Chester & Cheshire: Ultimate Guide - Winter/Spring Edition

Chester 

& 

Cheshire 

Winter/ 

Spring 

2019/20 

The 

Ultimate 

Guide 

Issue 08 

WINTER / 

SPRING 

2019/20 

Featuring: 

Plus: 

2020 HERE 

WE COME 

Exciting news from 

Cheshire’s 

world-class 

attractions 

SO HERE IT IS, 

MERRY 

CHRISTMAS… 

and there’s lots 

of festive fun 

to enjoy 

PUT THE 

SPA-KLE BACK 

Our pick of the 

slickest spas and 

state-of-the-art 

wellness centres 

LUNCH AT WOOD 

CHESTER 

We put the 

MasterChef winner’s 

new restaurant to 

the test 

News from around 

the county

1 

Christmas at Anderton Boat Lift 

Join Santa and his helpers this December aboard the Edwin Clark trip 

boat for a special Christmas cruise on the River Weaver Navigation. 

Storytelling, songs and a special present for every child! Not to mention 

plenty of festive food offers... 

TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW FROM VISITCHESHIRE.COM 

NEW FOR 2019 - BREAKFAST WITH SANTA, 30 NOV & 1 DEC 

andertonboatlift.co.uk

© Peter Robinson 

As the old 

year ends, 

embrace 

the new 

IMAGES 

ABOVE: LUMEN / 

BELOW: CHESTER 

CHRISTMAS MARKET / 

WOOD CHESTER 

The dark nights are upon us, but that’s no reason 

to despair. Rejoice in the changing seasons as the 

dying days of autumn turn to crisp winter days 

and the first blossoms of spring show their faces 

to the sun. 

Celebrate the arrival of Christmas by filling your 

diary with fun festive days – and evenings – out 

across the county (p14-15). And don’t worry about 

over-indulging this Yuletide, you can restore 

the body beautiful at the new spa at 

Carden Park or one of the many other 

luxurious local pampering parlours 

offering to polish skin, buff nails 

and ease weary muscles (p26-27). 

There’s lots to look forward to 

in the coming year. We catch 

up with the latest news (p10) 

and find out about upcoming 

developments at Cheshire’s 

world-class attractions, including 

Beeston Castle’s Bronze Age 

Roundhouse. Plus arts and culture go 

under the spotlight once more, as Visit 

Cheshire’s new initiative Cheshire: Where 

Science Meets Nature rolls out more entertaining 

diversions for the year ahead. 

Our restaurant review comes from WOOD Chester 

(p32-33), the city’s latest dining space, just open 

at the new Hotel Indigo, with MasterChef 2015 

winner Simon Wood at the helm. Get a flavour of 

what’s on the menu as you tuck into our preview 

of what to do and see around the county during 

winter and spring. 

This guide has been put together by 

Marketing Cheshire and was made possible 

with the help of our co-editors Kate Simon 

and Simone Kane, and with the invaluable 

support, ideas and reality checks of 

Marketing Cheshire’s Leanne Eaton. Thanks 

also to our interviewees and contributors, 

including David Atkinson, Suzanne King and 

Helen Warwick. 

Designed in Cheshire by 

Lemondrop Creative. 

Produced by Crofton Print. 

Supported by 

Editorial and advertising: 

Leanne Eaton 

l.eaton@marketingcheshire.co.uk 

Ashley Shacklady 

a.shacklady@marketingcheshire.co.uk 

Front Cover Image: 

Chester Zoo 

For more information visitcheshire.com 

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be copied, 

stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form by 

any means, electronic, mechanical, recording or otherwise, 

except brief extracts for purpose of review, and no part of 

this publication may be sold or hired, without the written 

permission of the publisher. Words, photography and design 

copyright: Marketing Cheshire 2019, except where stated. 

Although the authors have taken all reasonable care in 

preparing this book, we make no warranty about the accuracy 

of completeness of its content and, to the maximum extent 

permitted, disclaim all liability arising from its use. The 

publisher gratefully acknowledges the permission granted 

to reproduce the copyright material in this book. Every effort 

has been made to trace copyright holders and to obtain their 

permission for the use of copyright material. 

Find out more about what’s on in Cheshire at: 

visitcheshire.com 

03

2

3 

• Indoor & Outdoor 

Vitality Pool 

• Garden Sauna 

• Outdoor Hot Tubs 

• Bio Sauna 

• Five Themed Garden 

Pods 

• Bollinger Bars 

• Experience Showers 

• Restaurant 

COMING SOON 

Visit cardenpark.co.uk 

@thespaatcarden

2020 here we come 

(plus the best of what’s 

left in 2019) 

Exciting new developments are afoot at 

Cheshire’s world-class attractions. 

Kate Simon reports 

Few youngsters (or even 

screen-fixated adults) 

will need to be persuaded 

to put away their phones 

and nurture their creative 

spirit when BeWILDerwood 

(bewilderwood.co.uk) opens 

at Cholmondeley Castle 

near Malpas in spring 2020. 

The £5 million attraction, 

at a 70-acre site in the 

castle’s vast grounds, will 

be only the second to open 

in England. It’s based on the 

original and unique theme 

park in Norfolk, created by 

Tom Blofeld, author of A 

Boggle at BeWILDerwood, 

which revels in traditional, 

imaginative and healthy 

outdoor play. The setting is a 

mystical forest with magical 

treehouses and a cast of 

intriguing characters. Facepainting, 

storytelling, and 

arts and crafts are among 

the fun to be had. 

The Asiatic lions at Chester 

Zoo (chesterzoo.org) are 

packing their bags and 

moving to a new lair inspired 

by the Gir National Park 

in India, home to their last 

surviving relatives in the 

wild. It’s been quite a feat to 

recreate the arid landscape 

of dry forest and savannah 

on Cheshire’s wet clay soil 

and plants such as the 

hardy Japanese pagoda 

tree have been specially 

selected to survive the 

local weather. The pride’s 

new des-res features a 

water hole and cave-like 

shelter, plus mounds on 

which they can slumber 

and survey their kingdom. 

There’ll be a mound for you 

to stand on, too, offering a 

unique perspective of these 

magnificent beasts in 

their den. 

06

IMAGES 

LEFT & TOP: BEWILDERWOOD IN NORFOLK 

ABOVE & RIGHT: CHESTER ZOO 

Keep an eye out for news of 

the zoo reopening Monsoon 

Forest in 2020, following 

its devastation by fire in 

December 2018. The UK’s 

largest tropical house is 

a steamy recreation of 

South East Asia habitats, 

where carnivorous pitcher 

plants and Sunda gharial 

crocodiles thrive. Just like 

its predecessor, the new 

space promises to be hot, 

humid – and refreshed by 

the occasional outbreak of 

monsoon rains. 

You’ll be able to stay the 

night in Delamere Forest 

(forestryengland.uk/ 

delamere-forest) for the 

very first time in 2020. 

Forest Holidays and Forestry 

England have come up with 

a great new way to embrace 

Delamere, establishing a 

cluster of 67 eco-sensitive 

cabins amid the trees. It’s 

good to know that your 

money will go towards 

supporting the future of 

these precious woodlands. 

The new holiday spot is just 

one of the developments 

taking place in 2020 at 

the UK’s second-busiest 

forest – did you know some 

750,000 of us drop by here 

each year? A new Forestry 

England visitor welcome 

area is due to open mid- 

2020. There’ll be a bigger 

café, larger car park, 

and improved washroom 

facilities, plus upgrades to 

trails and bridleways. Don’t 

worry, while all this building 

is going on, the forest’s trails 

and activities will still be 

open for everyone to enjoy. 

ABOVE 

AN EXISTING FOREST 

HOLIDAYS CABIN AT 

SHERWOOD FOREST 

07

IMAGES 

BELOW TOP: TATTON PARK / 

BELOW BOTTOM: BEESTON 

CASTLE’S NEW ROUNDHOUSE 

IMAGES 

LEFT: LUMEN / 

BELOW: BLUEDOT 

© Tatton Park 


Cheshire: 

Where Science 

Meets Nature 

Tatton Park (tattonpark.org.uk) will smooth your 

way to its multiple attractions when it opens a 

new welcome centre for visitors in 2020. After 

all, it’s important to get your bearings if you’re 

going to check out the 18th-century mansion, 

historic working farm, medieval Old Hall, glorious 

gardens and vast parkland. Improved facilities in 

the stableyard, where the shops and restaurants 

are located, will follow, with plans to make it 

the go-to place for live entertainment, new 

exhibitions and events. 

Travel back in time 4,000 years at Beeston 

Castle’s new Roundhouse. The reconstruction 

of this Bronze Age dwelling has been a labour of 

love for English Heritage and a team of more than 

60 volunteers, who’ve amassed archaeological 

evidence and even used authentic tools and 

building methods. People lived on this rocky 

crag high above the plain long before the first 

stone was laid for the medieval castle we’re so 

familiar with on the skyline. The first traces of 

this thatched, wattle-and-daub structure were 

first uncovered in the 1970s, along with axes and 

knives from the time, revealing it was a welldefended 

metalworking centre. 

It’s been a bumper year for 

Cheshire: Where Science 

Meets Nature (visitcheshire. 

com/science-meets-nature), 

a new initiative promoting 

the county’s rich natural and 

scientific assets through 

arts and culture. A trio of 

online themed itineraries, 

with suggestions for days 

out and short breaks, have 

inspired many – locals and 

those from further afield – to 

sample the county’s fantastic 

events and attractions. 

Pick of the winter and 

early-spring programme 

includes LUMEN – Crewe’s 

Night of Lights, a thrilling 

evening of illuminated 

street performances and 

son et lumière displays 

on 29 November. Artist 

Sven Werner’s audiovisual 

dreamscape, Poulson Arc 

Dream Radio, remains 

available to experience at 

Storyhouse in Chester until 

17 May. 

The Lost Words, a new 

children’s trail featuring 

art installations, continues 

at Dunham Massey until 3 

April, before moving on to 

Quarry Bank from 6 April. 

Based on the spellbook 

of the same name, The 

Lost Words is all about 

youngsters reclaiming a 

vanishing natural vocabulary, 

as words such as ‘chat room’ 

are better understood than 

‘conkers’. 

The new year will see more 

events roll out, too, 

including a new summer 

programme of performances 

at the Grosvenor Park 

Open-Air Theatre. 

Meanwhile, bookings are 

already open for returning 

favourites, such as the 

international festival of 

music, science and cosmic 

culture, bluedot, at Jodrell 

Bank in July, and the 

creative family romp, Just 

So, at Rode Hall in August. 

08

Hiromi 

Friday 1 November 7.30pm 

The Bridgewater Hall 

Box Office: 0161 907 9000 

www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk 

Max Raabe 

& Palast Orchester 

Friday 6 March 7.30pm 

Dream a little dream with Max Raabe & Palast Orchester 

from Berlin, luxuriate in the high style and musical glory 

of the 20s and 30s with a cool contemporary twist. 

4 

Box Box Office: Office: 0161 0161 907 9079000 

9000 

www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk 

The Bridgewater Hall International Concert Series 19|20 

The Sixteen Choir & Orchestra 

Monteverdi’s Vespers 

Harry Christophers conductor 

Friday 15 November 2019 7.30pm 

Tenebrae 

A Hymn of Heavenly Beauty 

Nigel Short conductor 

Tuesday 18 February 2019 7.30pm 

Swedish Philharmonia 

Jaime Martin conductor 

Viktoria Mullova violin 

Monday 9 March 2020 7.30pm 

Tchaikovsky The Tempest 

Prokofiev Violin Concerto No.2 

Sibelius Symphony No.5 

Siberian Symphony 

Dmitri Vasiliev conductor 

Freddy Kempf piano 

Wednesday 15 April 2020 7.30pm 

Shostakovich Festive Overture 

Rachmaninov Piano Concerto No.3 

Rimsky Korsakov Scheherazade 

Royal Stockholm 

Philharmonic Orchestra 

Sakari Oramo conductor 

Nicola Benedetti violin 

Tuesday 28 April 2020 7.30pm 

Bruch Violin Concerto No.1 

Sibelius Symphony No.2 

Emma Johnson & Friends 

Introduced by John Suchet 

Friday 20 March 2020 7.30pm 

A programme of 19th century Vienna, including 

Beethoven, Schubert, Brahms and the Strauss family. 

Box Office: 0161 907 9000 

www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk

In the news 

IMAGES 

LEFT TOP: JODRELL BANK DISCOVERY CENTRE/ 

LEFT BOTTOM: WILD SHORE DELAMERE/ 

MIDDLE TOP: WYCHWOOD/ 

MIDDLE BOTTOM: CHURCHE’S MANSION/ 

RIGHT: CHESHIRE OAKS 

Cheshire’s Jodrell Bank 

Observatory (jodrellbank.net) 

joined the likes of Hadrian’s Wall 

and the Taj Mahal this summer 

when it received UNESCO 

World Heritage Site status. The 

home of the Lovell Telescope, 

which captured the first shots 

of Apollo 11 landing on the 

moon in July 1969, has been 

recognised for its important role 

in advancing our understanding 

of the Universe. Jodrell Bank’s 

Discovery Centre, which recently 

hosted events to mark the 

50th anniversary of the Moon 

Landings, is due to complete 

the First Light project, a major 

new exhibition space celebrating 

its pioneering role in British 

scientific history, in 2021. 

A new watersports adventure 

park has opened in a former 

quarry at Delamere Lake. 

Wild Shore Delamere 

(wildshoredelamere.co.uk) 

offers a range of watery 

fun, including an obstacle 

course, tubing and standup 

paddleboarding. The 

new adventure hub from 

the company that runs the 

Adventure Dock in Liverpool, 

is aimed at ages six and above. 

Now closed for winter, it’s due to 

reopen in March and has plans 

for additional facilities and a 

year-round sailing academy in 

2020. Prices start from £16 per 

person for a one-hour obstacle 

session. Watersports courses 

start from £25 per person, 

including wetsuit hire. 

Chester Racecourse (chesterraces.com) 

has been recognised 

as the “oldest racecourse still 

in operation” in the world. The 

official Guinness World Record 

title marks 480 years of horse 

racing at the Roodee, which was 

established as a racecourse 

in 1539 under decree of Mayor 

Henry Gee. Richard Thomas, 

CEO of Chester Race Company, 

said: “We are proud of the 

engaging, immersive experience 

we provide each race day 

at Chester.” Chester Races 

recently announced its fixtures 

for the 2020 season, starting 

with the May Festival on 

5 May with the Season Finale 

on 26 September. 

A raft of new accommodation 

is expanding Cheshire’s appeal 

as a place to work, rest and tie 

the knot. Hotel Indigo (chester. 

hotelindigo.com) opened its 

doors in Chester this summer 

with 75 rooms and an all-day 

dining venue, WOOD Chester, 

by the 2015 MasterChef 

champion Simon Wood (see our 

review on page 32). The hotel’s 

design takes inspiration from 

the city with three individually 

styled rooms based on Chester 

icons – the Races, Eastgate 

Clock and Chester Rows. 

Cheshire wedding venue 

Capesthorne Hall 

(capesthorne.com) has opened 

new accommodation for up to 

20 guests in contemporary pods 

within the grounds. The stately 

home, located at the heart of a 

100-acre estate in Siddington, 

has unveiled six of the innovative 

new lodges for wedding guests 

to stay in. 

Wychwood Park Hotel and 

Golf Club (legacy-hotels.co.uk) 

has completed a £3 million 

refurbishment of its bedrooms, 

bar and restaurant. The final 

phase at the hotel near Crewe 

added a new-look atrium for 

natural light. The hotel and 

function suite is set in 200 acres 

of Cheshire countryside and 

features a PGA European Tourstandard 

18-hole golf course. 

On the food and drink scene, 

Visit Cheshire has launched The 

Foodie Guide to show the way 

to some of the best producers 

and providers to visit across 

the county. There’s a handy 

map plotting places where 

our food is grown, reared and 

made, and lots of suggestions 

for pubs, cafes, tea rooms, 

bistros and restaurants to call 

by, as well as where to stay the 

night. Butchers, greengrocers, 

delis, farm shops, farmers’ 

markets and special events are 

highlighted, plus there’s info 

on where to enjoy wine tastings 

and cookery masterclasses. The 

online guide can be browsed 

at visitcheshire.com/visitorinformation/maps-and-guides. 

Nantwich’s Tudor landmark, 

Churche’s Mansion 

(churchesmansion.co.uk) has 

reopened its doors as a fish 

restaurant. The ground floor 

of the half-timbered hall has 

been reinterpreted as three 

dining rooms and a bar, with 

glamorous contemporary 

furnishings giving the original 

wood interiors a little pizzazz. 

Burnt Truffle (burnttruffle. 

net), the Heswall restaurant 

from Cheshire-based chef Gary 

Usher, has been awarded two 

AA rosettes. The chef also runs 

The Sticky Walnut in Chester as 

part of his Elite Bistros group. 

Shoppers will spot some 

changes at Cheshire Oaks 

Designer Outlet (mcarthurglen. 

com). Following a £40m 

expansion of the Ellesmere 

Port complex, it now has 25 

new designer-brand stores and 

eateries, 300 parking spaces, 

and a new welcome centre. 

Congratulations to 

J Melville of Wirral, 

L Smith of Lancashire and 

H MacDonald of Flintshire. 

They each won a copy of the 

county’s first comprehensive 

travel guide, Slow Travel 

Cheshire (Bradt 2018, 

£12.99), in our competition 

in the Summer/Autumn 2019 

edition of the Ultimate Guide. 

10

5 

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6 

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7 

DISCOVER THE UK’S NEWEST 

UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE 

Image: Craig Strong 

Open Monday - Sunday, 10am - 5pm 

Explore the Wonders of the Universe at 

Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre 

Including: Interactive exhibits and displays, 

arboretum and grounds, picnic areas and daily 

Telescope Walking Tours. Plus, don’t miss The 

Planet Cafe and Jodrell Bank gift shop!

8 

November 2019 - April 2020 

Highlights 

New winter brochure 

out now! 

25 MINS FROM CHESTER, 35 MINS FROM LIVERPOOL, 45 MINS FROM MANCHESTER

So here it is, 

Merry Christmas… 

…Everybody will be having fun in Cheshire this 

festive season, says Simone Kane 

The air will be filled with 

spicy aromas as Chester 

is transformed into a 

Gingerbread Wonderland. 

Seek out the sculptures crafted 

from our favourite seasonal 

biscuit: pop over to Mad 

Hatters Tearooms to marvel 

at the model of the Eastgate 

Clock (see our interview) or 

call by The Chester Grosvenor 

to see a mini-version of this 

iconic property. Meanwhile, 

there’ll be craft and 

storytelling sessions for big 

and little kids to join in at the 

Gingerbread Hub. 

Step into a fantastical world 

of exotic illuminations at The 

Lanterns at Chester Zoo 

(22 Nov-23 Dec; chesterzoo. 

org). Admire 50 fabulous 

firs in the cloisters of 

Chester Cathedral at the 

Christmas Tree Festival and 

catch a screening of The 

Snowman (30 Nov-5 Jan; 

chestercathedral.com/the 

Snowman, 20 & 21 Dec). 

Meanwhile, outside the 

Town Hall, more than 50 

gourmet producers and 

craftspeople will set out 

their stalls at the Chester 

Christmas Market (16 

Nov-22 Dec; visitcheshire. 

com). And be sure to catch a 

performance of Peter Pan at 

Storyhouse (6 Dec-12 Jan; 

storyhouse.com). 

Santa will be busy popping 

into grottos and events 

countywide this festive 

season. But how about 

catching him aboard a 

Santa Cruise at Northwich’s 

Anderton Boat Lift (30 

Nov-24 Dec; canalrivertrust. 

org.uk) or visit him at 

the Victorian Christmas 

experience at the 

nearby Lion Salt Works 

Museum (14 & 15 Dec; 

canalrivertrust.org.uk) 

The halls will be decked 

and filled with festive music 

at Cheshire’s fine stately 

homes. Arley Hall & Gardens 

will be positively blooming 

for its Christmas Floral 

Extravaganza, with rooms 

individually decorated by 

floristry experts, and flowerarranging 

demonstrations 

to book (30 Nov-5 Dec; 

arleyhallandgardens. 

com). During Christmas at 

Dunham Massey, a magical 

illuminated trail will return 

to light up the luscious 

planting in the gardens (22 

Nov-30 Dec; nationaltrust. 

org.uk). Meanwhile, Fairy 

Tale Christmas Mansion 

comes to Tatton Park, 

alongside its Winter Deer 

14

IMAGES 

FAR LEFT: CHESTER 

CHRISTMAS MARKET/ 

LEFT TOP: CHESTER 

CROSS/ 

LEFT BOTTOM: 

ZOO LANTERNS/ 

LEFT: TATTON 

PARK CHRISTMAS 

MANSION/ 

BELOW: CHESTER 

CATHEDRAL 

Ghoulies, ghosties and 

Roman centurions 

A very special event takes to the 

streets of Chester as the sun sets on 

12 December, when the city comes 

alive with the annual Saturnalia and 

Winter Watch revelries. 

The Winter Watch 

Christmas 

ceremony 

dates from the 

15th-century, 

recalling 

a time 

where the 

city leaders 

would hand 

over the keys 

to Chester to the 

watch, its early police 

force. And in a nod to the city’s Roman 

heritage, Saturnalia, the torchlit parade 

of centurions from the XX Legion, 

founders of the city, are joined in a 

riotous romp by the Lord of Misrule, 

with fantastical ghoulish characters 

dancing to the beat of the drums. 

Feed and Trailer Rides (26 

Nov-5 Jan; tattonpark.org. 

uk), while an Edwardian 

Christmas is on offer 

at Lyme (From 23 Nov; 

nationaltrust.org.uk), and 

visitors to Quarry Bank can 

travel further back in time to 

enjoy a Georgian Christmas 

or take a Reindeer Winter 

Walk (27 Nov-5 Jan; 

nationaltrust.org.uk). 

Head outdoors for Yuletide 

with Greenwood Growth, 

run by Cheshire East 

Countryside Rangers at 

Tegg’s Nose Reservoir, 

where families can 

create wreaths, food and 

decorations from foraged 

materials out in the middle 

of the woods (21 Dec; 

cheshireeast.gov.uk). 

Towns and villages will 

accompany lights switchons 

with festive fun days 

and seasonal markets. 

Look out for: Congleton’s 

fun day and lantern parade 

(23 Nov); Alsager’s lights 

on and family market (24 

Nov); Macclesfield’s Treacle 

Christmas Market (24 

Nov & 22 Dec) and Father 

Christmas parade and lights 

(30 Nov); and Knutsford’s 

Santa parade and lights 

(30 Nov) and a large market 

(30 Nov & 1 Dec). 

Tick tock, the 

gingerbread clock 

A model of Chester’s Eastgate Clock, 

crafted from gingerbread, 

will be displayed in the 

window of the Mad Hatters 

Tearooms in the town 

centre in December. 

We asked its creators, 

owners Ann and Kerri, 

what it’s all about… 

What made you choose 

the Eastgate Clock for 

your model? 

It is such a landmark in Chester 

and, with so much detail, a real challenge 

for us to do. It will also be a working 

clock – so it could be the largest working 

gingerbread clock in the world. 

How big will the model clock be? 

The clock will be as tall as our assistant 

manager – just over five feet high. 

What amount of ingredients will 

it need to complete? 

We are vegan, so we will be making it from 

a vegan gingerbread. But we’re not sure 

yet about the amount of ingredients we’ll 

need. It will be a lot, so we will just keep 

making gingerbread until we’re done… 

15

9 

Discover Chester Cathedral 

FORTHCOMING EVENT HIGHLIGHTS 

FRIDAY 29 NOVEMBER 2019 - SUNDAY 

5 JANUARY 2020 

The Christmas Tree Festival 

Join us for a delightful family event where, from 

the end of November, the cathedral cloisters 

are filled with more than 50 majestic Christmas 

trees - which for our year of waves - have a 

theme of sustainability - recycling and re-using 

all in support of Stick ‘n’ Step and Adoption 

Matters. 

Free entry - donations welcome. 

SATURDAY 7 & SATURDAY 14 DECEMBER 

Candlelit Carols Concert | 7.30pm 

As the cathedral shimmers by candlelight, the 

Chester Cathedral Choir, directed by Philip 

Rushforth, sing a selection of traditional carols 

for all to enjoy. There will also be seasonal 

readings and a chance for all to join in and sing 

some festive songs and carols. 

Tickets £5 - £20 

Tickets from the Cathedral Welcome Desk, 

by calling 01244 500959 or clicking to: 

chestercathedral.com/events 

FRIDAY 20 & SATURDAY 21 DECEMBER 

The Snowman 

The Snowman, accompanied by a live orchestra; 

a heart-warming experience that brings more 

than a snowman to life, and featuring the 

much-loved classic ‘Walking in the Air’. A festive 

favourite for the whole family. The event also 

features a second animation, The Nutcracker 

Suite. 

Tickets £12 - £28 

Tickets from the Cathedral Welcome Desk, 

by calling 01244 500959 or clicking to: 

chestercathedral.com/events 

CHRISTMAS EVE & CHRISTMAS DAY 

Christmas Services 

For details of our Christmas Eve and Christmas 

Day services, click to: 

chestercathedral.com/visitus/christmas 

For tickets, call 01244 500 959 or click to: chestercathedral.com/events

Event 

Guide 

Winter/ 

Spring 

2019/20 

22 November – 30 December 

CHRISTMAS AT DUNHAM MASSEY 

It’s definitely the most wonderful time of 

the year when the after-dark, illuminated 

trail lights up for its third year and winds 

magically through the formal gardens and 

deer park of Dunham Massey. Along the 

2019 route you’ll notice all-new installations. 

Enter a grand avenue replanted with gigantic 

flowers with the house brought to life by 

festive projections. Walk through the dynamic, 

glowing Vortex Tunnels and stroll towards 

the mesmerising reflections made by Fire on 

Water. Watch out as lights seem to tumble 

from the undergrowth and light up trees like 

fizzing fireworks and take time to pause at the 

delicate carpet of colour-changing blooms. 

A must visit this Christmas! 

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dunham-massey 

9 – 10 November 

CHRISTMAS 

SHOPPING SHOW 

Featuring another 45 

exhibitors selected from 

all over the country. Inside 

the Tenants Hall - a wing of 

the stately mansion house. 

Free entry to the event - 

normal Tatton Park car 

entry applies on arrival 

www.tattonpark.org.uk 


TATTON PARK 

CHRISTMAS 

FOODIES FESTIVAL 

Get top Christmas recipe 

tips and sample the best of 

festive fare at the Foodies 

Festival. See Michelinstarred 

and top chefs whip 

up amazing dishes in the 

Chef’s Theatre, alongside 

the stars of Great British 

Bake Off in the Cake and 

Bake Theatre. 

Enjoy a festive masterclass 

with cupcake decorating, 

Xmas cocktails, and orange 

garland making in the 

Festive Workshop. Keep 

in the Christmas spirit 

throughout the day with 

vintage style singers and 

Christmas carollers, plus 

fun competitions including 

mince pie & chilli eating 

contests and lots more! 

www.foodiesfestival.com 

16 November – 

22 December 

CHESTER 

CHRISTMAS MARKET 

Shoppers are in for a 

magical time at Chester 

Christmas Market, with 

over 70 traditional wooden 

chalets situated in the heart 

of Chester, all wrapped 

around a sparkling 

Christmas tree. 

There will be an abundance 

of festive treats and 

gifts on offer, including 

quality local and regional 

products, crafts, clothing, 

accessories, jewellery, 

unique gifts and stocking 

fillers which are sure to 

make the perfect present! 

www.visitcheshire.com/ 

christmas 


CHRISTMAS AT 

CAPESTHORNE 

During the normally 

closed Winter period, 

discover the warmth and 

ambience of Christmas 

at Capesthorne. The visit 

allows a glimpse through 

the doors of a family-owned 

stately home decorated for 

Christmas. Whilst walking 

around the house you will 

be entertained by local 

musicians, school choirs 

and there will be an extra 

special visit from Santa. 

www.capesthorne.com 


23 December 

THE LANTERNS AT 

CHESTER ZOO 

This Christmas, Chester 

Zoo is turning into a 

magical festive wonderland 

as The Lanterns returns. 

This year the updated route 

will take you on a journey 

through new worlds that 

will have your imagination 

running wild. You’ll be 

transported to the bottom 

of the sea in Underwater 

where you’ll need to dodge 

the jellyfish and fish before 

coming face to face with 

a HUGE octopus! Then 

make your way through 

Tropical Dreams which will 

be a dramatic centrepiece, 

complete with new beautiful 

lanterns. Then suspend 

belief as you take the Night 

Sky Adventure and travel 

through the clouds and 

stars, under the moonlight. 

www.chesterzoo.org/ 

lanterns 

17

26 November – 5 January 

A FAIRYTALE 

CHRISTMAS 

MANSION 

Enter a magical Christmas 

Mansion themed with all 

of your favourite fairy tales 

and decorated with special 

lighting and stunning 

decorations. Seasonal 

music adds to the festive 

atmosphere as you work 

your way through enchanting 

rooms - from the grandeur 

of the state rooms through 

to the servants’ quarters. 

There’s a special festive 

treat awaiting you at the end! 



24 December 

CHRISTMAS LUNCH 

IN THE OAKFIELD 

Start your festive countdown 

in the stunning surroundings 

of The Oakfield at Chester 

Zoo by treating yourself 

to a delicious Christmas 

lunch with your nearest and 

dearest. 

With a range of indulgent 

wines, refreshing Prosecco 

and a well-stocked bar of 

over 170 tipples for you to 

try…it is Christmas after all! 

www.theoakfield.org/ 

christmas-lunch 

27 November 

COUNT ARTHUR 

STRONG 

As well as being the allround 

entertainer we all 

know and love from the 

telly, Count Arthur Strong 

is also a lifelong fan of 

astronomy, since having 

been given a microscope 

for Christmas when he was 

a small precocious baby. 

In his brand-new show, 

he seamlessly combines 

the very best showbiz 

entertainment you’ll 

currently find, in the world, 

possibly! 

www.thebrindley.org.uk 


29 November 

LUMEN: CREWE’S 

NIGHT OF LIGHTS 

Head to Memorial and 

Lyceum Squares to see 

breath-taking contemporary 

light installations whirl 

around the urban landscape. 

Take little ones on a lantern 

procession and see their 

jaws drop at the spectacle 

of giant walkabout puppets, 

while fireworks crackle 

and bang, showering stars 

overhead. If there’s a chill in 

the air, grab a hot chocolate 

in the winter market and 

take a rousing ride on the 

funfair. 

www.crewetowncouncil. 

gov.uk 

30 November 

G4 CHRISTMAS 

Experience sumptuous 

harmonies in an idyllic, 

festive setting. With a series 

of 28 shows in beautiful 

venues nationwide, join 

Jonathan, Lewis, Mike and 

Duncan as they recall the 

musical experiences of 

their childhoods. Expect 

to hear timeless classics 

such as When A Child is 

Born, Silent Night and All I 

Want for Christmas, as well 

as delightful medleys to 

evoke the Christmas spirit, 

all delivered exquisitely in 

some of the UK’s most iconic 

historical venues. 

www.chestercathedral.com 


23 December 

CHRISTMAS 

WOODLAND AT 

BLAKEMERE 

Don’t miss this sell out 

unique theatrical experience 

to find Father Christmas 

taking place every Saturday 

and Sunday on the run up to 

Christmas. 

www.christmaswoodland. 

co.uk 


24 December 

SANTA CRUISES AT 

ANDERTON BOAT 

LIFT 

Weekends throughout 

December, come and join 

Santa and his helpers on 

the Edwin Clark trip boat 

for a festive cruise on the 

River Weaver Navigation. 

Storytelling, songs and a 

special present for each child. 

www.andertonboatlift.co.uk 

18

10 

TUE 3 - SAT 7 DECEMBER 

“BLISTERINGLY 

FIERCE” 

★★★★ 

THE HERALD 

TUE 3 - WED 4 MARCH 

“POIGNANT 

AND 

THRILLING” 

★★★★ 

THE SKINNY 

THE WOMAN 

IN BLACK 

MON 9 - SAT 14 MARCH 

JANE EYRE 

TUE 19 - SAT 23 MAY 

BOOK ONLINE crewelyceum.co.uk

30 November – 5 January 

CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL 

A delightful annual family event where 

the cathedral cloisters are filled with 

more than fifty majestic Christmas 

trees decorated by local schools and 

businesses to reflect the thematic year 

– ‘waves’ - a celebration of water, and 

in support of the Adoption Matters and 

Stick ‘n’ Step. 

Follow the Nativity Trail around the 

trees and cathedral, and don’t forget to 

vote for your favourite tree! 


2 – 4 December 

ARLEY CHRISTMAS 

FLORAL 

EXTRAVAGANZA 

Visit the Hall daily and see 

each room decorated with 

hundreds of fresh flowers 

and foliage from the Arley 

Gardens. Floristry colleges 

and florists each decorate 

a room in the hall in a 

traditional and stunning 

style. The Chapel is also 

decorated, and local schools 

have been invited to each 

decorate a Christmas tree 

which will be on display in 

the Cruck Barn, make sure 

you vote for your favourite! 

www.arleyhallandgardens.com 


TATTON CHRISTMAS 

SHOPPING FAIR 

You’re sure to find that 

perfect gift with over 40 

stalls in the Tenants’ Hall 

offering a wide range of 

present ideas, food and drink 

and Christmas essentials. 


6 December – 12 January 

PETER PAN 

Coming to Storyhouse 

this Christmas, after the 

sensational The Wizard of 

Oz. Journey to Neverland 

for a high-flying adventure 

you’ll never forget. The 

forever-young Peter Pan 

sails through the skies 

to bring Wendy and the 

Darling children to the Lost 

Children’s enchanted island 

where the fearsome Captain 

Hook rules over the high 

seas. Based on the timeless 

book by JM Barrie. 

www.storyhouse.com 

7 & 14 December 

CANDLELIT CAROLS 

CONCERT 

As the cathedral shimmers 

by candlelight, the Chester 

Cathedral Choir, directed 

by Philip Rushforth, sing 

a selection of traditional 

carols for all to enjoy. 

There will also be seasonal 

readings and a chance for 

all to join in and sing some 

festive songs and carols. 



SLEEPING BEAUTY 

Venue Cymru has announced 

that this year’s sensational 

family pantomime Sleeping 

Beauty will star Sherrie 

Hewson, Kieran Powell and 

Friends and Nigel Ellacott 

in an all-new spectacular 

production. Packed with all 

of the traditional pantomime 

ingredients North Wales’ 

audiences have come to 

expect, Sleeping Beauty will 

be spectacularly brought to 

life with an abundance of 

jaw-dropping dance, sidesplitting 

comedy, sensational 

song and plenty of festive 

magic. 

www.venuecymru.co.uk 

11 December - 12 January 

SNOW WHITE & THE 

SEVEN DWARFS 

Starring Brindley Panto 

favourites Rebecca Lake 

as Snow White, Andrew 

Curphey as Muddles, Charlie 

Griffiths as Fairy and Chris 

Pym as the Prince. With 

stars of stage, screen and TV 

shows such as Brookside, 

Coronation Street and The 

Royal it’s sure to have the 

usual spectacular scenery, 

dazzling costumes, hilarious 

jokes, singalong songs and 

fun for all the family! 


14 - 15 December 

CHRISTMAS FESTIVE 

WEEKEND AT NESS 

Meet Father Christmas, 

design your own wreath, 

family arts and crafts, 

Christmas Market and 

Festive music. A great family 

day out. 

www.liverpool.ac.uk/nessgardens 

20 & 21 December 

THE SNOWMAN TOUR 

Make it a magical 

Christmas… Immerse 

yourself in the irresistible 

animated tale The Snowman, 

accompanied by a live 

orchestra. A heart-warming 

experience that brings more 

than a snowman to life and 

featuring the much-loved 

classic ‘Walking in the Air’. 

A festive favourite for the 

whole family. 


23 December 

FESTIVE FIREWORKS 

AT GULLIVER’S 

WORLD 

Light up your Christmas 

with this Festive Fireworks 

Night! Enjoy a brilliant 

family day out exploring their 

huge selection of rides and 

attractions. There will be 

some magical Christmas 

shows running throughout 

the day. 

www.gulliversfun.co.uk/ 

events/festive-fireworks 

20

11 

TATTON PARK 

1-2 February 2020, 10am–5pm 

Spectacular fashion shows Live music Wedding dresses 

Florists Jewellery Groomswear Hair and beauty Venues 

Photographers Cars Cakes Champagne bar 

bridetheweddingshow.co.uk 

*Booking fee applies 

TICKETS 

JUST £10 

IN ADVANCE*

1 - 2 February 

BRIDE: THE WEDDING SHOW 

Plan your perfect day at the North’s premier 

bridal exhibition in the spectacular marquee 

packed with more than 150 of the region’s finest 

wedding suppliers. There will be sensational 

choreographed catwalk shows, live music, a 

dressed marquee showcase, a Champagne bar 

and much more. 



THE THERAPLATE 

UK LIVERPOOL 

INTERNATIONAL 

HORSE SHOW 

An exciting end to 2019 

the show will be packed 

with fun filled thrilling 

performances for everyone 

to enjoy. Including a feast of 

world-class show-jumping 

and dressage, family 

entertainment including 

Motocross Freestyle displays 

and live music culminating 

in the North West’s largest 

indoor firework celebration. 

www.liverpoolhorseshow.com 

21 January 

DIRTY DUSTING 

Starring Crissy Rock 

(Benidorm, I’m a Celebrity), 

Leah Bell, Dolores Porretta 

and Andrew Green. Treat 

yourself to an evening of 

pure theatrical Viagra. This 

is a heart-warming, feel 

good comedy which will 

have you rolling in the aisles 

and smiling every time you 

answer the phone. 


21 – 26 January 

PETER PAN GOES 

WRONG 

Following their multi awardwinning 

success with The 

Play That Goes Wrong and 

The Comedy About A Bank 

Robbery, Mischief Theatre 

return to Storyhouse with 

their riotous spin on a 

timeless classic, the West 

End smash hit Peter Pan 

Goes Wrong. 


25 January 

THE BATTLE OF 

NANTWICH 

For over 40 years the faithful 

troops of The Sealed Knot 

have gathered in the historic 

town of Nantwich, Cheshire 

to re-enact the bloody battle 

that took place in 1644, 

marking the end of the 

siege of the town during the 

English Civil War. 

www.battleofnantwich.org 

1 February – 1 March 

SNOWDROP WALKS 

One of the finest displays 

of snowdrops in the North 

West. Tearooms are also 

open serving homemade 

light lunches and cream teas 

complete with roaring wood 

burner. 

www.rodehall.co.uk 

2 February 

GET READY – THE 

ULTIMATE SOUL & 

MOTOWN PARTY 

Take a trip back to 1960s 

Detroit with the brand-new, 

celebrated stage show 

featuring the music of the 

Temptations, Four Tops, 

Supremes, Jackson 5, Stevie 

Wonder and Marvin Gaye. 

Velvet vocals from a stellar 

cast of critically-acclaimed 

performers combine with 

divinely-gifted musicians, to 

authentically recreate the 

sound responsible for lifting 

an entire generation to its 

dancing feet. 



THE SUICIDE 

Part of Storyhouse’s season 

11 of original drama, made 

in Chester. A classic Russian 

comedy, banned by Stalin, 

very possibly for being too 

funny. 


12 February 

JOHN 

SHUTTLEWORTH 

‘John Shuttleworth’s Back’... 

is giving him trouble. Years 

of strenuous DIY, not to 

mention playing his organ 

whilst perched upon a multi 

pack of Diet Sprite with 

no lumber support, has 

taken its toll. But - ever the 

trouper - John returns to 

regale audiences with an 

evening of his classic songs 

(plus new ones and hilarious 

‘back’ stories), pausing only 

to reapply his deep heat rub! 



BLUE STOCKINGS 



in Chester. Four defiant 

young women battle the 

cruelty of class divides, the 

distractions of love and the 

men ready to do anything 

to stop them, as they fight 

to change the future of 

education. 


22

12 

Healthy glows 

made with the National Trust 

© National Trust 2019. Registered Charity no. 205846. Photography 

© National Trust Images/Chris Lacey 

Step into the gardens at Quarry Bank to discover the 

glasshouse twinkling under the winter sun. Escape to 

Lyme's peaceful moorland with views across Cheshire 

or take in the UK's largest winter garden as carpets of 

colour spring up at Dunham Massey. 

These are the places that make us. 

nationaltrust.org.uk/north-west 

13a 

13b 

13c

11 -13 April 

TASTE CHESHIRE FOOD AND 

DRINK FESTIVAL 

A wonderful culinary experience with 

over 150 exhibitors highlighting the 

best the county, region and country 

has to offer. Now, in its twentieth 

year, there will be a fabulous line up 

of celebrity and local chefs and free 

children’s cooking classes turning your 

little ones in to mini Masterchef’s. 

As well as a whole host of 

entertainment for the adults who 

can sample and purchase from the 

offering of the food drink and lifestyle 

exhibitors. A great family day out! 

www.chesterfoodanddrink.co.uk 

15 – 23 February 

FEBRUARY HALF 

TERM 

Get the kids off the sofa 

and away from screens and 

adventure down to Ness this 

half term. Family Snowdrop 

trail. Admission to the 

garden applies. 



MISS JULIE 



in Chester. A new adaptation 

of Strindberg’s thrilling 

psychological drama, 

newly politically-charged 

in Amy Ng’s adaptation for 

Storyhouse. 


9 – 14 March 

WE WILL ROCK YOU 

The worldwide smash hit 

musical by Queen and Ben 

Elton returns to the UK and 

is coming to Venue Cymru 

in March 2020. The multimillion-pound 

show dazzles 

all the senses in breathtaking 

style. Guaranteed to 

blow your mind, this musical 

phenomenon is not to be 

missed! 


14 March 

FAMILY SCIENCE 

FAIR 

Join in for some free, handson, 

science-based activities 

for all those budding 

brainiacs. Free activities in 

the Visitor Centre. 

15 March 

PLANT HUNTERS’ 

FAIR 

Have a browse at unusual 

plants from a selection of 

specialist nurseries. Free 

activities in the Visitor 

Centre. 



30 March – 7 April 

CHESHIRE 

RESIDENTS’ 

FESTIVAL 

To mark English Tourism 

Week and celebrate all that 

our lovely county has to 

offer, residents of Cheshire 

can explore what’s on their 

doorstop for FREE for one 

week only! Several fantastic 

attractions will be offering 

free and discounted entry, 

free tours and other exciting 

opportunities for local 

residents to discover more 

about the county we live in 

and the fantastic ‘hidden 

gems’ in the area. 

www.visitcheshire.com 

9 – 13 April 

NANTWICH JAZZ, 

BLUES & MUSIC 

FESTIVAL 

The Nantwich Jazz, Blues 

and Music Festival sees 

the historic market town 

of Nantwich transformed 

into a charismatic lively 

atmosphere of beer and 

blues. This is an annual 

festival, with many local 

pubs and destinations 

hosting famous jazz and 

blues performers. This 

festival remains one of 

Cheshire’s biggest events - 

not to be missed! 

www.nantwichjazz.com 

14 – 18 April 

BEAUTIFUL 

Beautiful – The Carole 

King Musical, the Olivier 

award-winning West End and 

Broadway show is coming to 

Llandudno! 


21 April 

REMEMBERING THE 

OSCARS 

Fresh from their sellout 

tour with their highly 

entertaining and innovative 

Remembering The Movies, 

Aljaz and Janette, will be 

returning with their brand 

new show Remembering 

The Oscars. Get ready to 

celebrate the Oscar winning 

songs in this exhilarating 

new dance spectacular with 

Strictly’s favourite couple, 

Aljaz and Janette. 


24

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A5119 

A494 

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MARCHNADOEDD 

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Mae’n ddiwrnod allan gwych 

It’s a great day out! 

siopa 

shopping 

marchnadoedd 

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diwylliant 

c u l t u r e 

bwyd a diod 

food&drink 

14 

• Marchnadoedd stryd 

Bob dydd Mercher a dydd Sadwrn rhwng 

9am a 3.30pm 

• Marchnad Dan Do 

Ar agor rhwng 9am a 5pm o ddydd 

Llun i ddydd Sadwrn 

• Marchnad Ffermwyr 

Yn Neuadd Eglwys y Santes Fair (Heol y 

Brenin) rhwng 9am a 2pm ar ddydd 

Sadwrn cyntaf a thrydydd dydd Sadwrn y mis. 

• Street Markets 

Every Wednesday & Saturday from 

9am to 3.30pm 

• Indoor Markets 

Open from 9am to 5pm Monday to Saturday 

• Farmers Market 

Held at St Mary’s Church Hall (King Street) 

from 9am to 2pm on the first and third 

Saturday of the month. 

The biggest and the best street market in North Wales 

Mold - A different shopping experience 

every day of the week! 

MOLD - a ‘food town’ 

... where the quality of life matters 

Street Markets 

Auction House 

- are held every Wednesday & Saturday (between 9am - Going Going Gone! General household auctions are held Cittaslow Mold 

and 3.30pm) throughout the year. You will find this 

on Wednesdays at Victoria Auction Galleries, Chester Street, Mold is proud to be the first town in Wales to be 

bustling market held on the High Street and through to Mold CH7 1EG. 

accepted into the Cittaslow movement, an international 

Daniel Owen Square. 

network of towns where the quality of life really 

Antiques and collectables are sold every 4 to 6 weeks on 

matters. 

Y farchnad stryd fwyaf You are able to find 70+ a’r traders waiting to orau entice you with Saturdays. yng BBC TV’s “Bargain Hunt” Ngogledd and “Flog It” are regular Cymru 

a great bargain, something different or just take in the visitors to one of the best auction houses in North Wales. 

Cittaslow grew from the Slow Food movement which 

advocates that our food should taste good, be 

atmosphere of the busiest market in North Wales. 

To pick up a bargain or simply share the lively atmosphere get produced in a clean way which respects the 

there for a 10.30am start on auction day, contact Dodds 

environment, human health and animal welfare, and 

Indoor Market 

Auctioneers on 01352 755705 for more details. 

that food producers are paid a fair wage. 

The biggest and best - offers a range street of 16 individual shops all under one market in North www.slowfood.org.uk Wales 

roof, providing an enticing range of goods and services 

As a Cittaslow town Mold aims to be a great 

within a warm and helpful shopping experience. 

place to live, work and visit and we are 

Open Monday to Saturday from 9am to 5pm and 

commited to six key areas: protecting the 

located in the heart of Daniel Owen Precinct, the indoor 

Bailey Hill 

~~ 

natural environment; developing people-friendly 

market is sure to have something for everyone. 

infrastructure; I R I Senhancing H S the E Aqualit of urban 

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traditions; providing hospitality to visitors; and 

Farmers’ Market 

encouraging active participation in community 

- operates within St Mary’s Church Hall in King Street 

✝ 

life. www.cittaslowmold.co.uk Talacre 

Rhyl 

from 9am to 2pm, every 1st and 3rd Saturday of the 

Y Rhyl 

Bus 

month. A great range of freshly produced food, drink 

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something for all the family. 

the best of “Local to Mold” - organic produce is a 

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Dinbych Mold 

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products. Over the last three years Fairtrade producers 

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livestock markets still operating in the UK and has been 

from El Salvadore, Sri Lanka, and South Africa have 

h h 

New Street 

operating since 1879! You can experience the “white 

To Ruthin h º Ω Car Park 

visited the Town to explain how our food purchases can 

To Wrexham 

support their communities. www.fairtrade.org.uk 

coated” auctioneer selling Welsh hand reared cattle and 

sheep every Monday and Friday morning within a classic KEY 

setting. 

Street Market 

Auction House 

Special visits can be arranged through J. Bradburne 

Indoor Market 

St Mary’s Church 

Mae gwybodaeth i ymwelwyr Price ar & Co, gael Chester Street, ar: Mold. www.gogleddddwyraincymru.cymru 

CH7 1EE 

Livestock Market i Library & Tourist Information 

Tel: 01352 753873 email: contact@jbradburneprice.com 

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Centre 

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Bryn Nodfa 

Jasmine Cres 

Maes Bod 

Harrowby 

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Bryn Garmon 

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Earl Road 

A541 

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Milford Street 

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Church Lane 

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New Street (Stryd Newydd) 

Visitor information available at: www.northeastwales.wales 

To Denbigh 

Wrexham 

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Chester Street 

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Manchester 

Manceinion 

√ 

M6 

1920-14064 Mold Markets Advert October '19.indd 1 27/09/2019 12:17

Put the spa-kle 

back in your life 

When it comes to downtime, Cheshire has some 

seriously slick spas and state-of-the-art wellness 

centres, writes Helen Warwick 

IMAGES 

TOP LEFT: CARDEN 

PARK / RIGHT TOP & 

BOTTOM: THE MERE 

RESORT 

Fresh on the Cheshire 

scene this winter is the 

hotly anticipated new spa at 

Carden Park, near Chester, 

opening after months in the 

making and a whopping cash 

injection of £10 million. And 

the crew behind it harbour 

big ambitions. They want 

to make this high-spec 

space one of the UK’s top 

destination spas, having 

partnered with Elemental 

Herbology – a brand that’ll 

bring Chinese elemental 

philosophies to the green 

plains of Cheshire. Inside, 

it’s all about glamorous 

pampering: there’s a 

cavernous reception area 

and sweeping staircase, 

a blingy relaxation room 

and the pool opens onto 

killer countryside views. 

The 14 treatment rooms 

are cool and contemporary, 

streamlined with wood and 

earthy tones, and thermal 

experiences include an ice 

fountain, snow shower, foot 

baths and heated loungers. 

All this is framed with the 

spa garden, a sprawl of 

hot tubs, fire pits, a heated 

pool, a Champagne bar, 

squishy day beds and 

tufts of herbs that will be 

plucked and served in the 

spa’s restaurant. Go to 

cardenpark.co.uk. 

The biggest draws at the 

slick hotel spa at Cottons 

near Knutsford are the large 

pool, flanked by day beds, 

and the steaming outdoor 

tub. There are all sorts of 

treatments on offer, but 

there are tasters when you 

can’t decide which one to 

go for, and you can tie in 

afternoon tea. Go to spaand-fitness.co.uk/cottons. 

The spa is reason enough 

to stay at the Mere Resort, 

also near Knutsford. There 

are all the usual treatments 

under Aromatherapy 

Associates and Natura Bissé 

for all-round relaxation. 

The thermal suite has 

a hammam, aroma and 

steam room. Plus the spa’s 

seamless service 

has garnered a loyal 

following. themereresort. 

co.uk/spa-health. 

26

IMAGES 

FAR LEFT: 

THE CHESTER 

GROSVENOR / 

TOP AND LEFT: 

CREWE HALL 

Everything at Park Royal 

encourages serious 

pampering, from the 

classic range of ESPA 

treatments – which can be 

taken in double treatment 

rooms – to the pummelling 

whirlpool and the relaxation 

room where fluffy-robed 

spa-goers wallow on day 

beds. There’s also a sleek 

pool and a lengthy list of 

beauty touch-ups at this 

retreat near Warrington. Go 

to theparkroyal.co.uk/spahealth-club/spa. 

Chester Grosvenor offers 

a space that is utterly 

serene – there’s no noisy 

gym or pool, it’s all about 

classic Elemis treatments 

that pack a real punch, from 

nourishing body wraps to 

massages. Book a full spa 

day, and you’ll have lunch 

and hours in the thermal 

suite thrown in, too. Go to 

chestergrosvenor.com/ 

spa-gym/spa-treatments/ 

spa-day-packages. 

The signature Snooze 

Room at the Grosvenor 

Pulford near Chester is 

the sort of space you’ll 

want to hide away in for 

hours. But this place isn’t 

short on facilities: there’s 

a pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, 

steam room, gym and 

tennis courts, and plenty of 

supercharging treatments, 

plus a raft of anti-ageing 

procedures from nonsurgical 

brand, Caci. Go to 

spabykasia.co.uk. 

Make time for a dip in the 

pool at Mottram Hall near 

Wilmslow – that and its 

hydrotherapy whirlpool 

are the centrepiece. You 

could while away a whole 

day here, doing a few laps, 

perching in the sauna and 

working your way through 

the Elemis treatments. The 

dynamic resurfacing facial 

is one of its highlights. Go to 

mottramhall.com/Spa-andhealth-club. 

Lording it up on Chester’s 

outskirts, Rowton Hall 

has a garden-side pool, 

sauna and steam room. But 

what makes it even more 

interesting is its range of 

Elemis face technology 

treatments, energising skin 

with micro-current pulses 

and smoothing complexions 

with ultrasonic peels. Go to 

rowtonhallhotel.co.uk/thespa/spa-facilities-rowtonspa-cheshire. 

For pick-me-up treatments 

with results, Crewe Hall’s 

spa focuses on pampering 

stalwarts – spas, facials and 

massages by ESPA. There 

are some very reasonable 

spa packages that can be 

combined with afternoon 

tea and bubbly, plus full 

use of the pool, Jacuzzi, 

sauna and steam room. Go 

to crewehallcheshire.co.uk/ 

spa-health-club/spa. 

Rookery Hall near Nantwich 

is one countryside bolthole 

that’s all about switching 

off in style. The glassroofed 

pool is light-filled 

and airy, there are dozens 

of reinvigorating Elemis 

treatments, and a mud 

chamber for two. There’s 

also Touch Therapy, 

designed specifically for 

cancer patients. Go to 

handpickedhotels.co.uk/ 

rookeryhall/spa. 

Canalside urban retreat 

Mill Hotel in Chester has 

a large pool dotted with 

marble pillars, a sauna, 

steam room and Jacuzzi, 

and the gym overlooks the 

Shropshire Union Canal. 

On the treatment menu are 

Elemis’ trademark facials 

and massages, and many of 

The Mill’s bargain spa days 

include fizz and fine-dining. 

Go to millhotel.com/spa/ 

spa-treatments. 

Helen Warwick is an 

award-winning travel writer. 

She was deputy editor 

of National Geographic 

Traveller (UK) for many 

years and now contributes 

to leading titles including 

The Guardian and Daily Mail. 

27

FullPageAWAd303x426_Final.pdf 1 14/08/2019 12:05 

15 

CHESTER 

Open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks 

38 Bridge St, Chester, CH1 1NQ | 01244 401938 

carluccios.com/chester 

BeWILDerwood_VisitCheshire_70x107mm.pdf 1 04/10/2019 16:40 

CL19_FP ADVERT_HP_FINAL.indd 1 13/09/2019 17:39 

16 17 

The wonders of 

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CM 

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18 

Cruises from 1 hour, half or full day, 

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A STEAMSHIP 

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NEW FOR 2020 

Cruise on a rare 1903 

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• The SS Daniel Adamson is 15th on the 

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• Volunteer crew offer tours to explain the 

history of the ship and to point out 

landmarks along the Weaver 

• The ship was restored with £3.8 million 

from The Heritage Lottery Fund 

• Boasts opulent Art Deco saloons, which 

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• Refreshments are available 

IDEAL FOR GROUPS · PRIVATE HIRE ALSO AVAILABLE 

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19 

Celebrate New Year as it sweeps across the globe at Gulliver’s World, Warrington 

- Late night rides & attractions 

- Firework displays 

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- Delicious food & drink 

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- Plus much more! 

Exclusive Sleepover Packages Available! 

Explore our amazing packages online at www.gulliversworldresort.co.uk or call 01925 444 888 

Gulliver’s World, Warrington, WA5 9YZ 

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PIERPOINT LN 

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15 

GROSVENOR ST 

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THE CASTLE 

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21 

BRIDGE ST 

9 

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8 

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18 

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SHROPSHIRE UNION CANAL 

ST JOHN ST 

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Roman 

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S O UTERS LN 

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ST OSWALD’S WAY 

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1 Anderton Boat Lift 

2 Ice Cream Farm 

3 The Spa at Carden 

4 The Bridgewater Hall 

5 Chester Boat 

6 The Mere Resort 

7 Jodrell Bank 

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8 The Brindley 

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10 Crewe Lyceum Theatre 

11 Bride: The Wedding 

Show 

12 Venue Cymru 

13 a) Quarry Bank 

b) Lyme 

c) Dunham Massey 

14 Mold Markets 

15 Carluccio’s Chester 

16 BeWILDerwood 

17 Hack Green Secret 

Nuclear Bunker 

18 The Danny 

19 Gulliver’s World 

20 Storyhouse 

21 Chester 

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22 Hallé Orchestra 

23 Chester Races 

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31

WOOD Chester 

A former winner of MasterChef has opened a new 

restaurant in Chester – more evidence that the city’s 

becoming a foodie destination, writes Suzanne King 

Chester foodies have never 

had it so good. The city’s 

restaurant scene has 

turned positively exciting in 

recent years, thanks to the 

arrival of lively independent 

ventures. Eating-out options 

now include everything from 

Michelin-starred fine-dining 

at Simon Radley at The 

Chester Grosvenor to streetfood 

fun at Chester Market’s 

Foodie Fridays. 

One welcome new arrival 

opened in June; WOOD 

Chester is the latest venture 

of 2015 MasterChef winner 

Simon Wood. Carrying off 

the title sparked a career 

change for the former data 

manager, who opened 

his first restaurant in 

Manchester in 2017, which 

quickly won a Michelin 

recommendation and a 

couple of AA rosettes. Now 

he’s recreated this winning 

formula at his restaurant 

in the new Hotel Indigo 

Chester. 

Before my companion and 

I had picked up our knives 

and forks, the restaurant 

was clocking up brownie 

points. Running late for 

our lunchtime booking, we 

arrived out of breath and 

flushed of face. WOOD’s 

philosophy, though, is 

“unintimidating fine 

dining” and it lived up to 

that promise. Despite our 

dishevelled appearance, 

the welcome was warm, the 

atmosphere relaxed and 

no sooner had we sat down 

than glasses of iced water 

appeared, courtesy of a 

smiley waiter who went on 

to deliver faultless service 

throughout. 

The menu gives little away, 

each dish listing a few key 

ingredients with no detail 

of how they’re cooked. It’s 

not short of options, though, 

offering everything from a 

quick pre-theatre meal to 

a full-on mystery tasting 

menu, where you trust the 

chef to deliver whatever 

seems best on the day. 

Judging by our à la carte 

lunch, it would be a leap of 

faith worth making. Tasty 

amuse-bouches got us 

off to a flying start – one a 

mini pastry filled with duck 

leg and rabbit, the other 

smoked eel mousse in a 

crispy charcoal cracker. My 

first course revealed Wood’s 

artistic eye for plating; 

citrus-cured mackerel 

sitting prettily on top of 

discs of pickled beetroot, 

dotted with rosettes of goat’s 

cheese, spheres of orange 

gel and red-veined sorrel 

leaves. 

“Anjou squab, bacon butty 

bread sauce, radicchio, 

thyme” was the deceptively 

simple title of my partner’s 

32

Three more 

eateries in 


Hypha 

A first for Chester, this lovely little 

restaurant on top of the city walls 

serves an entirely plant-based menu 

of small-plate dishes. The cooking 

is creative and clever, with flavourpacked 

food that even has dedicated 

carnivores singing its praises. Just 

don’t go without your card – because 

of animal fats in bank notes, the 

restaurant doesn’t accept cash. 

Price: ££ 

Address: 5 City Walls, 

Chester CH1 2JG 

Tel/Web: 01244 312490; 

hypha.restaurant 

main course. The more 

complex reality was 

delicately gamey squab 

breasts, paired with petals 

of radicchio, burnt shallot 

and a silky-smooth sauce 

whose depth of flavour came 

from onions and thyme 

sautéed in bacon fat then 

blitzed with breadcrumbs 

and cream. My choice, 

“Jacket potato, morels, white 

asparagus, black truffle”, 

turned out to be a winner 

of a vegetarian dish, with 

elements including confit 

white beetroot, a mashed 

potato foam, crispy potato 

skin bits, nettle salsa verde 

and just the right amount of 

shaved truffle. 

Puddings continued the 

good work. I managed to 

snaffle one spoonful of my 

partner’s perfectly wobbly 

panna cotta before he swiftly 

Price: £££ 

Address: Hotel Indigo, 

Grosvenor Park Road, 

Chester CH1 1QQ 

Tel/web: 01244 735765; 

woodrestaurantgroup.com 

polished off the rest. My own 

lemon posset was equally 

delicious, with chargrilled 

grapefruit pieces and teeny 

meringues adding perfect 

pops of citrus and texture to 

the creamy base. 

Plates cleared, we were 

sampling a honeyed glass 

of mead (the drinks list has 

a dedicated mead page), 

when along came one final 

flourish: violet and Vimto 

macarons. My other half 

being a macaron-phobe, I 

happily marked them down 

as mine, all mine. Sadly, 

having enjoyed every dish 

so far, he threw caution to 

the wind and tried one. And 

loved it. Curses. Just the one 

for me, then... 

Suzanne King is co-author of 

Slow Travel Cheshire (Bradt 

Guides, £12.99). 

The Jaunty Goat 

Also flying the vegan flag (and also 

card-only) is the second branch 

of Jaunty Goat, which opened in 

January. Like its older sibling, you can 

expect cut-above coffee and cakes 

and a hipsterish menu of breakfast, 

brunch and lunch favourites (granola, 

smashed avocado on sourdough 

toast, etc). This time, though, 

everything’s meat-and dairy-free. 

Price: £ 

Address: 128 Northgate Street, 

Chester CH1 2HT 

Tel/Web: 01244 421492; 

facebook.com/jauntygoat 

Covino 

The venture itself isn’t new, but a 

recent move to larger premises has 

allowed this much-loved independent 

wine bar to expand its food offering. 

You can drop in for a glass of 

interesting wine and bar snacks or 

tuck into a selection of beautifully 

executed seasonal small-plate dishes. 

Price: ££ 

Address: 118 Northgate Street, 

Chester CH1 2HT 

Tel/Web: 01244 347727; 

facebook.com/covinochester 

Average price of a three-course 

dinner excluding drinks 

£......................................under £20 

££.......................................£20-£40 

£££.....................................£40-£60 

££££........................................ £60+ 

33

21 

4 


A MAGICAL CHRISTMAS ALL WRAPPED UP 

A handmade, historical, magical experience awaits you at 

Chester Christmas Markets with over 70 chalets surrounding the 

iconic sparkling tree in the heart of the city centre. Discover unique, 

locally made produce and with handmade crafts, jewellery and stocking fillers, 

you’re sure to find the perfect present. 

16th November – 22nd December 2019. Chester Town Hall Square. 

christmasinchester.com

From January to June 2020, 

Manchester’s symphony orchestras, 

the Hallé and BBC Philharmonic, 

celebrate the 250th anniversary 

of Beethoven’s birth with a complete 

cycle of the composer’s symphonies 

at The Bridgewater Hall. 

THURSDAY 30 JANUARY, 7.30PM 

BEETHOVEN’S ODE TO JOY 

Beethoven 

Symphony No.9, ‘Choral’ 

Leonore Overture No.3 

Elegischer Gesang 

The Ruins of Athens: Overture 

Christ on the Mount of Olives: Angel’s Chorus 

www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk • 0161 907 9000 

≥ 

MUSIC DIRECTOR 

SIR MARK ELDER 

CONCERT SPONSORED BY 

Sir Mark Elder CONDUCTOR 

Giselle Allen SOPRANO 

Sarah Castle MEZZO-SOPRANO 

David Butt-Philip TENOR • Neal Davies BASS 

The Hallé • Hallé Choir • Hallé Youth Choir 

RNCM Chorus 

22 

23 

The race to the perfect 

christmas gift is on 

A raceday at Chester in 2020 will provide your loved 

one with an experience they’ll never forget 

With 15 fixtures throughout the season and a variety of offers, 

enclosures and hospitality packages to choose from, 

there’s something for each day of Christmas and more! 

Tickets start at £10 per person 

Go online at chester-races.com 

or call the Box Office on 01244 304 600 

We’ll even throw in a card for under the tree.

24 

welcome to 

where it all happens 

fun, food and designer fashion 

for up to 60% less 

just 10 mins from Chester, 

30 mins from Liverpool and 

45 mins from Manchester 

cheshireoaksdesigneroutlet.com

Chester & Cheshire: Ultimate Guide - Winter/Spring Edition

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