Nantwich

The pretty picturesque market town of Nantwich is widely known for and owes its history to salt. It still boasts it's mediaeval past which forms many of the winding streets and pathways around a number of historic buildings.

During Roman times the town was a centre for salt production and on Ascension Day the salt workers would assemble in gala dress and gather round the old biot salt pit which was situated six feet east of the River Weaver

St Mary's Church is one of the finest mediaeval churches in Britain and has many interesting features many of the surrounding buildings in the area are Grade I listed.

Old industries still flourish in Nantwich such as cheese making and tanning. Cheshire cheese is still made locally in the rural areas that surround the town Dairy farming is also a major contributor to the town's economy.

The town has survived several disasters in the 11th century it was burned down by the Norman Invaders; some 200 years later it was attacked by Welsh marauders and then there was The Great Fire of 1583 where the fire burned for 20 days the town was rebuilt at an estimated cost of £30,000. Queen Elizabeth I donated £2,000 and timber from the Royal Forest. Welsh Row and Wood Street escaped the Great Fire and are still home to some of the oldest buildings in the town, including the Georgian Townwell House.

The Queen's Aide House in High Street is a mediaeval merchants house built in 1548 by Thomas Cleese there is an inscription on the panelling recording the support of Queen Elizabeth I in the rebuilding the town. The Crown Hotel was built in 1585.

Nantwich was the only town in Cheshire which supported the Parliamentarians during the Civil Wars and came under attack on many occasions by the Royalist Army.

Local Attractions

Nantwich Civic Hall
The Civic Hall is situated in the most beautiful surroundings and if you are thinking of having an event like a special birthday or a social function then this is the place to book.

The hall offers an ideal venue for a business meeting or a wedding reception it has a capacity for 500 people with a range of different catering options.

There is a smaller function room with a dance floor small stage and bar which would cater for approximately 80 guests. The Hall is easily accessible with on site parking facilities.

Nantwich Museum
2005 is the museums 25th anniversary year and there will be a wealth of exhibitions and special events to see. The museum housed in a former library in Pillory Street used to be just one room displaying various historical artefacts now the museum has four rooms. The gallery situated in the heart of the town has a main gallery which tells the story of Nantwich through the ages from the salt making Romans, the Great Fire that devastated the town to the battles - the Civil War Battle of Nantwich of 1644.

Nantwich Cheese Show
The annual summer Cheese show has been enjoyed for over 100 years and visitors come from all over the country. It is a key part of the Nantwich and South Cheshire Show, which was originally held in Nantwich, and is now staged at Dorfold Hall Park. In 2004 a record 30,000 visitors came to sample cheeses at the worlds largest Cheese show. The show has a variety of categories including Farmhouse, Vegetarian, cheese for children, block cheese and best continental cheese it also includes other dairy products.

Nantwich Players Theatre
The actors at the Nantwich Players Theatre have been entertaining audiences since 1931. The theatre was once home to a former Quaker meeting house which dates back to 1724.

The 83 seater theatre produces five annual plays and also holds regular play readings it also encompasses a youth theatre.

Folk and Roots Festival - August Bank Holiday
With entertainment for all the family the Folk and Roots festival in Nantwich's picturesque town is a friendly festival showcasing some of the very best in contemporary dance and acoustic music. Each year more come to celebrate and enjoy the festival which is becoming a major attraction on the UK Folk calendar. There's plenty to enjoy including concerts, performances and kid's entertainment.

Hack Green Secret Nuclear Bunker, Nantwich
One of the nations most secret defence sites, Hack Green has played a central role in the defence of Britain for almost sixty years. A unique and exciting day out where you can transport yourself into the world of the Cold War and explore the blast proof HQ and see the governments preparations for nuclear war. There is an exciting war room with audio visuals and 2 cinemas. 1941 Hack Green, a site previously used as a bombing decoy site for the main railway centre at Crewe was chosen to become RAF Hack Green, to protect the land between Birmingham and Liverpool from hostile attack. Hack Green was one of 21 fixed radar stations in the country and one of only 12 fully equipped with searchlights and fighter aircraft control. In one of the cabinets in the museum you can see some of the original communications equipment used by Searchlight Command.

Snugburys
Snugburys Jersey ice-cream situated in Park Farm, Hurleston, started in the family kitchen, however after proving so successful it was turned into a full time commercial venture. With a variety of mouth watering flavours they also produce an award winning diabetic ice-cream.