Where the England football team spend their time off the field in Cheshire

Cheshire is the place where Premiere League and International footballers call home. With a number of clubs including Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool, and Everton in striking distance, it’s little surprise these athletes choose our gorgeous and vibrant county as their homes. In fact, nine of England's 26-man World Cup squad currently live in Cheshire. In honour of the Three Lions’ World Cup campaign, we thought we’d explore some of the places they call home and show you where to stay, play and eat and drink in these infamous locations.

Knutsford

Knutsford is famous for the mansions that footballers past and present have inhabited and the likes of Jordan Pickford, Jordan Henderson, and John Stones all live in the area. The town is also home to a vibrant high street full of independent shops, a thriving market hall, many fine bars and restaurants, and a warm, welcoming community.

What to do

One of the biggest attractions in Knutsford is Tatton Park. This 1000+ acre estate is home to vast parkland with herds of deer, 50-acres of carefully manicured gardens, the ancient Old Hall, the lavish Mansion, and the working rare breed Farm. With regular events and activities as well as the opportunity to simply take in the views, Tatton Park is always a great day out.

Where to eat

There’s no shortage of choices when it comes to drinking and dining in Knutsford. There’s cuisine from all around the world and some exceptional pubs and bars. A true local secret is Project 53. Nestled away on Minshull Street, Project 53 is one of two taprooms for the Mobberley Brewhouse, serving up a wide range of their craft beers as well as cocktails, wines and a great menu that includes wood-fired pizza and charcuterie.

Where to stay

If you want to experience the life of luxury like the stars of the Premier League, Knutsford is home to a wide range of hotels and resorts. The Mere Golf Resort & Spa is one of the highest rated resorts in Cheshire and boasts a world class spa, Championship golf course, and three restaurants.

Alderley Edge

Part of Cheshire’s ‘Golden Triangle’ of affluent towns and villages, Alderley Edge is one of the most famous locales for footballers with past resdients including David Beckham, Rio Ferdinand, and Sir Alex Feguson. The town is home to an upmarket high street with boutiques, bars and restaurants, and you may even spot an England international like Jack Grealish on their day off here. The town also has a long and fascinating history involving, amongst other things, wizards.

What to do

Aside from browsing the high-end boutiques in Alderley Edge, there are some great sights and attractions. Outside the town you can find some easily accessible walks in some of Cheshire’s best countryside with The Edge – a massive sandstone ridge offering panoramic views of the county – being one of the most popular sights.  Alderley Edge is also just a stone’s throw away from the world-famous Jodrell Bank. Home to fascinating permanent exhibitions including the recently opened First Light Pavilion as well as regular events, Jodrell Bank is definitely worth a visit if you’re in Alderley Edge.

Where to eat

Alderley Edge is home to many upscale restaurants where footballers have been spotted out and about including Victors, where the likes of Jordan Pickford have been known to frequent. Another local favourite is Yara. This Lebanese staple is a real gem and offers a huge range of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes with something for everyone including classics like halloumi, hummus, Fattoush, falafel and succulent kebabs.

Where to stay

Not far from Alderley Edge is one of Cheshire’s most luxurious spa hotels. Mottram Hall, which has hosted more than a few international footballers, is a gorgeous Grade II listed 18th century hall with 270-acres of immaculately landscaped grounds. Guests can find an 18-hole Championship golf course, the world-class Champneys spa (which is the only Champneys spa in the North of England), and even a FIFA accredited football pitch for you to practice your skills. Mottram Hall is also perfectly located for a stay at our next destination.

Wilmslow

Another corner of the ‘Golden Triangle’, Wilmslow is a chic and sophisticated market town with a thriving high street full of independents, destination boutiques, and bars and restaurants. Little surprise, then, that this is another playground for England’s footballers.

What to do

If a day shopping, drinking and dining isn’t enough, you can take a stroll along the River Bollin towards Styal Village and Quarry Bank Mill. Quarry Bank is a fascinating glimpse into Cheshire’s industrial heritage. The mill is home to working cotton looms that are powered by a steam engine. You can really get immersed in history here as well as explore the site’s lush grounds.

Where to eat

Wilmslow is home to some of the best restaurants in Cheshire, so you won’t struggle to find somewhere to drink and dine, and perhaps spot an England superstar while you’re at it. In Wilmslow you can find Hickory’s Smokehouse. This is where you can find some of the best barbeque this side of the Atlantic and is a real Cheshire original, with their first restaurant having opened in Chester in 2010. The menu consists of the very best of the American South with everything from pulled pork and burnt ends, to baby back ribs and beef brisket.

Prestbury

Again in Cheshire’s ‘Golden Triangle’, Prestbury is a picturesque village with a 13th century church and Tudor style high street with unique, independent boutiques and restaurants. The village is known for its footballers’ homes, with the likes of Phil Foden and Kyle Walker residing here, but also boasts a rich and fascinating history dating back to the Anglo-Saxon period.

What to do

The village in itself is a nice day out, and there are a number of footpaths and walks around the area with the Bollin Valley Way close by. Another nearby gem is National Trust Hare Hill. This tranquil spot is a bit of a local secret with its walled garden, surrounding parkland and natural play area for the littler ones.

Where to eat and where to stay

Part of the Flat Cap Hotels family, The Bridge is a perfect place to both dine and have a luxurious sleep over in one of their 23 boutique rooms. You can enjoy a meal at any time of day from The Bridge’s extensive, seasonal menu that spans everything from bottomless brunch to warming Sunday roasts. There’s a lot of space to enjoy including a range of outdoor terraces and outdoor bar to boot.