3 days in Cheshire with the dog

Three days, three castles, and a dog who's welcome at every stop and every stay on this route. You begin in Knowsley: the hall first, then lunch at the Derby Arms just 1.3 miles on (5/5 for food hygiene, open Mo–Sa 12:00–00:00 and Su 12:00–23:00), then 6.2 miles to The Hardmans' House. Day two belongs to Chester, which is blissfully compact on a lead — Chester Castle, a 0.3-mile amble to Jaunty Goat, and the Grosvenor Museum under a quarter of a mile after that.

Day three stretches its legs properly: 41 miles south to Stafford Castle, then 1.4 miles to the Museum of the Staffordshire Yeomanry. Base yourself at Pickmere Lake Caravan Park in Cheshire (pool, spa, cafe, disabled access, Lostock Gralam station 1.4 miles) or head over to pet-friendly Tower Farm campsite near Llangollen, with Chirk station 5.5 miles away. Arriving by train, Winsford is the nearest station to Cheshire. Pack a lead, a folding bowl and plenty of water.