A short drive away from the Shropshire town of Ellesmere you enter the county of Cheshire. There are lots of reasons to visit this area, from the shopping, leisure and landscape through to the nature and history of the area.
Shopping in Cheshire
You don’t need to look very hard to find some amazing shopping destinations in Cheshire. From Cheshire Oaks, the UK’s largest designer outlet with over 150 boutiques offering up to 60% off RRP, through to Chester city centre, with its historic rows and a wealth of independent shops, or towns and villages with interesting and quirky retail offerings like Tarporley and Nantwich. In addition, you will find lots of high-quality artisan markets and farm shops scattered throughout the county. There really is something to suit everyone.
Leisure time in Cheshire
If shopping is not to your taste, Cheshire provides ample opportunities to undertake other leisure pursuits from award-winning golf courses, including the Jack Nicklaus designed course at Carden Park to riding stables, water activities and many other outdoor pursuits, along with museums, visitor attractions, cinemas and theatre, including Storyhouse, Chester’s stunning performing arts venue.
Eating and drinking
When the day’s activity is done Cheshire has a host of eating and drinking venues from city centre bars and restaurants, to country pubs and fine dining. It even has six restaurants listed in the Michelin Guide and five of those in Chester itself.
Natural attractions
The countryside in Cheshire is also worth exploring. There is an impressive network of canals that run through the county, along with forests, lakes and meres, historic escarpments and rivers. The Cheshire Plains can be viewed from many vantage points, not least of which are various points on the Sandstone Trail. This 34-miles walking trail runs from Frodsham to Whitchurch along Cheshire’s sandstone ridge. Usually done over a leisurely three-day hike, it can be completed in one day if you are truly committed.
Living history
The county also has a rich heritage and along with the historic Rows, Chester is renowned for its Roman past. Previously known as Deva, it was a Roman legionary fortress and town. Much is made of its Roman past, including the many remains that have been dug up, not least of which is the amphitheatre near the city centre. Keep a look out for the Centurions that still wander the city walls too.
Not just the Romans
But it’s not just about the Romans. Cheshire’s cultural and industrial heritage is rich and varied. The area is synonymous with many industries including salt, silk and cotton. If you want something a little different, why not visit Anderton Boat Lift? It was built by Edwin Clark in 1875 to lift cargo boats 50 feet in the air from the River Weaver to the Trent & Mersey Canal. Or visit the National Waterways Museum in Ellesmere Port, with its stunning location on the banks of the Mersey and the Manchester Ship Canal, extensive indoor displays, boat trips and historic buildings.
There are many historic buildings across the county, including Chester Cathedral . Meanwhile, the Lion Salt Works, one of Cheshire’s newest heritage attractions, gives a fascinating and fresh insight into the story of salt, brought to life with fun, interactive and imaginative educational exhibits.
So, whether you are staying at Woodland Park Lodges for a weekend or longer, if you can pull yourself away from the comforts of the park, try and find time to hop across the border and visit Cheshire. Book your stay with Woodland Park Lodges to experience all that we have to offer.