10 Things to do in Cheshire That You Shouldn't Miss

It used to be one of the best kept secrets among Cheshire's many attractions but over the past few years it has undergone some major changes and is now recognized as one of the country's leading specialist museums. Situated in Higher Poynton, the museum is on the site of the old Anson Colliery. Engine enthusiasts from all over the world come to visit this fascinating museum. However, it is increasingly becoming a "must visit" attraction for non-enthusiasts too and won the "Visitors Choice" award (voted for by the public) when they were asked "where would you take a visitor to the Macclesfield area"? As well as the largest collection of engines in Europe, the museum also has changing displays of local history items such as photographs, maps, mementos and keepsakes from the Vernon Estate and Anson Colliery. Open one weekend a month in 2015.

We're the UK's number one charity zoo, with over 21,000 animals and 500 different species, including some of the most endangered species on the planet. With 1.9 million visitors every year, the zoo is an all-year round, full-day visitor attraction for everyone. We're open daily from 10am, except for Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Car parking is free and on site. Facilities for disabled visitors, including self-drive electric scooters and wheelchairs.

Chester Cathedral is many things to many people: a vibrant community of worship, an ancient abbey, an archaeological treasure, a cultural hub, a centre of musical excellence and a unique blend of medieval and modern history.

Cheshire Oaks is the UK's largest Designer Outlet With a quarter-million square feet of retail space, comprising more than 140 boutiques, restaurants and cafes, Cheshire Oaks isn't merely the UK's largest Designer Outlet. The Designer Outlet has a wide range of stores, offering something to suit every taste. Highlights range from athletic labels, like Nike and Adidas, and high-street favourites, like Marks & Spencer and Next, to a selection of iconic fashion brands, including Burberry, Polo, Michael Kors and Hugo Boss.

Discover Tegg's Nose Country Park and experience Cheshire's wild hill country where rock dominates the landscape. Dry stone walls and sturdy barns add to the dramatic character of the steeply sided valleys while many of the hill tops are pitted with old quarries. Quarrying was certainly happening at Tegg's Nose in the 1500's and continued until 1955. Men blasted, hammered, hacked and chiselled away at the rock in harsh conditions for low wages. Today nature has softened the scars of industry and there is plenty to see at Tegg's whatever time of year. You don't have to go far to enjoy exhilarating views over the Cheshire Plain and on a clear day you can see Liverpool's cathedrals and Welsh hills beyond. The car park provides an excellent base for numerous walks and throughout the year there are many events taking place at the visitor centre.

The romantic gothic Castle - a product of the early 19th century - stands on a high rise above a lake. The Castle is surrounded by sweeping lawns and a variety of mature trees, including Cedars of Lebanon, Oak, and Chestnut. The gardens surrounding the Castle provide a lovely mix of colour and height, with intriguing walks around the lake. There is a Temple Water Garden, Rose Garden, a variety of mixed borders. Plantings are planned to provide colour at all times of the year.