Knutsford Tourist Information

Knutsford is a pleasant market town steeped in legend and history, it is said that the name comes from King Canute fording the river Lilly.

The Town has a strongly Georgian feel to it, as you stroll casually down King Street, known as the bottom street, and Princess Street known as the top Street. There are a variety of interesting shops, selling a whole range of goods.

Each May the whole town comes to life with the Knutsford Royal Mayday Procession and the visiting fair ground on the heath, held on the first Saturday of the month since 1864, apart from the war years. Here on the heath the Queen is crowned, after the procession winds it way through the Town, from the Sessions House. The Queen is attended by Her Ladies in waiting and her Guards. There are lots of interesting characters in the procession, amongst them is Jack in the Green, the origins of this are probably lost in time. Knutsford Heath is in the town centre, with it's famous "sand hole" in the centre. The Heath was originally home to the Knutsford Race Course, the only memories now are nearby Racefield Road, and 2 public Houses on the road to Northwich, The Slow and Easy, and The Smoker, both named after Race Horses. Nearby Tatton Park is great for a whole family day out, the hall, old hall and the grounds, not to mention the fantastic gardens. Vehicles and pedestrians are welcome when the site is open. Refreshments and souvenirs can be bought.

There are many other interesting things about Knutsford, but why not find out for yourself. Knutsford is easily reached by train, being on the Chester to Manchester line, and the town sits just 1 mile from Junction 19 on the M6. The A50 passes through the town, and the A56 just 2 miles to the west.

Description by David Village