Page Contents
Things to do in Cheshire
Days out in Cheshire
Places to visit in Cheshire

Cheshire, one of the most picturesque counties in Britain, is situated in north west England.

Chester Cathedral

Black and white 'Magpie' houses set in idyllic gardens typify the Cheshire countryside.

Its green pasture lands and farms are renowned for the production of the famous crumbly white Cheshire cheese.

The Cat and Fiddle Road, Cheshire

There are historic houses and gardens, waterways, fascinating museums and heritage you can trace to pre Roman times.

Many people like to begin their visit to Cheshire in the County town of Chester, situated on the banks of the River Dee.

The historic Rows in the centre of Chester, England.

Visit the city for the unique experience of combining first class shopping set in the 'Rows' (13th century covered walkways at first floor level), with a walk along the city walls, or a visit to the Norman Cathedral.

Perhaps a boat trip on the river, or a day at England's oldest racecourse, Chester Racecourse, or even a visit to Chester Zoo - there is lots to see and do in Chester.

Rhino at Chester Zoo

In the north west of Cheshire is Ellesmere Port, the town which grew with commercial trading on the Shoprshire Union and the Manchester Ship Canlas. Today Ellesmere Port offers visitors up to the minute shopping complexes and parks. It is also the home of the Boat Museum, Britain's premier canal boat museum.

Chester, England, black and white building

Warrington is in the north of the County - an expanding town with an ancient history .

There are some interesting buildings in the town centre and an excellent selection of shops.

Enjoy a trip along the historic Manchester Ship Canal, or the Bridgewater Canal taking passengers through attractive countryside and picturesque villages such as Grappenhall and Lymm.

View from Teggs Nose

Black Bear Park is a good starting point for exploring the Trans Pennine Trail and the Mersey Way.

The village of Appleton, outside Warrington, is home of the popular 'Maize Maze', a fun experience for all ages.

If you like visiting stately homes, with plenty of attractions then enjoy a day out at Walton Hall Gardens.

Best Villages in Cheshire Chart

Name	Highlight	Population
1. Alderley Edge	Beautiful walks and a wizard!	4,638
2. Disley	Peak District setting	4,294
3. Gawsworth	Half-timbered halls	1,705
4. Malpas	Motte and Bailey castle	1,628

Historic Wattle And Daub Building, Nantwich

Vale Royal in the heart of Cheshire encompasses many interesting towns and delightful countryside. The Vale was so named when Prince Edward built an Abbey on the banks of the River Weaver for the Cistercian monks in the late 13th century.

Cheshire is renowned for its production of salt, you can trace its history by visiting The Salt Museum, at Northwich.

Half timbered houses in Bridge Street, Chester

The Norman hunting forests covering much of the area have long gone, but the conifer plantation of Delamere Forest provides a safe environment for walking and cycling with way marked trails, as well as a haven for wildlife.

The sandstone ridge around the west of the area gives good views across the Cheshire plane to the Dee Valley and the Welsh hills.

Anderton Boat Lift

Northwich is home to Anderton Boat Lift, which is the world's first boat lift. Here you can enjoy a trip on the specially designed boat 'Edwin Clark'.

For country house and garden enthusiasts we recommend a visit to Arley Hall.

Knutsford is the town which inspired the setting for Elizabeth Gaskill's novel Cranford. Take a town trail to see places familiar to the author. Knutsford is also associated with the artist Charles Tunnicliffe, many locations in the area feature in his natural history works.

Chester Town Hall

Knutsford is home to Tatton Park where the RHS hold the annual flower show in July. Tatton Park makes for a great day out, with two houses to visit and the gardens are one of the best in Britain.

Nearby is Tabley House, the finest Palladian mansion in the North West of England - well worth visiting.

In Macclesfield, you'll find the Cheshire Tourist Information office in the Market Place.

Macclesfield has been weaving silk since the industrial revolution and the development of the silk industry in Macclesfield is told at Macclesfield Silk Museum and the new Silk Industry Museum in Park Lane. The two museums and a visit to Paradise Mill make a fascinating day out.

It has been said that to see Cheshire you must see Gawsworth, a village a short distance from Macclesfield and home to Gawsworth Hall, an ancient Manor House wrapped in romance, intrigue and great charm.

The Lovell Radio Telescope at Jodrell Bank, Cheshire

Visit the Jodrell Bank Visitor Centre, home of the world famous Lovell Radio Telescope. An Observational Pathway stretching 180 degrees round the base of the Lovell Telescope allows visitors an even closer look at the telescope.

There is also a 3D theatre and a 35-acre arboretum with the National Collection of Malus and Sorbus, as well as a discovery centre housing a Tree Planet exhibition.

View from the top of Shining Tor, between the towns of Buxton and Macclesfield

In the south east of the County you will find Congleton, a pretty market town with ancient origins. The Congleton Local History Museum tells the fascinating story of the town, which was granted its royal charter in 1272.

Although this area of Cheshire is generally flat, there are several elevated areas. Mow Cop is one of the most recognisable features, at over 1, 000 feet above sea level it provides spectacular vistas of the surrounding countryside.

Little Moreton Hall

Little Moreton Hall, a magnificent 16th century moated manor house just outside Congleton is not to be missed.

The Upper Weaver Valley in the south of Cheshire encompasses the towns of Nantwich and Crewe.

Nantwich is an old salt mining town on the banks of the River Weaver, with black and white Tudor houses in quaint streets. The town hosts several annual events, such as the Folk and Roots festival, the Jazz festival and the Food and Drink festival, and is considered by many to be the gourmet capital of the north west of England.

Macclesfield Canal

Crewe was built by the Grand Junction Railway Company in the 19th century for their staff employed at Crewe station.

The town continues to be strategically important, providing communication and transport links for Britain.

Days out in Cheshire

• Anson Engine Museum
  This museum has one of the largest collections of engines in Europe - varying in size from desktop to 100 tons!
  
• Arley Hall & Gardens
  Arley Hall, with its ancient history and over 100 acres of gardens and parkland, has been owned and run by the same family for more than 500 years.
• Beeston Castle
  Perched on a sandstone escarpment five hundred feet above the Cheshire Plain, on a clear day Beeston Castle enjoys fabulous views extending to the Pennines and the Welsh Mountains.
  
• Blue Planet Aquarium
  There's a world of underwater adventure just waiting to be discovered at the Blue Planet Aquarium.
  
  
• Capesthorne Hall
  Capesthorne Hall has been the home of the Bromley-Davenport family and their ancestors since Domesday times.
  
• Cheshire Military Museum
  An interesting, innovative and attractive museum in a Grade I Listed Building on the very edge of the Castle in Chester. It is always developing new ideas to interpret the stories of the men of four famous regiments connected with Cheshire.
  
• Chester Cathedral
  The Cathedral Church of Christ and the Blessed Virgin Mary at Chester is a living symbol of continuous progress combined with constancy of purpose.
  
• Chester Racecourse
  Tudor Kings and Queens ruled England when horse racing began on The Roodee. There is no more historic racecourse in the land.
  
• Chester Zoo
  Visit world famous Chester Zoo A wild day out for all!
  
• Cholmondeley Castle Gardens
  Visitors to Cholmondeley Castle Garden often say it's the most beautiful garden they've ever seen - why not join them and see if you agree?
  
• Dorfold Hall
  Dorfold Hall is a Jacobean country house built in 1616 for Ralph Wilbraham. The house has beautiful plaster ceilings and panelling. The 18 acres of garden reflect four centuries of gardening fashion.
  
• Dunham Massey
  Dunham Massey is a delightful country house in Cheshire with unique gardens, fine interiors and a working sawmill.
  
• Gawsworth Hall
  Dating from 1480, Gawsworth Hall is a beautiful Tudor manor house, and one of Cheshire's must-see attractions. Once home to Elizabeth I's maid of honour, Gawsworth is now the family home of the Richards Family.
  
• Little Moreton Hall
  The charming black-and-white timbered building of Little Moreton Hall certainly is one of the most famous Tudor country houses in England. First impressions are how small the building is!
  
• Lyme Park
  Lyme Park Hall, set in 1,000 acres of deer park, closely resembles "Pemberley", the home of Mr Darcy in the BBC's drama of the Jane Austen classic, Pride and Prejudice.
  
• Macclesfield Silk Museum
  Just a short distance from The Silk Heritage Centre are the new Silk Museum Park Lane Galleries.
  
• National Waterways Museum
  With its delightful waterside setting, flotillas of historic boats and fascinating displays housed in a fine collection of Victorian buildings, the National Waterways Museum is a great day out whatever the weather.
  
• Norton Priory Museum and Gardens
  Nearly a millennium ago, Norton Priory was home to a community of Augustinian canons, whose purpose was to centre their lives on God. Today, Norton Priory is a unique and enthralling place to escape from modern life.
  
• Oulton Park Race Circuit
  Oulton Park first established itself as the North West's premier motorsport venue in 1953. The venue held its first prestigious Gold Cup meeting in 1954. Winners include: Sir Stirling Moss, Sir Jack Brabham, Sir Jackie Stewart and Graham Hill.
  
• Quarry Bank Mill and Styal Estate
  Set in an idyllic rural landscape, yet just minutes from Manchester Airport, the Styal Estate grew up as a self-contained village around the huge Georgian cotton mill known as Quarry Bank Mill.
  
• Rode Hall
  A beautiful country house with extensive gardens near Congleton, Cheshire. Snowdrop Walks in mid-February.
  
• Stapeley Water Gardens
  Stapeley Water Gardens is the perfect destination to keep the whole family entertained. At the Palms Tropical Oasis there's a whole new world of rare plants, as well as animals.
  
• Tabley House Collection
  Grade I listed Palladian house containing The Leicester collection of paintings, furniture and memorabilia from the 17th to 20th century.
  
• Tatton Park
  A day at Tatton Park has much to offer. Its two historic houses are set in 1000 acres of beautiful rolling parkland with lakes, tree-lined avenues and herds of red and fallow deer.
  
• The Salt Museum
  Cheshire has been a centre of the salt industry for some 2,000 years and today is the only place in Britain where salt is produced on a large scale. The Salt Museum is housed in the old Northwich Workhouse.
  
• Walton Hall Gardens
  With spacious lawns, picnic areas, play area, children's zoo, heritage centre and outdoor games it is the ideal place for a family day out.
  
• West Park Museum
  West Park Museum opened in 1898, a gift from Marianne Brocklehurst for the people of Macclesfield. The Museum is located in one of the earliest public parks which opened in 1854 and was funded by voluntary subscription.
  

Places to Visit in Cheshire

• Alderley Edge
  Alderley Edge is an old village situated in the heart of Cheshire with its famous landmark `The Edge` towering over the Cheshire plain. It has lovely shops to visit and various attractions like Alderley Edge Cricket Club, The Village Park,
  
• Alsager
  Alsager is easily accessible by road and rail and is a small town on the Cheshire plain, surrounded by agricultural land, hamlets and small villages. The town centre is located around the Civic Centre and Library buildings.
  
• Chester
  Chester is the county town of Cheshire, and the lovely agricultural land of the county surrounds the city which is situated on the north bank of the River Dee.
  
• Congleton
  The thriving and attractive market town of Congleton nestles at the foothills of the pennines amongst some of the most attractive countryside in Britain. The river Dane winds its way through the centre of town creating an outstanding wildli
  
• Crewe
  Crewe is not a town that grew naturally, it was created for the purpose of serving the railways as they grew in the 19th century. The name was taken from nearby Crewe Hall
  
• Dunham-on-the-Hill
  Dunham-on-the-Hill is a small village in Cheshire. It straddles the A56 with the Church, Pub and a small Council Estate (now largely owner-occupied) on the northwest side and the Village Hall and the majority of the houses to the southeast.
  
• Ellesmere Port
  Ellesmere Port is an industrial town on the Wirral Peninsula, eight miles north of Chester. This port town in Cheshire is on the banks of the Manchester Ship Canal.
  
• Farndon
  Farndon is a Cheshire village close to Wales. The church of St Chad is in the centre of the village and worth a visit, look out for the 'Civil War window' dating from 1662.
  
• High Legh
  The parish of High Legh was recorded in the 1086 Domesday Book as having two Saxons, Ulviet and Dob. Once the Norman baron, Baron De Venables, was given the parish, these two saxons disappear from records.
  
• Holmes Chapel
  Holmes Chapel is an attractive village in the north of the borough of Congleton, overlooking the Dane Valley. The centre of the village is the Parish Church, St Luke's, which has a history of its own.
  
• Kelsall
  Kelsall is a pretty Cheshire village with rural charm yet near exciting and varied visitor attractions. There is a genuine warmth and friendliness in the people who are fortunate to live in this beautiful area.
• Knutsford
  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.
  
• Macclesfield
  Macclesfield is a relatively affluent Cheshire town, 12 miles south of Stockport.
  
• Middlewich
  Middlewich is just two miles from junction 18 off the M6. Middlewich is set in the heart of Cheshire's salt area. Timber framed housing, pottery and the remains of clay-lined salt evaporation chambers have been excavated.
  
• Northwich
  Northwich is a medium size town built on industry and waterways heritage. It boasts some unique attractions such as the Anderton Boatlift (about 3 miles from the town centre) and the Salt Museum.
  
• Runcorn
  The industrial town of Runcorn is built on a bulge of land on the south bank of the Mersey, where the estuary narrows to form the Runcorn Gap.
• Sandbach
  Sandbach is an historic market town, half a mile from j17 off the M6 motorway. The Trent and Mersey canal passes through the town bringing numerous tourists during the summer.
  
• Swettenham
  After countless generations of farming the village of Swettenham maintains an agricultural character to this day. The twin focal points of the village are the 13th Century Parish Church and the local pub.
  
• Thornton le Moors
  Thornton Le Moors is a lovely little village, with much to offer. The village has a calm and peaceful atmosphere, where everyone gets along well together.
• Warrington
  Warrington is a Cheshire town 16 miles east of Liverpool with the River Mersey running through it.
  
• Widnes
  Widnes is a sizeable industrial town in Cheshire. It is situated on the north bank of the River Mersey opposite Runcorn.
  
• Wybunbury
  Wybunbury is a delightful village with loads of old traditions and values.