Flat Cap Hotels has three Grade II properties in Cheshire, providing beautiful, dog-friendly boutique accommodation, exceptional locally sourced food and an expertly crafted wine, local beer and cocktail menu. In this travel feature, we look at what each property has to offer guests.

The family-owned and run Flat Cap Hotels in the beautiful Cheshire countryside offers locals and visitors alike the perfect spot for a delicious alfresco lunch on the terraces or an evening meal with cocktails and nightly entertainment from local bands and performers.

In addition, beautifully appointed boutique bedrooms feature king-sized beds, some with four posters and roll-top baths, while large windows look out onto the idyllic countryside, and each room is presented with contemporary fittings, all of which make for the most relaxing staycation…not to mention they’re dog friendly!

Rural inns & boutique hotels are a British staple and what many visitors, either from across the UK or internationally, are seeking from a countryside break, and Flat Cap Hotels provide all the quintessential ingredients for a perfect overnight break.

Whether a family holiday, a couples weekend away together or with friends, or simply some much-needed R’n’R for burnt-out city dwellers, the dedicated team of chefs, mixologists and front of house are on hand to deliver a seamless stay.

Three unique Grade II listed properties, each boasting their own character, charm and style and are connected by the Flat Cap ethos; to deliver exceptional food, all seasonally produced and locally sourced, with great spaces for catching up with friends and providing a platform for local musicians, whilst entertaining guests, and offering design-led boutique accommodation.

All three properties are within 20 minutes’ drive from each other, as well from Manchester Airport and are connected by train to Manchester (20 minutes) and London (1hr30) via their respective locations – Knutsford Train Station, Holmes Chapel Train Station and Prestbury Train Station.

The Vicarage, Cranage

Located on the River Dane, this stunning property provides the perfect base from which to head off on long walks to the surrounding Dean Valley or Jodrell Bank before returning for a hearty pub lunch.

The Vicarage offers 23 bedrooms, each individually designed with large beds, roll-top baths, floor-to-ceiling windows and unique features to create the perfect staycation.

Only 20 minutes from Manchester and 1hr50 from London, The Vicarage makes the ideal setting for a weekend away with the family, especially given the vast, purposefully built outdoor play area and play tractor, with a beautiful south-facing terrace for mum & dad during the day and a sports bar in the evening.

The Bridge, Prestbury

This beautifully restored Grade II listed property was built in 1624 and sits on the banks of the River Bollin, within easy reach of Alderley Edge.

With 24 beautifully appointed bedrooms and the plan to expand this in 2023. Guests from far and wide are attracted to The Bridge in the Spring and Summer months thanks to the pub’s three great outdoor terraces, perfect for that much-needed Pimms in the sun and great pub menu classics!

Aside from attracting leisure guests, The Bridge is also the perfect venue for an exclusive use event, corporate retreat or wedding, given its vast space, with the ability to host up to 200 guests. Easily accessible and only a 5-minute walk to Prestbury Village, there are direct links to Manchester, London and beyond.

The Courthouse, Knutsford

Arguably the collection’s most impressive setting, The Courthouse, was originally ‘The Sessions House’ built in 1575 and closed as an active Crown Court in 2020 when Flat Cap Hotels acquired the property, and it became the third in the collection.

It is a site of great historical significance, and many of the original courthouse features remain, making it a spectacular location to eat, drink, sleep and be merry.

Private dining and event space within the Judge’s Chamber, The Moneypenny Suite and Grand Courtroom make this property a hot spot for celebrations.

Situated in the heart of Knutsford, The Courthouse is the perfect setting for a weekend with friends and family, wanting life and soul in the heart of a bustling market town within walking distance from the train station.

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