As you stroll around this historical town on the banks of the River Weaver in Cheshire with its winding streets, Tudor and Georgian architecture, beautiful timber framed buildings, niche shops, busy market, pavement cafes, restaurants, bars and one of the most impressive medieval town churches in the country you can’t fail to appreciate its charm.
Recently spending two nights at The Crown Hotel, a Grade II listed hotel built in the 16th century conveniently located on the High Street, I had an opportunity to explore the delightful town of Nantwich.
The hotel boasts a popular and very busy Bar & Grill, serving a good choice of tempting dishes, I can recommend the Tomahawk Pork Chop and also the Piri Piri Chicken & Red Pepper Skewer, both were delicious! The Grill is tastefully decorated with the walls bearing interesting, framed prints of Nantwich through the years.
Having enjoyed a well-presented breakfast, also served in the Bar & Grill, which was cooked to order and consisted of good quality ingredients I set out to explore the town.
Whilst Nantwich is not large, you could walk probably walk around it in half a day, it is the kind of place that encourages a gentler pace, no one seemed to hurry anywhere.
My slow meanderings of discovery led me to:
The Town Square
The war memorial, unveiled in 1921 stands in the pretty town square. It seemed to be a place where people would meet, take a seat on one of the benches, chat and while away the time.
St Mary’s Church
Dating from the 14th century it is easy to see why the church is said to be one of the finest medieval examples in the country. Situated next to the Town Square, St Mary’s really is an impressive building with lawn at the front and trees swaying in the breeze around it.
Cocoa Yard
I very nearly walked by here but so pleased I didn’t! It is a small shopping mall home to a few niche shops, the Millenium Clock and a 19th century chimney that was part of a wheelwright’s forge & smithy.
The mechanical clock sits in a glass case enabling visitors to see how time moves.
Nantwich Museum
Tells the story of the local area, also holds temporary art exhibitions.
Open Tuesday – Saturday 10am – 4pm
Admission – Free
Market Hall
The current building dates from the 19th century.
The market hall was a hive of activity when I visited on the Saturday with lots of stalls also set up in the outside area.
I was extremely happy to see such a bustling market in a time when lots of market halls around the UK are facing closure due to lack of stall holders.
It reminded me of markets visited in my childhood with its cheese stalls, fruit & veg, household stalls, book stall and lots more. There was even a traditional market café with its plastic cloth topped tables!
Open:
Tuesday 9am – 2pm
Thursday 9am – 3pm
Saturday 9am – 4pm
Riverside Walk
I particularly enjoyed a lovely walk along the side of the River Weaver, spotting swans & herons on the way! Popular with dog walkers & families alike. It is very picturesque.
There is also parkland with seats to rest & take in the scenery whilst watching the world go by!
Nantwich provided a relaxing, laid-back enjoyable break with delightful scenery and delicious food in a historical setting.
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