If work in all its various forms is grinding you down that you're on the brink of mutiny, then we think we might have an excellent tonic to help restore that so-called work-life balance that people are forever desperately trying to achieve.

If you're just counting the days until you can officially take your next holiday, we hope we can persuade you to stay with us at our luxurious 5 star holiday complex in the heart of the Cheshire countryside.

A few days of pampering or self-indulgence are surely yours by right, if the ironing pile remains largely the same and/or your boss makes Attila the Hun seem saintly.

Surely now is the time to throw off the ties and shackles that bind and set yourself free for a few days of excitement and adventure.

We can promise a choice of two sumptuously decorated Elizabethan barns to begin your sojourn into a parallel universe where only your needs and wants are the prime concern.

With period-style drapes and fixtures and fittings, they both possess a careful mix of the traditional and more contemporary, while at the same time retaining a character that is uniquely their own.

Conversely, you may perhaps have left the world of work and are looking forward to many years of graceful and fruitful retirement.

We would recommend that spending a few days, or possibly longer, at one of our historic holiday homes, with family or friends, would also be just the right kind of antidote to the stresses and strains of the modern world, and more importantly perhaps, provide great diversions and entertainment for those with a surplus of time on their hands.

Now what to do once you're here: well there are literally infinite possibilities, depending on how you wish to organise your personal schedule and itinerary.

If it's quiet, relaxing solitude you seek then you'll find no place more refreshing and re-energising than the vast expanse of the open Cheshire countryside.

With many a labyrinthe of quiet, rural lanes and a more than generous sprinkling of enchanting country pubs, people should find much to occupy their time and amuse them.

As Woodhey Hall is at the crossroads so to speak of 5 different counties, people also have the Peak District, Shropshire Hills and Welsh mountains to explore and uncover. And with a striking mix of small rural hamlets, market towns and cities nearby, people literally have the best of town and country at their door.

Those in need of some serious retail therapy have the inspiring shopping meccas of Chester, Manchester, Liverpool and Ellesmere Port all within a comfortable hour's drive.

Each town or city offers an excellent range of shops, cafes and pubs, with perhaps Manchester's Trafford Centre being among the most impressive.

Said to be one of the biggest shopping malls in all of Europe, there is an exceptional breadth and range of shops that cater for all pockets and tastes, and would probably need more than one visit to complete. With free parking thrown in, people also don't need to keep a close track of the time. (Please see our Quick Guide to Places to Visit section for more details).

But if you perhaps would like to have a shopping experience with a dramatic difference, then why not try the nearby city of Chester, where innovations in shopping have been happening since the 13th century.

During the reign of Edward I, the very first British shopping mall was constructed when a two-tier system of shops was introduced in the city's centre. It's thought that the actual shops themselves were located on the ground floor while living quarters were situated up above. Gradually, with demand for more retail stores, the living quarters were then transformed into shops.

With its enchanting array of Rows that extend four ways from the city's central Cross, there are few towns are cities that can match it for the range of high street names, independent boutiques and range of cafes, pubs and luxury restaurants. Please see our ultimate window shopping experience as a .....
slideshow of Chester's main shopping area.

Cheshire and its environs also has a magnificent array of stately homes, museums and historic attractions. To take in a whole host of them within a reasonably short time, people should perhaps try our walk entitled Chester: a walk through history (see Walks section of website). During this walk people will tour the walls and nearby river to gain a thorough insight in to this stunning city founded by the Romans.

On our website, we're constantly trying to give people an indepth insight in to what this area has to offer. We hope people will find much here to commend us to them, and would warmly invite people to ring us to find out more. So please ring us, Ruth or Paul Robinson on 01270 524215 or e-mail us at woodheyhall@hotmail.com for more information on booking a break away. We very much hope we can look forward to hearing from you soon.