VERY few Medieval market towns have survived unscathed the onslaught of modernisation. But the centre of Nantwich stands beautifully unsullied by multi-storey car parks, road-widening schemes or glass-and-stainless-steel monoliths, writes Natalie Lawson.

And it was to Nantwich, set in gorgeous Cheshire countryside, that we headed for a family trip. The location was chosen as it offered something for all members of the family: fun days out for the children, and shopping, relaxation and a drop of decadence for the grown-ups.

Getting anywhere from our far-flung corner of west Wales is never a quick affair, but at a less-than three-hour drive, the distance was manageable even for the impatient toddler. It also means it’s well within the travelling timeframe for a weekend away, without having to spend most your time in transit, or returning home exhausted.

And yet the area felt a world away, with boutique and designer shops galore, fabulous restaurants and bars and big-name days out for the kids – think Chester Zoo and the Blue Planet Aquarium.

But it was to the town of Nantwich that we headed first, for a day of exploring and relaxing and a stop-over in a breath-taking country house hotel.

In Nantwich, the imposing St Mary’s Church sits right at the centre at the town’s blooming beautiful square, helped in no small part by the town’s Nantwich In Bloom volunteers whose hard work is in evidence in every nook and cranny of the town from the front of the church to the riverside walkway beside the River Weaver.

A whole day can easily be lost pottering past the higgledy piggledy medieval timbered buildings and down the narrow, winding streets. A real breath of fresh air and change of pace.

Around every corner is a charming coffee shop or an interesting craft, book or artisan food emporium. The Grade I listed Crown Hotel has been a central feature of Nantwich for more than 400 years, and proved a welcome harbour from the Cheshire downpours on the wet September weekend during which we visited.

After a warming pint to the soothing sounds of the in-house pianist, we headed for relaxation and rejuvenation at sumptuous country house hotel and spa Rookery Hall Hotel & Spa, just 5 minutes drive north of the town.

Nestled in the charming Cheshire countryside and set in its own 38 acres of gardens and wooded parkland, the imposing stately home made for an impressive sight as we swept round the drive.

The grand and imposing exterior was belied by the warm and friendly welcome we received on arrival. We were made to feel instantly at home and the children, despite being a little tired and grouchy from the day’s exertions, were made to feel very welcome. The staff even provided crayons and puzzles to entertain the little ones while we dressed for dinner.

Our bed for the night was a stunning suite - one of the 70 rooms Rookery offes, and it had absolutely piles of space, which is so welcome when travelling with young children and all their paraphernalia.

After a long day on our feet, we happily sunk into the leather chairs in the beautiful mahogany-clad bar area. We opted to eat here because little children and formal dining environments don’t always mix too well; and again we were made to feel completely at ease and welcome, with attentive service, more activities for the kids and a very welcome gin and tonic or two. Heaven.

The food was superb – possibly the best chips I’ve ever tasted. The kids hoovered up their meals selected from a dedicated children’s menu, and the adults savoured succulent smoked salmon and crispy battered fish with more of those delicious chips. We could not have been more relaxed if we tried.

A later addition to the hotel and set within the grounds only a very short stroll from the main entrance is an award-winning pool, spa and health club, boasting a 17-metre glass-roofed swimming pool.

Boasting a ‘Five Bubble Spa’ award by the Good Spa Guide, there are seven treatment rooms, Amber lounge and relaxation room, hydrotherapy pool, sauna and steam rooms.

There were children’s swim times too, so that they could also enjoy a splash in the pool.

After a great night’s sleep (even the kids!), we had a delicious breakfast in the grand restaurant area – again nothing was too much trouble and you could see how they got their AA Four Red Star rating - and took a walk around the peaceful grounds.

While the children were enjoying a much-needed run-around along the lanes and lawns, we were able to step back and really admire the beautiful architecture of the sandstone former manor house. It was built in 1816, with a French Chateau style tower addition dating from 1867.

With the romantic early-morning light reflecting off the sandstone, we could see why David Beckham chose Rookery Hall as the venue to propose to Victoria, a story told to us by more than one Nantwich local who enquired as to where we were staying!

Shopping is high on our to-do list on any getaway, so after managing to fit in a bit of boutique browsing in Nantwich the previous day, on our final day we took a trip to Cheshire Oaks, the designer outlet park only 45 minutes away from the hotel.

This diversion also proved a hit with the kids as we squeezed an hour of toddler energy-sapping exercise at the nearby trampoline park – great fun and something I would recommend for even the big kids among us. Note: An hour doesn’t seem that long, until you have to stop and sit down because you’re wheezing with fatigue, and then you realise you’ve only been bouncing for five minutes.

The biggest bonus from this stop-off was that the kids slept all the way home.

Nantwich proved to be the perfect base from which to explore charming Cheshire, and the town itself is a day-out destination that we thoroughly enjoyed.

We shall definitely return. Probably next July, when the town hosts the International Cheese Awards - which celebrates "the finest cheeses known to man", according to visitcheshire.com. Well, it would be rude not to!

Fact FIle

We stayed at Rookery Hall Hotel & Spa, Worleston, Nantwich, Cheshire CW5 6DQ; 01270 610016; [email protected]. For more information and to book, please visit handpickedhotels.co.uk/rookeryhall. They offer dining, weddings, spa and a health club. It is part of the Handpicked Hotels group, which boasts 19 individual hotels.

Nantiwch Tourist Information Service is based at Nantwich Civic Hall, Market Street, Nantwich, CW5 5DG. For more information or help planning your trip, visit www.visitcheshire.com/explore/nantwich-p96451