Things to do in Crewe

Vicky Andrews

Most people think of the railways when they think of Crewe. Interestingly enough, it’s one of the few places to be named after its railway station, rather than the other way round. The name of ‘Crewe’ comes from the old Welsh for ‘crossing’, a fitting name for the village that launched the Victorian railway network and became such a popular destination.

With a fascinating heritage built on innovation, industry and enterprise, Crewe is the manufacturing centre of the world-famous Bentley Motors and just down the road is Jodrell Bank and the Lovell Telescope, an internationally renowned landmark in the world of astronomy. Sandwiched between quaint Cheshire villages and pretty towns like Nantwich, Sandbach and Alsager, Crewe is a place that is frequently overlooked. Forward-thinking and always reinventing – but proud of its past – dig a little bit deeper and you’ll find a budding arts and cultural scene.

Steam into 175 years of railway history at the Heritage Centre or check out the fabulous theatre programme at The Lyceum, the only Edwardian theatre in the county. The town is also home to the famous Crewe Alexandra Football Club, founded in 1887 and aptly nicknamed the Railwaymen.

The recent revamp of Crewe Market Hall has seen the addition of new independent shops, makers and street food outlets, and the UK’s real ale revolution has sparked a renaissance for the local pubs and bars. There’s also a burgeoning arts scene taking hold too. The town is home to Platform Theatre Company and Axis Arts, a centre for contemporary arts at the MMU’s Cheshire Campus. Drawing on the heritage and cultural fabric of the local area, the Lumen Festival of Lights in December has become a highlight of the cultural calendar along with the town’s Steampunk Convivial held every May.

A long weekend will give you time to explore some of the surrounding attractions including the Grade II listed Queens Park, picturesque Little Moreton Hall, Hack Green, Snugbury’s Ice Cream, Alton Towers, and the historic town of Nantwich, one of the major Roman settlements in Cheshire.

Our top picks

Crewe Lyceum Theatre

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

Crewe Lyceum Theatre is Cheshire’s home for entertainment. The venue provides top quality performances from blockbuster productions to big name stars. You can also enjoy delicious dining and experience the spectacular surroundings of South Cheshire’s only Edwardian theatre.

Crewe Lyceum Theatre
Courtesy of Crewe Lyceum Theatre

Crewe Heritage Centre

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

The Crewe Heritage Centre began life as part of the 1987 Crewe Heritage Festival, founded by Crewe and Nantwich Borough Council and British Rail and officially opened on 24 July 1987 by HRH Queen Elizabeth II.

Crewe Heritage Centre
Courtesy of Crewe Heritage Centre

Gio’s Italian

Gio’s Italian, 23/25 Nantwich Road, Crewe, Cheshire, CW2 6AF - Visit now

Gio’s Italian has produced homemade Italian food since 1987. The talented chefs use fresh produce and make the dough and pasta from scratch to ensure that all guests can enjoy an authenic Italian experience.

Gio's Crewe
Courtesy of Gio's Crewe.

Hops Belgian Bar

Hops Belgian Bar, 8-10 Prince Albert St, Crewe, Cheshire, CW1 2DL - Visit now

Hops is a Belgian-style cafe bar offering a fantastic range of bottled beers, draught Belgian ales, ciders, continental lagers and cask ales. Enjoy an intimate setting with wooden tables and chairs, leather sofa chairs and an upstairs drinking area. You’ll find Hops at the end of Prince Albert Street, opposite Christ Church and the Forge Street car park.

Hops Belgian Bar
Courtesy of Hops - Belgian Bar

Enzo

Enzo, 44 High Street, Nantwich, Cheshire, CW5 5AS - Visit now

It’s all about the Enzo Experience. That special feeling when everything comes together. Great pizza. Fantastic coffee. Enjoy.

Enzo
Courtesy of Enzo Nantwich

Platform Theatre Company

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

Platform Theatre Company create and produce new work, develop emerging talent and advocate for the importance of arts education as an early intervention tool.

Platform Theatre Company
Platform Theatre Crewe

Miss Marmalades

Miss Marmalades, 31 Pepper Street, Nantwich, Cheshire, CW5 5AB - Visit now

Nantwich coffee shop serving extravagant milkshakes and delicious cakes within a quirky setting.

Miss Marmalades
Courtesy of MIss Marmalades

Rookery Hall Hotel & Spa

Rookery Hall Hotel & Spa, Main Road, Worleston, Nantwich, Cheshire, CW5 6DQ - Visit now

Built in 1816 and set in 38 acres of Cheshire countryside, Rookery Hall Hotel & Spa is in Nantwich, Cheshire. This 4 AA red star Country House Hotel offers 70 well-appointed bedrooms, event and banqueting suites, Restaurant and public areas as well as a Health Club and Spa. It is the perfect location for weddings, family celebrations and parties as well as a great location for meetings, conferences and events.

Rookery Hall Hotel & Spa
Courtesy of Rookery Hall Hotel & Spa

Snugbury’s

Snugbury’s, Park Farm, Hurleston, Nantwich, Cheshire, CW5 6BU - Visit now

A family business that has been delivering delicious ice cream for over 30 years. The Snugburys team use fresh British cream and lots of homemade ingredients.

Snugbury's
Courtesy of Snugburys Ice Cream

Bru Cafe

Bru Cafe, Lyceum Square, Heath Street, Crewe, Cheshire, CW1 2BZ - Visit now

The perfect spot for cafe and cake in the centre of Crewe. Friendly staff, a welcoming atmosphere and great food make Bru Cafe a favourite amongst locals.

Bru Cafe
Courtesy of Bru Cafe & Coffee

Tom’s Tap and Brewhouse

Tom’s Tap and Brewhouse, 4-5 Thomas Street, Crewe, Cheshire, CW1 2BD - Visit now

Bar and brewery based in Crewe that serves a variety of beer, cider, cocktails, gin, rum & wine. LGBTQ+ inclusive, #everyonewelcome member. Dog Friendly, child friendly until 8pm (not in main bar).

Tom’s Tap and Brewhouse
Tom's Tap & Brewhouse

Crewe Hall

Crewe Hall, Weston Road, Crewe, Cheshire, CW1 6UZ - Visit now

Crewe Hall is a 17th century mansion and Grade I listed hotel surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens in the heart of Cheshire.

Crewe Hall
Courtesy of Crewe Hall

The Rising Sun

The Rising Sun, Middlewich Rd, Wistaston, Crewe, Cheshire, CW2 8SB - Visit now

The Rising Sun has a large friendly bar area with a wide range of cask ales and lagers. Food is served all day with a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere. Or if you prefer on a warm day enjoy your food in our extensive al fresco dining area.

The Rising Sun
Courtesy of The Rising Sun Wistaston

The Waverley Hotel

The Waverley Hotel, 9 Pedley Street, Crewe, Cheshire, CW2 7AA - Visit now

The hotel is in a quiet location but just a stroll away from the many pubs and restaurants on the Nantwich Road & surrounding areas. Within walking distance of the town centre, where the Lyceum Theatre, the Limelight Club and other entertainments can be found.

The Waverley Hotel
Courtesy of The Waverley Hotel, Crewe

Alexandra Stadium

Alexandra Stadium, Crewe Alexandra FC, The Alexandra Stadium, Gresty Road,, Crewe, Cheshire, CW2 6EB - Visit now

Alexandra Stadium is a football stadium in Crewe, Cheshire, England. The home ground of Crewe Alexandra, it has an all-seated capacity of 10,153.

Alexandra Stadium Crewe
Image courtesy of Crewe Alexandra.

Crewe Market Hall

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

Crewe Market Hall is undergoing an exciting redevelopment to create a new shopping and dining experience for the region, bringing street food, fresh food produce, independent retail and live entertainment together under one roof.

Crewe Market Hall
Courtesy of Crewe Market Hall

Nantwich Museum

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

The history of one of Cheshire’s most attractive and historic towns is brought to life at Nantwich Museum. The Museum’s main galleries tell the story of Nantwich through the ages – Roman salt making, Tudor Nantwich’s Great Fire, the Civil War Battle of Nantwich (1644) and the more recent shoe and clothing industries.

Nantwich Museum
Courtesy of Nantwich Museum

Queens Park

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

Within the 45 acres of Queens Park are walkways, trees, shrubs, planting, children’s play area, crown green bowling, putting, boating lake, grassed areas, memorials and cafeteria. Originally given to the people of the town by the London and North Western Railway Company, the park is steeped in history with a true Crewe engineering background.

Queens Park
Courtesy of The Friends of Queens Park

St. Mary’s Church

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

St. Mary’s Church is in the centre of Nantwich, Cheshire, England. The church is recorded in the National Heritage List for England as a designated Grade I listed building.

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

Where to go in Cheshire

BOOKSHOP
Cheshire
Shop
Simply Books

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Bolesworth

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

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Cinema
Cinemac Cinema

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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.

Gallery stock image
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.

Bar stock image
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
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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.

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