Macdonald Craxton Wood Spa > 27-Acre Woodland Retreat

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Macdonald Craxton Wood Hotel & Spa, Chester Ledsham Exterior photo

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Key details

About the Hotel

Parkgate Rd, Chester, Ledsham (Cheshire), United Kingdom, CH66 9PB

Near Chester Zoo

Very good

7.1

7.4

/10

3.0

3.4

Loved by Macdonald Craxton Wood Hotel & Spa, Chester guests

Comfortable beds
Spacious rooms
Friendly staff
Leisure facilities
Top quality food

"Spa and treatments were amazing, with a nice relaxed atmosphere."

09amy from United Kingdom

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"The room was exceptional, having a door that led out to a small patio , which proved convenient for our dog , with easy access to the beautiful grounds."

Steffi from United Kingdom

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"The leisure facilities attached to the conference centre were first-class, with a better gym than some sports centres, and a swimming pool that you can actually get a workout in - both free to use for residents."

PinkyR from United Kingdom

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Macdonald Craxton Wood Hotel & Spa is a 4-star spa hotel nestled in 11 hectares of Cheshire woodland. This property offers a state-of-the-art gym, a spa featuring ELEMIS treatments, and on-site dining options. The hotel is conveniently located near Chester, with easy access to regional attractions.

Rooms & Amenities

Rooms at Craxton Wood Hotel & Spa feature cosy double or king beds and stunning en-suite bathrooms equipped with luxury toiletries. Many rooms offer garden or woodland views with bright, airy spaces to promote relaxation. Complimentary amenities include bathrobes, slippers, and WiFi.

Dining Options

Dining options include the Craxton Wood Grill which serves classic British dishes with a contemporary twist using seasonal ingredients. The Vital Coffee Bar offers snacks and refreshments throughout the day. Guests can enjoy a traditional afternoon tea experience or relaxed outdoor dining during warmer months.

Leisure & Business

The Vital Health & Wellbeing at Craxton Wood includes a thermal suite with an aroma steam room, rock sauna, and an 18-meter pool. Spa services offer treatments tailored to individual needs. The hotel also provides a self-contained conference centre for meetings and events.

Pet-Friendly & Local Area

Craxton Wood Hotel & Spa is pet-friendly, allowing well-behaved dogs in designated areas. Nearby activities include outdoor pursuits on the Wirral Way and visits to Chester Zoo. The hotel is easily accessible from the M53 motorway with on-site parking and electric vehicle charging points.

“Macdonald Craxton Wood Hotel & Spa presents a compelling option near Chester, set within Cheshire woodland. I noted the Elemis spa treatments and on-site dining as particular strengths. While some areas show their age, the combination of leisure facilities and dedicated event spaces creates a versatile destination.”

Sophia TurnerEditorial Director at Spahotels

Location: Great

8.4/10Review score

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Highlights from guests

Spa & LeisureBlissful Relaxation

The heated swimming pool provided a wonderful space to unwind and relax. I especially enjoyed the ample loungers available by the poolside.

Rajesh from India

Review on

Guest ParkingAmple Space

There was plenty of parking available, making arrival and departure stress-free. Though not directly at the door, it was worth the short walk.

Ingrid from Sweden

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BedroomDeep Sleep

The beds were incredibly comfortable, ensuring a restful night's sleep. The room was spacious, clean and very quiet.

Naomi from Canada

Review on

DiningTasty Breakfast

Breakfast was excellent. I especially appreciated the wide range of choices offered on the continental buffet.

Gustavo from Brazil

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Choose your room type

Macdonald Craxton Wood Hotel & Spa, Chester offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals

Twin Room Disability Access

2 persons

195 sq. feet

2 Single beds

Shower

room details

Standard Single Room

2 persons

195 sq. feet

1 Single bed

room details

Superior Double Room

2 persons

195 sq. feet

1 Double bed

Coffee machine

room details

Standard King Room

2 persons

195 sq. feet

1 King-size bed

Shower

Bathtub

room details

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Price and Room Availability

Check availability and prices for your dates now!

Facilities

Macdonald Craxton Wood Hotel & Spa, Chester offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

Facilities: Very good

7.4/10Review score

General

No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
Parking
Safe deposit box
24-hour reception
Express check-in/ -out
Pets allowed
Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
Security
Luggage storage
Locker room
Lift
Fire extinguishers

Sports & Fitness

Fitness centre
Golf course
Yoga class
Sports trainer

Services

Room service
Housekeeping
Laundry
Dry cleaning
Welcome drink

Dining

In-room breakfast
Restaurant
Snack bar
Bar/ Lounge area
Packed lunches
Special diet menus

Business

Meeting/ Banquet facilities
Fax/Photocopying

Children

Children's menu
Children's play area

Spa & Leisure

Indoor swimming pool
Sun loungers
Sun terrace
Garden area
Leisure/ TV room
Spa & wellness centre
Sauna
Steam room
Pedicure
Manicure
Waxing
Body scrub
Facial
Treatment room
Body wraps
Massage
Shallow end

Room features

Heating
Terrace
Garden furniture
Tea and coffee facilities
Ironing facilities

Bathroom

Free toiletries

Dining Onsite

Macdonald Craxton Wood Hotel & Spa invites guests to indulge in delightful onsite dining experiences that showcase a blend of classic British dishes with contemporary flair. The culinary offerings, crafted with seasonal ingredients, provide an authentic taste of the region in an inviting setting that encourages relaxation and enjoyment.

Macdonald Craxton Wood Hotel & Spa, Chester Ledsham Restaurant photo

The Grill @ Craxton Wood

Contemporary British

Ambiance

A warm and welcoming atmosphere perfect for a leisurely meal, incorporating natural elements of the surrounding woodlands.

Key Offerings

Savor a sumptuous three-course meal followed by a light evening buffet featuring BBQ or Hog Roast options. Ideal for celebratory toasts with sparkling wine after a special day.

Reservation

Recommended

Breakfast and Dinner

Macdonald Craxton Wood Hotel & Spa, Chester Location

Parkgate Rd, Chester, Ledsham (Cheshire), United Kingdom, CH66 9PB

Map view

Parkgate Rd, Chester, Ledsham (Cheshire), United Kingdom, CH66 9PB

City landmarks

Garden

Gordale Garden Centre

1.2 mi

Landmark

Burton Mere Wetlands

4000 ft

Landmark

Two Mills Presbyterian Church

4100 ft

Landmark

DDL

4300 ft

Landmark

Badgers Rake Lane

1.1 mi

Nature reserve

RSPB Burton Mere Wetlands

1.9 mi

Landmark

St Michael's Church

1.7 mi

Landmark

Saint Nicholas

1.7 mi

Landmark

Missing Link

1.6 mi

Landmark

Shotwick Bridge

1.8 mi

Landmark

Heath Lane

1.9 mi

Garden

Ness Botanic Gardens

2.5 mi

Church

Parish Church Of John the Evangelist

2.2 mi

Landmark

Hooton Park Trust

2.3 mi

Event hall

Mad Dog Rehearsal studios

2.2 mi

Landmark

Royal British Legion

2.2 mi

Landmark

Shotwick Castle

2.5 mi

Landmark

The Bulls Head

2.2 mi

Landmark

The Wirral Way

2.3 mi

Landmark

Old Wirral Hundred

2.2 mi

Church

Christ Church

2.3 mi

Landmark

Olde Red Lion

2.3 mi

Golf Course

Ellesmere Port Golf Club

2.5 mi

Church

Little Sutton Methodist Church

2.3 mi

Landmark

Wings Club

2.3 mi

Landmark

St Paul's Church

2.4 mi

Landmark

Ness Seat

2.4 mi

Landmark

Flip Out

2.4 mi

Landmark

Ness Gardens Summerhouse

2.4 mi

Landmark

Street Hey Lane

2.5 mi

Nearby

Two Mills Presbyterian Church

3900 ft

Restaurants

Brewers Fayre Tudor Rose

2500 ft

Parkgate Road Wirral

Explore Ledsham (Cheshire)

Explore the Best of Chester

Burton Mere Wetlands

15 minutes walking

A haven for wildlife enthusiasts, featuring diverse bird species and scenic trails. Ideal for peaceful strolls.

Gordale Garden Centre

25 minutes walking

A popular garden centre offering a variety of plants and gifts. Stop by for a café treat with seasonal goods.

Hiking at The Wirral Way

10 minutes driving

A scenic trail perfect for hiking or biking, offering stunning views and extensive pathways for all skill levels.

Relaxation at Gordale Spa

3 minutes driving

A wellness center offering massages and relaxation packages. Advance booking recommended for treatments and classes.

Brewers Fayre Tudor Rose

9 minutes walking

Casual dining with classic British fare. Family-friendly with vegetarian options. Reservations recommended during peak times.

Mad Dog Rehearsal Studios

10 minutes driving

Live music venue featuring local bands and performers. Regular events make it an exciting choice for nightlife.

Getting around

City Centre

Ledsham (Cheshire)17 min · 4600 ft

Airports

Chester Hawarden (CEG)25 min · 10.2 mi

Liverpool John Lennon (LPL)62 min · 25.4 mi

Bus

Bus stop9 min · 3.6 mi

Access exclusive early booking discounts.

Choose your spa escape today!

Check Rates

Property information and rules

Check-in

from 15:00-23:59

Check-out

until 11 am

Guest Parking

Private parking is possible on site for free.

Internet

Wireless internet is available in for free.

Breakfast

You can start your day with a full breakfast, which costs GBP24 per person per day.

Children & extra beds

There are no cots provided in a room.

Pets

Pets are allowed on request.

Languages

English, Spanish, Hungarian, Polish

Year renovated:

2011

Number of rooms:

Former name

Macdonald Craxton Wood Hotel

Reviews and Ratings

Reviews from guests about their experience.

Review summary

Based on recent reviews

Macdonald Craxton Wood Hotel & Spa is often praised for its tranquil countryside location and the convenience of being close to the motorway. Guests frequently compliment the clean, spacious rooms, some featuring Elemis toiletries and lovely views of the lawns where squirrels can be spotted. The complimentary access to the pool, sauna, and steam room is a highlight for many, while some guests have noted that the spa area can get crowded. The breakfast, offering a great selection, is another commonly mentioned positive aspect.

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Review score

Based on 1081 verified reviews

6.8/10

Nice

58%

Recommend

Location

8.4/10

Staff

8.3/10

Paid Wi-Fi

6.0/10

Value for money

7.2/10

Pros

Well-kept grounds

Fantastic leisure facilities

Great staff

Free night's stay

Cons

Slow service

Cold food

Tired hotel

Luna from Spain

Couple

deluxe king room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: January 26, 2026

9/10

helpful staffelemis toiletriesgreat selection

The room included elemis toiletries, and i found this a luxurious touch. all the staff were very helpful. Nothing seemed too much trouble for them. breakfast featured a great selection with something for everyone. i enjoyed the food. but the dining room was too hot!

The hotel could use a bit more cleaning, as i noticed some cobwebs in the corridors. This was minor, though.

0 Helpful

Martin from United Kingdom

Single

deluxe king room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: January 18, 2026

9.0/10

amazing stay, great value!

friendly staffspa massagedelicious dinner

Wow, the staff was so friendly. Diane and abbey were stars! the meals were tasty, with a great breakfast variety, i'm not kidding. i used the spa and gym facilities, which i found to be great. the 25-minute spa massage really relaxed me, and dinner was delicious.

honestly, the only slight downside i noticed was that some parts of the accommodation could use a little updating.

Facilities

9/10

the gym included three treadmills and two stationary bikes, perfect for a morning workout. the spa area was spacious, and it featured a sauna and a steam room. this area added to a relaxing stay.

Rooms

9/10

the beautiful king room included two separate sinks and a rainfall shower. in addition, it offered ample space for luggage and the bed felt very large. this felt really luxurious.

0 Helpful

John from United Kingdom

Family with children

Deluxe King Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: January 01, 2026

8.7/10

a tender escape

friendly staffspecial staydelight breakfastclean room

the staff were friendly they helped make our stay special breakfast was a delight with so many choices the location suited us well the room was spacious and clean everything i hoped it would be

i noticed a small charge for my chihuahua which seemed a bit steep

Rooms

9/10

the beautiful king room included lovely views and comfortable beds ensuring a restful experience each night the room size was ample with well kept furnishings that contributed to a relaxing atmosphere throughout the visit

Location

9/10

the location provided perfect access to nearby attractions the hotel also featured beautiful park surroundings offering a serene environment ideal for peaceful walks and relaxation during the quiet times in the morning and evening

Facilities

8/10

the gym offered modern equipment and various fitness classes weekly providing ample opportunities for exercise and wellness the hotel spa was equipped with saunas offering rejuvenating treatments designed for relaxation and pampering

0 Helpful

rowan from united kingdom

Single

standard king room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: December 08, 2025

5/10

quick check inimpossible channelsdated tv

check in was quick, i guess. the room included tea and coffee.

the television channels were impossible to figure out. it reminded me of i was back in the 90s, not a fun flashback. i think the tv came from that era too.

0 Helpful

Connor from Ireland

Couple

Deluxe King Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: November 30, 2025

8.5/10

Excellent Stay with Noteworthy Amenities

good breakfastlarge roomscenic groundsoutdated tv

The breakfast offered good choices. The room was large. The bed was comfortable. I certainly enjoyed the quiet central location with scenic grounds. The big bath included an efficient shower.. I also appreciated how spotlessly clean it was. I look forward to returning and perhaps utilizing the gym and spa next time.

I wish the TV channels were easier to navigate, resembling something more modern, not from the 90s.

Rooms

9/10

The room had lovely Elemis toiletries provided . The hotel room features both a bath and a shower with good water pressure, ideal for unwinding after a day of travel.

Dining

8/10

The breakfast service had staff super helpful for all guests. The food selection included a variety of choices to suit many tastes, from continental options to full English breakfasts.

0 Helpful

FAQs

About Macdonald Craxton Wood Hotel & Spa, Chester

What is the distance from the 4-star Macdonald Craxton Wood Hotel & Spa, Chester to Ledsham city centre?

Ledsham city centre is reachable within a 15-minute walk from the 4-star Macdonald Craxton Wood Hotel & Spa, Chester.

What is the closest airport to the Macdonald Craxton Wood Hotel & Spa, Chester?

Chester Hawarden airport is located within a 25-minute drive (5 km) from the Macdonald Craxton Wood Hotel & Spa, Chester.

Can I leave my car in Macdonald Craxton Wood Hotel & Spa, Chester parking lot for free?

Yes, Macdonald Craxton Wood Hotel & Spa, Chester provides parking spaces for free.

What payment methods are available in the tranquil 4-star Macdonald Craxton Wood Hotel & Spa, Chester?

At the tranquil 4-star Macdonald Craxton Wood Hotel & Spa, Chester, you can pay using Visa and American Express.

What kinds of rooms does the 4-star Macdonald Craxton Wood Hotel & Spa, Chester offer?

The 4-star Macdonald Craxton Wood Hotel & Spa, Chester offers such room types as Twin Room, King Suite, and Queen Suite.

Are there any business facilities featured at the 4-star Macdonald Craxton Wood Hotel & Spa, Chester?

Yes, for business travellers the 4-star Macdonald Craxton Wood Hotel & Spa, Chester provides conference facilities and a photocopier.

Are there any cleaning services provided at the tranquil 4-star Macdonald Craxton Wood Hotel & Spa, Chester?

Yes, the tranquil 4-star Macdonald Craxton Wood Hotel & Spa, Chester offers dry cleaning service and housekeeping.

Which facilities are provided in the 4-star Macdonald Craxton Wood Hotel & Spa, Chester?

Top locations of the 4-star Macdonald Craxton Wood Hotel & Spa, Chester include a restaurant and baggage storage, whereas guests' safety will be ensured with luggage storage.

Do you have a pool at the 4-star Macdonald Craxton Wood Hotel & Spa, Chester?

Yes, the 4-star Macdonald Craxton Wood Hotel & Spa, Chester features an indoor pool.