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It’s the height of summer, lockdown has eased and so it’s time to think about UK-based staycation hotels. COVID-19 has caused concern about travelling abroad, and rightly so. There’s the worry about being trapped on a plane with fellow passengers for hours at a time, not to mention the variety of confusing rules about quarantine when both entering a country and returning to the UK. The good news is there’s a way to avoid all this, and still have a hugely enjoyable holiday away – with the added bonus of boosting the UK’s economy when it needs it most.
Beautiful scenery, with rolling green hills and huge expanses of crystal clear water
Yes, we’re talking about ‘staycations’, or its sister portmanteau ‘holistay’. Silly terms, true, but now’s not the time to be pernickety. The North-West is particularly blessed in this area; whether you want a trip away in beautiful scenery, with rolling green hills and huge expanses of crystal clear water, a vibrant city break, or the opportunity to visit some of the most significant locations Britain has to offer.
And all this is a short car journey or relaxing train journey away. We’re looking at all corners of the North-West when it comes to staycation hotels, from Manchester to Liverpool, the Lake District to its scenic rival The Peak District, and of course, York and Leeds. All these hotels have great places to visit close by, whether it’s incredible Michelin-starred restaurants or traditional beauty spots to picnic at.
An opportunity to visit some of the most significant locations Britain has to offer
You’ll undoubtedly enjoy these just as much as any trip abroad, and you’ll even have the feelgood knowledge that you’re doing your bit for concerned locals who rely on tourism in a time of crisis. In fact, if you don’t like your North-West staycation holiday, I’ll personally give you your money back.*
*Not legally binding.
Here are our picks
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1. Titanic Hotel
Titanic Hotel, Stanley Dock, Regent Rd, Liverpool, Merseyside, L3 0AN - Visit now
Not many places are as exciting to visit as Liverpool, with its rich history as one of the most important port cities in the world, through to the swinging sixties, right up to its modern reputation as the place to go for a wildly fun night out, or a trip to see some of the wonderful architecture and visits its world-class museums and art galleries. And there’s no more awe-inspiring place to stay than The Titanic Hotel, with its rooms decked-out in all manner of paraphernalia related to the titular ship. As for food, we can’t recommend The Art School enough, for those with a taste for fine dining, and Leaf on Bold Street for a daytime snack in one of the North’s most vibrant areas.
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2. The Cranleigh Boutique
Ian Jones The Cranleigh Boutique, Kendal Rd, Bowness-on-Windermere, LA23 3EW - Visit now
You might have stayed in the Lake District, but you’ve never stayed in the Lake District like this. The Cranleigh Boutique boasts the regions most dazzling rooms, perfect for a romantic trip away and a hop, skip and jump away from Baha with its stunning high-end East Asian cuisine, and all the many bars, pubs and cute daytime tearooms (such as Bryson’s Of Keswick Craft Bakery & Traditional Tea Rooms) that Windermere has to offer.
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3. Chester Townhouse
Chester Townhouse Chester Townhouse, 49-51 Lower Bridge Street, Chester, CH 1 1RS - Visit now
Chester is one of the UK’s most idyllic cities, steeped in history and beautiful places to visit. This walled city was founded way, way back in 1 AD, as a Roman fortress and there are fascinating nooks and crannies and weaving paths wherever you look. Book in at the wonderful Chester Townhouse, an independent boutique hotel with peaceful, spacious rooms, then grab a drink or afternoon at the accompanying lounge bar, before seeing the sights. Don’t forget to pop by the much-loved Chester Zoo one day, obviously.
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4. The Lowry Hotel
Image courtesy of Visit Britain The Lowry Hotel, 50 Dearmans Place, Chapel Wharf, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M3 5LH - Visit now
The Lowry Hotel is one of Manchester’s leading hotels, although it actually lies across the border in Salford (not to be confused with The Lowry theatre a couple of miles away in Salford Quays, as many have found to their peril). Home to many visiting famous names, including an extended period for Jose Mourinho’s ill-fated stint as manager of Manchester United, The Lowry Hotel has become a byword for luxury, bolstered in no small part by the excellent River Restaurant. From here, you can enjoy the peaceful environment of the hotel itself, set back from the hustle and bustle of the city, or take a short walk to enjoy all of Manchester’s many many museums, art galleries, restaurants, bars and everything else you could possibly want from a thriving modern city.
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5. Forest Side Hotel
Ian Jones Forest Side Hotel, Keswick Road, Grasmere,, Ambleside, LA22 9RN - Visit now
Right in the heart of Grasmere, The Forest Side hotel and restaurant are all you could ever dream of when it comes to seeing and experience the most beautiful sights and cuisine the Lake District has to offer. There’s a reason William Wordsworth described Grasmere as “the loveliest spot that man hath ever found”, and The Forest Side upholds this tradition 200 years later.
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6. Stock Exchange Hotel
Stock Exchange Stock Exchange Hotel, 6 Norfolk Street, Manchester, M2 1EW - Visit now
The Stock Exchange Hotel revived one of Manchester’s most stunning and long-overlooked spaces, and turned it into a fantastic modern hotel, with an equally awe-inspiring restaurant, The Bull & Bear, headed up by no less than Tom Kerridge. It doesn’t get more central than this, meaning you’re within the beating heart of the city centre the moment you step outside.
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7. Kenwood Hall Hotel
Kenwood Hall Hotel Kenwood Hall Hotel, Kenwood Road, Sheffield, S7 1NQ - Visit now
The four-star Kenwood Hall Hotel lies just a mile outside Sheffield city centre, putting it within easy travelling distance of both the beautiful Peak District and Sheffield’s fast-growing and exciting city centre. Be sure to visit Rafters for a fine dining experience like no other, as well as the Millenium Gallery, the Winter Garden, the Botanical Gardens and all manner of other cultural activities.
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8. Quebecs Hotel
Image Courtesy of Quebecs Hotel -
9. Moor Hall
Ian Jones Moor Hall, Prescot Rd, Ormskirk, L39 6RT - Visit now
Moor Hall is the jewel in the crown of the northern food scene, with two Michelin stars under their belt. This nationally-acclaimed restaurant has a small number of rooms for guests to stay at, making it ideal for a short holiday away with one of the UK’s best tasting menus at the heart of it. From here, explore the West Lancashire scenery and if you have enough of rambling, there are many major cities just minutes away by car.
Cheshire Visitor Guides
Staycation hotels for local holidays in the North West
Looking for a staycation holiday in the North West of the the UK? There are countless excellent destinations and hotels to choose from, here are our recommended choices.
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