Great North Run Part 1: Crewe Hall

Crewe Hall was the first stop on our great trip north taking in three extremely beautiful English country house hotels.

Editor , 12th July 2023 / 476

Crewe Hall is impressive. Seriously impressive. Its imposing exterior is made all the more so by the arrow straight drive that leads up to it. You might struggle for superlatives. But just wait until you get inside.

When you do, your jaw may hit the floor. Stunning would be an appropriate description. And you wouldn’t be alone. I imagine anyone who’s walked through its doors has experienced the same over the centuries.

You’ll be following in the footsteps of royalty if that’s any reassurance. Set in eight acres of stunning grounds in the serene Cheshire countryside, this lavishly decorated historic country pile dates back to the 17th century when it was rebuilt 1615 by Sir Randolph Crewe. Its character heavily influenced by the Flemish, Italian and other foreign craftsmen employed in the restoration.

Since then, it’s survived a fire and even hosted the wartime military – as well as a monarch or two! In 1955 Her Majesty the Queen, together with the Duke of Edinburgh, visited Crewe Hall in her capacity as Duke of Lancaster, whilst touring the Duchy Estates in Cheshire.

With its rich heritage Crewe Hall is well worth a wander – inside and out. It’s rich in history and we guarantee you will be blown away by the fabulous décor – it would be an understatement to say it has the wow factor. On arrival, we spent at least twenty minutes wandering around reception, the Hall of Pillars and into the chapel – and there’s much more to see.

Today Crewe Hall has a contemporary side too with a modern wing comprising of stylish rooms, dining and meeting areas. So very often the clash of old and new doesn’t work, but here the The QHotels Collection team manage it sensitively. Our room was understated and contemporary and certainly didn’t feel out of place.

It’s conveniently located if you wish to visit Chester, Liverpool or Manchester – all are an easy drive away, but you’ll be forgiven for wishing to stay closer to home. It really is magnificent. If you do, there’s a luxurious spa, perfect for pampering, and you can take afternoon tea in the oak-panelled Sheridan Lounge.

Our stay at Crewe Hall was brief but it has certainly left a lasting impression. We had huge grins on our faces as we headed down its long drive. Quite appropriate really. We were in Cheshire after all.