This a town with a fascinating past and an international reputation
Nantwich Museum
Want to know about the Great fire of Nantwich, or the town’s connections with salt and shoes? Then get along to Nantwich Museum in Pillory Street, which houses a charming treasure trove of artefacts relating to the town’s fascinating history. nantwichmuseum.org.uk
Holly Holy day
Each January Nantwich town centre comes alive with Roundheads and Cavaliers in the re-enactment of the Battle of Nantwich in 1644 when the town, then the second most important in Cheshire, was besieged by the Royalist Army during the Civil War. Other festivals here annually include the Jazz and Blues Festival at Easter and the Words and Music Festival each October.
Shopping
The town centre has lots of attractive independent boutiques offering everything from bridal to gifts, shoes to jewellery, not to mention fashion. Nantwich also has an excellent selection of ladies fashion shops, and plenty of chic bars, cafes and restaurants. The market is held is each Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday and a farmers’ market is held on the last Saturday or each month.
Notable neighbours
Nantwich has produced more than its fair share of famous names over the years. Among some of the more recent are comedian and actor Ben Miller who grew up in the town, model and Big Brother winner Sophie Reade and footballer Ashley Westwood who started his career at Crewe before moving to Aston Villa.
A show of strength
The Nantwich Show is a one-day farming extravaganza with animal displays, shopping and spectacular shows as well as trade stands, arts and crafts displays and cookery demonstrations. The show also features the International Cheese Awards, the largest cheese show in the world. nantwichshow.co.uk
Afternoon tea
Ginger & Pickles on Mill Street serves a fine afternoon tea with an assortment of homemade cakes and sandwiches and an extensive range of loose leaf and bagged tea served in china teacups. Or upgrade to a ‘Namptwiche Tea’, served with champagne. gingerandpickles.co.uk
Bar and restaurant
The multi-award winning Residence Restaurant and Bar is set in a Georgian mansion house once home to former Lord Mayor of London, Edmund Wright. Now offering high quality food – much of it locally-sourced – a range of cocktails and an impressive wine list, it has developed an enviable reputation. www.residence.uk.com
Food and Drink Festival
In September, the Nantwich Food and Drink Festival will transform the town into a food lovers’ paradise, with producers, growers and chefs showing their wares and their skills. The annual event features cookery demonstrations, street food stalls and tasty treats to suit every palate. nantwichfoodfestival.co.uk
Canals
Nantwich has its fair share of canals and waterways, including the Shropshire Union canal which is a great place for a tranquil walk on the Nantwich Riverside Loop.
Royal history
Queen Elizabeth I ordered a nationwide collection for funds to rebuild Nantwich after a great fire that blazed through the town for 20 days in December 1583 and made some 900 people homeless.
