Whatever you’re looking for in a Cheshire town, you’re likely to find it in charming Northwich
It’s hall so beautiful
The beautiful Arley Hall, home to Lord and Lady Ashbrook, has been in Lord Ashbrook’s family for more than 500 years. The hall is surrounded by stunning gardens which are open to the public and host many special events. Among the highlights are the Arley Garden Festival and the food festival in September www.arleyhallandgardens.com
Shopping boost
The £80m Barons Quay development – named after on of the old salt mines beneath the town – will bring more shops, restaurants and jobs to the town centre, along with an Odeon cinema. The first phase is expected to open late next year.
Town for all seasons
Salt had been mined in Cheshire previously but a purer series of salt beds was found in Northwich in 1781. A hundred years later anyone in the town could sink a shaft expecting to find salt or brine. Although it brought money to the town, it also caused subsidence problems which have cost millions to remedy.
Notable neighbours
Singer/songwriter Gary Barlow lived here, as did comedian Jennifer Saunders, marathon world-record holder Paula Radcliffe and television presenter Matthew Kelly. Northwich has also been home to several squad-fulls of top flight footballers.
Lots of park life
Marbury Country Park, which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, is a 1000 acre wildlife haven on the edge of the town. It offers diverse habitats and attracts a range of creatures including several species of moth and butterfly and a variety of birds too. There are beautiful views over Budworth Mere – where if you’re lucky you spot, or hear, a bittern – as well as about 20 miles of footpaths.
Salt history
The newly-re-opened Lion Salt Works museum gives a fascinating and fresh insight into the story of salt, explaining the national significance of Cheshire’s salt industry and how it shaped the local people, economy and landscape. westcheshiremuseums.co.uk, 01606 275040.
Fine food
Hartford Hall is a former nunnery and manor house which now serves good food in stylish surroundings. They also have 20 en-suite rooms. hartfordhallpub.co.uk, 01606 786400.
Summer festival
The Northwich Festival held in August features live music, men’s and women’s rugby 10s tournaments and a classic car show. northwich-festival.co.uk, 07772 611274.
Afternoon tea
The Alice in Wonderland themed tea room at nearby Davenport Tea Rooms is a multi award winner. They also do an Alice in Wonderland themed afternoon tea in hounour of Lewis Carroll who was born in Cheshire. www.davenportsfarmshop.co.uk/tea-rooms 01606 853241
Waterways
The River Weaver runs through the centre of Northwich, the riverside is perfect for walking. Just north of Northwich is the Anderton Boat Lift, one of Cheshire’s most popular tourist attractions.
