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Looking for great days out in Cheshire? Here at Black Prince we offer canal boat cruises in this lovely area of north-west England, and so are often asked what are the top attractions in Cheshire that you can’t miss. And if you have family in tow, then we’ll highlight things to do in Cheshire with the kids.
The medieval town of Chester is a must-see place to visit in Cheshire, with a history dating back to Roman times. Take some time to walk the Roman walls, looking out for the old Roman amphitheatre as you pass through the town! The cathedral is hugely impressive and you’ll enjoy walking the Rows – the dual level of shops that line the high street. A great place to visit for combining a bit of history with some shopping, plus there are some lovely pubs and restaurants for eating out.
Sitting high on a rocky crag with incredible views over the Cheshire Plain, Beeston Castle is one of the most dramatic medieval castles in England. On a clear day, you can see as far as the Pennines and the Welsh mountains. With 4,000 years of history, a Bronze Age roundhouse replica, and a 40-acre woodland park, there’s lots to explore. Beeston Castle is an English Heritage site and they charge an entrance fee, it’s probably a half day out in Cheshire. You can read more about castles and manor houses to visit in Cheshire here.
Another place to visit in Cheshire is the Lion Salt Works is a restored historic open-pan salt making site, in the village of Marston, close to Northwich. It’s easy to visit from the Trent and Mersey Canal, close to Weaver Hall Museum and Workhouse, and the historic Anderton Boat Lift. It’s a great museum that explains all about a method of salt extraction that has died out in the UK. Younger family members will be entertained with a trail to follow and mechanical exhibits to try. This is an English Heritage site, under 16’s go free.
At the top of our list of things to do in Cheshire is a day at the zoo! Chester was named as the best zoo in the UK in 2024 and it’s easy to see why! It’s big on conservation, with over 21,000 animals and 500 different species, including some of the most endangered species on the planet. It’s best to allow a full day to visit, plus there are dedicated tours that you can join if you pre-book. You could have a tortoise experience, a penguin experience and even a rhino experience! Book tickets and find out more at: https://www.chesterzoo.org.
If you prefer sharks to your rhinos then head to one of Britain’s best aquariums. You can witness Europe’s largest collections of sharks through the amazing 71 metre underwater tunnel. You can even swim with them! (Pre-booking necessary). With over 100 exhibits and 1000’s of animals from around the world, this is a great family day out in Cheshire.
Gulliver’s World is a theme park located in Warrington, England, loosely based on the world of Lilliput from Gulliver’s Travels. There are rides and attractions in differently themed areas such as Land, Gully Town, and Safari Kingdom, which are designed for younger children between the ages of 2 and 13 (probably more towards the younger age group).
And for something completely different…head to this awe-inspiring attraction. If you like learning cool science facts about the universe, enjoy a British story of resilience and ingenuity, and want a great range of indoor and outdoor things to do, the Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre is a great place to visit. Pay extra for the Dome Show, it’s well worth it.
If you’re taking a narrowboat cruise along the Trent and Mersey Canal you will come across the Anderton Boat Lift, known as one of the Seven Wonders of the Waterways. This man-made structure, dating back to 1875, moves boots between the Trent and Mersey Canal and the River Weaver Navigation. Often called the ‘Cathedral of the Canals’ you can take a boat up the lift to the River and back again, plus there’s a children’s playground and a cafe.
And for something completely different for a Cheshire attraction… Discover the secret world of nuclear government. For over 50 years this vast underground complex, remained secret, hidden on the outskirts of Nantwich. Declassified in 1993, the 35,000 sq ft underground bunker would have been the centre of Regional Government had nuclear war broken out. Today, you can explore the whole of this cold war museum. This is a dog and children friendly attraction, find out more here.
Nantwich is a medieval market town, famous for the medieval timbered buildings dotted around the town. Situated on the banks of the River Weaver, you can stroll through the atmospheric streets and visit the bijoux boutiques, antiques dealers and contemporary craft shops. Interesting places to visit include the Hack Green Secret Nuclear Bunker and the Nantwich Market, an indoor market with lots of craft stalls and cafes. Visit in September for the Nantwich food festival, with talks by well-known chefs and live music.
The Sandstone Trail is a stunning 34-mile walking route that winds through Cheshire’s beautiful countryside and this is a lovely free thing to do in Cheshire. Perfect for walkers of all levels, you can tackle the whole trail or enjoy smaller sections. You can join the Sandstone Trail at various points, making it easy to customise your walk. The trail runs from Frodsham in the north to Whitchurch in the south, passing through scenic spots along the way. Some popular access points include the Bear’s Paw pub in Frodsham, Delamere Forest and Beeston Castle.
If you would like to discover the best of Cheshire on a Black Prince narrowboat then book online, choosing Acton Bridge as your hire base, or contact our team on:
Email: holiday@black-prince.com
Call: 00 44 (0)1527 575115