When people come to visit us at The Swan for an overnight stay, they often want to explore what Cheshire has to offer. For many of our guests, one of the most attractive things about Tarporley is the number of stunning castles that are in the area. An ideal day trip for all ages, exploring ancient castles, marvelling at the grounds and perhaps even enjoying a picnic nearby sounds like the perfect way to spend a day to us. If you’re planning to come and see us at The Swan, and are looking for things to do in the area, then here are 6 castles in Cheshire that are worth a visit.
What’s even better, is that all of these Cheshire castles are less than an hour from The Swan at Tarporley. If you’re an avid history enthusiast, you might even consider staying with us for a few nights and ticking several off your list.
6 Castles In Cheshire To Visit
Beeston Castle
Beeston Castle is our local treasure, a 13th century fortress that is elevated almost 500 feet from the Cheshire plain. It’s quite spectacular, and it’s said from the top on a clear day, you can see all the way from the Pennines to the Welsh mountains. Beeston castle also has a 40-acre woodland park to enjoy; it’s located just under 3 miles from The Swan and is less than a 10 minute drive by car.
Chester Castle
Of course, Chester Castle very much deserves a mention in our list. With a history that dates back to the 11th century and only accessible for tours over the past 5 years, it’s a very exciting castle to visit. If you climb to the top, you’ll be able to enjoy a panoramic view of the City of Chester and the River Dee. Chester is around 15 miles from The Swan, so perfect for a day trip for our overnight guests – you might even enjoy a spot of shopping in the city?
Cholmondeley Castle
Belonging to one of the oldest families in the county, this castle has been owned by the Cholmondeley family since the 12th century. Most of the castle was designed by the 1st Marquess of Cholmondeley and was built from locally quarried sandstone, according to Great British Life. If you’re particularly passionate about Cheshire history, then this castle is certainly worth a visit. There’s also plenty of beautiful walks and trails that attract all the local wildlife. Cholmondeley Castle is just under 10 miles away from The Swan at Tarporley.
Peckforton Castle
Though not as old as some of the others, Peckforton Castle, which was built in the 19th century and is Grade 1 listed, still has an exciting and colourful history. It can make a great day out for the family, with experiences such as archery, falconry and air rifle shooting on offer in the past. Currently, the venue is offering a Land Rover experience, a unique way of touring the castle that’s ideal for any adrenaline junkie or keen adventurer.
Bodelwydann Castle
Though a little further away, Bodelwydann Castle is truly worth a visit if you’re in the area for a few days. This elegant Victorian castle has a museum and portrait gallery, attracting both history and art enthusiasts in harmony. For the kids, there are gardens, play areas and woodland walks. Within its extensive grounds and museum, Bodelwydann Castle is home to a number of Victorian exhibitions. It’s located around a 50 minute drive from The Swan at Tarporley.
Halton Castle
The area around Halton castle is an unofficial site, so perfect for those who enjoy an adventure that’s off the beaten track. It’s thought to have been built around 1070 as a means of controlling a crossing over the Mersey estuary. Based in Runcorn in Cheshire, Halton Castle is 17 miles from The Swan at Tarporley, but with a chance to catch a glimpse at some of the most impressive castle ruins in the region, we think it’s worth the drive.
Staying overnight in Cheshire
These castles in Cheshire are ideal trips for overnight guests at The Swan at Tarporley, whether you’re booking a long weekend, or a short midweek break away in the countryside. We have 16 newly-refurbished unique rooms on offer, and would love to welcome you to The Swan at Tarporley. Each of our new and individually designed rooms has its own private bathroom. They also have excellent wifi, TVs, tea and coffee making facilities and complimentary bottled mineral water too. Children are most welcome, as are dogs in our dog-friendly bedrooms. Additional beds can be added to many of the rooms for a small additional charge, so ideal for getaways that include the whole family (don’t forget a number of the castles mentioned above are child-friendly). You can book a stay directly on our website now to take advantage of the best rates.
