Between the sandstone ridges of Cheshire and the coal-rich valleys of North Wales lies a collection of villages that defy the frantic pace of modern life. From the Roman-shadowed lanes of Handbridge to the industrial heritage of Ruabon, we curate the essential stops for a weekend in the Marches.
01 Handbridge
Just across the Old Dee Bridge, Handbridge feels less like a suburb and more like a self-contained republic. Historically known as the 'Maypole of Chester', its streets are lined with salmon-pink sandstone and independent spirit. It is the perfect vantage point to watch the river flow toward the sea while clutching a coffee from a local roastery.
STAY NEAR HANDBRIDGE
The Edgar House: Riverside Luxury.
02 Christleton
Christleton is the quintessential English village, complete with a duck pond that has served as the community's heart for centuries. The Shropshire Union Canal carves a peaceful path through its center, offering miles of towpath walks that lead back to the city walls. It is a place of manicured hedges and high-end pub dining.
03 Marford
Unique for its "Gothic Revival" architecture, Marford is famous for its 'eye' windows—built by a former landlord to ward off the ghost of his wife. Today, it stands as a charming, leafy ascent between the two cities, offering some of the most distinctive residential aesthetics in the UK.
04 Tattenhall
Tattenhall is where the Cheshire set comes to breathe. Sitting under the shadow of Beeston Castle, this village boasts a vibrant high street and an obsession with quality local produce. It is the spiritual home of the 'slow food' movement in the county.
05 Upton
Often overlooked by those rushing to the Zoo, Upton-by-Chester offers wide, tree-lined boulevards and a sense of mid-century grandeur. It is a village designed for the evening stroll, with hidden pocket parks and a quiet, dignified atmosphere.
06 Ruabon
Ruabon is a masterclass in industrial heritage. Famous for its 'Ruabon Red' terracotta bricks, the village glows in a deep crimson at sunset. It serves as the gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage site at Pontcysyllte, blending Welsh grit with Victorian ambition.
07 Overton-on-Dee
In the churchyard of St Mary's in Overton sit twenty-one ancient yew trees, some over a thousand years old. This village, perched on the edge of the Maelor, feels ancient. Its wide high street and timber-framed houses suggest a history that hasn't quite finished being written.