Between Liverpool And Birmingham Is A Vibrant Riverside Town With Fun Shops, Tasty Eats, And Historic Charm
Cheshire is a rural northwestern English county celebrated for its ever-verdant fields, moors, and vast woods. Its rolling countryside is peppered throughout with many old market towns and villages. Along the meandering banks of the River Weaver sits Nantwich, a market town literally worth its salt — after all, salt is one of the commodities that built the town.
If you want to escape the busy streets of Liverpool, Nantwich is a welcome respite in the countryside, and it's just an hour away. If you drive deep into the heart of Cheshire, you'll find yourself in quintessential England, embellished by farmsteads, churches, and hedgerows crisscrossing the fields. If you keep driving southeast from Nantwich, you will find yourself in Birmingham in about an hour.
The charming town of Nantwich features half-timbered Tudor buildings, some slightly crooked under the weight of centuries past, which loom over cozy brick-paved streets in its old town center. Ever industrious, Nantwich has been trading and producing Cheshire goods for centuries, and King Edward I gave it a market charter in 1282. Salt, tanned goods (including shoes), and other merchandise came and went, but it is cheese which remains the toast of the town to this day. Cheshire cheese first appeared on the Nantwich market stalls in the 1500s, and there are more than enough establishments where you can sample this staple today.
Nantwich is a cherished market town through and through
You can start at the Nantwich Square, the natural heart of the town. When in Nantwich, do as the locals (known as "Dabbers") do and grab some baked goods from the beloved local bakery of Chatwins. This staple bakery has been serving the community for over a century, specializing both in sweet and savory goods.
You can enjoy a sausage roll or pastry while gazing upon Saint Mary's Church, a 14th century medieval marvel also known as "The Cathedral of South Cheshire." After this, you can continue onward to cheesy matters. The Cheese Shop on 12 Hospital Street is a religious experience for cheese lovers, and a great demonstration of what Nantwich has to offer. Depending on the season, you will encounter around 150 varieties of top-shelf British artisanal cheese, all diligently selected and sourced by a dairy farmer's son and his team. The shop also displays a fun cheese cellar behind a glass window to showcase their products.
The region has no shortage of quaint towns with centuries-old markets, like Newton-le-Willows. Similarly, the Nantwich Market has faithfully served its town since 1500, opening its doors every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. Its current location has been open since 1867, with its halls holding up to 20 vendor stalls, where you can find everything ranging from wild bird food and homemade curries to savory pies and — naturally — cheese. The town square also fills up with fresh produce for its farmers market on the final Saturday of every month.
Where to eat and what to see in Nantwich
If you want to enjoy a proper and charming British meal, you can check out The Black Lion. The pub first opened its doors in 1664, and it has remained a cornerstone for locals and visitors alike. Within its old-timbered Tudor walls, you will find a tasty and diverse menu, as well as award-winning ales. This iconic establishment has even earned a spot on The Telegraph's list of the 650 Best U.K. Pubs.
Just like neighboring Chester — which is considered the most architecturally beautiful city in the U.K. — Nantwich can brag about its Roman roots. The Romans cultivated salt from the River Weaver's brine springs, setting up an industry that developed the town and remained a major economic force well into the 19th century. Despite its cozy and mercantile appearance today, Nantwich has weathered quite the history.
The aforementioned Saint Mary's Church, built out of sandstone so long ago, served as a refuge during both the Civil War and the Great Fire of Nantwich, which burned down much of the town in 1583. One outlier that survived the flames is Churche's Mansion, which also stands as an outstanding example of Tudor architecture. Although it is now a private residence, it's an excellent sight to admire from the sidewalk. Should you wish to find some beautiful ceramics and pottery to plate your Nantwich cheese hoard, you can take a 25 minute-drive to Stoke-on-Trent, a city that is also known for its vibrant food scene and family fun.