Culture Guides
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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. 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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2. 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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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. Reaseheath Mini Zoo
Courtesy of Reaseheath Mini Zoo -
6. Enzo
Courtesy of Enzo Nantwich -
7. Platform Theatre Company
Platform Theatre Crewe -
8. Miss Marmalades
Courtesy of MIss Marmalades -
9. 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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10. Snugbury’s
Courtesy of Snugburys Ice Cream -
11. Bru Cafe
Courtesy of Bru Cafe & Coffee -
12. Tom’s Tap and Brewhouse
Tom's Tap & Brewhouse -
13. Crewe Hall
Courtesy of Crewe Hall -
14. 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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15. 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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16. Alexandra Stadium
Image courtesy of Crewe Alexandra. -
17. 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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18. 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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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. St. Mary’s Church
St Mary’s Church, Nantwich
Geronimo Festival at Arley Hall
Head to the Geronimo Festival 2022 to experience children’s entertainment & activities, music, food stalls, camping, and loads of fun!
Gathering Downstream at Quarry Bank
The former cotton mill of Quarry Bank is currently home to ‘Gathering Downstream’, an exhibition exploring the site’s legacy of the industrial revolution alongside environmental change and disruption.
The Time Traveller’s Wife: a new musical at Storyhouse
A brand new musical adaptation of Audrey Niffenegger’s international best-seller is set to receive its world premiere at Storyhouse before moving to the West End.
Romeo and Juliet at Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre
Don’t miss one of the greatest love stories ever told when it comes to Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre this summer. Theatre and fresh air. Perfect.
Candle making at Cheshire Workshops
Try your hand at candle making with the experts at Cheshire Workshops, this fun and creative skill is suitable for all ages.
Just So Festival 2022
Just So, the best family festival in the UK, returns in August. Expect woodland adventures, magical storytelling and outdoor arts and creative activities for families.
The Lost Words at Quarry Bank
Robert McFarlane and Jackie Morris’ spell book is brought to life in a special new artist trail which brings to life the language of the natural world.
Tours in Chester
Roman Soldiers, blue badge holders and Medieval Longbowman walk the streets of Chester sharing their passion for history with a wide selection of tours in Chester.
Little Women at Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre
The treasured story of the March sisters will be reimagined for the stunning setting of Chester’s open air theatre this summer.
Stig of the Dump at Grosvenor Open Air Theatre
A revival of Grosvenor Park’s sell-out, critically acclaimed production of the classic tale of a boy’s friendship with a mysterious caveman.
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.
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.
Walks in Macclesfield
Our guide to the parks and natural landscape available in Macclesfield, including rural retreats and hiking routes.
Walks in Crewe
A range of walks, hikes and places to wander around in Crewe, featuring cultural landmarks and routes through rural landscape.
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.
Attractions in Cheshire
Our guide to the best attractions in the Cheshire, including galleries, theatres, museums and more in Chester, Crewe and Macclesfield.
Cheshire District Guides
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.
Hotels in Chester
To make life easy when it comes to booking your stay, here’s our guide to hotels in Chester.
Restaurants in Chester
One of the most beautiful city’s in the North, Chester is a wonderful historic city, with a wealth of high-end restaurants.
Things to do right now
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