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.

After taking a look around the visitor centre, learn about the history of the boat lift and experience it for yourself; board the boat and your guide will take you through the lift and onto a journey down the river for a unique look at the industrial heritage of Northwich.

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 refrectory cafe 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 Amphtitheatre, the largest in Britain.

There is so much to discover and enjoy. Browse all of Cheshire's heritage attractions below:

If you plan to visit any of our attractions please check opening times and admission prices with each individual business before you travel, despite us aiming to bring you real time information about the county's offerings things do change frequently.

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450 reviews
Lion Salt Works

Type

Type:

Heritage / Visitor Centre

Northwich

Cheshire’s salt – the precious mineral on which this county sits – has been prized since Roman times.

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1232 reviews
Anderton Boat Lift

Type

Type:

Boat Trip

Northwich

Whilst there are currently no trips through the lift itself, the ‘Cathedral of the Canals’ still has plenty on offer to guarantee a wonderful day out for all the family!
External Links
- Accessible Information
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Warrington Museum & Art Gallery

Type

Type:

Museum

Warrington

Situated in a charming, Grade II listed building, Warrington Museum and Art Gallery is a hidden gem.
External Links
- Accessible Information
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2780 reviews
Tatton Park

Type

Type:

Historic House / Palace

Knutsford

Tatton Park’s ancient Parkland is just waiting to be explored.

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1216 reviews
Walton Hall & Gardens

Type

Type:

Historic House / Palace

Warrington

Set within acres of tranquil and idyllic parkland, Walton Hall and Gardens is Warrington’s jewel in the crown.
External Links
- Accessible Information
- Accessible Information - Children's Zoo
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138 reviews
Cholmondeley Castle Gardens

Type

Type:

Castle / Fort

Malpas

The Cholmondeley Family have lived at Cholmondeley since the Norman times. The gardens were originally laid out in the early 19th Century using architectural elements from the formal gardens of the Old Hall.
External Links
- Accessible Information
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1427 reviews
Jodrell Bank

Type

Type:

Heritage / Visitor Centre

Macclesfield

Jodrell Bank is an amazing, unique, and awe-inspiring place. A world-leading deep-space radio observatory, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and an award-winning national visitor attraction.

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394 reviews
ChesterBoat - Sightseeing River Cruises and Private Hire

Type

Type:

Boat Trip

Chester

Enjoy a different side of Chester - the riverside! Sail with us along the beautiful River Dee.

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230 reviews
City Sightseeing Open Top Tour

Type

Type:

Sightseeing

Chester

Discover the rich history of Chester with City Sightseeing open top bus tour.

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806 reviews
BusyBus (Sightseeing Tours)

Type

Type:

Sightseeing

Tours to various venues

BusyBus were established in 2003 and provide fully narrated award-winning sightseeing adventures to North Wales, The Lake District and Yorkshire.

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Chester Cathedral Tower Tour

Type

Type:

Cathedral / Minister

Chester

Take a trip to the top of our Tower! Visit Chester Cathedral and embark upon our award-winning Tower Tour – one of the best things to do in Chester!

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722 reviews
Hack Green Secret Nuclear Bunker

Type

Type:

Museum

Nantwich

Discover the secret underground world of government. How would you survive a nuclear attack?

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53 reviews
Chester Ghost Tours

Type

Type:

Walking Tour

Northgate Street, Chester

Chester Ghost Tours have been delving into haunted happenings for over 30 years in a city renowned for its action-packed past.

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RAF Burtonwood Heritage Centre

Type

Type:

Heritage / Visitor Centre

Old Hall, Warrington

Burtonwood Heritage Centre was built on the site of RAF Burtonwood, which was once the largest airfield in Europe. The heritage centre is a great opportunity to explore a fascinating period of 20th century history.
External Links
- Accessible Information
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555 reviews
National Waterways Museum

Type

Type:

Museum

Ellesmere Port

Unlock the wonders of our waterways at National Waterways Museum, Ellesmere Port.
External Links
- Accessible Information
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1656 reviews
Quarry Bank (NT)

Type

Type:

Water Mill

Styal

Quarry Bank is one of Britain's greatest industrial heritage sites, showing how a complete industrial community lived. Here you can discover the story of mill workers, mill owners and how the Industrial Revolution changed our world forever.

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97 reviews
Tabley House

Type

Type:

Historic House / Palace

Knutsford

A fine Palladian house designed by John Carr of York, built in 1761 for the Leicester family, who lived at Tabley for 700 years.

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244 reviews
The Chester Tour

Type

Type:

Walking Tour

Chester

Be enthralled by the tales and anecdotes of those who have contributed to the rich heritage of this much-loved city, beginning in Roman times, through the vibrant Medieval expansion period, the desperation of the Civil War, the Georgian elegance and…

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776 reviews
Roman Tours

Type

Type:

Walking Tour

Chester

Dedicated to illuminating the life of Roman soldiers and life in Roman Britain.

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2781 reviews
Tatton Park - The Old Hall

Type

Type:

Museum

Knutsford

The Old Hall is set in an enclosure in the parkland between the beautiful mere and the site of an Anglo Saxon village with its landscape history trail. Open only on special tours and events.

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