Benefits of Living in Cheshire - Cheshire Property

There is a great deal more to Cheshire than just silk, salt and Cheshire cheese. It is actually one of the few locations in England so rich with culture and history that no matter what your age or situation, there will be something that takes your fancy.

For a start, history enthusiasts can enjoy a guided tour around the remains of the city walls surrounding Chester, originally built by the Romans in 75AD. Have a look around the impressive amphitheatre, a venue that once entertained large audiences of up to 7000 people with gladiator shows and cruel bear baiting.

People can also visit the picturesque Woodhey Chapel that dates back to 1700, located near Faddily. Built by the widow of the last baronet of Woodhey, Thomas Wilbraham, this chapel was built during a time when very few were around, constructed of red brick and slate. Nearby is the Woodhey Cross, believed to date back to the 16th century medieval era. This red sandstone scheduled monument represents the dense history that Cheshire holds.

Architecture fans, on the other hand, can admire the numerous black and white timber framed houses that are characteristic of the area. Little Moreton Hall, for example, is the Tudor mansion featured in the background of Granada TV’s Moll Flanders. But there are a number of other areas that show off this 15th and 16th century genre of structural design, including Gawsworth Hall and most notoriously, The Rows.

Chester’s 900 year old Cathedral is also worth a visit. Originally an abbey, Henry VIII closed it down in 1541 during the Dissolution of the Monasteries, but reopened it as a cathedral a year later serving the newly formed Diocese of Chester. There are also several castles to see throughout Cheshire, such as Beeston Castle which dates back to approximately 1220. Despite being mere ruins today, the site offers a magnificent view spanning across eight counties.

For those who love nature, there are many stately homes that look out over exquisite gardens. Gawsworth Hall organises craft and plant fairs, and the Royal Horticultural Society holds a garden show at Tatton Park every July. Dunham Massey is a spectacular sight to see, not only as it accommodates the most superb Huguenot silver in Britain, but it boasts the largest winter garden too. Lyme Park is the infamous location of the BBC Drama Pride and Prejudice, with its Italianate architecture, vast lake and dramatic country grounds.

But if you’d rather skip the manor houses and concentrate on flora and fauna, look no further than Hare Hill Gardens or Dunge Valley Hidden Gardens. Definitely worth a walk around, you can enjoy the vibrant colours of everything from Rhododendrons to Azaleas, and the tranquil sound of running waterfalls and streams.

However, many people in Cheshire simply love the great shopping the county has to offer, whether at Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet or at the assortment of charming markets. There is also a wide selection of museums, from the Catalyst Science Discovery Centre to The Quarry Bank Mill, a museum dedicated to the local cotton industry. Established in 1784, The Quarry Bank Mill is a great testament to the Industrial Revolution and makes for an interesting trip.

The National Waterways Museum at Ellesmere Port is ideal for canal boat lovers. A widely known fact is that Cheshire has more waterways than any other county in the whole of England. The museum contains the most impressive collection of canal boats in the world and still consists of the warehouses, docks and locks.

Cheshire also possesses a genuine Victorian water wheel at Nether Alderley Mill. This 15th century building is one of just four effectively complete corn mills in England, and was used until 1939. Now owned by the National Trust, the mill consists of two tandem Victorian water wheels that at one time sourced its water from the pond at the rear of the building.

But there must be something in these waters that makes Cheshire so much more than castles, canals and cathedrals. Our latest James Bond hero, Daniel Craig, was born and bred in Chester, while fellow actress, Dame Wendy Hiller, comes from Stockport. The list goes on and on through musicians, comedians, writers, singers, and sportsmen, listing everyone from Lewis Carroll and his ‘Cheshire Cat’, to legendary footballer, Michael Owen.

So it is easy to see why the tourism industry is booming in this neck of the woods, and why so many people love living in Cheshire or simply traveling over for the day. It seems that no matter what your interest, you’ll find somewhere to go and something to see. And if you’re yet to visit this beautiful county, what is stopping you? It is one of the easiest places to reach by road or rail, and you can be assured of a fantastic time. Cheshire is without a doubt one of England’s gems, so rich with fascinating heritage that you’ll never want to leave!

This article belongs to CheshireProperty who offer a range of barns for sale across the county.