Cheshire combines historic towns, rolling countryside and modern attractions in a way few counties can. From elegant market towns and stately homes to quiet canals and lively cities, it offers a mix of experiences that appeal to every kind of visitor. Whether you’re exploring the hills on the edge of the Peak District or wandering through medieval streets in Chester, there’s always something to discover.
Where are the best places to visit in Cheshire?
Cheshire has something special to offer any tourist, with some key destinations including:
Macclesfield and the Peak District Fringe
At the eastern edge of Cheshire, Macclesfield sits close to the hills of the Peak District National Park, making it a perfect base for outdoor adventures. Once a thriving centre of the silk industry, the town still celebrates this heritage through the Silk Museum and Paradise Mill, where original weaving machinery and textile collections are displayed.
Just beyond the town, Macclesfield Forest offers scenic walking and cycling trails through woodland and reservoirs, while Teggs Nose Country Park rewards hikers with panoramic views across the Cheshire Plain. The nearby village of Bollington is home to White Nancy, a striking hilltop monument built to commemorate the Battle of Waterloo and one of the area’s most recognisable landmarks.
Knutsford and Tatton Park
Knutsford is a picturesque market town full of independent shops, stylish restaurants and elegant Georgian architecture. It’s closely linked with Tatton Park, one of Cheshire’s most impressive heritage estates. The park’s neoclassical mansion, ornate gardens and 1,000 acres of deer parkland create a perfect blend of history and nature.
Throughout the year, Tatton Park hosts major events such as the RHS Flower Show, as well as popular food and car festivals. A short distance away, Tabley House, an 18th-century Palladian mansion, showcases fine art collections and landscaped grounds designed by architect John Carr.
Wilmslow and Alderley Edge
Just north of Knutsford, Wilmslow blends small-town charm with a cosmopolitan edge. Known for its boutiques, cafés and quick transport links to Manchester, it’s part of Cheshire’s affluent “Golden Triangle.” Nearby, Quarry Bank, a former cotton mill now managed by the National Trust, offers a fascinating insight into the Industrial Revolution, complete with working machinery, gardens and scenic estate walks.
A short drive away, Alderley Edge provides some of the county’s best views. The sandstone escarpment, also cared for by the National Trust, is steeped in local legends and folklore. Below the ridge, the village of Alderley Edge is a popular destination for dining and shopping, with an atmosphere that feels both exclusive and welcoming.
Nantwich and South Cheshire
In South Cheshire, the market town of Nantwich charms visitors with its black-and-white timbered buildings and lively atmosphere. The town’s regular market and annual Food Festival showcase the best of local produce, attracting food lovers from across the region.
Nearby, Hack Green Secret Nuclear Bunker offers a fascinating look into Britain’s Cold War history, while Reaseheath Zoo, part of the local agricultural college, provides an enjoyable family day out. The surrounding countryside, threaded with the Shropshire Union Canal, offers peaceful walking and cycling routes through open fields and farmland.
Congleton and Sandbach
Set near the Pennine foothills, Congleton combines access to countryside with the character of a traditional market town. Just outside the town, Little Moreton Hall, a beautifully preserved Tudor manor, stands as one of England’s finest examples of timber-framed architecture. Managed by the National Trust, it offers guided tours and seasonal family events.
A few miles west, Sandbach is known for its historic Saxon crosses, which stand proudly in the town square. Its twice-weekly market adds local colour, and the annual Transport Festival celebrates everything from vintage cars to modern trucks, drawing visitors from across the region.
The Cheshire Plains and Rural Villages
Stretching across the centre and west of the county, the Cheshire Plains are made up of gentle farmland, quiet canals and idyllic villages. This is the perfect area for cycling, leisurely drives and exploring at your own pace.
Villages like Tarporley, Malpas and Audlem are full of historic charm, with traditional pubs, churches and independent shops lining their high streets. The Shropshire Union Canal meanders through the landscape, offering miles of towpaths for walking or boating holidays. For outdoor adventure, Delamere Forest, between Northwich and Frodsham, provides woodland trails, cycling routes and high-rope activities suitable for all ages.
Northwich and Winsford
At the heart of Cheshire, Northwich tells the story of the county’s salt-mining heritage. The Lion Salt Works Museum brings this history to life, explaining how salt shaped the landscape and local economy. Close by, the Anderton Boat Lift, a remarkable piece of Victorian engineering, still raises boats between the River Weaver and the Trent and Mersey Canal, continuing to impress visitors more than a century after it was built.
Just a few miles away, Winsford is home to the Flashes, a series of lakes formed by historical salt extraction. Today, they’ve become an important habitat for wildlife and a popular spot for walking, birdwatching and water-based recreation.
Chester
Chester, the jewel in Cheshire’s crown, is one of Britain’s most beautifully preserved historic cities. Its Roman roots can still be traced in the ancient city walls and amphitheatre, while the distinctive “Rows”, which are two-tiered shopping galleries dating from the medieval period, make the city centre a delight to explore.
Chester Cathedral, with its blend of Norman and Gothic architecture, hosts concerts, exhibitions and community events throughout the year. The nearby Grosvenor Museum adds depth to the city’s story with collections spanning local archaeology and art. Along the River Dee, visitors can enjoy boat trips or strolls by the water, while Chester Racecourse, one of the oldest in the country, remains a social highlight.
A short distance away, Chester Zoo stands among the UK’s leading attractions. Known for its conservation work and wide variety of species, it’s a must-visit for families and animal lovers alike.
With its compact size and rich heritage, Chester is the beating heart of Cheshire’s tourism scene. Accommodation ranges from boutique stays to luxury options such as The Chester Hotel, ideal for relaxation after a day of sightseeing.
So where should you visit in Cheshire?
Cheshire offers an exceptional mix of landscapes, heritage and modern attractions, all within easy reach. From the dramatic edges of the Peak District and the elegance of Tatton Park to the market-town warmth of Nantwich and Sandbach, the county provides countless ways to explore and unwind. At its centre, Chester stands out as the defining highlight. This is a city where history, architecture and culture come together to showcase the very best of Cheshire.