The last time I was in the pretty town of Knutsford was for my best friend’s hen do, so it was a totally different experience when I returned this time around for a romantic night away with my other half.

We were the guests of Cottons Hotel and Spa, a stylish four-star hotel just a mile from Knutsford, which has a proper size pool, a gym, sauna and steam room, and the loveliest of staff.

After our drive, we dived straight into the spa, where we both experienced massages on a wine theme (our reputation must have preceded us!).

I went for the 55-minute long Caudalie Cabernet Back Treatment which involves a scrub developed by the hotel featuring a base of grape-seed, honey, brown sugar and essential oils.

My massage was carried out by the lovely Catherine, who like us hailed from Wales. It was said to relieve tension, and invigorate mind and body, and I can confirm it did exactly what it said on the tin!

Hubby plumped for the Caudalie Wine Makers Massage, which is said to recreate the ritualistic steps of the wine-making process on the body.

The whole body is said to be stimulated, from tips of fingers to the bottoms of your feet, activating blood circulation and muscle tone. You’ll be bursting with energy, it was said – and Mr Thomas agreed that he did feel like a new man!

A quick shower and change, and we were down in the bar, sampling a few cocktails, before heading to the restaurant, where there is a choice of a booth or a table by the fire.

My other half – predictably – went for the fillet steak, which he said was delicious, and I opted for a classic dish, fish and chips, because I hadn’t had that for a while.

While we didn’t go for it, because we didn’t want to fill up too much, there was an appetising Chef’s Table on offer, with cold meats, cheeses, seafood and salads for starters or mains.

We finished with a great cheese platter, and we can vouch for the wine list too!

The massage may have helped, because we enjoyed one of the best night’s sleep we have had for ages, before enjoying a day’s shopping and sightseeing.

If you are a gourmet, the town is a foodie heaven, with an enviable choice of restaurants, bars and fine food purveyors.

And Knutsford is the perfect place for some retail therapy - with three streets lined with a great selection of independent boutiques.

The Indoor Market is open every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday, and there is the award-winning Artisan Market on Princess Street on the first Sunday of every month.

Famous Knutsford residents include Coronation Street actress Barbara Knox (who plays The Kabin’s Rita Fairclough) and footballer Peter Crouch.

The town was also the inspiration and setting for Elizabeth Gaskell’s Cranford, a comic portrait of an early Victorian country village and its genteel inhabitants, mostly women, whose social attitudes remain firmly unchanging against the modernising world, and whose domestic details dominate conversation.

The author lived in Knutsford for many years and is buried in the churchyard of Brook Street Unitarian Chapel.

Knutsford Heritage Centre is housed in a reconstructed 17th century timber framed building on King’s Street, which is often referred to as The Old Smithy. A perfect introduction to the town, here you can discover the story of Knutsford and view artefacts from the past.

While we didn’t have time, you might want to visit Tatton Park, a National Trust property with a neoclassical mansion, 50 acres of gardens, a deer park and a working farm.

Our stay was over too soon, but I feel sure we will return to Knutsford in the near future.

It’s all in the detail

To book a stay at Cottons Hotel, you can ring the sales team on 01565 622132 or email [email protected].

More details can be found at www.cottonshotel.co.uk.

The hotel has a Treat Mini Break over the Easter holidays and kids stay free (subject to conditions): https://www.cottonshotel.co.uk/events/easter-eggstravaganza/