It’s easy to see why this thriving town in Cheshire’s Golden Triangle is so popular

Shopping

Wilmslow has a tremendous range of independent shopping and high end high street. Here’s the place to shop for designerwear and high street labels of some quality. It’s also great place to pick up a wedding outfit of mother of the bride ensemble, or shop for your wedding dress. Wilmslow has its own famous Hoopers department store, on Alderley Road, which is a fantastic place for fashion and has a top notch beauty hall. They do good tea and scones, too. 01625 525381, hoopersstores.com

History

Wilmslow was very much a rural backwater until the coming of the railways in the 19th century. Wilmslow consisted of the area immediately surrounding St Bartholomew’s Church which was built between 1517 and 1537 on the site of a 13th century church.

Events

Wilmslow hosts a number of events throughout the year, with a scarecrow festival, motor show and music festival regulars on the cultural calendar, but the biggest event in town is the annual Wilmslow Show held in July, which has been a fixture for more than 100 years. It attracts thousands to enjoy a day of competitions, displays and fun.

Notable neighbours

Tenor Russell Watson and numerous footballers and soap stars have made their home in Wilmslow in recent years but the most notable former resident was Alan Turing, the computer genius responsible for the machine which cracked the German Enigma code in World War Two.

Industry

Quarry Bank Mill is one of the best preserved textile mills of the Industrial Revolution and is now a museum of the cotton industry where visitors can still experience the sights, smells and sounds of steam and water-powered engines. Now owned by the National Trust, it was used for filmed Channel 4’s series The Mill. 01625 527468, nationaltrust.org.uk/quarry-bank.

Local secrets from those in the know

There’s no shortage of places to eat and drink in Wilmslow, with a wide choice of stylish restaurants, cafes and pubs. Heddy’s on Water Lane has been a popular spot for years, serving authentic Middle Eastern and Mediterranean food in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. 01625 526855, heddys.com.

It’s famous for its Sunday lunches but Stanneylands Hotel is worth a visit any day of the week. A former winner of the Cheshire Life Hotel of the Year award, the hotel holds two AA rosettes. 01625 525225,