshop@live.co.uk
Peckforton Castle, 10.2 miles
Peckforton Castle is a Victorian country house built in the style of a medieval castle. It stands on 4000 acres of woodland and operates as a hotel and events venue. It is recorded in the National Heritage List for England as a designated Grade I listed building. The house was built in the middle of the 19th century as a family home for John Tollemache, a wealthy Cheshire landowner and MP.
It was designed by Anthony Salvin in the Gothic style. During the Second World War, it was used as a hostel for physically handicapped children. The Tollemache family used the castle for occasional gatherings, but otherwise, it was unused until 1969. From 1969 to 1980 the castle was leased by John, 4th Lord Tollemache to George W. Barrett, and it again became a private residence.
Website www.peckfortoncastle.co.uk
Oulton Park, 6.3 miles
Built into the natural contours of the Cheshire countryside, Oulton Park's combination of stunning scenery and spectacular racing make it one of the most picturesque and best-loved circuits for spectators and competitors alike. Over more than 60 years it has gathered a reputation as the country's toughest test for both car and driver. The venue remains as popular as ever with fans, thanks to the superb views of the circuit from the extensive spectator banking.
The circuit's signature event is the Gold Cup meeting, which is now run as a historic event by the HSCC where some of the finest racing cars from the past 70- years roll back time and take to the track over the August Bank Holiday weekend.
Telephone 0344 225 4422
Website www.oultonpark.co.uk
Cheshire Oaks, 11.4 miles
Cheshire Oaks was the first and remains the UK’s largest Designer Outlet, having opened in 1995. With over 400,000 square feet of retail space, comprising more than 150 boutiques, restaurants, and cafés, Cheshire Oaks isn’t merely the UK’s largest Designer Outlet. You'll find up to 60% off the RRP in all of our brands all year round. Our range of stores offers something to suit everyone's taste. The North West's number one shopping destination, we're not short of delicious eateries either. Dig into Lebanese delights at Comptoir Libanais, 'healthy' street food at Leon, or peruse your way through Asian dishes at Yo! Sushi and Wagamama. The list is endless - take a look at our restaurants' tab to find out more.
Telephone 0151 348 5600
Website www.mcarthurglen.com
Chester Races, 8.6 miles
Established in 1539, Chester Racecourse is officially recognised by the Guinness Book of World Records as the Oldest Racecourse in the world still in operation. Attracting more than 330,000 visitors annually at race day fixtures and non-race day events. Recognised as a leader in its field, Chester Racecourse consistently pushes boundaries to ensure the racecourse product delivers the optimum experience and opportunities for visiting horsemen and the general public. The racecourse has consistently been awarded the Gold Standard Award by the Racehorse Owners Association (ROA), since the award’s inception and was awarded the prestigious title of Large Racecourse of the Year, when the award was launched in 2015 and again in 2018 and also in 2019.
Website www.chester-races.com
Delamere Forest, 3.6 miles
Delamere Forest provides a stunning setting for your next family adventure. Whether a leisurely wander through the trees, scaling the heights at Go Ape, adventuring in the deep, dark wood on the Gruffalo Spotters Trail, or enjoying a family bike ride, Delamere Forest is bursting with opportunities for all the family.
Explore the stunning landscape on a choice of three walking trails or two cycling trails. If you’re stuck for wheels why not visit the brand new Tracs cycle centre who’ll happily fix you up with a hire bike, they’ve got something to suit everyone. Be sure to visit the new eco-friendly visitor centre which is also home to the Delamere Forest Café – for all the post-fun refreshments you’ll need.
Website www.forestryengland.uk
Manley Mere, 5.2 miles
A large lake offering a range of water and land activity sports. Aquapark is an on-the-water obstacle course with over 60 pieces joined together. The obstacles are designed for ages 7+ who are able to swim at least 25 meters. Fishing is also available on parts of the lake. Other watersports include single and double kayak, paddle boards, canoes and dinghies. There is an adventure trail on land that is about 3/4 miles long and takes around 2-3 hours to complete. The trail is suitable for all ages but certain obstacles are designed for older children and adults only.
Website www.manleymere.co.uk
“Lovely clean lodge with everything you need from toiletries, tea, coffee, and milk to much-needed fans in this hot weather! Spotlessly clean, shame we couldn’t stay longer to make more use of the lodge and decking in the sun”
— Mike and Sam