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Places to Visit Please find below some articles and features about local places to visit.. We're also more than pleased to accept reviews (long or short) from guests on places they've visited and would like to recommend to others. |
| Nantwich One of Cheshires' finest towns |
| Ludlow and Shrewsbury Two of Shropshire's leading market towns |
| Stokesay Castle A local fortified manor house in Shropshire |
| Four Castles Four local castles close to Woodhey Hall |
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| Albert Dock Liverpool's Albert Dock |
| Quick Guide to Local Places to Visit |
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The local area is rich in places to visit. Cholmondeley Castle and gardens, with its many events such as the Camerata
Fireworks extravaganza,
rare breeds of farm animals as well as a tea room and shop
is close by.
The historic town of Nantwich is five miles away with its quaint tea rooms and lots of places to
eat or you can browse the antique shops. On your way back call in at Snugburys ice cream. You can take day trips on the canal and Stapeley Water Gardens
is just outside the town.
See Bridgemere Garden World which is Europe's largest garden centre with acres of plants and
over 20 different specialist gardens designed to give you lots of inspiration for your own garden.
There are specialist tours and demonstrations throughout the year.
Also nearby is Stapeley Water gardens which is the worlds's
largest water garden centre. It also contains the Palms tropical oasis which is home to many exotic fish, parrots and flora.
The Roman city of Chester has several race meets each year and you can tour the city on an open topped bus or see the wonderful animals of Chester Zoo. Towards Ellesmere Port is the Blue Planet Aquarium and Cheshire Oaks designer outlet village. Nearby are a choice of excellent country pubs serving fine meals sourced from local producers and of course plenty of real ales. Shopping:
Chester:
Manchester City Centre: The last decade has seen Manchester rise phoenix-like out of the ashes, to be reborn as one of the top shopping destinations in the north of England. Look out for designer goods and a whole raft of the best names in high street retailing.
Trafford Centre, Manchester: Website: www.traffordcentre.co.uk If this mega shopping centre was residential, people would surely never leave. With an unending range of every imaginable store, including Selfridges, (and a mass of restaurants and cafes) visitors should be in shopping heaven.
Liverpool: Designated as European Capital of Culture for 2008, Liverpool has seen many years of successful regeneration transform it in to one of Britain's leading cities. With a new city centre shopping complex, in addition to Albert Dock and Cavern Walks, visitors have an amazing selection of stores from which to choose.
Ellesmere Port Outlet Village (turn off junction 10 on M53): Website: www.cheshireoaksdesigneroutlet.com This McArthur Glen Designer Outlet Village is perhaps more like a small town when it comes to shopping. With an ever-growing stable of high street and designer names, visitors can usually expect generous discounts on most of the goods displayed.
Blakemere Shopping Experience Sandiway, Northwich (on A556, close to junction with A49): Website: www.blakemere-shoppingexperience.com This craft centre contains more than 30 individual retail units, centred around an Edwardian-style cobbled courtyard. Apart from the usual range of clothes, stationery and homeware, there is also an aquatic and falconry centre, a tropical-themed garden centre and working brewery (tasting sessions are organised). Flying displays involving birds of prey are staged regularly, and there are also series of craftwork demonstrations to look out for. A coffee shop and restaurant can also be found at the site. The complex is open 7 days a week, except 25 & 26 December and 1 January each year.
Museums & Galleries:
Liverpool Museum
Walker Art Gallery William Brown Street, Liverpool L3 8EL Tel: 0151 478 4199 Website: www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk Works by Rembrandt, Reubens and Poussin are among the many famous paintings on display at this gallery in the heart of Liverpool. A recently refurbished section also will play host to an intriguing range of visiting collections throughout the year.
Merseyside Maritime Museum Albert Dock L3 4AQ Tel: 0151 478 4499 Historically, Chester was designated, the number one port in Britain's North West from Roman times onwards. However, with the silting up of the River Dee and a subsequent reclamation of land, towns further west such as Parkgate and Caldy acquired Chester's shipping mantle. That was until the early 1800s, however, when it was no longer possible to traverse the Dee. Coupled with the arrival of massive steam ships, Liverpool, in the wider and deeper Mersey Estuary, soon became the most favoured west coast harbour and the all important transfer point for émigrés to the Americas. The above museum charts Liverpool's amazing maritime history, and contains an exciting array of exhibits and artefacts from when this city was at the epicentre of the shipping world.
Tate Liverpool Albert Dock L3 EBB Tel: 0151 702 7400 Website: tate.org.uk Is half a glass of water: half empty or half full? Well at Tate Liverpool it's been a work of art! Or is that flickering light part of a Turner prize winning exhibit or just faulty? Be prepared to have your horizons broadened and the definition of what is art stretched far beyond normally accepted parameters.
Grosvenor Museum 27 Grosvenor Street, Chester CH1 2DD Tel: 01244 402008 Website: www.grosvenormuseum.co.uk Admission to this stunning collection of ancient and more modern artefacts is free. Many of the permanent exhibits include replicas of original or ancient Roman stone or art work. There's also an art gallery and an exhibition on changes in the home from 17th century to the 1930s. Work from the Duke of Westminster's own private collection is regularly displayed here. Recent exhibitions have included work by Gainsborough and Stubbs. The museum is open all year round, except Christmas Day, New Years Day and Good Friday.
Chester Visitors' Centre Vicars Lane, Chester, CH1 1QX Tel: 01244 351609 Website: www.chestertourism.com Looking out over the ancient amphitheatre, Chester Visitors' Centre is certainly worth a tour. It contains many finds from the amphitheatre itself and is also a starting point for a regular series of historic reenactments - the changing of the Roman Guard Parade (summer time only). With DVD shows on Chester, tourist information and a service offering guided walks, people should find all they need here to demystify Chester past or present. From April to October, there are also regular mini-bus tours of the surrounding countryside. These 'Rural Safaris' venture into Cheshire, Shropshire and North Wales. (For more details go to www.busybus.co.uk or ring 01244 351609).
The Beatles Story Experience Britannia Vaults, Albert Dock, Liverpool L3 4AD Tel: 0151 709 1963 Website: www.beatlesstory.com There was once a John Lennon who wanted to form a skiffle band, and the rest as they say is history. With only two surviving members of the 'Fab Four' alive today, take a tour of this museum that charts the outstanding music success of Liverpool lads, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr.
Chester Zoo Upton by Chester CH2 1LH Tel: 01244 380280 Website: www.chesterzoo.org Chester Zoo is one of Britain's largest and most fascinating zoos. It houses over 7000 animals drawn from around 400 different species, and many of them are on the endangered species list. The trust believes one of its primary goals is to act as a conservation agency for some of the planet's most vulnerable animals. However, education and fun are also very much the order of the day, and visitors will undoubtedly be won over by the acrobatic displays of the sealions at feeding time, and the chaotic antics of the resident penguins. The giraffes always seem to be so aloof and 'above it all'. Apart from the usual, lions, tigers and bears, the kangaroos, chimpanzees and elephants are some of the other animals that should not be missed. There are several on-site restaurants and cafes along with a face painting studio and pottery area. The mono-rail system also provides an excellent tour of the whole of the zoo's grounds. The zoo is open all year round, except 25 and 26 December.
Blue Planet Aquarium Cheshire Oaks, CH65 9LF Tel: 0151 357 8804 Website: www.blueplanetaquarium.co.uk Ever wondered what you'd do if you came face to face with a shark? Well you can wonder no more at Ellesmere Port's Blue Planet Aquarium, with only a few inches of industrial strength plastics between you and one of the ocean's fiercest creatures. More intrepid souls have been known to swim with the sharks as the fulfilment of a personal goal or as a fund-raising effort for charity. But if you're not that way inclined, you can opt for the next best thing - and that would be a stroll along a moving walkway that's been installed underneath the massive water tank. Indeed, you could almost forget this is a man-made environment when you view the tank from the major theatre window. The deep blues of the water could make you believe there's a whole ocean out there just brimming with an array of dangerous, and not so dangerous, tropical fish. Stapeley Water Gardens Stapeley, Nantwich, Cheshire CW5 7LH Tel: 01270 623868 Website: www.stapeleywg.com Stapeley Water Gardens certainly lives up to its billing as a great day out for the all the family. Situated one mile south of Nantwich on the A51, this organisation oddly enough started out as a centre devoted to all things to do with water features for gardens such as ponds, aquatic plants, fish and so forth. However, it's grown in to something far more extravagant and now there are an ornate series of water gardens that feature interesting pieces such as fountains, statues and colourful arrays of water lilies. There's also a small zoo where visitors can see snakes, toucans and piranhas among the exotic range of fish and animals. With an angling and camping centre, there's little that hasn't been thought of to accommodate those with an interest in the great outdoors. There's also an Italian Garden, gift shop and cafe for visitors to enjoy.
Cheshire Salt Museum 162 London Road, Northwich, Cheshire CW9 8AB Tel: 01606 41331 Website: cheshiremuseums@cheshire.gov.uk Hard to believe that something as basic as salt has been mined in Cheshire for over 2000 years. Once valued almost as highly as precious metal or stones in ancient times, salt was not just a vital cooking ingredient, but a preservative, cleaning agent and so much more. At the salt mines hey-day in the 1880s, over one million tons of salt were exported from Cheshire to countries abroad. At the museum, the importance of salt to Britain and the Cheshire economy is comprehensively evaluated and chronicled. With an ever-changing series of exhibitions, coffee shop and gift store, the museum promises a great day out for all the family. Tatton Hall, Tatton Park Ashley Road, Knutsford, Cheshire WA16 6QN Tel: 01625 534400 Website: www.tattonpark.org.uk Famed as the annual venue for the Royal Horticultural Society Flower Shower in July, this vast, 1000 acre stately home, has many more exciting events scheduled in any given year. The grounds essentially comprise, a wildlife park where over 500 red and fallow deer are allowed to freely roam, a mansion house, an old Tudor Hall and a 1930s-style working farm. The Old Tudor Hall was the original estate house and was occupied from the Middle Ages until the 1950s. The newer, grander neo-classical manor was designed by Samuel and Lewis Wyatt and displays a lavish collection of furniture, artwork and ceramics. The 1930s-style farm gives an authentic insight into rural England of yesteryear. Children are invited to feed the menagerie of farm animals which include pigs, donkeys and goats. There's also a playground with over 30 different pieces. Moreover, a 50 acre garden takes pride of place at the estate where the annual, often televised, flower shower takes place each summer. Tatton Park also has several shops which sell estate reared meat such as venison, and there are also a tempting array of fresh cakes, pastries and biscuits. The Stables Restaurant at the park also provides fresh, healthy snacks, with much of the produce supplied by the estate gardens. Cheshire Workshops, The Candle-makers Burwardsley, Nr Chester, Cheshire CH3 9PF Tel: 01829 770401 These workshops, in the heart of the Cheshire countryside, make an ideal day out whatever the time of year. If ever there was one oulet that sold an exciting array of arts then this has to be it. A range of differing candles can be bought perhaps as a centrepiece for a dining table or as genuine ornamentation for around the home. People can also watch many of the live demonstrations throughout the day and also join in to produce some of their very own personalised creations. There's also a restaurant, and an adventure playground for youngsters. Snugbury's Jersey Ice Cream Park Farm, Hurleston, Nantwich, Cheshire CW5 6BU Website: www.snugburys.co.uk (Located on A51, Nantwich to Chester Road, 1.5 miles from Nantwich) Summer, spring, autumn, winter, this farm offers mouth-watering and delicious ice cream practically all year round. Popular flavours include Pecan & Fudge and Raspberry Ripple. Great to eat in or take away. The farm closes on Christmas Day and Boxing Day, but is open the rest of the year. Bridgemere Garden World on the A51 south of Nantwich, Cheshire CW5 7QB Tel: 01270 521100 Website: www.bridgemere.co.uk It would seem Cheshire is nothing but blessed with an abundance of garden centres and organisations devoted to all things horticultural. Well, Bridgemere Garden World it would seem is among the pioneers that are cultivating and maintaining that trend. With fantastic exhibitions of every style of garden, many of them Chelsea and RHS Tatton Flower Show winners, visitors will surely be able to acquire many a new idea to take away and try at home. With displays including cottage-style gardens, Mediterranean lay-outs and an array of water features, there is much to lead people to be more creative in their thinking. The site also has a gift shop, craft centre, restaurant and ice cream parlour among its many attractions. It's open all year round, except Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Hoo Farm Animal Kingdom Preston-on-the-Weald Moors, Telford, Shropshire TF6 6DJ Tel: 01952 677917 Website: www.hoofarm.com If you thought one farm was very much like another, then think again. At Hoo Farm animal kingdom they have been breaking back the bounds of farm living for many a year. March and April is lambing season when visitors can see first hand, ewes and their new broods emerge into the world. There's also pony rides, mini quad biking, candle dipping and a range of other craft activities on offer at this centre. Visitors can also delight in the whacky sheep and goat races. And special events are organised for both Halloween and Christmas. The farm is open every day from mid-March to 24 December. Deva Roman Experience Pierpoint Lane, Bridge Street, Chester. Tel: 01244 343407 Discover what life was like over 2000 years ago in Roman Chester, then known as Dewa (or Deva as it has become anglicised today). This museum has tried to recreate the sights, sounds and smells of the city from the 1st to 4th centuries. Visitors can also step aboard a replica of Roman galley or walk along a reconstruction of a typical ancient street. An extensive exhibition of finds is also on show and includes many artefacts from Saxon and Medieval times. Theatres/Concert Halls: A small selection of all the acts, plays and events that are due to be held at the venues below can be found in our Events section. But for fully comprehensive listings, people should go to each of the organisation's individual websites.
Buxton Opera House Crewe Lyceum Heath Street, Crewe CW1 2DA Tel: 01270 537333 Website: www.lyceumtheatre.net This small regional theatre, just a few miles away from Faddiley, usually has an exciting programme of events that perhaps belie its relatively small size and stature. For more details go to its website. Palace Theatre, Manchester Oxford Street, Manchester M1 6FT Tel: 0870 60 77 471 Website: www.manchestertheatres.com This big city theatre promises an entertaining evening out with some of this country's top repertory companies, many of whom are on tour from London's West End. Go to its website for more information. Royal Exchange St Ann's Square, Manchester M2 7DH Tel: 0161 833 9833 Website: www.royalexchange.co.uk The Royal Exchange emerged as a theatre in 1976 on the site of the former old Cotton Exchange in Manchester. It has staged many outstanding plays over the years, which have featured famous names such as Gary Oldman, Leo McKern and Vanessa Redgrave.
Manchester MEN Arena Victoria Station, Manchester M3 1AR Tel: 0161 950 5000 Website: www.men-arena.com By night, this massive concert hall is typically home to some of the top performing acts in the country, and/or the world. And by day, it turns into an exhibition centre for every imaginable possible business or industry. For more details, go to its website shown above. Bridgewater Hall Lower Mosley Street, Manchester M2 3WS Tel: 0161 950 0000 Website: www.bridgewater-hall.co.uk There's always an exciting range of classical and popular musical events at this concert hall that never fails to please. For more details go to its website.
Liverpool Philharmonic Hall Hope Street, Liverpool L1 9BP Tel: 0151 709 3789 Website: www.liverpoolphil.com This art deco style concert hall regularly showcases the talents of some of top acts in the music industry. Past concerts have included R&B mega star Lionel Ritchie in addition to popular classics newcomer, Hayley Westernra. There are also an abundance of classical recitals throughout the year by the resident Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra. See events diary for more details on concerts this autumn/winter. Empire Liverpool Lime Street, Liverpool L1 1JE Tel: 0870 606 3536 Website: www.liverpoolempire.org.uk From ballet to contemporary dance or from panto to musical, this massive theatre always offers an exciting and entertaining programme of events. For more details, go to its website shown above. Liverpool Playhouse Williamson Square, Liverpool L1 1EL Tel: 0151 709 4776 Website: www.everymanplayhouse.com Saved from ultimate closure in recent years, this rejuvenated theatre is a major centre for the theatrical arts on Merseyside. Among the many plays and musicals that have been staged here are Blood Brothers, a Tale of Two Cities and The Ghost Train. Everyman Theatre, Liverpool 13 Hope Street, Liverpool L1 9BH Tel: 0151 709 4776 Website: www.everymanplayhouse.com This theatre has successfully positioned itself at the forefront of Liverpool's theatrical community and is among the first to pioneer new playwrights and talents. Educating Rita playwright, Willy Russell, found early fame here. More details of forthcoming events can be found at its website shown above. Clwyd Theatr, Cymru Mold, Flintshire, North Wales CH7 1YA Box Office: 0845 330 3565 Website: www.clwyd-theatr-cymru.co.uk Recorded information: 01352 701515 In the heart of the stunning North Wales' countryside, this exceptional theatre is known throughout the UK for its innovative approach to the arts. With two theatres and a cinema programme of popular films, it offers visitors an excellent evening's entertainment. There's also a restaurant (The Bistro) on site where visitors can dine before a performance.
Cinema:
Cineworld
Vue Cheshire Oaks The Coliseum, Coliseum Way, Ellesmere Port, CH65 9HD Tel: Website: www.myvue.com This multi-screen complex, next to the McArthur Glen outlet village, offers cinema-goers an extensive choice of popular films. Nightclubs: There are literally scores of nightclubs in the north west for clubbing fans to sample and try out. Here's just a small selection of the most popular in the area.
Reflex 12-16 Northgate Street, Chester CH1 2HA Tel: 01244 327141 Website: www.reflex-bars.co.uk The 80s is back with a vengeance and the Reflex chain of clubs is devoted to all things New Wave and New Romantic. Dust off your string vests, legwarmers and frilly shirts. Go to town on your hair and make-up. This applies to men too. (Stag and Hen parties get special rates, free bubbly, party packs and to jump the queue aswell).
Reflex 2-4 Wood Street, Liverpool L1 4AQ Tel: 0151 708 1541 Website: www.reflex-bars.co.uk If you've had enough of the Chester crowd, then try Liverpool. Same scene, different city. Friday and Saturdays are open from 10.00pm - 4.00am. Every Wednesday is 80s rock night. You get brownie points for turning up like a member of Van Halen. No sportswear or trainers though. Flares Cavern Walks, Matthew Street, Liverpool L2 6RE Tel: 0151 255 0517 Website: www.flarebars.com Surprisingly, the owners of the Reflex chain of nightclubs are also behind the Flares concept too. The nearest club to Nantwich is in Liverpool. Punters are promised 'the funkiest and grooviest' of nights out. Thumping disco and soul anthems from the 70s are played seven days a week. Check out the above website for more details.
The Camel Club 13-22 Wood Street, Liverpool Tel: 0151 707 1933 Advertised as one of the best kept secrets in Liverpool, this club above the Revolution Bar, plays R&B and hip-hop every night of the week. Typically it's open from 9.00pm until 2.00pm. Alexanders Rufus Court, Chester Tel: 01244 340005 Website: www.alexandersjazz.com Situated in a hidden corner of Chester, this restaurant turns into a cool jazz club in the evening. Check out its website for forthcoming events.
Telford's Warehouse Tower Wharf, Chester, CH1 4EZ Tel: 01244 390090 Website: www.telfordswarehouse.com This famous 18th century warehouse, designed by Thomas Telford, is a family run bar, restaurant, arts and music venue. Thursdays are dance nights, while on Fridays and Saturdays there's live music mixed with sets from local DJs. Sundays are open mic nights, when up-and-coming acts get a chance to test their material on a live audience.
Cuba Cafe 43 Port Street, Manchester M1 1JN Tel: 0161 236 3630 (Over 25s only at weekends) Website: www.cubacafe.co.uk Cafe Cuba tries to recreate an old-fashioned bar in 1950s Havana. Friday and Saturday nights are the most popular where salsa, rock & roll and R n'B are the most played tunes.
Tiger Tiger The Printworks, Withy Grove, Manchester M4 2BS Tel: 0161 385 8080 Website: www.tigertiger-manch.co.uk (Over 25s only) With 7 bars, 4 floors, 2 dance floors and a restaurant, Tiger Tiger claims to provide the ultimate in Big City living. With fabulous food, wine and cocktails, the owners say the club is the ideal place to eat, drink and dance the night away. Supermarkets:
Sainsburys'
Asda Victoria Centre Crewe CW1 2PT Tel: 01270 258271 Opening times: Mon 8am - 11pm, Tues-Fri 7am - 11pm, Sat 7am - 10pm, Sun 10am - 4pm
Tesco Vernon Way Crewe CW1 2DD Tel: 0845 6779840 Opening times: Mon 8am - 12am, Tues - Fri open 24hrs, Sat open until 10pm, Sun 10am - 4pm
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