Cheshire Oaks Travel Diary
Discover Cheshire Oaks
Discover what's on at the UK largest designer outlet and its surrounding attractions, brimming with breathtaking scenery and dramatic landscapes, Chester, and the neighbouring areas delight just about everyone who visits.
Where to shop
A shopping destination in itself, the region is filled with designer brands, independent boutiques, fantastic markets and high-end department stores. If you’re looking to indulge in some seriously satisfying retail therapy, make sure you stop by Cheshire Oaks.
15 minutes’ drive from the centre of Chester and 10 minutes from Ellesmere Port Railway Station, you’ll find the Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet. With over 145 brands offering year-round reductions of up to 60%, it’s the perfect place to find your newest fashion favourites. If you’re visiting from elsewhere in the UK, daily Stagecoach services can get you quickly and easily to Cheshire Oaks from Chester, Liverpool, and Ellesmere Port Town Centre.
Where to stay
Conveniently located a 28-minute drive from Cheshire Oaks and a 25 -minute drive from the centre of Chester, lies Carden Park Country Estate. Set in 1000 acres of stunning Cheshire countryside, the hotel dates back to the early 17th century where an elegant hall stocked with deer once sat. Visitors can enjoy the delights of two championship golf courses, a world-class spa complete with hydrotherapy pool, exquisite bedrooms offering stunning views of the Cheshire countryside and the Welsh hills beyond, and the choice of several exceptional dining experiences. Those looking to truly immerse themselves in their surroundings can explore the 3-acre vineyard on site. Considered one of the most successful in the North of England, it produces up to 6,000 bottles of Carden Estate Reserve sparkling wine each year.
While escapists will revel in all that the luxurious Carden Park has to offer, those seeking a city-centre location will love Chester Grosvenor Hotel’s boutique 5-star agenda. Located in the heart of Chester and overlooking the famous Eastgate Clock (said to be the most photographed in England after Big Ben), The Grosvenor is certain to exceed the expectations of even the most fervent pleasure seekers. Boasting a 2 AA Rosette restaurant, glamourous champagne bar and Arkle restaurant it’s a favourite of foodies the world over.
Dating back to the late 16th century, this unique hotel prides itself in creating an atmosphere of supreme elegance. Guests can choose from a range of beautifully furnished suites, kitted out with everything you need for a luxurious and comfortable stay before unwinding at the opulent on-site spa.
Alternatively, nestled between Liverpool and Chester in the historical village of Thornton Hough, Thornton Hall Hotel & Spa offers a luxury countryside retreat on the Wirral Peninsula. With an award-winning holistic spa and health club, 3 superb dining options to suit every taste, and 62 luxurious bedrooms, Thornton Hall Hotel makes for the perfect place to unwind after a busy day of shopping.
Where to eat & drink
Whether you opt for The Grosvenor’s 2 AA Rosette dining experience or an evening of refined dining in the indulgent Arkle, there’s no shortage of fine dining in the heart of Chester.
Those looking to discover Michelin-starred chefs of the future can venture to Academy West in Ellesmere Port. From Gin tastings to fantastic gourmet evenings, highly trained students cook alongside their tutors, offering sublime culinary experiences at amazing prices. Visitors can choose between a la carte, light bites, an artisan counter and a regular themed pop-up counter. There’s also a gourmet evening once a month that provides an incredible 5-course tasting menu with pairing wines at just £35 per person.
Things to do
Whether you’re staying in the centre of Chester, a little up the road in Ellesmere Port, or slightly further afield in the Cheshire countryside, you’ll never be short of things to see and do.
Those looking to get outdoors can marvel at the area’s wildlife on foot with hundreds of nature walks on offer. Explore dense moorlands or wander through wildflower meadows in one of Cheshire’s many country parks. Alternatively, if you prefer to pedal, you can explore the area by canal towpath or venture into the surrounding Delamere Forest for some serious off-roading.
If you’re visiting with family, there’s plenty of fun to be had at Chester Zoo, Blue Planet Aquarium or Gulliver’s World theme park. Those seeking a history lesson can marvel at the beauty of Chester Cathedral, where a prehistoric Druid temple once existed and before that, a Roman temple dedicated to the god Apollo.
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