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History & Heritage
Discover Cheshire's Rich History and Heritage
Cheshire's cultural and industrial heritage is rich and varied. Visit some of the UK's most fascinating working museums and discover why Cheshire is synonymous with many industries including salt, silk and cotton.
Delve into the areas' rich history and visit a variety of heritage attractions in Cheshire. Anderton Boat Lift is a great place to visit to see something a little different. Built by Edwin Clark in 1875 to lift cargo boats the 50 feet in the air from the River Weaver to the Trent & Mersey Canal.
Head off to Ellesmere Port and the National Waterways Museum. With its stunning location on the banks of the Mersey and the Manchester Ship Canal, extensive in - door displays, boat trips and historic buildings, the Museum makes a great place to visit in Cheshire.
Chester Cathedral is many things to many people: a vibrant community of worship, an ancient abbey, an archaeological treasure, a cultural hub and a centre of musical excellence. The refectory Cafe 1092 is also a lovely place to indulge in a delicious traditional afternoon tea.
Take a trip to Lion Salt Works, one of Cheshire's newest heritage attractions, which gives a fascinating and fresh insight into the story of salt, brought to life with fun, interactive and imaginative educational exhibits.
Discover 2000 years of history in Chester as you take a walk along the oldest, longest and most complete city walls in Britain, discover Chester's Roman heritage with a Roman Tour, a trip to the Grosvenor Museum or visit to the Roman Amphitheatre, the largest in Britain.

History & Heritage Articles

The beloved ‘CHESTER’ letters installation is returning to Chester Cathedral gardens following a special refurbishment to mark the 10th anniversary of the Chester Heritage Festival.

Anderton Boat Lift, the world’s first major commercial boat lift, celebrated its 150th anniversary in style this weekend (July 26/27) with a fabulous free Victorian Fair, organised by the Canal & River Trust charity.

A major archaeological research dig has been launched by Norton Priory Museum and Gardens in Runcorn this week to celebrate the Museum Trust’s 50th anniversary.

The staff and volunteers at Tatton Park's Farm are eagerly anticipating the return of their popular Country Fayre with a packed programme of events which will take place during the August Bank Holiday weekend from Saturday 23rd to Monday 25th August.
History & Heritage Businesses

Weaver Hall Museum and Workhouse
Receive a warm welcome at this former Victorian Workhouse and relax in the museum’s café and Regalette cinema with introduction and archive film before exploring the galleries.

The North Wing Bed & Breakfast at Combermere Abbey
Luxurious and unique, a stay at The North Wing Bed & Breakfast is a truly unforgettable experience, creating wonderful memories to be cherished for years to come.

Quarry Bank - National Trust
Quarry Bank is a place of stark contrast, where the power of the Industrial Revolution sits alongside the beauty of picturesque gardens and lush countryside.

Tatton Park
The estate spans over 1,000 acres of parkland, featuring an elegant mansion, 50 acres of beautiful gardens, a working farm, and much more.
History & Heritage Businesses

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Combermere Abbey Cottages
The elegant Courtyard Cottages, centred around the Victorian Stables, are comprised of nine beautifully appointed, dog-friendly self-catering cottages.

Crewe Heritage Centre
Crewe Heritage Centre is the town's only museum, telling the story of how a small farming hamlet became an engineering heavyweight and household name in under 200 years.

Lyme - National Trust
Nestling on the edge of Cheshire and the Peak District, Lyme was once home to the Legh family and, in its heyday a great sporting estate.

Weaver Hall Museum and Workhouse
Receive a warm welcome at this former Victorian Workhouse and relax in the museum’s café and Regalette cinema with introduction and archive film before exploring the galleries.

Walton Hall and Gardens
Set within acres of tranquil and idyllic parkland is the picturesque Walton Hall and Gardens, the former home of Lord and Lady Daresbury and now the perfect Cheshire destination for families.

Sick to Death
Explore the gory story of medicine through time. Learn and laugh in a gross but family fun attraction.

Tatton Park
The estate spans over 1,000 acres of parkland, featuring an elegant mansion, 50 acres of beautiful gardens, a working farm, and much more.

Grosvenor Museum
Explore the lives and death of soldiers during the Roman occupation including a superb collection of memorial stones.



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Unmissable History & Heritage Events

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Gladiators of Britain
Dates: 20th Sept - 25th Jan 2026
A partnership exhibition with The British Museum and Colchester and Ipswich Museums.

Step into Astrophotography
Dates: 19th Nov - 11th Mar 2026
Returning in 2025, book a Jodrell Bank Astrophotography class and see the stars in a whole new way.

Astro Night: Valentine's Special
Dates: 14th Feb - 14th Feb 2026
Looking for a unique way to celebrate Valentine’s Day? Adults can join us for an enchanting evening under the stars as we explore the night sky. More information coming soon – watch this space!

Battle of Nantwich
Dates: 24th Jan - 24th Jan 2026
Join us from 10am for an exciting historical day out in Nantwich with music, historical plays, pike and musket displays, horse parade and the all important Battle on Mill Island at 2pm.
History & Heritage Offers

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Expiry Date: 28th Nov 2025
Treat yourself to a relaxing overnight stay, with breakfast, at De Vere Cranage Estate. As part of this special package, you'll also receive tickets to visit the stunning Tatton Park: one of Britain's most splendid country house estates

Expiry Date: 31st Dec 2025
Join today and save 10% when you sign up to renew by Direct Debit. Your membership will automatically renew onto 12 monthly payments in your second year.

Expiry Date: 31st Dec 2025
The Crewe Heritage Centre began life as part of the Crewe Heritage Festival in 1987, founded as a joint venture between Crewe & Nantwich Borough Council and British Rail.

Expiry Date: 31st Dec 2025
If you would like to become a supporter of the museum you can have the opportunity to get more involved with the work of the “home of the town’s history”.
History & Heritage Trails

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Eastgate Street Row South
This elegant Row is as much for strolling as for shopping. No retail opportunity has been missed, from the handsome shops to the glass-and-wood booths and the stallboards. You’ll also discover a legendary department store, Browns of Chester…

1 Miles
This sequence of Rows have seen their ups and downs, and your route will follow suit from street level to first floor. Pass through a once-notorious corner haunted by criminals and nip down an alley for a fine view of Chester’s cathedral…

An ancient marketplace, a sandstone cross smashed up by the Roundheads, and one of Britain’s finest examples of Tudor Revival architecture – this Row will reveal to you more than its fair share of history.

Watergate Street Row South
Glimpses of the past continue to reveal themselves along the road that once led to Chester’s port.
History & Heritage Experiences
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Chester Cathedral Tower Tour
Once at the top (125 feet high), take in the view encompassing of one city, two countries and five counties!
£14.00 From price per person

Half Hour City Cruises
This tranquil half-hour cruise long the River Dee departs from The Groves.
£9.50 From price per person

Two Hour Iron Bridge Cruise
Step aboard the Mark Twain or the Lady Diana for a two-hour cruise that’s a real treat.
£18.00 From price per person