Cheshire is a green, picturesque county, complete with wonderful Tudor buildings and Friesian cows chewing their cud in lush pastures. The fields are dotted with walled manor houses both ancient, modern and faux-ancient. Some of the best places to stay in Cheshire have been converted from these old, and new, manors, but our Gurus have also discovered a good selection of pubs-with-room, as well as some chic contemporary choices.

The historic Roman town of Chester, with its red Roman wall and ancient collection of architecture, is one of the first ports of call for many visitors. In addition to the Roman amphitheatre and assorted ruins, Chester also has a collection of beautiful Tudor and Victorian buildings, a cathedral, a zoo, and a pretty river running through it. Chester is also a popular pick for shoppers — it has a large designer outlet centre — and for keen horseracing fans (the racecourse has a busy calendar of events).

Whilst you're in the county it's worth checking out eclectically designed Knutsford, Crewe and Nantwich, along with the pretty, rural hamlets and villages. Cheshire’s location, separating the hills of North Wales and the Peak District is both beautiful and geographically fascinating. And the whole region is webbed by walking routes and cycling trails. Historic sites of interest will break up your explorations nicely, from prehistoric burial grounds, to medieval castles and Cheshire’s canal system.

This part of the world is busy throughout the year, so if you want to guarantee a room in one of the best places to stay in Cheshire, we recommend you do your research and book well ahead.

The Best Places for Stay in Cheshire

For City Luxury

• The Chester Grosvenor is a famous five star choice, known for its mock Tudor facade, and superb restaurant. It has 80 rooms and suites, with varied decor plus a spa and gym, as well as several bars.

For a Country House Escape

• Rookery Hall Hotel and Spa is a rather grand 17th century country house, set in 38 acres of beautiful grounds just five miles north of medieval Nantwich. Though built back in 1816, the property now has one contemporary wing, which is where you’ll find a beautiful glass-roofed pool, plus a sauna, steam room and treatment rooms. There are 70 rooms and suites, in an excellent range of sizes and configurations, and plenty of classic country house style. The fine dining restaurant has been awarded 2 AA Rosettes.
• Rowton Hall Country House Hotel is a grand country house, and spa, in a secluded spot not far from Chester and the Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet Centre. The layout of this great house hasn’t changed too much, but the decor has, and the 37 rooms and suites exude luxurious contemporary style, and boast large bathrooms. You'll also find an indoor pool, tennis courts, and a superb restaurant. Some of the rooms would suit a family, and you’re most welcome to enquire about bringing your dog.

Hip Hotels

• The Courthouse, Knutsford is a chic choice converted from a Georgian courthouse just outside Manchester. Its nine rooms and suites feature confident coloured walls and an eclectic mix of antiques. And the grand architecture is memorable for all the right reasons. The bar and restaurant offer a good range of cocktails and a hearty menu featuring the best local produce. The fun spills out onto a terrace when the weather allows, and it’s a popular spot with locals too.
• Oddfellows is a quirky pick in central Chester, with a great range of rooms, suites and apartments. You can expect bespoke design everywhere — in one room the bed is circular, in one there are twin roll-top baths, and in others a mezzanine level to create more space. The restaurant is innovative too, known for its lovely terrace, and Asian tapas menu. There’s also a secret garden with a bar converted from the potting shed.
• The Boathouse & Riverside Rooms is an adults-only hotel right on the River Dee, close to the Roman Amphitheatre. Laid out like the boathouse of its name, each of the hotel’s 21 rooms overlooks the water from a large window, and features a boating theme that runs to oars above the beds, and wallpaper featuring boats. The restaurant serves pub-style fare in a friendly atmosphere.

For a Rural Escape

• The Vicarage, Cheshire is a charming 17th century, Grade II listed pub-with-rooms in a picturesque spot close to the River Dane. The pub and restaurant, which are on the ground floor, have been given a country house make-over. There are 26 rooms and suites, which continue the contemporary country house style, and feature large modern bathrooms. Some the rooms are ideal for families, and the restaurant, is also welcoming for kids.
• The Pheasant Inn is an old pub with 12 rooms, and wonderful views of Cheshire’s green landscape from its vantage point on a hill outside tiny Burwardsley. This is a proper county pub, complete with exposed beams, a vast fireplace, and plenty of oak. The rooms are traditionally decorated too, with exposed stone and beams, but more contemporary fabrics and furniture. Expect plenty of game on the menu, and a relaxed atmosphere.
• The Cholmondeley Arms is an unusual conversion — a Victorian school house turned pub-with-rooms. The pub and restaurant are the cosy centrepiece of this offering, packed with character and one-off antiques, and warmed by the aroma of great food. The bar offering is impressive too. Upstairs there are six simple rooms, decorated with just the right amount of chintz for an old school house.

For Walkers

• The Pack Horse Inn, Mellor is a charming, rural pub on the edge of the Peak District. It oozes tradtional charm and the roaring fires create a seriously cosy atmosphere. The 12 rooms are spacious, bright and done in contemporary classic style. Great value too.

Best Pubs-with-Rooms

• The Legh Arms is a charming Cheshire pub in the village of Prestbury. With exposed beams and whitewashed exterior, this place really looks the historic part. The 12 rooms vary, some feature original details and four-poster beds, but some have smart smoothed edges. The restaurant, with its menu of traditional pub classics, is very popular with locals as well as visitors. Very close to Hatton Park.
• The Bear's Paw is a recently refurbished inn in tiny Warmingham. The downstairs area is now opened out with a bar and restaurant, with lots of wood and slate, and the 17 rooms above have been neatly finished in contemporary style. A friendly, and affordable choice in a quiet town, and a great base for exploring Cheshire.
• Chester’s The Coach House Inn is an historic inn in a central spot, just moments from the cathedral. The bar and restaurant downstairs have been made light and airy, and upstairs are eight spacious rooms. Each of the rooms has been individually decorated, using a bold collection of wallpapers, and contemporary furnishings.

For Romantics

• No 32 Tarporley is a restaurant-with-five-rooms, which is part of a well known local farm shop. The food is Modern British, with an emphasis on local, seasonal produce, and it’s both an elegant, and gourmet experience. The five rooms and suites are spacious, and decorated with a collection of antiques and contemporary pieces, against a Farrow & Ball backdrop.
• The Bridge, Prestbury is an old coaching inn in pretty Prestbury village, which feels more like a boutique hotel than the coaching inn it was. Its 24 rooms and suites, the common spaces, and the bar and restaurant, have all been refurbished to exacting standards of contemporary luxury: think Farrow & Ball colour schemes, glamorous bathrooms, and well chosen antiques. The all-day every day restaurant is very popular, from its breakfasts, via its bottomless brunches, to lunch, afternoon tea, the cocktail hour and supper. For a romantic break book one of the superior suites with their four poster beds and stand-alone bath tubs.
• With confident decor and a great bistro restaurant, The Roebuck Inn makes a romantic weekend getaway. It has just six rooms, all uniquely designed, but all with a modern take on wood panelling, sumptuous fabrics, and eclectic antiques. The restaurant has a similar look, and romantic atmosphere, and the European inspired menu feels like a treat without breaking the bank. Adult only.

For Families

• The Bulls Head, Hale is a freshly refurbished pub-with-rooms, with a large garden. The refurbishment has given the pub more of a hotel atmosphere; there are 21 rooms and suites, some suitable for families, decorated in shades of sophisticated greys, and a contemporary style. The garden is buzzy in the warmer weather.
• ABode Chester has taken over the old Cheshire Police HQ, and turned it into an 84 room hotel, with fifth floor brasserie restaurant affording panoramic views over the Welsh hills and Chester Racecourse. The location, right next to the racecourse, is ideal for local sightseeing, and you can see quite a bit of Chester from the hotel roof terrace. The rooms are large and the decor fresh, varied, and contemporary. Children are welcome and suites can sleep up to five.

Prefer a Private Apartment or Cottage?

• If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• Want to fly to Cheshire?

• Liverpool Airport and Manchester Airport are probably the most convenient options for much of Cheshire. Chester is just half an hour away by car or taxi, or about and hour and three quarters away by public transport. If you’re travelling via London, the quickest route is probably by train out of Euston — it takes just over two and a quarter hours.
• If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
• Cheshire isn’t known for extreme temperatures, it’s warm, rather than hot in the summer, and cool rather than cold during the winter, and there’s a smattering of rain all year round, so definitely pack your waterproofs! Cheshire has plenty of indoor attractions, as well as outdoor ones, so it’s very much a year round destination. Summer is the most popular time to visit Cheshire. If you plan to do a lot of walking, or outdoor exploring, then late spring through mid autumn are probably the best times to visit, because the days have extra sunshine hours.

Still not sure where to stay?

• Refine your search to one of Cheshire’s centres — maybe Chester for example
• Refine your search by the kind of holiday you’re planning and consider our Gurus’ recommendations for the best pubs-with-rooms in Cheshire
• Or you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.

Weather

Monthly Weather in Cheshire