Local Area

A stay in Knutsford is a chance to visit one of the grandest historic estates in the UK: Tatton Park. This National Trust property boasts a neoclassical mansion, 50 acres of gardens, a deer park that covers 1,000 acres and a working farm. There is the Tatton Park Old Hall, too, which is believed to be haunted. With shopping and dining facilities as well, a visit to the park makes for a great family day out.

A further close-by stately home is Arley Hall and Gardens. The ceilings, oak panelling, fireplaces and stained contents give the Hall a warm, inviting feel. The gardens cover eight acres and can take several hours to walk around.

Try bird spotting at the Gauntlet Birds of Prey Eagle and Vulture Park, which is home to more than 120 birds from 46 species. Not only will you see eagles, hawks and falcons, but also caracaras, seriemas and other unusual species. The park runs meet and greet sessions with the birds and puts on flying and vulture feeding displays.

Then there’s the Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre. Learn about the universe. The centre features a range of different pavilions, each offering insight into different aspects of the universe such as the solar system or the Big Bang theory. However, the centrepiece is the Lovell Telescope, one of the most powerful radio telescopes in the world.

Sports fans alert. There’s The National Football Museum, located in Manchester and a mere 45 minutes in the car from Knutsford. The museum takes you through football history, stadiums and all other things football. Entry to the museum is free, although donations are appreciated as are purchases in the museum shop or restaurant.

While you’re in Manchester, you could also visit the Manchester Art Gallery and see the fine arts, costume and craft and design collections. Alternatively, peruse the collections of the Manchester Museum, which, combined, comprise more than four million objects.

Capitalise on your location of Knutsford to visit the Peak District National Park, too. The park is one of the most popular in the UK and entertains all kinds of activities, including trail walking, cycling and horse riding.