As regular visitors may know, we are just an 11 minute drive from the picturesque town of Whitchurch, and a 15 minute drive from the historic market town of Nantwich. That means if you fancy a roam around somewhere new when you come to visit us, you won’t have to go very far at all!

Forget big, bustling cities – small towns are well known to be the home of hidden gems that only locals will know about. From Michelin-star restaurants to award-winning bakeries, small towns are often the home of the best of the best. But where to start when it comes to looking for the best places to go in a new town? Don’t worry – we’ve put together a guide of the very best restaurants, bars and shops that will make you seem like a born and bred Cestrian or Salopian.

Hidden Gems in Whitchurch and Nantwich

Whitchurch

• Lorna’s House is a beautiful women’s boutique on Whitchurch high street. Selling clothes from independent sources, this hidden gem will guarantee you leaving with something special. Why not treat yourself, or your loved one? Accessories count as essentials!

And for those more interested in homewares and interior design, Lorna’s sister shop, just a little further down, sells homeware, gifts and other trinkets.

• For a refreshment after a long day of walking your pup, there are no better places to rest your feet than at the Black Bear or the Horse and Jockey.The former is a half-timbered, family-owned 17^th century pub, with excellent food and drink, with the added bonus of a charming pub garden. What’s even better is that it’s also dog friendly!

• The Horse and Jockey is a similarly dog-friendly pub, with real ales on tap. The pub is located a little further out of Whitchurch in Grindley Brook, just a stone’s throw from the canal walk, but don’t worry – it welcomes muddy boots, as well as children and large groups.

Both of these hidden gems are on our recommended list of pubs to visit when you visit our dog-friendly holiday cottages.

• Percy’s Café Bar is another truly unique place to rest. Decorated with a mish-mash of repurposed furniture, including old cinema chairs, this lively locale is also a music venue in the evenings – the perfect place to head if your “quiet night in” has gone out of the window!
• But if you’re just after a whistle-stop bite, Benjamin’s Delicatessen is the perfect place to refuel in a pinch. A favourite of locals, there’s plenty on the menu for even the fussiest of eaters!

• Lastly, for something a little bit different, we at Combermere love bespoke florist White Wysteria. A true hidden gem, we recommend their beautiful blooms to our guests who are planning to marry at the abbey for the simple reason that they never disappoint! So, no matter if it’s your birthday, anniversary, Valentine’s Day, or if you’re just feeling especially romantic, be sure to pop into this store and surprise the one you love.

Nantwich

• Snugbury’s ice cream is a beloved local ice cream brand that you might see on menus in pubs all around the area. Why not head to its flagship shop just outside Nantwich to see what all the fuss is about? Run by sisters Hannah, Kitty and Cleo, you’ll certainly have your sweet tooth satisfied!

• We love the family-run café and book shop, Nantwich Bookshop. It’s the perfect hidden gem to visit and brush up on your knowledge of the charming market town. Why not sit down for a while with your new read – or do a bit of people watching?

• For all your boutique needs, it’s not just Whitchurch that shines with the abundance of choice. Arabella is a sophisticated womenswear shop run by mother and daughter, Duo Val Lacey and Jade Kotowski. With live fashion shows on Friday nights, this is not a place to miss.

• For a bit of calm away from the storm, be sure to also head to the chic and relaxing hidden gem that is Madison Spa. From holistic therapies such as aromatherapy, to nail treatments, hair removals and facials, this spa doesn’t just cater to women, but men, too – so your better half won’t be at a loose end while you’re enjoying some pampering!
• Nantwich’s market has been held since the 1500s. With fresh produce and household items sold on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, with the town’s Farmers Markets held on every last Saturday of the month, it’s likely you’ll be around to see the market at its very best.
• Looking for the best of produce with authentic provenance and local origins? Check out the artisan local cheeses at The Cheese Shop, quality meat from Brookshaw’s Butchers, and Cheerbrook Farm Shop and Cafe. Both are award-winning and well worth a visit.

  At Combermere Abbey, we encourage all our guests to shop at local small businesses – celebrating age-old methods of producing artisan items and supporting their continued enjoyment.

  Are there any ‘hidden gems’ that we’ve missed off our list? Let us know via our Facebook, Instagram or Twitter!