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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.
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1. Bru Cafe
Courtesy of Bru Cafe & Coffee -
2. Enzo
Courtesy of Enzo Nantwich -
3. Gio’s Italian
Courtesy of Gio's Crewe. -
4. Hops Belgian Bar
Courtesy of 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.
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5. Miss Marmalades
Courtesy of MIss Marmalades -
6. Snugbury’s
Courtesy of Snugburys Ice Cream -
7. The Rising Sun
Courtesy of The Rising Sun Wistaston 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.
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8. Tom’s Tap and Brewhouse
Tom's Tap & Brewhouse -
9. Crewe Hall
Courtesy of Crewe Hall -
10. Rookery Hall Hotel & Spa
Courtesy of 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.
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11. The Waverley Hotel
Courtesy of The Waverley Hotel, Crewe 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.
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12. Alexandra Stadium
Image courtesy of Crewe Alexandra. -
13. Crewe Heritage Centre
Courtesy of 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.
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14. Crewe Lyceum Theatre
Courtesy of 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.
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15. Crewe Market Hall
Courtesy of 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.
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16. Lumen Festival of Lights
Courtesy of Lumen - Crewe's Festival Of Lights Lumen Festival of Lights at Crewe Market Square, 26 November–11 December 2021, free entry - Find Out More
Lumen is returning to Crewe on Friday 26 November to Saturday 11 December 2021. The colourful light-art trail will visit the town centre and give audiences the chance to be immersed in art, light and sound.
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17. Nantwich Museum
Courtesy of 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.
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18. Platform Theatre Company
Platform Theatre Crewe -
19. Queens Park
Courtesy of The Friends of 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.
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20. Reaseheath Mini Zoo
Courtesy of Reaseheath Mini Zoo -
21. St. Mary’s Church
St Mary’s Church, Nantwich
A Week with PINS from Brighter Sound
Brighter Sound are offering the chance for early career musicians aged 16-21 to spend a week creating, learning and collaborating with PINS.
Abandon Normal Devices Festival 2021
Abandon Normal Devices Festival, the UK’s only roaming digital festival, resurfaces in 2021 with a new hybrid format, exploring the post-industrial landscapes of the Manchester Ship Canal and River Mersey.
The Merry Wives of Windsor at Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre
Enjoy this hilarious Shakespearean comedy in the wonderful open-air surroundings of Grosvenor Park.
Open Air Theatre in Manchester and the North
Open air theatre shows are happening across the north over the next few months – we’ve collated our top picks into a neat guide for you.
Lumen Festival of Lights
Lumen is returning to Crewe on Friday 26 November to Saturday 11 December 2021. The colourful light-art trail will visit the town centre and give audiences the chance to be immersed in art, light and sound.
Pride and Prejudice at Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre
A tale of comedy, passion and endless dancing, and one of the most cherished love stories in English literature plays in the open air this summer.
The Jungle Book at Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre
A vivid new version of this charming story will swing into Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre this summer.
Places to go / stay / shop / eat / drink
Cheshire Visitor Guides
Staycation ideas for local holidays in the North
Looking for a staycation holiday in the North of the the UK? There are countless excellent destinations and hotels to choose from. Here are our recommended choices.
Vintage Shops in the North
A curated selection of the most renowned vintage shops in the North of England, showcasing where to pick-up quirky, one-off collectables.
Cheshire District Guides
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
Our guide to the parks and natural landscape available in Macclesfield, including rural retreats and hiking routes.
Things to do in Macclesfield
Sat on the edge of the Peak District National Park, this former silk town combines contemporary culture, food, and drink with spectacular landscapes.
Things to do in Chester
Chester is both historic and modern. Bustling and peaceful. Packed with enough historical landmarks and culture to keep you busy, but small enough to still get everywhere on foot. If you’re planning a trip to Chester then our guide has you covered.
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.
Hotels in Chester
To make life easy when it comes to booking your stay, here’s our guide to hotels in Chester.
Things to do right now
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