Travels in the United Kingdom

Attactions: Things to do in the area

If the historic town of Nantwich itself isn't enough of a draw, or you're wondering what else the area offers, check out the list below.

Stapeley Water Gardens

The world's largest water garden centre. The Palms Tropical Oasis contains Mediterranean and tropical blooming gardens, complete with zoo and aquaria, featuring exotic fish, rare frogs, snakes and even Tamarin monkeys.

Bridgemere Garden Centre

The largest selection of garden plants in Europe. Come here for shopping and for inspiration as well. There are over twenty different gardens: cottage, woodland, Victorian, patio—you name it.

Hack Green Secret Nuclear Bunker

Ever wondered what a secret nuclear bunker might look like? Enter through the massive blast doors into a secret world of labyrinths and learn how the British government planned to meet the threat of nuclear war.

Reaseheath Maize Maze

Nearby Reaseheath College's two mazes within a crop of forage/feed maize are a popular autumnal pastime. The main giant maze and the smaller one meant for juniors cover a combined area of six acres. Quizzes are available for the truly adventurous.

Snugbury's Jersey Ice Cream

One of Kassie's favourite stops, an ice cream parlour on a Jersey farm.

Nantwich Marina

For a glimpse of the British canal experience.

Cholmondeley Castle Garden

Ornamental gardens set around a gothic castle. Also features an ancient private chapel and a farm showcasing rare animals including llamas.

Beeston Castle

A castle ruin set atop a rocky crag, affording stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

A little farther afield, yet within an hour's drive away, are the bustling cities of Manchester, Liverpool and Chester. (Birmingham is just over an hour away.) Also within an hour's journey by car, you'll find the following attractions:

Chester Zoo

The largest zoo in the area with numerous animals, including babies, a bat cave, and an overhead railway.

Blue Planet Aquarium

Britain's largest aquarium with two floors of interactive displays, featuring underwater safari tunnels, the largest collection of sharks, and a Carribean reef exhibit.

Cheshire Oaks

Europe's largest retail outlet centre, offering designer names such as Burberrys, Next, Nike, Elle, DKNY, Tommy Hilfiger. The list goes on and on. Arrive early, especially on weekends.

Crewe

Renowned for trainspotting but, sadly, not much else.

The Potteries

Nearby Stoke-on-Trent is made up of six distinct towns, collectively known as The Potteries, home to the world's greatest pottery manufacturers, including Wedgwood and Royal Doulton.

Wales

Less than an hour's drive away are the stately homes of Erddig and Chirk Castle, as well as the picturesque villages of Llangollen and Betws-y-Coed.

Historic Homes and Gardens

Don't miss Little Moreton Hall, Dunham Massey, Tatton Park, Shugborough, Biddulph Grange Garden and Speke Hall.

Copyright © 2005 Jeanne Haskett