Things To Do in Cheshire

With Craxton Wood Hotel & Spa tucked away in the tranquil Cheshire countryside—yet just a short drive from the vibrant and historic city of Chester—you can enjoy the perfect blend of relaxation and discovery.

Surrounded by charming villages, leafy lanes, and gently rolling landscapes, Craxton Wood offers a peaceful escape that’s still within easy reach of some of the region’s most captivating sights. Whether you’re looking to unwind in serene natural surroundings or explore bustling local attractions, it’s the ideal base for discovering the very best of Cheshire.

Enjoy the comfort of our luxury spa, leisure facilities, and elegant accommodation while venturing out to explore heritage landmarks, beautiful walking trails, family-friendly attractions, and a fantastic calendar of local events. Whether it's strolling the ancient Roman walls of Chester, wandering through the historic market towns of the Cheshire countryside, or relaxing with an indulgent spa treatment, there’s something here for every kind of getaway.

A Wild Day Out at Chester Zoo

Looking for an unforgettable family adventure, Chester Zoo is the perfect destination for a fun and educational day out. Nestled in the heart of Cheshire, this world-class zoo is home to around 30,000 animals from all over the globe.

Explore the lush rainforests of South America, the vast African savannahs, and so much more as you discover animals in their natural habitats. Watch elephants roam, see big cats in action, and spot playful monkeys swinging through the trees.

Chester Zoo offers an exciting and immersive experience for families of all ages, where you can get up close to fascinating wildlife and learn about conservation efforts to protect these incredible animals. With plenty of animal encounters, beautiful gardens, and fun activities, it’s a day full of adventure and discovery that the whole family will enjoy.

Chester Zoo is a 17 minute drive from Craxton Wood Hotel & Spa
Visit Chester Zoo
Images supplied by Chester Zoo

CHESTER ZOO OVERNIGHT PACKAGE

Why not enjoy an overnight stay at Craxton Wood Hotel & Spa inclusive of a family ticket to Chester Zoo with our exclusive package? This fun filled package includes an overnight accommodation in a classic or executive room, full English breakfast in the morning and tickets to Chester Zoo.

Chester Zoo

Dive Into Adventure at Blue Planet Aquarium

Grab your little ocean explorers and embark on an exciting adventure at Blue Planet Aquarium. This award-winning aquarium offers a chance to dive into the world beneath the waves and see incredible marine creatures up close.

With over 1,500 fish and amazing sharks, there’s so much to discover. From octopus and electric eels to stingrays and caiman crocs, each corner of the aquarium is filled with fascinating creatures. Kids will love seeing the majestic Zebra Shark and getting up close to unique species like the Arabian Bamboo Sharks.

The aquarium also features interactive rock pools and underwater viewing windows, where families can marvel at the colourful coral caves and tiny fish like the Archerfish. Whether you're exploring vibrant marine life or learning about conservation, Blue Planet Aquarium is a fun and educational day out for the whole family to enjoy.

Blue Planet Aquarium is a 16 minute drive from Craxton Wood Hotel & Spa

Blue Planet Aquarium

Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet

Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet is one of the region’s top shopping and leisure destinations, perfect for a day out during your stay. With a huge selection of popular designer brands like Calvin Klein, Mulberry, and more, it's a haven for fashion lovers. 

It’s also home to family-friendly attractions including the Blue Planet Aquarium and Vue Cinema, making it ideal for a fun-filled day with something for everyone. Dining options range from quick bites at Five Guys to flavour-packed dishes at Mowgli Street Food, offering plenty of variety to suit all tastes. 

Whether you're bargain hunting or looking to unwind, Cheshire Oaks delivers a vibrant mix of retail, entertainment, and cuisine. 

Don’t forget to stop by reception before you go, our staff can give details on a 10% discount pass to help you save even more on your favourite brands.

Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet is a 17 minute drive from Craxton Wood Hotel & Spa

Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet

Explore the Magic of BeWILDerwood Cheshire

Step into the wacky, wonderful world of BeWILDerwood Cheshire, a magical outdoor adventure park for the whole family. Based on the enchanting children’s books by Tom Blofeld, this woodland wonderland is filled with fun, quirky characters like Boggles and Twiggles, and countless adventures waiting to be discovered.

There’s so much to explore for all ages, from Slippery Slopes and Wobbly Wires to the exciting Sky Maze and Den Building. Kids (and grown-ups) will love zooming down slides, tackling tricky mazes, and swinging on the zip wire. The Storytelling Stage is perfect for relaxing and listening to magical tales.

Best suited for children aged 0-12, but there’s fun for everyone. Whether you’re climbing, sliding, or exploring the stunning woodland, BeWILDerwood offers a fantastic day out full of outdoor fun, imagination, and adventure.

BeWILDerwood is a 45 minute drive from Craxton Wood Hotel & Spa
Images supplied by BeWILDerwood

BeWILDerwood

Family Fun at Blakemere Village

Blakemere Village in the heart of Cheshire is packed with fun, discovery, and adventure for all ages.

Start your visit by browsing quirky boutiques, craft shops, and farm stores full of handmade gifts and tasty treats. Then head to the Adventure Play Park, where little explorers can climb, slide, and let their imaginations run wild in a safe, outdoor setting. Don’t forget to challenge the family to a round of crazy golf for some laughs and friendly competition.

Animal lovers won’t want to miss the Blakemere Birds of Prey Centre, home to majestic owls, eagles, and hawks. With live flying demonstrations and hands-on falconry experiences, it’s as thrilling as it is educational. With something for toddlers, teens, and grown-ups alike, Blakemere Village is a brilliant day out that brings the whole family together.

Blakemere Village is a 36 minute drive from Craxton Wood Hotel & Spa

Blakemere Village