Best Places To Visit In Cheshire & the North Wales Borders

Over the border into England, North Wales is flanked by the two beautiful counties of Cheshire and Shropshire. Bursting with history and dotted with impressive country estates, all areas are worthy of a weekend break or a longer stay, which is why we’ve rounded up some of the very best towns and villages to visit below. We’ve also added some local hints and tips on things to do in Cheshire and across the border.

Where to stay during your trip to Cheshire & the North Wales Borders 

We’ve got a collection of stunning holiday cottages in Cheshire & The Welsh Borders. These provide the perfect bases for visiting different locations such as Chester, Wrexham, Llangollen and Shrewsbury. Each individually visited and vetted by the team at Oyster, the properties are also a great option if you just want to switch off, re-group and rest during your stay. 

Things to do in Cheshire & The North Wales Borders 

The border country between North Wales and England is characterised by the mountains and hills of the Dee Valley and Clwydian Range, which roll down into the infinite Cheshire plains. Here, you can enjoy a unique blend of sweeping vistas; from undulating acres of rich green forest to flat, sprawling fields of shimmering gold crops. There are picturesque chocolate-box villages and scenic towns that hug steep streets. If you’re planning a trip to the area sometime soon, here are some of our must-visit spots. 

Llangollen 

Perched on the side of the River Dee, Llangollen is a treasure trove of history, architecture and the great outdoors. Known for hosting the annual International Musical Eisteddfod, it draws crowds of music and culture lovers from all over the world. Festival aside though, it’s also home to the majestic ruins of Valle Crucis Abbey and Pontcysyllte, a 38m high aqueduct dating back to 1805. If you’re feeling particularly brave during your trip, you can even canoe over the structure….   

Local tips: The Llangollen Canal is so beautiful and great for walks – you can even park at the Trevor Basin (LL14 3SG) and walk into the town to soak up the scenery. Also, don’t miss a ride on the Llangollen Steam Railway followed by a drink at the Cornmill afterwards. 

Chester

A Roman city famous for its racecourse and Medieval shopping Rows (which still house many of the city’s shops, bars and restaurants today,) Chester is a lesser-known hotspot of history, culture and great food and drink. Once a Roman stronghold, the city has evolved through time and has a clear architectural journey which is best admired with a walking tour. There are countless other things to do throughout the city such as shopping, attending racing fixtures, admiring the impressive cathedral and enjoying a picnic in Grosvenor Park.  

Local tips: Pizza fans should make a beeline for Stile Napoletano on Watergate Street – the restaurant is an award-winning institution that doesn’t compromise on good quality, Italian ingredients. If pizza isn’t your thing, the Chester Market has a great indoor food hall with various food stalls and a bar.   

Hoole

Although technically forming part of Chester, Hoole is a village in its own right with a fantastic local vibe and a wealth of independent shops. Use the car park on Bishop Street (CH2 3BB) and discover the area on foot. Particular delights include the Little Yellow Pig coffee shop, the Okells cafe and garden shop, Luca’s Gelato and Usher’s Bakehouse, which is a short walk slightly further into Chester but well worth it for the sourdough and sweet treats. 

Wrexham 

With a long history intertwined with industrial activity, football and farming, Wrexham is a market town with a surprising Hollywood connection. As any football fans will know, it is home to the third-oldest football club in the world, Wrexham AFC, which was purchased by actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney in 2021. In the city, you can enjoy a wealth of independent shops and eateries, while the immediate area is home to stunning countryside estates such as Erddig and beautiful walks.  

Local tips: Looking for an unspoilt country pub worthy of any postcard? The Boat Inn at Erbistock is just a 15-minute drive from the city centre and is just about as quaint as it gets.    

Shrewsbury

30 miles south of Wrexham, Shrewsbury marks the spot where Shropshire begins to blend into the midlands. A historic market town named as one of the Guardian’s Happiest Places to Live in 2025, it’s defined by its stunning Tudor architecture and old coaching inns, marking its important past as a stopping point for those travelling between London and Holyhead. It also forms a perfect triangle with the nearby towns of Whitchurch and Oswestry, all of which are connected by branches of the Shropshire Union Canal. 

Local tips: Niche Patisserie, based in the town’s iconic Black Gate building has a far reaching renown for patisserie delights and exceptional coffee. The Boathouse is a stunning pub spot on the banks of the River Severn and the town is also littered with interesting places to tour including Shrewsbury Prison dating from 1793 – said to be one of Britain’s Most Haunted Places! 

Tattenhall 

The archetypal Cheshire village, Tattenhall is a village and civil parish first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Home to the impressive Bolesworth Estate, the village also has a curious connection to North Wales, with several of the houses designed by celebrated architect Clough Williams-Ellis, the man behind Portmeirion. You can enjoy everything from world-class equestrian events to an award-winning family attraction centred around locally-made ice cream – Cheshire farm ice cream has become an esteemed attraction and one of the best things to do in Cheshire. 

Another main draw of the area is the Sandstone Trail. A long-distance hiking trail of 34 miles, the route follows Cheshire’s sandstone ridge from Frodsham in the north to Whitchurch. It includes everything from castles to caves to canals and can be walked in smaller segments – perfect if you’re staying with your four-legged friend at one of our pet-friendly properties. 

Also nearby are the equally-attractive villages of Farndon, Malpas, and Tarporley – all home to their fair share of country pubs and cute cafes. You’re also conveniently placed for peaceful, scenic strolls along the Shropshire Union Canal – where you’ll find a few canal-side places for a picnic or pit stop. 

Local tip: Feeling burnt-out? Seeking a special treat during your stay? The Spa at Carden Park is an expansive, award-winning wellness facility just 13 minutes down the road. If you unwind via more high-octane adventures, the Oulton Park circuit is 20 minutes in the opposite direction.