The Best Hotels to Book Near the Blue Planet Aquarium

You and the kids can enjoy an indulgent afternoon tea here at Rowton Hall – along with perfectly done favourites, they’ll get chocolate-coated toasted marshmallows, while you can add gin and tonic, or book the piano-accompanied session. Meanwhile, the Langdale Restaurant serves seasonal dishes using home-grown herbs. Dogs are welcome in individually designed rooms and suites that are homely yet luxurious: think deep sofas, big windows and four-poster beds. You’ll love the spa with its garden-view pool and treatments like Elemis facials and deluxe manicures, too.

Classic glamour sweeps throughout this five-star luxury stay – from individually designed rooms and suites with minibars and luxury toiletries to the 1865 hotel’s grand staircase, pillars and sparkling chandelier. You’ll be impressed by the dining here: from Michelin-star (since 1990) Simon Radley to two AA Rosette-awarded La Brasserie, serving dishes like almond-crusted cod and bubbly from the circular, gold-edged champagne bar. Hit the spa’s boutique shop after beauty treatments to take home your favourite products.

For a quirky stay, book this boutique hotel with period-feature rooms in the Georgian townhouse – or family-friendly apartments peppered with fun, colourful decor. Sample toasted marshmallow espresso martinis at the cocktail bar in a wood-panelled drawing room or the restaurant’s fancy plates. Kids will enjoy the flatbread pizza and mini cakes on offer. Best is the walled garden with hireable potting sheds where expert grill masters sizzle family barbecues shed-side – or the unique Tea Room with furniture sitting on the ceiling above you.

Thornton’s dining options are many, but you must try the award-winning Great Wirral Afternoon Tea – served in fine Royal Crown Derby bone china at the rural-view lounge or on the heated terrace. Expect a long list of teas and jams and a decadent savoury version. After, hit the spa’s mud therapy suite and outdoor hydro spa pools. Time your visit right to enjoy events like Murder Mystery or family-friendly Halloween bashes. Rooms range from funky grand clubrooms to a characterful executive boutique.

Explore history at this preserved, Grade II Listed Edwardian manor house as you marvel at the huge fireplace, gilded ceilings and 38-acre (15ha) grounds with pond and pavilion. Your room will feature sash windows looking over the gardens – and some boast vaulted ceilings and hand-carved wooden panelling. Award-winning chefs head up the restaurant, cooking things like confit duck leg and flavoursome vegan chilli. Special occasion? Book private dining, events or business meetings in the unique – and equally grand – settings.

There are five rooms at this 16th-century inn, making it a homely countryside stay. It’s a bed and breakfast, so you’ll enjoy the local or veggie sausage-featuring full English. Later, sample gastropub delights like perfect pie, tofu curry or hand-stretched pizza – alongside a cask ale or cocktail. The kids’ menu also features a fun dessert: Create Your Own Eton Mess. You’ll appreciate the big garden with tables, sheltered barnhouse and children’s playground here – plus events like quiz nights, book launches and live music.

Overlooking England’s oldest working racecourse, ABode is unique. The high-up, view-clad Brasserie serves great brunches, cocktails and dinners such as truffle macaroni. Vegan options are good, including chocolate pave dessert. Stay and you can enjoy breakfast with a view – menu highlights include baked eggs and chorizo and coconut chia pudding. Contemporary rooms come with black tiled bathrooms, big windows and blackout curtains – some feature city views, standalone roll-top tubs or private balconies.

Proud of its central Chester location, Hotel Indigo’s rooms are themed after the local architecture, racecourse and Eastgate Clock – boasting artsy wall features and fabrics like velvet and leather. Head to the trendy bar – with Art Deco-style furniture, gold accessories and patterned tiling – for their signature champagne cocktail or local craft beers. Grab a booth in the restaurant for sophisticated plates, such as wild deer grilled over logs. Don’t miss the fourth-floor balcony with Grosvenor Park and Welsh mountain views.

Expect pretty, cosy rooms at this boutique built back in 1850. What’s special here is the proud owners’ extra touches like homemade cakes, complimentary sherry and epic breakfasts. The morning menu is extensive: you’ll start with the likes of the “special recipe” porridge featuring Drambuie or home-made yoghurts – followed by a full English (there’s a good veggie version, too), eggs royale or piled-high bagels. Group trip? Hire the 10-room house to have Stone Villa just for you and up to 21 guests.