What makes a great day out? For you, it might be family fun and activities with the kids. Maybe you’d prefer to take a quiet afternoon delving into Cheshire’s history and heritage at one of the many museums. Or perhaps getting out and about to take in the fresh air on horseback or on two wheels in Cheshire’s countryside is more your speed? Whatever it is, Cheshire’s got it.
Not sure where to start? Here’s some of our top picks of things to do in Cheshire, whether you’re staying over or visiting just for the day.
Our Top 4 Things To Do In Cheshire
Chester Zoo
Perhaps the most famous attraction in Cheshire has to be Chester Zoo. As seen on Channel 4’s ground-breaking documentary series, “The Secret Life of the Zoo”, Chester Zoo is home to over 35,000 animals and 125 acres of zoological gardens. As the most visited zoo in the UK, the organisation hosts a conservation and education charity committed to preventing extinction. Whether you’re a budding conservationist, looking for a memorable family day out, or just love seeing thousands of exotic species, Chester Zoo will never disappoint. Since restrictions have lifted, the zoo has reopened, however, all visitors are required to book online prior to their visit in order to secure entry.
Chester Zoo is located 12 miles from The Swan and is a 26 minute drive by car.
Tatton Park
Awarded top UK National Trust Garden in 2020, Tatton Park is truly a sight to behold. There’s so much to see and do in the grounds. You could start by exploring the beautiful neo-classical mansion, learning about the rooms, collections and people who lived in this 19th century house. Or you could take a trip through the 50 acres of glorious gardens and discover a number of distinct areas including a spectacular fernery and a tranquil Japanese garden. The park even has an authentic 1930s working farm where you can interact with the pigs, goats, donkeys, and other adorable animals. If that’s not enough for you, there’s also 2,000 acres of landscaped deer park, woodland, meres, and farmland that make up the Tatton estate of which 1,000 acres are open to the public for exploring by bike, on foot or on horseback. There are also sailing and fishing opportunities on the mere.
Tatton Park is located 21 miles from The Swan and is a 35 minute drive by car.
Cheshire Oaks
Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet boasts over 140 stores for trendsetters, foodies, and social butterflies alike. Having undergone a new 40,000 sqft extension during lockdown, the outlet is back and better than ever. With 25 new designer and premium brands, 300 new parking spaces and expanded community space, they can’t wait to welcome you back in a bigger and better way than ever before. For those thinking about how to best spend a day in Cheshire, we can’t recommend Cheshire Oaks enough for a unique shopping experience.
Cheshire Oaks is located 15 miles from The Swan and is a 25 minute drive by car.
Moonlight Flicks @ The Storyhouse
The Storyhouse’s ‘Moonlight Flicks’ returns this summer with the largest and longest open-air season of cinema to date. The extended 2021 programme of big screen entertainment opens on the late May Bank Holiday weekend and will take place at three venues across Cheshire. There are many big screen treats planned over the summer months including family, cult, comedy and blockbuster film favourites such as Bridget Jones’s Diary, Trainspotting, The Lion King, The Greatest Showman, The Secret Garden, Jurassic Park and Guardians of the Galaxy. Musical favourites Grease and Mamma Mia are also among the line-up, as well as a host of irresistible 80s classics including Dirty Dancing, Back to the Future, The Princess Bride and Karate Kid.
The Storyhouse is located 12 miles from The Swan and is a 29 minute drive by car.
More Things To Do In Cheshire
But why stop there? Why not stay over a few nights and fully explore more great things to do in Cheshire? There are so many more experiences to be enjoyed that are nearby The Swan, they include:
- BeWILDerwood outside adventure park
- GoApe outside adventure park
- Oulton park
- 4 fantastic golf courses within 10 minutes drive
- International horse shows
- Cholmondeley castle
- 6 fishing venues within 20 mins drive of The Swan
- Chester City, the only place with full intact Roman Walls and a gladiator arena
- Falconry within 10 minutes drive
- The Ice Cream Farm in Tattenhall – including an exotic petting zoo
- Car Fest festival which in the past has included live music from Mcfly, Texas etc.
- River Dee boat cruises, or booze cruises
Places To Eat In Cheshire
After a full day in Cheshire, you must be hungry. The team here at The Swan have created a seasonal menu featuring the very best British dishes with the occasional European twist, showcasing our relationships with local farms and producers. Drop by and enjoy a three-course meal in our relaxed dining area, a casual bite in our cosy snug, or a glass of your favourite tipple at the well-stocked bar.
At the moment, we are serving outside with plans to fully reopen in May. A third of our tables can be pre-booked by phone, with the rest kept available for walk-ins.
With something to suit everyone, 24 hours in Cheshire is surely not enough. If you’re thinking of staying for longer The Swan at Tarporley is currently open for self-contained breaks. We plan to fully reopen all rooms in May. To find out more you can visit our website or email info@theswantarporley.co.uk.
