10 places to find Alice in Wonderland inspiration in Cheshire

Mark the 150th anniversary of Lewis Carroll’s bestselling book, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, by visiting some of the places and events that we have lined up.

The Birthplace of Lewis Carroll The Old Parsonage where Carroll was born no longer stands due to a fire some years ago, however the land where the house originally stood is now managed by the National Trust. You can visit the area where Lewis Carroll spent much of his time a boy, with his brothers and sisters. Just follow the white rabbit… www.lewiscarrollcentre.org.uk

Oddfellows Bar & Hotel, Chester Oddfellows Bar & Hotel is a unique setting for a dazzling Wonderland afternoon, stay at one of the Hotel’s 18 quirky bedrooms, expertly decorated with individual designs. Alternatively, why not book in for an unusual ‘Let them eat cake’ Afternoon tea in the Hotels Secret Garden or enjoy lunch in ‘The Tea Room’, a private function room complete with a table and tea setting on the ceiling. Oddfellows, 20 Lower Bridge Street, Chester, Cheshire, CH1 1RS; 01244 34 54 54 www.oddfellowschester.com

Mad Hatter’s Tea Room and Bakery, Chester Stop by for a spot of tea at Chester’s very own Mad Hatter’s Tea Room and Bakery, a Tea room like no other located in a historic Grade II listed building. Enjoy an afternoon tea fit for a queen with their ‘The Red Queen’s Afternoon Tea’ complete with an indulgent glass of champagne. 49 Bridge Street Row East, CH1 1NW, Chester, United Kingdom; 01244 323444 www.madhatterstearooms.co.uk

Lewis Carroll Centre, Daresbury Revd Charles Dodgson Senior, Carroll’s father, was a Vicar of Daresbury from 1827-1843 where he was in charge of 10 townships. Dodgson was a much loved vicar at All Saints Church for 16 years which has prompted the church to build the Lewis Carroll Centre. The Church is also home to a commemorative stained glass window featuring Lewis Carroll and Alice Liddell. Lewis Carroll Centre, All Saints Church, Daresbury Lane, Daresbury, Cheshire, WA4 4AE www.lewiscarrollcentre.org.uk

St Wilfrid’s Church, Grappenhall Cheshire has long been heralded as the inspiration behind the Cheshire cat found in Lewis Carroll’s famed story. There are many theories where he might have drawn inspiration from during his childhood, one being the carving of a cat found directly above the large west window at St Wilfrid’s. Carroll might have seen the cat as his father used to preach there. Grappenhall, Church Lane, Grappenhall, Warrington, Cheshire, WA4 3EP; 01925 269861 www.stwilfridschurch.org.uk

St Christopher’s Church, Pott Shrigley St Christopher’s Church is located in Pott Shrigley; the thirteenth century church also has a carving of a cat located on the wall inside, close to the pulpit, could this have been another inspiration for a young Lewis Carroll?The Vicarage, Spuley Lane, Pott Shrigley, Macclesfield, SK10 5RS; 01625 573316 www.pottshrigleychurch.org.uk

The Hatton The Hatton is a pub located in the heart of the area inspired by Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland. This is the perfect place to stop between your travels around Carroll’s town of birth. Don’t be late as the White Rabbit statue waits at The Hatton, along with regular Alice themed events throughout the year. Hatton Lane, Hatton Cheshire, WA4 4DB; 01925 730314 www.thehatton.co.uk

Alice in Wonderland, aka Lucy Wilkinson, 11, enjoys the Mad Hatter's Tea Party at Davenports (Image: not Archant)

Davenport’s Tea Room, Northwich Located just 2 miles from Lewis Carroll’s birthplace, Davenport’s Tea room specialises in Mad Hatter’s Afternoon tea with all the trimmings, including beloved characters and decorations needed to give you a Wonderland experience. Owner, Belinda, expertly painted the murals’ on the walls of the Tearoom herself and ensures that foods are locally sourced from Cheshire, where possible. Bridge Farm, Warrington Road, Bartington, Northwich, Cheshire CW8 4QU; 01606 853241 www.davenportsfarmshop.co.uk

Lewis Carroll Centenary Wood Developed in the year 2000, by the Woodland trust to commemorate the millennium and the centenary of the death of local author Lewis Carroll, you can visit the Centenary Wood during the Lewis Carroll Walk which takes you past the Birthplace, Centenary wood and Lewis Carroll Centre. www.lewiscarrollcentre.org.uk

Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, Warrington You can also take a selfie at the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party in the Golden Square shopping centre located in the centre of Warrington. The sculpture was fashioned in stone by Edwin Russell and depicts Alice joining the March Hare, Dormouse and the Mad Hatter for a tea party. Alice looks distinctly bemused, rather than amused! www.gswarrington.com