Attractions in Cheshire

Polly Checkland Harding

Our guide to the best attractions in the Cheshire includes two traditional northern market halls in Crewe and Macclesfield, and the oldest racecourse in the UK – potentially the world – on the edge of Chester. Steeped in history, this is a county in which you can see the remains of a Roman legionary fortress, and a castle founded in 1070, as well as evidence of the North’s mercantile heritage at Macclesfield’s Silk Museum and Paradise Mill. Equally, there’s no shortage of cutting-edge culture here: head to the Platform Theatre Company for innovative theatre in Crewe, to Chester’s largest independent music venue The Live Rooms, or the Substation in Macclesfield, where there’s a climbing wall, yoga studio, cafe and events space all under one roof.

To discover one of the UK’s best parks, where to go for spectacular views and abundant wildlife and much more, read on.

  • 1. Chester Castle

    Image by Carmel Smickersgill

    Chester Castle, Grosvenor Street, Chester, Cheshire, CH1 2DN - Visit now

    Chester Castle was founded by William the Conqueror in 1070 and became the administrative centre of the earldom of Chester.

  • 2. Tegg’s Nose Country Park

    Teggs Nose

    Tegg’s Nose Country Park, Buxton Old Rd, Macclesfield, Cheshire, SK11 0AP - Visit now

    Located on the western edge of the Peak District, just outside of Macclesfield, Tegg’s Nose Country Park is a popular destination for families, walkers and outdoor sports enthusiasts alike.

  • 3. Dewa Roman Experience

    Dewa Roman Experience
    Courtesy of Dewa Roman Experience

    Dewa Roman Experience, Pierpoint Lane, Off Bridge Street, Chester, Cheshire, CH1 1NL - Visit now

    Dewa Roman Experience occupies a unique site at the heart of the original legionary fortress. In 1991 archaeologists discovered remains of the fortress on this site and the excavations have been left open for public viewing.

  • 4. The Silk Museum

    The Silk Museum

    The Silk Museum, Park Lane, Macclesfield, Cheshire, SK11 6TJ - Visit now

    Housed in a 19th-century art school, The Silk Museum takes visitors through Macclesfield’s history as a silk town with a range of exhibits and events.

  • 5. Crewe Lyceum Theatre

    Crewe Lyceum Theatre
    Courtesy of Crewe Lyceum Theatre

    Crewe Lyceum Theatre, Heath Street, Crewe, Cheshire, CW1 2DA - Visit now

    Crewe Lyceum Theatre showcases a rolling programme of planned events, including classic musicals, live concerts and cutting-edge comedy.

  • 6. Chester Cathedral

    Chester Cathedral
    Courtesy of Chester Cathedral

    Chester Cathedral, St Werburgh St, Chester, Cheshire, CH1 2DY - Visit now

    Chester Cathedral has moved with the times and is a spiritual and cultural hub hosting a packed programme of events throughout the year.

  • 7. Macclesfield Treacle Market

    Things to do in Macclesfield: Macclesfield Treacle Market
    Treacle Market

    Macclesfield Treacle Market, Market Place,, Macclesfield, Cheshire, SK10 1EA - Visit now

    Macclesfield’s Treacle Market takes over the streets and cobbles of the town’s Marketplace, Old Butter Market and St Michael’s churchyard, with over 160 stalls selling local crafts, artisan foodstuffs and vintage treasures.

  • 8. Crewe Heritage Centre

    Crewe Heritage Centre
    Courtesy of Crewe Heritage Centre

    Crewe Heritage Centre, Crewe Heritage Centre, Vernon Way, Crewe, Cheshire, CW1 2DB - Visit now

    Crewe Heritage Centre was originally part of the Crewe Heritage Festival, and officially opened on 24 July 1987 by HRH Queen Elizabeth II.

  • 9. Grosvenor Museum

    Courtesy of The Grosvenor Museum

    Grosvenor Museum, 27 Grosvenor Street, Chester, Cheshire, CH1 2DD - Visit now

    The Grosvenor Museum is a treasure trove of amazing artefacts and exhibitions that tell the epic story of Chester through the ages.

  • 10. Substation

    Substation

    Substation, Queens Court, Queen's Ave, Macclesfield, Cheshire, SK10 2BN - Visit now

    Located just outside of Macclesfield town centre, Substation is an all-in-one climbing wall, yoga studio, cafe and events space.

  • 11. Reaseheath Mini Zoo

    Reaseheath Mini Zoo
    Courtesy of Reaseheath Mini Zoo

    Reaseheath Mini Zoo, Reaseheath College, Reaseheath Roundabout, Nantwich, Cheshire, CW5 6DF - Visit now

    Reaseheath Zoo is a small animal collection in the heart of Reaseheath College in Nantwich, giving home to over 170 species of animals.

  • 12. Chester Little Theatre

    Chester Little Theatre
    Courtesy of Chester Little Theatre

    Chester Little Theatre, Gloucester Street, Newtown, Chester, Cheshire, CH1 3HR - Visit now

    Chester’s longest running theatre, Chester Little Theatre, is an intimate venue showcasing top performances.

  • 13. St. Mary’s Church

    St. Mary’s Church
    St Mary’s Church, Nantwich

    St. Mary’s Church, St. Mary’s Parish Office, Church Walk,, Nantwich, Cheshire, CW5 5RG - Visit now

    St. Mary’s Church is nestled in the heart of Nantwich, visually dominating for its Gothic architecture and renowned for its unique details.

  • 14. Macclesfield Forest

    Creative Tourist

    Macclesfield Forest, Macclesfield, Macclesfield, Cheshire, SK11 0NE - Visit now

    Boasting spectacular views and abundant wildlife, Macclesfield Forest is a working forest located on the edge of the Peak District National Park.

  • 15. Crewe Market Hall

    Crewe Market Hall
    Courtesy of Crewe Market Hall

    Crewe Market Hall, 27 Earle Street, Crewe, Cheshire, CW1 2BL - Visit now

    Crewe Market Hall offers shopping and dining under one roof, bringing street food, fresh food produce and independent retail together.

  • 16. The Live Rooms

    The Live Rooms, Chester
    Courtesy of The Live Rooms

    The Live Rooms, 1 Station Road, Chester, Cheshire, CH1 3DR - Visit now

    The Live Rooms is Chester’s largest independent live music venue and nightclub and has hosted some of the biggest names in music.

  • 17. Paradise Mill

    Paradise Mill

    Paradise Mill, Park Lane,, Macclesfield, Cheshire, SK11 6TJ - Visit now

    Paradise Mill is a museum devoted to early-20th-century silk weaving, featuring working handlooms in their original setting.

  • 18. Nantwich Museum

    Nantwich Museum
    Courtesy of Nantwich Museum

    Nantwich Museum, Pillory Street, Nantwich, Cheshire, CW5 5BQ - Visit now

    Nantwich Museum holds an exemplary archive of local history, including artefacts on roman salt making and the Civil War.

  • 19. ChesterBoat

    ChesterBoat river cruise, Chester
    Courtesy of ChesterBoat

    ChesterBoat, The Boating Station, Souters Lane, The Groves, Chester, Cheshire, CH1 1SZ - Visit now

    ChesterBoat is a family-owned business with more than 40 year’s experience of welcoming visitors to the beautiful River Dee.

  • 20. Mads Theatre

    Mads Theatre

    Mads Theatre, Lord St, Macclesfield, Cheshire, SK11 6S - Visit now

    A theatre that can trace its origins back to 1947, Macclesfield Amateur Dramatics Society (or MADS) is dedicated to serving the town and its people.

  • 21. Queens Park

    Queens Park
    Courtesy of The Friends of Queens Park

    Queens Park, Victoria Avenue, Crewe, Cheshire, CW2 7SJ - Visit now

    Queens Park in Crewe holds a Green Flag Award as one of the UK’s best parks, renowned for its historic features and bee protection.

  • 22. Alexander’s Live

    Courtesy of Alexander's Live

    Alexander’s Live, Rufus Court, Chester, Cheshire, CH1 2JW - Visit now

    Alexander’s Live puts on an amazing range of live music including jazz, blues, soul, roots and rock, comedy and drama.

  • 23. West Park Museum

    West Park Museum

    West Park Museum, Prestbury Road, Macclesfield, Cheshire, SK10 3BJ - Visit now

    West Park Museum was purpose built to house the Egyptian collections of Victorian explorer Marianne Brocklehurst, daughter of the Macclesfield mill owner, John Brocklehurst.

  • 24. Platform Theatre Company

    Platform Theatre Company
    Platform Theatre Crewe

    Platform Theatre Company, N/A, Crewe, Cheshire, CW12AL - Visit now

    Platform Theatre Company is an innovative theatre dedicated to promoting new work and voices in the cultural sector.

  • 25. Chester Visitor Information Centre

    Chester
    Courtesy of Visit Cheshire

    Chester Visitor Information Centre, Town Hall, Northgate St, Chester, Cheshire, CH1 2HJ - Visit now

    Chester Visitor Information Centre is the meeting point for Tours Around Chester, which offers a variety of themed tours around Chester.

  • 26. Little Roodee Cafe

    Little Roodee Cafe, Chester
    Courtesy of Vivo Care Choices Ltd

    Little Roodee Cafe, Little RooDee Training Academy, Castle Drive, Chester, Cheshire, CH1 1SL - Visit now

    Little Roodee Cafe is the meeting point for Chester Cycle Tours who will help you to explore Chester’s most fascinating places.

  • 27. Chester Racecourse

    Chester Racecourse
    Courtesy of Chester Racecourse

    Chester Racecourse, The Racecourse, Chester, Cheshire, CH1 2LY - Visit now

    Chester racecourse is the oldest in the UK and possibly the world; the first recorded race was held here on 9th February 1539.

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