Controversial plans can’t spoil the many attractions to be found in this picturesque Cheshire village, writes Janet Reeder
The leafy village of Lymm is a charming location for a leisurely afternoon of shopping and dining and until recently a world away from the hustle and bustle of city concerns.
But recently the village hit the headlines when it was revealed some residents were less than happy over news that there were plans to open a Netto supermarket on Rushgreen Road.
Locals had speculated that, given Lymm’s upmarket image, the new addition to the shopping scene would be a Marks and Spencer, Waitrose or a Booths, so it was a blow for some when the identity of the new supermarket was revealed. A petition was launched and the local council was asked to reconsider.
In spite of this, Lymm’s residents have a lot to console themselves with. This is a much sought-after location in the heart of the Cheshire countryside.
Lymm’s charms are preserved in its conservation area with its intriguing landmark, Lymm Cross, which dates from the early to the middle 17th century. Constructed of sandstone it was restored in 1897. Above the cross is an extension which carries a stone ball and an ornate weather vane. On the east, south and west gables are bronze sundials of 1897 carrying the inscriptions ‘We are a Shadow’, ‘Save Time’ and ‘Think of the Last’.
A laidback shopping experience awaits. Maybe you fancy sprucing up the home with a few well chosen pieces from the local interiors shop? Or buying someone a fabulous gift of a painting from an art gallery? Here you can find anything from a pair of shoes to delicious farm produce.
Stroll around the village, maybe shopping for freshly baked bread at the local bakery, or for pretty jewellery and gifts for a loved one. Buy something to wear perhaps, or if you’re planning for the big day then hit the local bridal shop.
A day in Lymm should include a visit to one of the restaurants or lovely hotels for a delicious lunch, you can dine at everything from a rural inn immersed in rustic charm, to a bustling neighbourhood Italian.
The family restaurants in the village are renowned for their welcoming atmosphere and always a very popular choice with the well-heeled locals.
This is a location that is steeped in history. Lymm’s waterways date back to the 1770s when the Duke of Bridgewater created them to transport coal from Worsley. He built the Bridgewater canal and this became the catalyst for the famous Manchester Ship Canal, although there is a more ancient precedent for this watery heritage.
About Lymm
The name Lymm is of Celtic origins and means a ‘place of running water’ and is likely derived from an ancient stream that ran through the village centre.
Where is Lymm?
The M56 (junctions 7 and 9) and M6 (Junction 20) motorways are both within three miles of Lymm. The conjunction of these motorways with the A50 is known as the Lymm Interchange
