Congleton

Frequently asked questions

Why is Congleton called Beartown?

Congleton's nickname has a wonderfully peculiar origin. According to local legend, when the town's bear died just before the annual Wakes celebrations in the 1600s, the townspeople borrowed money that had been set aside to buy a new bible to purchase a replacement bear instead. The story gave rise to the rhyme "Congleton rare, Congleton rare, sold the town Bible to buy a new bear," and the town has carried the name Beartown with pride ever since. Today, the bear's influence is impossible to miss, from sculptures and statues to pub names and bus artwork scattered throughout the town. Beartown Brewery keeps the spirit very much alive too. It's one of Cheshire's most characterful stories, and Congleton owns it completely.

What is there to do in Congleton?

More than most people expect. Congleton is well known for its festivals, flowers, beers and bears, and there's a genuine range of things to see and do whether you're spending a few hours or a full day. Congleton Park sits along the banks of the River Dane, and is home to a free paddling pool open to families during the summer. Congleton Museum, housed in the old police station behind the Town Hall, brings the town's history to life through interactive displays, six coin hoards, a medieval log boat, and fascinating stories from the English Civil War to the textile industry. The surrounding countryside is outstanding walking territory, and the town's independent food and drink scene, anchored by Beartown Brewery, gives you good reason to linger. Discover everything to see and do in Congleton on our listings pages. Little Moreton Hall, Brereton Mere Local Nature Reserve and Astbury Mere are all nearby and worth exploring too.

What are the best walks near Congleton?

The walking around Congleton is genuinely excellent. Astbury Mere Country Park is less than a mile from the town centre, with wildflower meadows, views across the mere towards Congleton Edge and Mow Cop, and a café for refuelling after your stroll. From Astbury village, just a couple of miles south, you can pick up a route to the 16th-century Little Moreton Hall via a section of the Macclesfield Canal. The Biddulph Valley Way is a circular route that starts in Congleton and follows a disused railway through woodland and under a stunning viaduct. For something more challenging, the Cloud is a local landmark popular with walkers, where the climb to the top takes under an hour and a half and rewards you with spectacular views across the Cheshire Plain on a clear day. Browse our full selection of walks near Congleton for routes to suit every level.

Can you walk to Mow Cop from Congleton?

Yes, and it's well worth the effort. Mow Cop is around six miles from Congleton and the walk passes the famous Mow Cop Castle folly near the Cheshire-Staffordshire border, as well as a lesser-known landmark called The Old Man of Mow, a 65-foot pillar of gritstone. The route follows the canal to Ackers Crossing before a moderate, steady climb through fields and woodland to the summit, where the ridge offers sweeping views across the plain. It's a moderate walk with some elevation and can be muddy underfoot in places, so good boots are recommended.

What history can I discover in Congleton?

Congleton's history runs deep. The town developed in Anglo-Saxon times, is mentioned in the Domesday Book, and was granted a Charter in 1272 by Henry de Lacy, giving it the right to appoint a Mayor, hold a market, and use its own corn mill. Congleton Museum, set in the old police station behind the Town Hall, takes visitors from the prehistoric period to the present day, with interactive displays, pull-out figures with voice-overs, and exhibits including a medieval log boat, coin hoards from the Civil War, and stories of life during the textile revolution. The museum also tells the story of John Bradshaw, born in Congleton, who signed the death warrant of King Charles I. Monthly history walks around the town bring all of it to life on foot.

Who was Elizabeth Wolstenholme Elmy and why is she celebrated in Congleton?

One of the most significant figures in the women's rights movement, Elizabeth Wolstenholme Elmy spent much of her life in Congleton and is finally getting the recognition she deserves. Suffragette leader Emmeline Pankhurst called her "the brains of the suffragist movement." She lived in Congleton for more than 50 years, relentlessly campaigning for women's right to vote, girls' right to an education, and a raft of other battles that marked her as a figure far ahead of her time. A life-size bronze statue, unveiled on International Women's Day 2022, now stands in the town as a lasting tribute to her extraordinary legacy. You'll find her on Bridge Street, and she's well worth seeking out.

What events and festivals take place in Congleton?

Congleton punches well above its weight on the events front. The Congleton Food and Drink Festival is free to attend and draws thousands of visitors to the town centre each summer, with stalls spread across High Street, Swan Bank, Mill Street and beyond, showcasing everything from artisan produce and handmade pies to craft ales and international street food. Congleton Pride takes place in July and is a free, family-friendly celebration of diversity and inclusion for everyone. Congleton Unplugged is a music festival spread over a weekend in March, featuring over 40 gigs across the town's venues, covering jazz, blues and beyond. The Beartown Get-Down takes place on the last Friday of every month at Congleton Market Quarter, showcasing local music talent from 6pm.

Where can I try a local beer in Congleton?

Beartown Brewery is the heart of Congleton's real ale scene and a visit is highly recommended. Beartown has been brewing since 1994 and underwent a significant refurbishment in 2022, supplying more than 250 outlets. The brewery's bar, known as The Den, has the brewhouse visible through glass, stocks three regular Beartown ales alongside keg options, and offers Saturday brewery tours. The Beartown Tap, just 300 yards away, was named CAMRA Pub of the Year 2020 and 2021, and serves six cask ales from the brewery alongside a secluded outdoor beer terrace with weekly street food and live music. For real ale enthusiasts, Congleton is a very good place to spend an afternoon.

Where is Congleton?

Congleton is a historic market town in the borough of Cheshire East, North West England. Located on the River Dane, it sits roughly halfway between Manchester (21 miles north) and Stoke-on-Trent (13 miles south) and serves as a gateway to the Cheshire Peak District.