Crewe Hall

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.

Discover our top picks

  • 1. 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 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.

  • 2. 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

    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.

  • 3. Gio’s Italian

    Gio's Crewe
    Courtesy of Gio's Crewe.

    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.

  • 4. Hops Belgian Bar

    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.

  • 5. 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, Nantwich. The zoo is home to over 170 species of animals.

  • 6. Enzo

    Enzo
    Courtesy of Enzo Nantwich

    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.

  • 7. Platform Theatre Company

    Platform Theatre Company
    Platform Theatre Crewe

    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.

  • 8. Miss Marmalades

    Miss Marmalades
    Courtesy of 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.

  • 9. Rookery Hall Hotel & Spa

    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.

  • 10. Snugbury’s

    Snugbury's
    Courtesy of Snugburys Ice Cream

    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.

  • 11. Bru Cafe

    Bru Cafe
    Courtesy of Bru Cafe & Coffee

    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.

  • 12. Tom’s Tap and Brewhouse

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

  • 13. Crewe Hall

    Crewe Hall
    Courtesy of 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.

  • 14. The Rising Sun

    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.

  • 15. The Waverley Hotel

    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.

  • 16. Alexandra Stadium

    Alexandra Stadium Crewe
    Image courtesy of Crewe Alexandra.

    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.

  • 17. 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 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.

  • 18. Nantwich Museum

    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.

  • 19. Queens Park

    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.

  • 20. 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 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.

Music 20–23 July 2023, from £59.75

Bluedot 2023 at Jodrell Bank

Bluedot is a festival of discovery located in the shadow of the world-renowned Lovell Telescope at Jodrell Bank.

Cinema 14 July–2 September 2023, from £13.50

Moonlight Flicks at Chester Cathedral

Moonlight Flicks up camp in the picturesque surrounds of Chester Cathedral this summer.

The Great Midsummer Spectacular at Grosvenor Open Air Theatre
Families 1 July–27 August 2023, from £23.00

The Great Midsummer Spectacular at Grosvenor Open Air Theatre

The finest outdoor theatre in the North will host another spectacular summer of performance. Theatre under the stars. Perfect.

Into The Night at Chester Zoo
Families 24 June–29 July 2023, from £10.00

Into the Night at Chester Zoo

Enjoy a wild, evening adventure with the animals as the sun sets on Chester Zoo this summer.

A Midsummer Night's Dream at Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre
Families 1 July–27 August 2023, from £23.00

A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre

Recommended for ages 5+, this magical open air performance promises to be a riotous romp for the whole family, and the perfect introduction to the wonder of theatre.

The Great Gatsby at Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre
Theatre 21 July–27 August 2023, from £23.00

The Great Gatsby at Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre

Get your dancing shoes for F Scott Fitzgerald’s American classic when it plays in the open air this summer.

The Wind in the Willows at Grosvenor Park
Families 8 July–20 August 2023, from £5.00

The Wind in the Willows at Grosvenor Park

Round up the family and head to Chester for an enchanting walkabout outdoor theatre production. The perfect summertime performance.

Cheshire District Guides

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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.

Chester Townhouse hotel

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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Mama at The Lowry
Dance Until 2 June 2023, from £14.00

MAMA at The Lowry

instituto cervantes
Education Until 19 July 2023, from £12.50

Latin American Reading Club at Instituto Cervantes

Crave at 53two
Theatre Until 4 June 2023, from £13.00

Crave at 53two

La Clique at Depot Mayfield
Theatre Until 9 July 2023, from £19.50

La Clique at Depot Mayfield