While Cumbria's Lake District is renowned for its acres of glorious scenery that draws tourists by their millions, Cheshire's own "mini Lake District" is sparking renewed interest. A number of attractions and luxurious lodge accommodations are springing up around Cheshire 's scenic lakes as more and more visitors head to the county to explore its natural beauty.
The Delamere and Oakmere parish, and the surrounding area, is home to a number of lakes, including Blakemere Moss, Hatchmere Lake, Oak Mere and Nunsmere, all within the vicinity of Delamere Forest . The huge expanse of woodland covers 2,400 hectares, one of the largest areas of woodland in the country.
The lakes and peatlands here were formed by glacial action at the end of the last Ice Age, and a number of the wetlands and nature reserves here are recognised as sites of international importance. The popular beauty spots attract a growing number of visitors every year, currently around three quarters of a million, all hoping to enjoy a nice, woodland stroll around the meres or an escape from urban life.
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And businesses are looking to capitalise on that interest with a raft of new attractions around the lakes to bring more visitors to this stunning area of Cheshire. Forestry England describes Delamere Forest as a 'shady oasis in the midst of the agricultural landscape of the Cheshire Plain', reports Cheshire Live.
While the lakes are hidden away in the Cheshire countryside, they have become a popular destination - thanks to a mainline train station at Delamere, with hourly connections to and from Manchester Piccadilly, Chester and Liverpool. It's particularly popular for hikers, with a choice of walking routes, one of which takes you in a three-mile circle around Blakemere Moss.
A description on the Forestry England website reads: "Delamere, south-west of Manchester, is a place to let off steam, escape the crowds and find peace in the heart of the forest. Accessible by its very own train station, you’ll find easy-going trails for all abilities, a hike to admire the view across to Liverpool’s famous skyline, orienteering courses for all abilities or a bit of peace and quiet to watch the wildlife by the lake."
It points to the number of forest cabins available to book with Forest Holidays on the site, as well as the Go Ape outdoor high wires and adventure park. Last year, Forest Holidays opened 66 woodland cabins in Delamere Forest, along with a Forest Retreat shop, café-bar and play areas.
They include stylish, hideaway cabins made for two, spacious treehouses which sleep up to 10 guests and more, alongside the white willow premium cabins exclusive to Delamere Forest. Prior to its opening, it was expected that the visitors to the site would generate an estimated £2.4 million annually for the local economy, helping it to recover and grow following the pandemic.
It also created 60 full and part-time job opportunities, with 75 per cent of the team, as of its opening, recruited and living within 10 miles of Delamere Forest.
Just a short distance away is the lakeside Wild Shore Delamere water sports and aqua park. Perfect for families and days out, it offers a 'unique, dynamic and adrenaline-charged outdoor activities' including the Aqua Chimp assault course, wakeboarding, stand-up paddleboarding and open water swimming.
And then there's the tiny village of Oakmere, which takes its name from the nearby lake that is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSI). Nearby is the Oakmere Country Park, another place where people get to experience a scenic lakeside getaway.
The description on the website reads: "Oakmere Country Park offers a compelling combination of a peaceful rural location, outdoor activities on the doorstep, and easy access to the sophisticated city lifestyle in Chester, Manchester and Liverpool – the best of both worlds in fact.
"From its position at the heart of the agricultural landscape of the Cheshire Plain, nestling in a picturesque and tranquil setting, the 81 holiday homes and lodges on Oakmere Country Park will all enjoy views of open fields and woodland."
Then there's the historic Nunsmere Hall - a wedding venue and 36-bedroom luxury hotel with Nunsmere Lake by its side. The beautiful building was built in around 1900, going on to host 'glittering parties and gracious living' for the elite of Edwardian society.
The 60-acre lake bounds the hall on three sides, and the site is described as the 'ideal location if you want to escape to the country and get away from it all'. The website adds: "Whether you wish to relax and unwind in tranquil surroundings, enjoy drinks and a delicious meal in our award-winning restaurant or celebrate a special occasion – you couldn’t ask for a more picturesque setting."
And of course, as is the Cheshire way, there are no shortage of pubs or restaurants. The 200-year-old Vale Royal Abbey Arms is located just off Chester Road next to the junction with Abbey Lane/Station Road.
A familiar sight to many driving to the area, it prides itself on being a 'traditional' family pub, which also caters for dog owners. It boasts a 'beautiful spacious bar and restaurant with cosy spaces to spend time with friends and family'.
Just down the road from Delamere is the Fishpool Inn, described as a 'characterful gastro inn dating back to the 18th century'. The website description reads: "Idyllically positioned on the edge of the enchanting Delamere Forest and amidst the stunning Cheshire countryside, The Fishpool is without doubt one of the county’s most popular gastro inns."
And the quaint Carriers Inn to the northern edge of the area, nestled inside the outskirts of the forest. Located by Hatchmere Lake, it's described as a 'warm, friendly pub offering a variety of food and drinks'.
The undulating landscape of this area was forged by melting glacial waters at the end of the last Ice Age. While some of the lakes that remain are glacial in origin, others have been forged by sand extraction in the area.
Among other sizeable waters in this area and of international scientific significance is Black Lake. This is known to be a rare example of quaking bog or a "schwingmoor" where large movements cause ripples across the surface and is known as a haven for dragonflies and damselflies.
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