Time Out UK has named its best places in the UK to travel in 2023. Although the seaside town of Eastbourne took the top spot, another intriguing English region made the staycation list.
Cheshire made the top 15 destinations for a British staycation in 2023 and one attraction particularly caught the judges’ attention.
Time Out UK said: “Part Bond villain’s lair, part Tellytubbyland, this £21.5million attraction is the First Light Pavilion at Jodrell Bank Observatory, documenting the fascinating history of radio astronomy in the UK, and is worth the schlep, even if you saw nothing else in Cheshire while you’re there.”
Jodrell Bank is famous for its landmark radio telescopes which played an integral role in the research of meteoroids and other space phenomena.
At the First Light Pavilion, tourists can enjoy a vivid audio-visual story capturing the history of Jodrell Bank and marvel at a traditional planetarium show.
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The team also highlighted Macclesfield’s brand new food hall, the Picturedrome, and the craft beer haven at Fiveclouds.
Tourists can also explore Chester which Time Out described as a city with “perennial charms” with “Roman and Medieval splendour”.
The ancient city of Chester has the country’s most complete city walls, its oldest racecourse and Britain’s largest Roman amphitheatre.
Tourists could also stop to marvel at the city’s 1,000-year-old cathedral with its medieval carvings.
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A visitor to Chester Cathedral wrote on Tripadvisor: “Very impressive building, beautiful outside and inside.”
Another said: “A wonderful and well-presented cathedral. Lots of interesting memorials and parts to explore.”
Tourists were also impressed by Walton Hall and Gardens, a lavish Elizabethan-style hall in Warrington.
A visitor said: “Fantastic place! So much to do, all free of charge. Staff are all very welcoming and friendly.”
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Staycationers might want to pick up a block of famous Cheshire cheese before leaving the county.
The cheese is thought to be one of the oldest in Britain and has a crumbly texture with a slightly salty flavour.
During the season, tourists can also pick up locally grown asparagus, rhubarb and apples in the county.
Time Out recommends visitors grab a fish finger butty from Macclesfield favourite Savages Mussels before they leave.
