Our guide to luxury Cheshire holidays

Crumbly cheese, a namesake literary cat, and an observatory housing a hero of radio astronomy; there's much more to the county than rural charm and unspoilt trails. This is the Unique guide to luxury Cheshire holidays.

In many ways, Cheshire is the county that time forgot; its history reads like an epic saga, spanning centuries of conquests and crusades, while its castles, cathedrals, and ancient city (formerly known as Deva Victrix) draw history buffs in their droves. But make no mistake, this northern powerhouse is far from antiquated; catch Gatsby or Shakespeare under the stars at Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre, peruse contemporary artworks at Ice Galleries, or thrift for vintage finds and bespoke pieces at the half-timbered Rows. Cheshire blends old and new, tradition and innovation, in a see-it-to-believe-it sort of way.

It's a place where the great outdoors meets high society. Pack picnics of Cheshire cheese sourdough sandwiches and set out on a rather British adventure through the Peak District National Park, delve deeper into Delamere Forest, or follow the Macclesfield Canal Trail from Marple to Hall Green by bicycle, traversing aqueducts and waiting for a glimpse of the iconic Hovis mill. After a day of gentle exploration, turn the keyhole into one of Cheshire’s most exclusive properties, then make nighttime reading of the insider tips of what to see, do, and where to dine with our guide to luxury Cheshire holidays.