The pandemic helped us Brits to fall back in love with the summer staycation, a long-forgotten concept that had been lost amidst our decades-long love affair with Mediterranean cuisine, Balearic seas and French vineyards.
Our desire to leave these shores in pursuit of foreign climes was curtailed back in 2020, with COVID rendering foreign holidays near impossible. However, this inconvenience really helped Britons to rediscover the hidden gems and beauty spots that exist here in the UK.
Since then, we’ve seen a significant rise in demand for summer staycations, particularly ones that encompass ‘slow living’, giving holidaymakers the chance to recharge the batteries and truly relax.
In our latest blog we’ll explain how you can enjoy your very own slow summer staycation here at the Lion.
What Is Slow Living?
Slow living and therefore, taking a slow summer staycation, means holidaying without the pressure of needing to fill every second of your time. There’s a charm to visiting the countryside for a few days to simply escape the hustle and bustle of life. Reconnect with nature or simply chill out, have a lazy morning or spend the day eating and drinking great food. Slow summer staycations can really give you the break you need – as you don’t need to come back off holiday feeling more wiped out than you did before!
This can all be achieved at The Lion thanks to the versatility of our rooms, our bedrooms being on the same site as our award-winning pub, and our ideal spot in the countryside that’s simply perfect on hazy summer days.
Stay at The Lion
Nestled in the southwestern corner of Cheshire, The Lion has been at the centre of the peaceful Malpas community for over three centuries and provides a truly great British bed and breakfast experience for your staycation.
The Tudor Cottage
Just a short walk from our warm and inviting pub on the courtyard, lies our gorgeous black-and-white three-bedroom Tudor Cottage where you can stay in luxurious surroundings that exude comfort and style.
Here, you can enjoy a warm and cosy living area that comes complete with a crackling log fire, enjoy some games and laughs with family or friends, and get a relaxing night’s sleep in the three en-suite bedrooms upstairs.
Being just a few steps from the main pub means you can enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner if you so wish all at The Lion, you don’t even have to leave the site if you don’t want to!
Start your day with a Lion breakfast
After a relaxing night’s sleep, why not head over to the pub to indulge in a delightful breakfast? For those who are particularly peckish, we have The Cheshire Breakfast.
This feast will certainly set you up for the day and comes with local pork sausage, grilled back bacon, black pudding, roasted tomato, Portobello mushroom, hash brown, baked beans and a fried egg with toast and butter
We also have a veggie option that includes Glamorgan sausage, hash brown, roasted tomatoes, Portobello mushroom, baked beans, fried egg with toast and butter
If you’re looking for something a little lighter to start your day with, you can try our Eggs Benedict on sourdough bread, a bowl of Porridge served with our local Cheshire Honey or berry compote, or maybe a toasted sausage sandwich.
Relax with a drink from our bar
While you’re on your slow staycation with us, you can also enjoy a wide selection of drinks here at The Lion, from cocktails and seasonal wines to local cask ales.
In terms of the draught beer customers have a diverse range to choose from with a mixture of local cask ales including Weetwood Ales and premium beers such as Guinness and Moretti on draught.
We also take our wines seriously here at The Lion and we’re constantly on the lookout for the best and most brilliant bottles to serve at the bar. We even partner with our very own wine expert to bring you the very best options for every season.
From crisp Sauvignon Blancs to fruity Verdejos, we have an extensive wine menu that changes regularly to offer customers a range of seasonal favourites.
Meanwhile, if you’re after a refreshing cocktail our talented bar staff will be on hand to fix you up with a dazzling daquiri or a magnificent mojito.
Things to do on your staycation
As part of your slow staycation at The Lion, why not enjoy an easier day out at some of Cheshire’s best-loved attractions? From a simple stroll around Cholmondeley Castle to indulging in an icy sweet treat at the Ice Cream Farm, there’s so much to see and do nearby without feeling as though your holiday is passing you by at 100mph.
Cholmondeley Castle
Situated in the heart of the magnificent Cheshire countryside, just 10 minutes from The Lion is Cholmondeley Castle, the home of the Cholmondeley family since the 12th century.
At Cholmondeley, you can roam through 70 acres of glorious gardens that are adorned with magnificent displays that change with the seasons and filled with magnificent botanical delights.
A slow stroll around the castle, the cricket ground and its stupendous gardens truly is the perfect way to switch off and simply enjoy our amazing natural world.
Sandstone Trail
The Sandstone Trail is the ruby-like jewel in the North West’s crown when it comes to walking routes. The 34-mile-long ramble is the perfect way to take in the beauty of central Cheshire and the surrounding area.
Split into different sections, the trail itself runs just past the village of Malpas and is one of the best walking routes in the UK, filled with pubs, cafés, and other charming stop-off points.
If you fancy a gentle, easy afternoon walk along the local section of the trail, you can enjoy a pleasant stroll round the beautiful village of Bickerton, that takes you on a forgiving circular route up the hill past Maiden Castle and back down a quiet country lane back to where you started.
Ice Cream Farm
Around 20 minutes north of The Lion, you’ll find the magical world of the Ice Cream Farm, a paradise for lovers of fun and an icy sweet treat.
The Ice Cream Farm has all you need to enjoy a great day out, where you can embrace your inner Lewis Hamilton round the go-karting track and indulge in the most delicious ice creams that are made just next door.
With over 50 flavours of ice cream to choose from at the world’s largest ice cream shop, you’re sure to be spoilt for choice. Whether you prefer traditional flavours like strawberry or prefer something new like Jammy Dodger flavour, there’s something for everyone.
So, if you’re planning a relaxing, slow Cheshire staycation, make sure you book in at The Lion to enjoy a truly indulgent and tranquil break!
