We’ve chosen our favourite market towns in Cheshire and found there’s more to them than just retail therapy.
Frodsham
WHERE IS IT? Just off the M56 motorway, Frodsham is located in Cheshire West and Chester and is around 11 miles from Warrington and 16 miles from Chester
WHY WE LOVE IT: Frodsham is a small town that combines the best of both worlds as it is full of village charm; however has close connections to major cities; Liverpool and Manchester. For such a small place, Frodsham has a range of things for its visitors and residents to enjoy including a wander around unique local retailers, an adventure around the Sandstone Trail, a pint in a traditional pub or some cocktails in a trendier, cosmopolitan bar. In the heart of Frodsham is Lady Heyes Crafts and Antiques Centre, which is full of quaint little shops from a record store to an antiques emporium, there is plenty for you to mooch around. Helter Skelter is the award winning, family run pub in the centre of Frodsham perfect for a light lunch or more of a sophisticated sit down meal.
MARKET DAYS: Frodsham market is held on the main street of the town every Thursday.
Macclesfield
WHERE IS IT? Macclesfield is located in the East of Cheshire, near the western edge of the Peak District National Park.
WHY WE LOVE IT: Macclesfield has a buzzing high street full of big brand names, or you can talk a stroll into the Castle Quarter where you’ll find an array of unique and eclectic shops, bars and restaurants. For a slightly offbeat dinner, take a visit to The Salt Bar, a Scandinavian themed restaurant with delicious authentic Swedish cuisine. If the great outdoors is more appealing, take a visit to Tegg’s Nose Country Park which is located on the western edge of the Peak District National Park. The park is full of stunning views of Cheshire’s beautiful landscapes like Macclesfield Forest and the summit of Shutlingsloe, and there is plenty to do there from walking, cycling, horse riding and even a spot of fishing.
MARKET DAYS: Macclesfield markets are known as Treacle Market and is one of the largest artisan markets in the UK. They are held on the last Sunday of every month.
Nantwich
WHERE IS IT? Nantwich is a medieval market town situated in the east of Cheshire and is around 5 miles east of Crewe.
WHY WE LOVE IT: Nantwich is a very atmospheric town with old medieval black and white timber buildings dotted around the cobbled streets. Located in the market square, St Mary’s Church is a truly spectacular piece of architecture bursting history and heritage and is even regarded as one of the best medieval churches in the country. There is a range of quirky gift and speciality shops to explore including the delightfully tasty Snugbury’s ice cream, Dagfield’s crafts and antiques and the stylish village boutique, Mandi Boo. Visit Ginger & Pickles for some award winning afternoon tea or dine and finish off the evening dining in one of Nantwich’s fine restaurants including The Leopard and The Residence.
MARKET DAYS: Nantwich has both an indoor and outdoor market which is open on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturdays.
Northwich
WHERE IS IT? Northwich is located in the centre of Cheshire and lies around 14 miles south of Warrington and 10 miles west of Knutsford.
WHY WE LOVE IT: Northwich has a long and proud history of trade and the £80m Barons Quay development – named after on of the old salt mines beneath the town – will bring more shops, restaurants and jobs to the town centre, along with an Odeon cinema. There is plenty of choice for dining and types of cuisine in Northwich, from Italian to India to traditional hearty pub grub.
To take a break from the shops, there are also plenty of walks to explore in Northwich from the dense woodland of Delamere Forest to the peaceful Marbury Country Park. A visit to The Arley Hall and Gardens is the truly perfect picturesque afternoon in Northwich, with the gardens being some of the finest and most stunning in Britain.
MARKET DAYS: Northwich has both a spacious retail market hall and a traditional outdoor covered market which is open every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday, The Northwich Artisan Market takes place on the second Saturday every month on Witton Street.
Altrincham
WHERE IS IT? Altrincham is a market town in Trafford, 10 miles from Manchester city centre, although it was historically part of Cheshire,
WHY WE LOVE IT: You will find Altrincham Market on Greenwood Street and is there everyday except for Monday’s and Wednesday’s. The Markets have so much explore from delicious local produce to quant antiques and even some original artwork. Altrincham is bursting with top quality restaurants including the amazing Sugo Pasta Kitchen, the regions first pasta restaurant dedicated to southern Italian cuisine. Riddles is the perfect place to finish of your day in Altrincham, as you can tuck into some exquisite world-class cocktails in his 1920’s prohibition style bar.
Dunham Massey Hall & Gardens is one of the main attractions in Altrincham and is certain to be the children’s top choice to. As well as being an ancient deer park with stunning gardens, Dunham Massey holds a range of fun, child friendly events and activities throughout the year.
MARKET DAYS: Altrincham has an award winning market with particular focus of locally produced food. The market is open Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
