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The Best Hotels to Book Near the Blue Planet Aquarium

After a day at the aquarium, retreat to the historic Inglewood Manor nearby
After a day at the aquarium, retreat to the historic Inglewood Manor nearby | Courtesy of Inglewood Manor / Expedia.com

Over 100 displays of marine life await you at Cheshire Oaks’ Blue Planet Aquarium, including one of Europe’s largest collections of sharks – a great day out for the whole family.

Watch sharks swim overhead from the Underwater Shark Tunnel or dive with them for a heart-thumping experience. Don’t miss the pirate play area, underwater dining at the Nautilus Kitchen and daily Aquatheatre shows with educational Q&As here, too. From luxurious spas to homely B&Bs, stay at these nearby hotels to experience all the Blue Planet Aquarium has to offer – bookable on Culture Trip.

Rowton Hall Hotel and Spa

Boutique Hotel, Spa Hotel

The hot tub and pool, lined by loungers and potted plants at Rowton Hall
Courtesy of Rowton Hall / Expedia

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.

The Chester Grosvenor

Spa Hotel, Hotel

The Chester Grosvenor
Courtesy of the Chester Grosvenor / Booking.com
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.

Oddfellows

Boutique Hotel

Oddfellows
Courtesy of Oddfellows / Booking.com

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 Hall Hotel and Spa

Spa Hotel, Hotel

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Courtesy of Thornton Hall Hotel and Spa / Expedia.com

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.

Inglewood Manor

Guesthouse

Inglewood Manor
Courtesy of Inglewood Manor / Expedia.com

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.

Pollards Inn

Inn

Pollards Inn
Courtesy of Pollards Inn / Expedia.com

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.

ABode Chester

Hotel

ABode Chester
Courtesy of ABode Chester / Expedia.com

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.

Hotel Indigo Chester

Boutique Hotel, Chain Hotel

Hotel Indigo
Courtesy of Hotel Indigo / Booking.com

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.

Stone Villa

Boutique Hotel

Stone Villa
Courtesy of Stone Villa / Expedia.com

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.

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