About the Area
Cheshire one great destination
Cheshire is an area packed with charms and attractions for visitors. The area boasts Chester, a Roman city set on the borders of Wales; the silk town of Macclesfield located in the Peak District foothills; historic Nantwich in the county's rolling dairy country - and Daresbury, birthplace of Alice in Wonderland creator Lewis Carroll.
As if that weren't enough there's dynamic Ellesmere Port, where waterway history comes to life; ancient Sandbach with its Saxon Crosses, the modern retail centre of Warrington - and at the heart of it all, Northwich, a town literally built on salt.
Yet Cheshire is more than the sum of these parts. It is one great, accessible destination - rich in gardens and heritage, exciting family attractions and fascinating museums, intriguing craft centres and tempting designer shopping.
Cultural Heritage
Cheshire has a long and eventful story of culture and heritage which is chronicled in the many museums, where you can discover how the Romans conquered; why the county is built on salt and about life on the waterways.
Highlights include:
The Bollington Discovery Centre
The Anson Engine Museum
Tatton Park Mansion
The Salt Museum
Areas to visit
Cheshire has a number of wonderful places to visit and explore giving you the opportunity to find out more about Cheshire Explore.
Places around Cheshire include Chester, a Roman city which blends centuries of substance with rolling acres of style. The Upper Weaver Valley the heart of rural Cheshire is one of the most delightful districts in the area, perfect for escaping and enjoying the autumn tints. The District of Warrington which combines hi-tech development with the charm of olde world villages and beautiful countryside -
In Vale Royal, a warm, country welcome awaits you in Vale Royal. An area of contrasts, the fascinating industrial heritage of the salt industry is set against a tranquil rural backdrop - lush, green pasture in the valleys, overlooked by the sandstone ridge, the dark woodland of Delamere Forest or the peaceful canals, rivers and meres.
East Cheshire Edge includes the key towns of Macclesfield, Alderley Edge , Knutsford and Wlimslow where the stunning scenery of the Peak District National Park meets the smart southern suburbs of Manchester.
Located in the north west of Cheshire and spanning the southern part of the Wirral peninsula, Ellesmere Port and Neston is a place of contrasts. With beautiful parks and countryside, top visitor attractions and unspoilt villages, combined with industrial and commercial heritage and fine shopping, all providing something of interest for everyone.
South East Cheshire - an exciting combination of culture, heritage and rural tranquility make Congleton Borough a tempting place to unwind, relax and become absorbed in your surroundings.
Rural escapes
Cheshire is a great place to relax and unwind and Cheshire's outdoor activities include:
Cycling
Waterways
Walking
Horse riding
Golf
Additional activities include visiting the Anderton Boat Lift known as the 'Cathedral of the Waterways' or Beeston Castle, situated just off the canals.
Things to do
There is plenty to do in Cheshire where there are more than 20 top gardens and a host of historic houses and stately homes, all within easy traveling distance of each other. In Cheshire you will discover England's finest moated medieval manor house, Britain's most authentic Japanese garden and an 800 year old castle from which you can enjoy some of the finest views in the country!
Some of things that may take your fancy include:
Museums and Galleries
Outdoor Pursuits
Shopping
Walks and Guided Tours
Family Fun
In Cheshire you will be able to take yourself and the kids on a voyage of discovery and activities for all the family fun is available to download at Essential Family Fun
More activities for the children and family include:
Northgate Arena
Home Farm at Tatton Park
Blue Planet Aquarium
Chester Zoo
Tatton Park - The Mansion
Gullivers World Theme Park
Getting Around
Cheshire is located in the heart of the UK about 197m/317km from London. It is the most southerly part of England's Northwest region and is also one of the traditional Marcher counties, bordering North Wales.
Airports
The nearest airports to Chester and Cheshire are Manchester International and Liverpool John Lennon Airport, which are both about 40 minutes by road from Chester. Manchester International Airport is the international gateway for the North of England and the UK's largest regional airport handling 22 million passengers a year. More than 100 airlines offer direct flights from Manchester to 225 destinations worldwide, more than any other UK airport.
By Road
The main motorway links to Chester and Cheshire are through the M6, M56 and M53. Route planning information can be found at The AA, RAC, Multimap and Streetmap.
By Train
High speed rail services are available to Crewe, Chester and Warrington from London's Euston and Paddington Stations (2.5 hours), and from Glasgow on the West Coast main line. Rail services also run from Manchester International Airport.
