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South Cheshire

Attractions - General

South Cheshire

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Attractions - General

South Cheshire - Tourist Attractions, Amusements,
Theme Parks, Walks, Viewpoints, Zoos, etc

This page covers general Tourist Attractions, including Amusement Parks, Boat Trips, Theme Parks, Specialist Shops, factory shops and outlet villages, Guided Walks, Country Parks, Viewpoints, Zoos and wildlife parks, etc.
 

We know that not all the attractions in South Cheshire are listed. Please help us make this guide comprehensive by giving details of missing attractions here.
 

 

Attractions

General

THE PALMS TROPICAL OASIS

London Road, Stapeley, Nantwich, Cheshire, CW5 7LH
Tel: 01270 628628
E-mail: palms@stapeleywg.com
Web: www.stapeleywg.com

The Palms Tropical Oasis, a huge glass house where tropical birds, fish and wildlife are at home amongst the exotic flowering plants and cascading waters.

 

 
Animals include the baby skunks, meerkat family, toco toucans and cotton top tamarin monkeys. The enormous 6ft leaves of the Amazon water lily captivate visitors during the Summer months. The Palms Lounge restaurant overlooks tropical water lilies and palm trees. The function room opens out to the Italian Gardens. Gift shop and cafe also available.

For further details on The Palms Tropical Oasis in Stapeley, Cheshire see our website.

STRETTON WATERMILL

Stretton, Near Broxton, Cheshire
Tel: 01606 271640    Fax: 01606 350420
E-mail: cheshiremuseums@cheshire.gov.uk
Web: www.strettonwatermill.org.uk

A small working watermill set in beautiful countryside only ten miles from Chester. Visitors see the two waterwheels driving the ancient wooden mill machinery and turning the millstones. The Miller demonstrates the whole skilled operation to transform grain into flour. Exhibition, small shop and picnic area nearby. Signposted from the A534 between Broxton and Farndon.

Not accessible to all areas


CHESHIRE WORKSHOPS

Burwardsley, Nr Chester, Cheshire CH3 9PF
Tel: 01829 770401
E-mail:
cheshireworkshops@yahoo.co.uk
Open
: 7 days a week 10.00am-5.00pm. Free Admission & Car parking.

Candle workshops set in the heart of Cheshire. Hand carved candle making, unique brushed and dipped candles made as you wait, gift shop and a award winning restaurant serving light refreshments through to a varied selection of home made meals.

The workshops are a delight for children of all ages. They can try their hand at approximately 10 different activities including candle-making, pottery, badge making and many many more while you are able to explore the factory and gift shop. Nestling deep in the heart of the beautiful Cheshire countryside flanked by rolling hills and the twin castles of Peckforton and Beeston. Candle supplies at factory prices. Cheshire Workshops are situated only 20 minutes from Chester and 60 minutes from Manchester. Follow the Tourist Board brown signs ‘Candle Workshops’ from A49, A41 or A534.

THE RAILWAY AGE

Crewe Heritage Centre, Vernon Way, Crewe, Cheshire, CW1 2DB
Tel: 01270 212130
E-mail: info@therailwayage.co.uk
Web: www.therailwayage.co.uk
The Railway Age is open weekends and bank holidays ONLY from Easter until the end of September 2009.

Signal boxes, exhibitions, locomotives, outdoor and indoor play area. A destination for all the family. Group visits & birthday parties welcome by arrangement.


HACK GREEN SECRET NUCLEAR BUNKER

French Lane, Hack Green, Nantwich, Cheshire, CW5 8QN
Tel: 01270 629219       
E-mail: coldwar@hackgreen.co.uk
Web: www.hackgreen.co.uk
Open
: 20th March - 31st Oct, 10.30am - 5.30pm. Sat/Sun, 11.00am - 4.30pm. Every weekend winter except Dec.

For over 50 years this vast underground complex, remained secret.

 

De-classified in 1993, the 35000 sq ft underground bunker would have been the centre of regional government had nuclear war broken out.

 

 
Entering through the massive blast doors, you will be transported into the chilling world of the "Cold War". Re-built in the 1980's at a cost of over £32 million. See the governments preparations for nuclear war & step into the lives of those who worked here. Minister of State's Office, Communication Centre, Decontamination Facilities & much more.

 

View original broadcasts to be transmitted on all TV channels prior to a nuclear attack. Ton's of authentic equipment fire the imagination, with an exciting glimpse into England's dramatic "Cold War" past. You will learn what living conditions were like, really getting to grips with the reality of the nuclear threat. Hear the sounds, experience the smells of a working civil defence H.Q. Exciting "Real Life" operations rooms. Many audio-visual presentations. 2 superb cinemas showing previously secret films. Explore the labyrinth of spooky corridors.

 

An "All Weather Attraction", the bunker is a huge adventure playground in itself. Younger children can have bundles of fun as secret agents, following the "Soviet Spy Mouse Trail". Before ending your eye-opening tour, visit the bunkers "NAAFI" style cafeteria for your survival rations. And don't miss our shop, take home a souvenir of your visit to the "Secret World of Nuclear Government".

 

For further details on Hack Green Secret Nuclear Bunker near Nantwich, Cheshire see our website.

JODRELL BANK VISITOR CENTRE

Lower Withington, Near Macclesfield, Cheshire, SK11 9DL
Tel: 01477 571339    Fax: 01477 571695
E-mail: jodrell.visitor.centre@manchester.ac.uk
Web: www.manchester.ac.uk/jodrellbank

View the Lovell Radio Telescope from many angles on our Observational Pathway.

Take a journey to Mars or see the Solar System in the 3D Theatre.

Follow trails and experience the beauty of natural environment of our 35 acre Arboretum.

Picnic and play area.

Ample parking, cafeteria, facilities for disabled people and gift shop.

 

Jodrell Bank Science Centre & Arboretum
Photo: J M Wainwright Cheshire CC


BLAKEMERE CRAFT CENTRE

Chester Road, Sandiway, Northwich, Cheshire, CW8 2EB
Tel: 01606 883261     Fax: 01606 301495
E-mail: info@visitblakemere.co.uk
Web: www.visitblakemere.co.uk

Open: 7 days a week from 10am to 5pm including Bank Holidays.
Closed: Xmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day.

Blakemere has nearly 30 different shops - purchase unusual gifts for yourself, your home and your garden from our huge selection of unique items from around the world!
 

  
We also have a wide range of craft supplies. Children and adults can have a go at making crafts in our various workshops. Other attractions include Aquatic and Falconry Centre with Bird of Prey aviaries and regular flying displays and a large indoor Children's Playbarn. Excellent restaurant and coffee shop serving home-made food.

For further details on Blakemere Craft Centre near Northwich see our website.

BRIDGEMERE GARDEN WORLD

Bridgemere, Nr Nantwich, Cheshire CW5 7QB
Tel: 01270 521100    Fax: 01270 520215
E-mail: info@bridgemere.co.uk
Web: www.bridgemere.co.uk
Open daily. British Summertime: 9am - 8pm. Winter: 9am - 6pm.

Bridgemere Garden World - the greatest gardening day out in Europe whatever the weather. Stroll through the Bridgemere Gardens - more than 20 display gardens to give you ideas and inspiration. Select from over 5,000 varieties of plants for home and garden. If you are a beginner we have expert advice in all departments to help you decide. Indoors we have conservatory, garden and patio furniture, barbecues and patio heaters and gifts for all occasions as well as a restaurant. Countrywide products, Ripples aquatics, Garden building centre, Rainbow play equipment, Splashabout Jacuzzi. Our HobbyCraft superstore has arts and crafts supplies for everyone.


STAPELEY WATER GARDENS

92 London Road, Stapeley, Nantwich, Cheshire, CW5 7LH
Tel: 01270 623868       Fax: 01270 624919
E-mail: info@stapeleywg.com
Web: www.stapeleywg.com

World's Largest Water Garden Centre.

 

 
Home of the National Collection of Water Lilies: over 350 varieties are in bloom all summer, plus display gardens and fountains. Vast full service garden centre, gift shop, pets and fish, leisure clothing and more. Annual Christmas Grotto with Santa.
The Palms Tropical Oasis Exotic garden paradise housed in a 30ft high glass pavilion. Waterfalls, fountains and blooming tropical plants and palms, as well as Zoo and Aquaria: Tamarin monkeys, meerkats, stingrays, piranhas, huge Koi carp and the giant Amazon water lily. Gift shop, school visits, private functions, weddings. Stapeley Angling Centre Europe's premier angler's superstore: from the first fishing rod to specialist gear, the choice is second to none. Café and restaurant. Free parking. Events programme. 1 mile south of Nantwich on the A51.

For further details see on Stapeley Water Gardens, Stapeley, Cheshire see our website.

The Potters Barn

Roughwood Lane, Hassall Green, Sandbach, Cheshire, CW11 4XX
Tel: 01270 884080
Web: www.thepottersbarn.co.uk

The Potters Barn is a traditional pottery where craftsmen produce beautiful and unique gifts for the home and garden. We run pottery classes and hold regular lessons as well as craft courses in other disciplines. Raku Days are held in the better weather months but children's parties and group visits are available at any time. The pottery is now able to offer corporate team building days and events. These team days can be at the pottery, workplace or conference centre.


CHOLMONDELEY CASTLE GARDEN

Off A49 Whitchurch/Tarporley Road, Malpas, Cheshire, SY14 8AH
Tel: 01829 720383       Fax: 01829 720877
E-mail: penny@cholmondeleycastle.co.uk

Extensive ornamental gardens dominated by romantic Gothic Castle, built in 1801 of local sandstone. Beautiful Temple water garden, rose garden and many mixed borders. Lakeside picnic area, rare breeds of farm animals, including Llamas. Children's Corner with rabbits, chickens and free flying aviary birds. Ancient private chapel in the park. Gift shop and tea room. Plants for sale. Events held throughout the year please contact for further details.

Opening Times: April to September, Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday and Bank Holidays 11.00am - 5pm.

(Some areas of the garden are not suitable for wheelchairs)

Tiverton Olympic Maize Maze

Tel: 01829 732517
E-mail: maze@tivertonhall.com
Web: www.tivertonhall.com

Lose yourself in the labyrinth of pathways cut into the growing maize crop and discover this incredible world within a giant living puzzle that the whole family can explore.

NEW FOR 2004: Three different mazes - gold, silver and bronze.

Three very different challenges plus brand new games & puzzles for all ages.

The most fun you’ll ever have getting lost. Enjoy an awesome family day out packed with adventure and excitement.

 


A leisurely amble or full blown competition - the choice is yours! Under 14’s must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Dogs on leads welcome. Sensible footwear recommended.


WEAVER VALLEY CRUISES

10 Warrington Road, Acton Bridge, Northwich, Cheshire, CW8 3QB
Tel: 01606 851314     Fax: 01606 854039      Mobile: 07973 492969
E-mail: info@wvcc.co.uk
Web: www.wvcc.co.uk

M.V.River Princess - built 1985. Full bar facilities. Dancing, Disco, jazz band or background music.

 

Buffet menu. Full enclosed heated saloons. Day or evening cruises. Daylight cruises - M/cr Ship Canal.

 

 
Display space for conferences. Upper all weather observation deck. Why not take a refreshing alternative to the traditional group function. Hold your company party, conference, promotional presentation, wedding reception or anniversary celebration aboard our boat with all the fun of cruising on the River Weaver amidst delightful Cheshire countryside.

 

We can cater for parties of up to 80 people and supply food and drink entertainment if necessary.

Snugburys

Park Farm, Hurleston, Nantwich, Cheshire, CW5 6BU
Tel: 01270 624830    Fax: 01270 610314
E-mail: icecream@snugburys.co.uk
Web: www.snugburys.co.uk

Fantastic ice-cream from a great shop in a beautiful setting. The most delicious Jersey Ice Cream "The perfect very Raspberry Ripple, an exemplary Swiss Choc Chunk, the crème de la crème of Pecan and Fudge" - The Daily Telegraph. National Award Finalists for our innovative "Slimmer and Diabetic" diary ice cream.


Linmere Visitor Centre

Delamere, Northwich, Cheshire, CW8 2JD
Tel: 01606 889792

Linmere Visitor centre offers the complete day out. The specially marked footpaths and cycle trails are carefully planned to guide visitors around this diverse forest. The Visitor Centre houses a relaxing cafe, shop, and the fantastic Shell Forest Classroom. There is plenty of parking and an exiting programme of "What's On" events. Birthday parties are a speciality and the education team have gained a reputation for offering quality services to a wide range of children and adults.


Anderton Boat Lift

Lift Lane, Anderton, Northwich, Cheshire, CW9 6FW
Tel: 01606 786777
Web: www.andertonboatlift.co.uk

Visit this wonder of the waterways. Guided tours by arrangement. Visitor Centre. The Anderton Boat Lift is a wonder of the waterways, used to transport canal barges up the side of a steep hill. Guided tours by arrangement. Visitor Centre.


Cheshire Myths & Legends Tours

Hillmoor Farm, Eaton, Congleton, Cheshire, CW12 2NH
Tel: 01260 273487    Mobile: 07879 025246
E-mail: mythicalcheshire@btconnect.com
Web: www.mythicalcheshire.co.uk

Cheshire Myths and Legends Tours have collated a large amount of information and photographs regarding the myths and legends and also haunted sites which can be found within a twelve mile radius of the town of Congleton. Some of the information has been uploaded on to the web site to form two tours which may be viewed, however customised itineraries may be arranged drawing from all available research collected so far. The aim of the tours is to transport you to many unusual and mysterious places which abound in this fascinating Countryside.


Ragamuffins Play Centre

Sabre House, Bridge Street, Saltney, Chester, Cheshire, CH4 8SN
Tel: 0845 006 6220
E-mail: contact@ragamuffins.co.uk
Web: www.ragamuffins.co.uk

Ragamuffins is a huge soft play area in Saltney, Chester. It serves really nice snacks and drinks in a coffee bar style environment (complete with proper leather sofas), has a 42" plasma screen that shows sky sports, a small indoor football pitch that's part of the play area and the longest indoor wavy slide in the UK. There's also a selection of tasty cakes and some really healthy snacks and drinks for youngsters (like innocent smoothies and organic juice).


Boogle’s Barn

New Farm Court, Tilston Road, Malpas, Cheshire, SY14 7DF
Tel: 0845 330 1335    Fax: 0845 330 1340
Web: www.booglesbarn.com

Check out the following fun available at the barn: Multi-level Soft Adventure play area, Toddlers and Infants only area, Boogle's Buggies - Kiddie Karting, Well stocked Boogle's Pit-stop Café, Parties in the Stables, Supervised Play - Crèche and Holiday Club, and Creation Station Ceramic Painting.


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Pottery

THE FIRS POTTERY

Sheppenhall Lane, Aston, Nantwich, Cheshire, CW5 8DE
Tel:  01270 780345
E-mail: joywild@firspottery.co.uk
Web: www.firspottery.co.uk
Shop open most days (incl. Sundays).
Pottery courses for individuals & groups held twice weekly.

Designer Pots for sale. All made in our workshops. Pots for flowers, plants, cooking, hanging on the wall, lighting etc. Pots made to your own design.  


Come and 'Have a Making Day' - throwing and hand-building taught (lunch, tea/coffee included). Children's half day workshops held in holidays. Birthday parties for children over 8 years are also catered for.
 

 

Corporate days by arrangement. Self catering apartment available, sleeps 4 price from £300 per week. Set within the grounds in Potters Barn. Long Lets available.

 

For further details on our pottery courses and accommodation near Nantwich, Cheshire see our website.


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Theme Parks

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Walks & Viewpoints

DELAMERE FOREST

Delamere, Cheshire
Tel: 01606 882167       Fax: 01606 301083
E-mail: delamere@forestry.gsi.gov.uk
Web: www.forestry.gov.uk

A Forest Park made up of large areas of mixed woodland. Delamere Forest is just 10 miles from Christleton and provides some excellent walks and cycle routes. There is a visitors centre where the Cafe provides refreshments, an information centre, toilets and bike hire.

You will be able to acquire a plan of the forest which shows the various measured walks. Events held throughout the year include concerts, outdoor theatre productions, summer holiday activities, educational school visits and much more . This Christmas there is a Christmas Sales Site, situated on Whitefield Car Park. With an emphasis on a traditional Christmas, focusing on a Christmas Grotto from 6th December for 3 weekends. With real Christmas trees and wreaths for sale from 1st December. This year there will be no Christmas decorations for sale. Please enquire for further details. Please also visit our website.

ASTBURY MERE COUNTRY PARK

Astbury, Near Congleton, Cheshire
Tel: 01260 297237
E-mail: astbury@cheshire.gov.uk

Attractive country park located to the north of Astbury Mere.

Visitor Centre. Car park.

Toilets. Disabled access.

Relax and admire the view from Astbury Mere Country Park to Congleton Edge and Mow Cop, or call in at the Visitor Centre for local information on green issues.

 

Astbury Mere Country Park
Photo:
Judges Postcards


The footpath network explores the pretty, hidden valleys of Congleton's countryside around the historic mill town. Close by is the attractive village of Astbury, well known for its ornate church.


QUEENS PARK & BOATING LAKE

 Victoria Avenue, Crewe, Cheshire
Tel: 01270 537882
Web: www.crewe-nantwich.gov.uk

In 1887 the Grand Junction Railway company provided Crewe with a delightful 45 acre Victorian park - Queens Park - one of the most splendid in the north of England.

Its oval plan has a principal central axis with an ornamental boating lake.

Playground for children with swings, slides, etc, putting, crazy golf and pets corner.

The Borough of Crewe and Nantwich - the Floral Borough - has seen both its towns have success in the Britain in Bloom competition in recent years.

 

Queens Park & Boating Lake


Congleton Park

Park Bank, Congleton, Cheshire, CW12 3DH
Tel: 01260 270679

Congleton Park
Photo: Judges Postcards

 

A traditional floral park.


Lakemore Country Park

Lane Ends Farm, Clay Lane, Haslington, Crewe, Cheshire, CW1 5SQ
Tel: 01270 253556

Lakemore Country Park is located in the heart of Cheshire's tranquil countryside. Covering over 36 acres in total with over ten acres divided up into five landscaped lakes and nature trails. Visit the Rare Breeds farm and see the wallabies, llamas, miniature donkeys, owls and many more. There is also a pets corner. The Park has both indoor and outdoor children's play areas, children's rides and themed Crazy Golf course.


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Zoos & Wildlife Parks

THE PALMS TROPICAL OASIS

London Road, Stapeley, Nantwich, Cheshire, CW5 7LH
Tel: 01270 628628
E-mail: palms@stapeleywg.com
Web: www.stapeleywg.com

The Palms Tropical Oasis, a huge glass house where tropical birds, fish and wildlife are at home amongst the exotic flowering plants and cascading waters.

 

 
Animals include the baby skunks, meerkat family, toco toucans and cotton top tamarin monkeys. The enormous 6ft leaves of the Amazon water lily captivate visitors during the Summer months. The Palms Lounge restaurant overlooks tropical water lilies and palm trees. The function room opens out to the Italian Gardens. Gift shop and cafe also available.

For further details on The Palms Tropical Oasis in Stapeley, Cheshire see our website.

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