Secrets of Knutsford

Johnny James, Managing Editor

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Secrets of Knutsford

7 September 2025
Date
Time
Session Features
07 Sep 2025
11:00 am-1:00 pm

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

Knutsford Tour
Jonathan Schofield Walking Tour
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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.

Where to go near Secrets of Knutsford

Cheshire House Bar and Grill
Cheshire
Restaurant
Cheshire House Bar and Grill

Based in the heart of Knutsford, Cheshire House Bar and Grill combines a beautiful location with top-level cuisine and a superb range of drinks.

Cheshire
Restaurant
Barristers Restaurant & Bar

The in-house restaurant for The Courthouse in Knutsford, serves high-end but pleasingly traditional food with a fantastic range of drinks for the thirsty traveller.

Cheshire
Hotel
The Courthouse Cheshire

A one-of-a-kind hotel experience in Knutsford, this beautiful dog-friendly venue is – as you may have already guessed – a renovated court house, with plenty of original fixtures and fittings.

Tatton Estate
Altrincham
Tourist Attraction
Tatton Estate

Cheshire’s renowned Tatton Estate is a beautiful patch of Cheshire countryside, playing host to Ashley Hall, which features many family-friendly events and happenings.

Bar or Pub
The Church Inn, Mobberley

This is one of our favourite cosy pubs: not far from Manchester, The Church Inn is Grade II-listed and dates back to the 18th-century.

The Bowdon Rooms in Altrincham
Altrincham
Event venue
The Bowdon Rooms in Altrincham

Boasting stunning Edwardian architecture with Art Deco influences, The Bowdon Rooms is a highly sought after wedding venue, conference centre and events hub located in the picturesque village of Bowden, Altrincham.

Path winding through the garden at Dunham Massey, Cheshire
Altrincham
Park
Dunham Massey

Whatever the weather, Dunham Massey in Altrincham takes our number one spot for a fun outdoorsy day out.

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Altrincham
Event venue
Inch Arts in Altrincham

Inch Arts in Altrincham is an inclusive and welcoming creative community and award-winning arts centre in South Manchester championing creativity among all.

Altrincham
Aura Music Academy

Always wanted to learn an instrument? Or looking to build on existing skills? No matter your ability, age or goals, Aura Music Academy has you covered.

Manchester
Restaurant
Axe & Cleaver

This is the perfect pub for an indulgent weekend, following up a long countryside walk with a hearty and high quality meal.

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