Tabley House

Two miles from the centre of Knutsford is Tabley House. Historically the home of the Leicester family, it was completed in 1767 and is the only example of an 18th-century Palladian country house in Cheshire.

The State Rooms — including the Entrance Hall, Drawing Room, Dining Room, Common Parlour, Oak Hall and Gallery — are open to the public, alongside an important collection of paintings gathered by the Leicester family, with works by JMW Turner, William Dobson, Sir Thomas Lawrence, John Martin and James Ward, plus fine furniture and historical memorabilia. A 17th-century chapel is also open to visitors.

Tabley House has a delightful tea room offering light lunches, freshly made sandwiches, cakes and afternoon teas with waitress service. The house is open April to October, Thursday to Sunday plus Bank Holiday Mondays; entry is £9 (adults) or £4.50 (children and students).