What to do and see in Cheshire, England: The Best Hidden Gems Things to do

June 17, 2021 Kiesha Cripe

Discover the best top things to do in Cheshire, United Kingdom including Anson Engine Museum, Gauntlet Birds of Prey, White Peak Alpaca Farm, The Antiques Shop, Norton Priory Museum and Gardens, Warrington Museum & Art Gallery, Arley Hall & Gardens, Little Moreton Hall, Crocky Trail, Manley Mere.
Restaurants in Cheshire

1. Anson Engine Museum

Anson Road Poynton, SK12 1TD England +44 1625 874426 [email protected] http://www.enginemuseum.org
Excellent
89%
Good
9%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 107 reviews

Anson Engine Museum

It used to be one of the best kept secrets among Cheshire's many attractions but over the past few years it has undergone some major changes and is now recognized as one of the country's leading specialist museums. Situated in Higher Poynton, the museum is on the site of the old Anson Colliery. Engine enthusiasts from all over the world come to visit this fascinating museum. However, it is increasingly becoming a "must visit" attraction for non-enthusiasts too and won the "Visitors Choice" award (voted for by the public) when they were asked "where would you take a visitor to the Macclesfield area"? As well as the largest collection of engines in Europe, the museum also has changing displays of local history items such as photographs, maps, mementos and keepsakes from the Vernon Estate and Anson Colliery. Open one weekend a month in 2015.

Reviewed By JonL1827

Pleasantly surprised at just how good this place is, loads to look at, loads of running displays lots of info and really accommodating staff and volunteers, it says allow 2 hours but we were there more like 4 hours, very reasonable prices in the cafe. A really nice day out.

2. Gauntlet Birds of Prey

Manchester Road Next to Fryer's Rose Nursery and Garden Centre, Knutsford WA16 0SX England +44 1565 754419 [email protected] http://www.gauntlet.info/
Excellent
85%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 556 reviews

Gauntlet Birds of Prey

Gauntlet, Eagle & Vulture park is the largest bird of prey park in the Northwest of England. With over 120 birds of prey, ranging from the smallest owls to the worlds largest eagle and Vultures it really is a haven for animal lovers. Gauntlet has two daily shows at 12.30 and 3 during the months March-Oct and during the winter months weekends only. As well as our two daily displays we have vulture feeding and meet & greet. We have a large children's play area with plenty of room for picnics. We are on the same site as Fryers garden centre and you can leave at anytime and come back for our displays. For those wishing to get closer we have bird of prey experiences which are run 7 days a week throughout the year. This gives people the opportunity to handle and fly the birds.

Reviewed By TRACY632013 - Belper, United Kingdom

We visited the park with my elderly parents and two young grand children aged 6 and 11. We all had a wonderful experience with Meet and Greet sessions , the Vulture experience and the wonderful flying experience at the end of the day when over 30 birds gave an awe inspiring display set to music. What a great day out and very reasonable. We had a snack type lunch and coffees from the little cafe area but my daughter and partner along with their children went to the Garden Centre next door as they are gluten free. The birds are well looked after, well loved , staff are knowlegeable and enthuiastic. I cannot fault it at all.

3. White Peak Alpaca Farm

Paddock Hill, Mobberley WA16 7DB England +44 1565 872012 http://whitepeakalpacafarm.co.uk/
Excellent
90%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 77 reviews

White Peak Alpaca Farm

Reviewed By ShonaT76

Alpaca experience with my daughter, lots of cuddles with the really tame alpacas, very informative talk, then a look at all the other animals, including wallabies, definitely will go back

4. The Antiques Shop

40 Watergate Street, Chester CH1 2LA England +44 1244 316286 [email protected] http://www.antiqueschester.com
Excellent
93%
Good
2%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 122 reviews

The Antiques Shop

The Antiques Shop, located at street level, within the Rows of Chester. Established in 1989. Owned and run by the same Antiques Dealer, for nearly 30 years, selling genuine British Antique and Vintage items. The shop building is a late 13th century great medieval stone town house, circa 1290-1300. Although the facade is imitation 17th century, within the building there are substantial remains of the medieval town house. 38-42 Watergate Street is one of the most interesting buildings in Chester. Rarely has the medieval fabric of a building survived so intact as in the upper levels, and rarely has a building been so thoroughly investigated.

Reviewed By 204DavidR - Chester, United Kingdom

I went in this little shop looking for an early antique map of Cheshire. The owner was really helpful and knowledgeable. There were several to choose from and I left with a particularly nice example. I was nearly tempted to buy an exceptional piece of vintage leather luggage but I was spent up. This shop is a real treasure trove of interesting antiques, Being local I will definitely be back before Christmas.

5. Norton Priory Museum and Gardens

Tudor Road Manor Park, Runcorn WA7 1SX England +44 1928 569895 [email protected] http://www.nortonpriory.org/
Excellent
72%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 315 reviews

Norton Priory Museum and Gardens

Norton Priory is the most excavated monastic site in Europe. Boasting the priory ruins, 12th century undercroft (which is the last fully surviving part of the priory itself) and an 18th century Walled Garden, it is located within an oasis of 42 acres of tranquil woodland and wildflower meadows. The museum includes two exhibition galleries which explore the site's history, including the archaeological digs which took place in the 1970s and 1980s. Thousands of artefacts from Norton’s 900 year history are on display, including the internationally significant 14th century statue of St. Christopher, which features in Lucy M. Boston's classic children's book, 'The Children of Green Knowe'. Please note that as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are currently opening on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only at this time. We advise booking in advance via our website, or calling prior to visiting during our opening hours.

Reviewed By sara_enrich - London, United Kingdom

We had a great day out in Norton Priory with its fascinating ruins and exhibitions, fun kids activities, extensive grounds and beautiful walled garden. I came in August with my son whilst visiting family. I was so impressed with the precautions they’ve taken to follow the Covid guidelines as well as still making it a thoroughly enjoyable experience. The staff were friendly and went out of their way to help. We’ll definitely be back when we can.

Warrington Library Museum Street Cultural Quarter, Warrington WA1 1JB England +44 1925 442399 [email protected] http://www.warringtonmuseum.co.uk/
Excellent
58%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 272 reviews

Warrington Museum & Art Gallery

Located above Warrington Central Library, Warrington Museum is one of the oldest municipal museums in the country. Much of the quintessential character of the building has been preserved and its original glass cabinets are crammed with treasures from all over the world. Work from acclaimed artists is also on display in the art gallery, and there is a lively program of events, activities and temporary exhibitions. Admission is free!

Reviewed By paulinedV6545QL

What a lovely little museum. It’s such a refreshing change to go to a museum, where my students can interact and try thing like armour on. Make drawings and writings. My class are adults learning English and they enjoyed it immensely. Well done Warrington, definitely worth a visit no matter what age you are.

7. Arley Hall & Gardens

Northwich CW9 6NA England +44 1565 777353 [email protected] http://www.arleyhallandgardens.com/
Excellent
55%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
5%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 605 reviews

Arley Hall & Gardens

PLEASE NOTE THAT ALTHOUGH THE GARDENS ARE OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK, THE HALL IS ONLY OPEN TO THE PUBLIC ON TUESDAYS, SUNDAYS AND BANK HOLIDAYS. Arley is a place of enormous character, charm and interest. Visitors are frequently struck by the warm and intimate atmosphere and the feeling that Arley is a much-cherished family home. The Gardens, which are amongst the finest in Britain, are outstanding for their vitality, variety and historical interest and are particularly celebrated for the magnificent double herbaceous border. The Hall is an impressive example of a Victorian country house built in the Elizabethan style.

Reviewed By JoanneHodgin - Leyland, United Kingdom

We wanted to make the most of the beautiful weather but avoid the busy beaches. Arley Hall & Gardens was perfect for this! Lots of open spaces, beautiful plants, flowers & structures to explore. A feast for the eyes with all the colours of the flowers in full bloom. We took a picnic but treated ourselves with a cake from the cafe; which was fresh, flavourful and very yummy. Suitable for visitors of all ages and mobility. Easy to negotiate paths for prams/scooters/chairs. Plenty of benches to take a rest or to take in your surroundings. The hall wasn't open during our visit, but we are keen to return on a day that it is. Good value day out.

8. Little Moreton Hall

Congleton Rd., Congleton CW12 4SD England +44 1260 272018 http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/little-moreton-hall
Excellent
74%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,201 reviews

Little Moreton Hall

Reviewed By Darrandurus - Cheadle Hulme, United Kingdom

Well what can I say, the National Trust has come up tops again with this little Tudor Gem. Extremely well maintained and restored beautiful House, it is a pleasure to visit As usual with the National Trust, staff are onsite to bring the house to life and free tours are available which are excellent. Enjoy the tour then wander around at your leisure to enjoy other parts of the house and it’s display, followed perhaps by a visit to the cafe, where you can eat inside or out in the garden whilst the ducks from the moat nibble for titbits beneath your feet. There is a path to walk which follows the moat around the property which gives you a chance to enjoy the various herbs and flowers that surround the Hall. A great all weather attraction, enjoy.

9. Crocky Trail

Cotton Abbotts Guy Lane, Waverton CH3 7PH England +44 1244 336084 [email protected] http://www.crockytrail.co.uk
Excellent
64%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
3%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,090 reviews

Crocky Trail

Looking for something fun to do over the weekend? Stuck for school holiday ideas and need to keep the kids entertained? Why not bring the whole family and get down and dirty with us at the Crocky Trail outdoor adventure playground in Cheshire? The fun starts the moment you arrive, with all the rides, the trail and the challenges it's the perfect way to have some quality family time and get that all important exercise for everyone.

Reviewed By CerysG_12

I love this place as do all my kids ( 12,9,7 and 4) We went again today after months of my children nagging me to come back and they all had such an amazing time. The staff were all great, I found them cheerful and friendly and the safety precautions for Covid 19 were carefully implemented. ( The lad in charged of flushed was friendly and full of banter with my son and his friend which was lovely to see) There is so much to do for all ages... a great trail full of bridges, streams, rides, swings, slides and activities and loads of fairground type rides as you enter. It’s a magical place that amused my moody 12 year old and turned him back into the child he still is and not the teenager he’s becoming and just for that it’s worth every penny. Thanks for a lovely day out.

10. Manley Mere

Manley Lane, Manley, Frodsham WA6 0PE England +44 1928 740243 http://www.manleymere.co.uk/
Excellent
62%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
5%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 299 reviews

Manley Mere

Manley Mere Sail Sports & Adventure Trail

Reviewed By yimmin - Widnes, United Kingdom

This is a fantastic family day out but be prepared to get wet and dirty! Things to note; *Bring a change of clothes and towels. Wear stuff that you don't mind getting dirty and wet, I'd suggest shorts and t-shirt as it can get cold if you're walking around in wet clothes. *Take a picnic. During COVID19 there is a snack bar but the cafe is closed, it's limited and expensive. *Waterproof your phone or camera. As my partner didn't come there was nobody to take pictures, I wish I'd waterproofed my phone. We spent one of the last few days of the summer holidays here and had the most fun ever. We started off by skipping the first few obstacles so we could get to the big wet ones straight away, then we doubled back and did the whole loop as one once the morning crowd had moved on. Some of the obstacles are quite tricky and do need a bit of upper body strength but it's up to you which you do. It's disappointing that you have to pay full price to observe, my partner stayed at home with our 5 month old. She had no intention of taking part and would only have taken pictures. The whole route has a pathway that you could push a pram around. We took full advantage of the nice weather and got covered in mud and water at every opportunity. Having clean dry clothes at the end was a godsend, there's a couple of not very powerful hoses so you can get the bulk of the mud off.

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