It may not offer sun, sea and sand. But one out of the three is always a possibility – and in Chesterfield, you’re always going to find the best ice cream in Britain…! The latest tourism trend is apparently all about “Middle Britons” forgoing their holiday abroad, based on research that revealed more than a quarter of middle-class families will remain in the UK for their annual holiday this year.
UK coastal resorts, look set to be the most popular alternative, with more than two-fifths (45%) of middle Britons planning a British beach break. Strangely, Chesterfield wasn’t mentioned. But here’s “six of the best” reasons why it may yet make it into the top ten list of UK staycation and daycation destinations:
1. The same research revealed that Spain is yet again the top destination for middle Britons seeking summer sun, with 13% planning a Spanish holiday. But why go abroad, when you can stay at the brand new Spanish themed Casa Hotel, in Chesterfield?
2. And while Italy is another of the perennial favourites, Britain’s Good Food Guide has been quick to feature Chesterfield’s new wine shop and restaurant, Nonsolovino, which offers a new approach to Italian wine and food. It’s the only wine shop in the UK outside of London where you can experience a revolutionary wine tasting system – and the only place in the UK where all those wines on offer are Italian.
3. No holiday would be complete without a fabulous ice cream, of course. And Frederick’s of Chesterfield is, quite simply, the best. With accolades too many to mention, it’s easiest to just highlight the fact that they have won the ‘Silver Challenge Cup’ for the best ice cream in Britain… on no fewer than 6 occasions!! Available from its fleet of vans and in the town itself.
4. Another joy of staying in the UK is being able to find a “decent cup of tea”. Which, in itself, is yet another reason for choosing Chesterfield. Northern Tea Merchants is a national treasure. From small beginnings, delivering tea door-to-door from an Austin 7 van, the family-owned business has expanded to today manufacturing over 100 million cups of tea and coffee per year. And under current owner James Pogson they import some of the finest teas (and coffees) from around the world to their manufacturing premises and then distribute to destinations across the UK as well as to Europe, America and Asia – all from their Chatsworth Road base. Best of all, they have their own café, and home-made cakes, for holiday makers to enjoy!
5. Chesterfield, of course, has two Seafood Festivals a year – courtesy of the famous Red Lion Inn, on the outskirts of the town, and at the very epicentre of Britain. Close links to a North Wales fishing harbour ensure that fresh seafood is always on the menu here. And there’s nowhere better for miles around for fish and chips…or fish finger sandwiches!
6. It’s one thing staying in your resort. It’s another having places to visit in the ‘hinterland’. Chesterfield is in the Peak District’s Historic Border Country, with England’s first national park well within easy reach – along with world class castles, houses and gardens at Bolsover, Hardwick and Chatsworth all nearby.
Useful links:
Hotels in Chesterfield
B&Bs in Chesterfield
Self-catering in Chesterfield
Tourist attractions in Chesterfield
