Secrets of Knutsford
Johnny James, Managing Editor
Set in the Cheshire countryside, Knutsford is a real gem. In a way, it’s the embodiment of the lowland English market town – charming, quaint, and packed with history. But it’s also brilliantly eccentric. From wild architecture to wilder characters, there are many stories to be told about this place, and there are few more trusted voices to tell them than Jonathan Schofield Tours.
Knutsford isn’t short of architectural oddities, not least its series of unprecedented Mediterranean villas, erected by Richard Harding Watt around the turn of the 20th century. Your tour guide will unravel the stories behind many of these weird and wonderful buildings, which almost make a Barcelona of Knutsford.
One of Watt’s unusual builds is the Ruskin Rooms, named after John Ruskin and inscribed with his words: “Let every dawn be to you as the beginning of life, and every setting sun be to you as its close.” Another is the former Belle Epoque restaurant on King Street, where a haphazard harmony exists between buildings that span 250 years in age. While you walk this thoroughfare you’ll also learn about the impressive Gaskell Memorial Tower and King’s Coffee House, which pays tribute to the Victorian novelist.
As well as green spaces like Knutsford Heath and Tatton Park, your tour guide will tell you about Knutsford’s many, many eccentric characters. There are dark deeds, tales of execution, crazy sports and a mad Irishman. There are sunny stories full of love and life. There is the tragedy of Alan Turing. And being a Jonathan Schofield tour, there are plenty of laughs along the way.
With some darker moments to add definition, expect a fun and entertaining deep dive into one of Cheshire’s most interesting towns.
