Country Houses of Cheshire Tour

Join Nicholas Merchant in Cheshire to explore some of the county’s most beautiful country houses and gardens – from magnificent well known mansions to exquisite privately-owned country houses. Boasting exquisite architectural features, superb gardens and landscaped grounds and packed with artistic treasures, and fine furniture that reflect the taste and wealth of their illustrious owners, some of whom have been resident for centuries, this superb collection of houses represent all that is best in English country house design. All will be explored and illuminated with Nicholas’ trademark wit and erudition.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrive independently at the Cottons Hotel from 15.00 and enjoy a cream tea at 15.30.
This evening there will be a welcome reception, dinner with wine and introductory talk from Nicholas - ‘The Country Houses of Cheshire.’

Day 2: Capesthorne Hall and Tabley House.
This morning we visit Capesthorne Hall, the much-loved home of the Bromley-Davenports and a beautiful house full of superb paintings, furniture and stained-glass windows, as well as lovely gardens, lake and parkland. Next, it’s onto Tabley House for a light lunch in the tearooms (included) followed by a visit to the House, possibly the finest Palladian mansion in Cheshire. Home to the Leicester family for 700 years, it is now owned by Manchester University and hosts a superb collection of art, a notable painting of Tabley by J MW Turner. Dinner at the hotel.

Day 3: Erdigg and Chirk Castle.
After a talk at the hotel from Nicholas – ‘The Rescue of a Doomed House, Erdigg,’ we will explore two National Trust treasures today, first of all to Erdigg itself, near Wrexham. A visit here captures life above and below stairs in a unique family home. This afternoon we head to Chirk Castle, a 13th century Marcher castle, which was home to the Myddelton family for over 400 years. On our visit we will have the chance to explore the medieval towers and dungeons as well as visiting the 17th and 18th century rooms of the Myddelton family home, including the historic laundry. Dinner at the hotel.

Day 4: Rode Hall and Little Moreton Hall.
This morning we visit the exquisite and privately-owned Rode Hall, the country house home and garden of the Baker Wilbraham family for close to 350 years. We will have a guided tour of the house and free time to look around the wonderful gardens before a light lunch is served (included). After lunch we continue onto Little Moreton Hall, an iconic Tudor Manor House with wonky angles and a quirky character. The timber-framed building has defied logic for over 500 years with its tumbling architecture. The higgledy-piggledy house will show how people used to live at the hall and you will also have the chance to visit the gardens filled with herbs and vegetables that the Tudors would have used for thier cooking and medicines. Return to the hotel for approximately 17.30.

NB: Exact order of itinerary may vary according to local conditions and tour managers discretion.

Please note: Post tour extra nights are available at a supplement.

Please note the maximum group size on this tour is 25 passengers.

Tour Grading: This tour has been graded as moderate due to the amount of walking and standing for viewing at each attraction. For further information, please visit the mobility page on our website, or call our team. 

INCLUDED

• Three nights’ bed and breakfast at the four-star Cottons Hotel, Knutsford based on shared occupancy of a twin/double room
• Welcome reception and three-course dinner with wine
• Second and third dinners in the hotel restaurant
• Two light lunches
• All talks, guided tours and admissions
• Coach touring itinerary and tour manager throughout

NOT INCLUDED

• Transport to the hotel is not included
• Holiday insurance
• Double for sole use supplement - £121
• Extra nights on a bed and breakfast basis
• Meals other than those stated
• Items of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls etc
• Porterage and gratuities

HOTEL

Cottons Hotel, Knutsford

Four-star spa hotel, with great facilities, owned by Thwaites Brewery and perfectly located to reach the places visited on this itinerary. Hotel facilities include restaurant, bar, indoor pool, gym, spa and comfortable bedrooms with all modern amenities including en-suite bathroom, TV, telephone, free wifi, mini fridge and tea/coffee making facilities. 

Parking: complimentary

Hotel Website

MORE INFO - Please click here for more information

Nicholas Merchant
Nicholas has been a lecturer and group leader for tours in the UK and France for Travel Editions for close to 15 years. Prior to Travel Editions, he ran his own book business, worked for Sotheby’s and was the West Yorkshire representative for the National Art Fund. His knowledge, wit and erudition illuminate any visit and his tours are informative, interesting and, above all, entertaining.

Please note that all our UK tours start and finish at the relevant hotel.  

You can normally check in from 3pm onwards but hotels will always be happy to store your luggage if you arrive earlier in the day. 

For full details of how to get to the hotel, directions and the nearest train station, please click on the hotel website or call our office for details. These will also be sent automatically with your confirmation. 

The welcome reception and first evening dinner / talk will commence at about 6pm - full details will be sent with your joining instructions about 10 days prior to the arrival date.