Discover Cheshire
Congleton
Congleton: History, Nature & More
Known locally as Beartown, the pretty market town of Congleton is located in south-east Cheshire, the town is about halfway between Manchester and Stoke, perfectly placed for a weekend getaway to Cheshire’s Peak District.
Congleton is well known for its festivals, flowers, ribbons, beers and bears!
Experience the beautiful Victorian park, opened to the public in 1871 and bordered by the River Dane and Park wood. The town boasts its own theatre showcasing several local theatre groups and films alike and a popular outdoor paddling pool.
Congleton is set in some of the most scenic countryside around so if walking is of interest, enjoy a gentle stroll along the Macclesfield Canal, a circular walk around Astbury Mere Country Park or enjoy the splendid views from Bosley Cloud.
Discover Congleton’s hidden history by visiting Congleton Museum then sit back and relax in one of Congleton’s many cafés and restaurants or try a beer in one of our 29 pubs selling real ale. Download a copy of the Ale Trail
For local information, walking maps and guides, call into Congleton Information Centre based inside Congleton Town Hall.
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Unmissable Events in Congleton
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Lapland Manchester
Dates: 13th Nov - 24th Dec 2025
In the depths of The Enchanted Forest, a secret magical world awaits...
Aladdin
Dates: 16th Dec - 21st Dec 2025
Jayne Guest Music Productions presents a traditional family pantomime.
Brereton Heath Local Nature Reserve Elf Hunt
Dates: 13th Dec - 4th Jan 2026
Elf cartoon The Elves are on the loose in the park! Can you find them all and collect their names? Pick up a map from near the visitor centre and get searching around the park.
Deck the Hall
Dates: 5th Dec - 21st Dec 2025
Join us at Little Moreton Hall this December and make some lasting memories with family and friends.
Trails in Congleton
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1 Miles
Designated as a Local Nature Reserve, Brereton Heath was a quarry site for silica sand. The lake is surrounded by habitats restored to the original landscape of heather and silver birch trees.
2 Miles
The Biddulph Valley Way follows the route of a disused railway which carried coal between the Potteries and Congleton for over 100 years. Today, this is a tranquil route that allows visitors to enjoy the delightful Cheshire East countryside
1 Miles
Astbury Mere is a green oasis developed on the site of a former sand quarry, less than a mile from Congleton town centre. Enjoy a stroll through wildflower meadows and admire the views across the mere towards Congleton Edge and Mow Cop.
The Mow Cop Loop
3.75 Miles
An energetic short loop climbing onto the ridge leading to Mow Cop. The path leads through beautiful woodlands and there are fabulous views from the ridge. Interesting industrial history – coal mining and Primitive Methodism.
Businesses in Congleton
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Sandhole Oak Barn
Set within 400 acres of peaceful Cheshire countryside, Sandhole Oak Barn is an exclusive-use wedding and events venue offering rustic charm, lakeside views and elegant contemporary comfort.
Mow Cop
This prominent hill-top has been of spiritual and practical significance to man for thousands of years.
Congleton Museum
Discover a fascinating display of life, culture, and industry dating from the pre-historic period to the present day.
Timbersbrook Picnic Area
Today Timbersbrook picnic area is a beautiful spot where families can picnic
Congleton Paddling Pool
The pool has been a firm favourite with young children since the 1930s!
Congleton Park
This magnificent Victorian park is now fully restored and open to the public.
The Lovell Quinta Arboretum
Nestled in the heart of the Cheshire countryside in the picturesque village of Swettenham lies this horticultural treasure. The arboretum was the lifelong project of Sir Bernard Lovell, founder of the Jodrell Bank Radio Telescope.
Astbury Mere Country Park
Enjoy a stroll through the wildflower meadows at Astbury Mere Country Park, or simply sit and enjoy the views over the Mere towards Congleton Edge and Mow Cop.
Offers in Congleton
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Expiry Date: 31st Dec 2025
Donations come in all shapes and sizes. Why not become a Friend of Congleton Museum, and receive lots of member exclusive benefits such as regular newsletters and members only events.
