Cheshire

Cheshire is a very green and pleasant county, complete with wonderful ye olde Tudor buildings and Friesian cows chewing the cud in calm pastures. The loveliness attracts people who can afford to live in places purely for the loveliness, so the fields are dotted with walled manor houses both ancient, modern and faux-ancient. The best places to stay in Cheshire are similarly varied.

Much of Cheshire's appeal is centred round the historic Roman town of Chester, with its red Roman wall and ancient collection of architecture.

Football millionaires, celebrities and even royalty are attracted by Cheshire's rural idyll, so you never know who you're going to rub shoulders with in one of the local pretty villages.

But most people come to Cheshire for Chester. As well as Chester's wall there's also a Roman amphitheatre and gardens, and some wonderful Tudor and Victorian buildings. Chester also has Cheshire's best shopping, in one of the country's prettiest town centres.

If you appreciate a quirkier architectural style Knutsford might be one of the best places to stay in Cheshire for you. A wealthy former resident with a penchant for Mediterranean architecture commissioned a whole lot of weird and wonderful buildings here. For the best of these head to King Street.

For a Chester city break

• The Chester Grosvenor is often referred to as 'one of the finest hotels in the north-west'. Its restaurant, The Arkle, has retained its Michelin star for TWO DECADES. The outside is tres heritage, but inside they've gone for 'modern elegance'.
• ABode Chester occupies a building which used to be the Cheshire Police HQ, and the entire fifth floor is Michael Caine's restaurant.
• Oddfellows is a quirky hotel well located for Chester's charms. There are round beds, boutique furnishings, a Michelin starred chef and a fabulous potting shed bar in the secret garden.

For country house romance

• Built in 1816 Rookery Hall Hotel and Spa is a wonderful mansion set in 38 acres of lovely parklands. The interior has been renovated to meet the needs of the choosiest visitors - they even have television in the bathrooms and a glass roofed indoor pool.

Still not sure?

1. Browse through our list of all the best places to stay in Cheshire,
2. consult our list of the best places to stay in Chester,
3. or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.