The best things to do in Cheshire: a two-day itinerary

Croissants, pancakes… and rhinos! This morning, your adventure begins with breakfast at Chester Zoo, overlooking the black rhino reserve (from 8.45am). After an exclusive talk by its rhino keepers and zoo rangers, you’ll tuck into a breakfast buffet at Bembe Kitchen – and your table will be right beside the hefty residents’ home. Did you know that this is where Channel 4’s The Secret Life of the Zoo is filmed? 

If you like a bargain, you’ll love Designer Outlet Cheshire Oaks: it has up to 60% off leading brand names, with more than 140 stores to choose from. Burberry, Barbour, Lululemon, Tommy Hilfiger… they’re all here, with bargains for fashion, beauty, homewares and food. There’s even a pick-n-mix Lindor store, and a loyalty club to save an extra 10%.

Frothy coffees, giant slabs of cake, home-made sandwiches and hefty Scotch eggs – it’s all on the menu at Steve’s Artisan Experience, one of the four dining spots in Blakemere Village. Blakemere is a one-stop-shop for local crafts, art and gourmet food, with studios featuring everything from small-batch gins to jewellery, antiques and exotic pot-plants – plus a falconry centre where you can get up-close with beautiful birds of prey. 

Delamere Forest is criss-crossed with hiking paths, as well as a network of thrilling traffic-free trails. So why not hire a bike from the visitor centre, along with helmets and maps, and enjoy a wild workout in the woodland? The views stretch as far as Liverpool, and there’s also a Wallace and Gromit themed dog-walking route, plus a Go Ape centre for aerial fun.  

Aaaand relax. It’s been a busy day, but Rookery Hall has everything you need to wind down. You can wallow in the spa, sip cocktails in The Drawing Room and devour fine dining in The Restaurant. This country house hotel dates back to 1816 and has luxury at its heart. Think four-poster beds, brunch on the terrace and live music on selected summer evenings.

After lying hidden beneath the Cheshire countryside for 50 years, Hack Green Secret Nuclear Bunker finally opened its blast doors to reveal what life was like on the front line in the Cold War. You can explore the vast underground complex to learn about the UK’s intense preparations for nuclear war – including the Operations Room, decontamination chamber and one of the world’s largest collections of decommissioned nuclear weapons. 

Next, head to the pretty Medieval town of Nantwich and make a beeline for its market and delis: it’s picnic-buying time. On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, its market stalls are stacked with breads, hams, fruit and more, while the likes of The Cheese Shop and Ginger and Pickles Bakehouse are packed with nibbly bits. Grab your tote bag and get stuck in!  

Have you ever listened to a black hole, scoured the sky for signs of alien life, or heard the stories of the scientists and engineers behind the ‘space race’? If not, make a beeline for Jodrell Bank, where you can do all these things and more. This world-leading deep-space radio observatory and UNESCO World Heritage Site hosts mind-blowing planetarium shows and exhibitions.  

Remember that picnic you bought at Nantwich? Now’s the time to demolish it, in the beautiful grounds of Lyme Park near Disley. Red deer roam the meadows and woodlands, so keep an eye out as you hike the 1.7-mile trail to the Lantern – a Grade II listed folly. The route is moderate difficulty so bring your walking boots; dogs are welcome.  

Remember *that* scene in the BBC’s adaptation of Pride and Prejudice (1995), when Colin Firth – aka Mr Darcy – emerged dripping wet from the lake? It was filmed at Lyme House, which fans of the show will recognise as Pemberley estate, your final stop-off today. Take a stroll through six centuries of history in its decadent halls – and on selected days, you can explore the servants’ quarters on guided tours too.