Things to Do in Cheshire

Polly Checkland Harding

Dividing the hills of North Wales from the Peak District, the county of Cheshire is best known for its historic villages, industrial heritage and picturesque landscapes. The city of Chester is the urban centre, the town of Crewe a rising cultural contender and the market town of Macclesfield an increasing draw that’s a direct train ride east from Manchester city centre.

Chester is a city of opposites: historic and modern. Bustling and peaceful. Big enough to keep you busy and small enough to get everywhere on foot. Discover Roman walls, Chester Cathedral – founded in 1541 and now a cultural hub – and the £37m arts centre Storyhouse all in one city, as well as Michelin starred restaurants and the Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre. Crewe, meanwhile, takes its name from the old Welsh for ‘crossing’ – a fitting name for the village that launched the Victorian railway network. Delve into the history of the railway at the Heritage Centre, visit Edwardian theatre The Lyceum, or explore the independent traders at the recently revamped Crewe Market Hall.

A former centre for silk manufacturing, Macclesfield is notable for its proximity to Manchester city centre, and for the independent food and drink scene that’s really putting the town on the map. The Picturedrome is Macclesfield’s equivalent of phenomenally popular food halls Altrincham Market and Mackie Mayor, while the historic Treacle Market continues to evolve in the present day. With Tegg’s Nose Country Park, Macclesfield Forest and Jodrell Bank all to be found in the surrounding countryside, it’s worth roaming further afield too. Read on to discover more.

What's on in Cheshire

Where to go in Cheshire

Cheshire
Event venue
Bolesworth

Historic castle and gardens, regularly hosting exciting events in Chester.

Cheshire
Cinema
Cinemac Cinema

Cinemac Cinema in Macclesfield is a cinema and live-performance venue which hosts a regular variety of cinema, comedy, theatre and more.

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Cheshire
Event venue
St Mary’s Creative Space

St Mary’s Creative Space in Cheshire is a rehearsal and exhibition space which regularly has exciting projects on for the public.

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Cheshire
Bar or Pub
The Cornerhouse

Live music, comedy, quiz nights and special events – all to be enjoyed alongside sharing platters and, of course, an extensive range of drinks.

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Cheshire
Restaurant
Metronome Jazz Bar

This small and atmospheric bar is a cosy venue with a resident Jazz pianist, fantastic staff and a record player filled with, naturally, iconic jazz.

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Cheshire
Gallery
Watergate Street Gallery

This contemporary Art Gallery In Chester displays and sells original and affordable works, with regular new exhibitions listed on their website.

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Cheshire
Gallery
Clarendon Fine Art

Contemporary art on display and for sale in Cheshire. Come and browse their varied collections and converse with knowledgeable staff.

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Cheshire
Bar or Pub
The Sydney Arms

The Sydney Arms in Crewe is a Robinson’s community pub, set in beautiful greenery and with a large and secure beer garden.

Northern Quarter
Shop
Makers Markets

Featuring artists, designers, upcyclers and a host of food and drink vendors, Makers Markets can be found throughout the north of England, bringing the best artisans to the communities in which they live.

Cheshire
BeWILDerwood

BeWILDerwood in Cheshire is an entire forest of family fun with an enchanting story behind it

Cheshire Visitor Guides

Stately Homes in the North

The North of England is blessed with countless stunning stately homes, many dating back decades and even centuries. Here are some of the very best.

Hypha restaurant Chester
Food and Drink in Cheshire

Our guide to food and drink in Cheshire, featuring restaurants and bars in Chester, Crewe and Macclesfield.

Walks in Crewe
Walks in Crewe

A range of walks, hikes and places to wander around in Crewe, featuring cultural landmarks and routes through rural landscape.

Walks in Macclesfield
Walks in Macclesfield

Our guide to the parks and natural landscape available in Macclesfield, including rural retreats and hiking routes.

Delemere Forest
Walks in Chester

A round-up of the best walks in Liverpool, including the city centre, its many parks, and over the water by Creative Tourist.

Mottram Hall
Hotels in Cheshire

To make life easy when it comes to booking your stay, here’s our guide to the best hotels in Cheshire, including Chester, Crewe and Macclesfield.

The Antiques Shop, Chester
Shopping in Cheshire

Our guide to the best shops in Cheshire, including independents, boutiques and markets in Chester, Crewe and Macclesfield.

Easter Holidays in Manchester and the North
Spotlight on

Things to do over the Easter Holidays

Looking for some ideas to keep little and big kids as busy as the Easter bunny? Check out our guide.

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