Discover the best things to do in Cheadle, Cheshire

Local attractions near the Ashlea

If you’re after a good bit of charm and character, Cheadle is the place to visit. Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Manchester, it has all the warmth of a proper countryside retreat. Cobbled streets, proper pubby pubs, and the kind of peaceful atmosphere you only feel in traditional villages.

You’ll find historic buildings with unique stories, beautiful green spaces waiting to be explored, and a whole host of fun-filled attractions. So stop by, enjoy our list of the best things to do in Cheadle, and let the slower pace of the Ashlea take you in. You’ll be glad you did.

Bramhall Hall

Set within 70 acres of gorgeous parkland, Bramhall Hall is a striking 16th-century Tudor manor house that has become a beloved family-friendly destination. Inviting visitors to explore its rich history, the museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of past residents who once lived and worked there.

Highlights include the 16th-century wall paintings, the Elizabethan ceiling and the Victorian kitchens and servants’ quarters. And if you have the time, we recommend a leisurely stroll within the manor, taking in the architectural details that reflect different periods in time.

Once you’ve finished inside, stroll around the landscaped gardens and ancient woodland for tranquil wildlife walks. It’s one of the most popular things to do in Cheadle for a reason.

Fletcher Moss Park

What do Cold Feet, Coronation Street and CBBC have in common? Fletcher Moss Park, winner of the ‘UK’s Best Loved Park’ award in 2019.

Located in the South Manchester suburb of Didsbury, this spot is popular for all ages, attracting nature lovers, photographers, historians, dog walkers and keen sports enthusiasts alike.

Whatever the weather, there’s plenty for everyone to do. As well as being a haven for wildlife, it’s also home to many rare plants and trees, which you can find across its diverse gardens, meadows and woodlands.

After a leisurely wander, why not pop by a local pub for a well-earned pint and some hearty pub food? Say hello to the Ashlea, which is regarded as one of the best pubs near Fletcher Moss Park.

Quarry Bank Mill

If you’re after the most popular things to do in Cheadle and its surrounding area, don’t miss Quarry Bank Mill. One of Britain’s top industrial heritage sites, the historic mill is set against the backdrop of stunning gardens and countryside.

Whether visiting with family, a partner or flying solo, you’ll love discovering its delights. Uncover the fascinating history of the mill, catch live machine demonstrations, marvel at the massive water wheel, and explore the Apprentice House where 90 children once worked long hours.

After all that, take a leisurely stroll through the acres of beautiful woodland along the River Bollin, one of the most relaxing things to do in Cheshire. Or, if you’re looking for places to eat near Quarry Bank Mill, head to the Ashlea, one of the best pubs nearby.

SEA LIFE Manchester

We may love the countryside, but SEA LIFE Manchester is an exception we’re willing to make. This immersive aquarium takes you on an underwater adventure where you can get up close with an incredible array of sea creatures, including colourful fish, majestic sharks and adorable turtles.

From the seabed to the sea tunnel, there are fun talks, diving demonstrations, animal feeds, behind the scenes tours and interactive rock pool experiences. In other words, more than enough to keep the whole family entertained.

Don’t forget to look out for Ernie the giant green sea turtle in the tropical ocean tank. Rescued from a farm in the Cayman Islands in 2006, he’s quite the celebrity.

John Rylands Library

You don’t have to be a bookworm to fall in love with the John Rylands Library. Opened in 1900 and founded by philanthropist Enriqueta Rylands in memory of her husband, it was gifted to Manchester as a cultural treasure.

Today, it is regarded as one of the finest libraries in the world and one of the best things to do near Cheadle. With a stunning interior and neo-gothic architecture, you might even recognise this iconic building from Peaky Blinders and The Darkest Hour.

Inside you’ll find 250,000 printed volumes and over a million manuscripts, including the first edition of Ulysses. It holds regular exhibitions and has a charming gift shop. Entry is free too.

A mobile sized illustration advertising local attractions near to The Blue Cap.

Go for par at Sandiway Golf Club

Formed in 1920 and just across the road from the Blue Cap, the esteemed Sandiway Golf Club is home to generous, tree-lined freeways with sandy subsoil, making the course an excellent golfing location all year round. Spot the oak, beech and birchwood trees, dotted with birds and insects, and as you play through the back nine, take some time to enjoy the ravishing backdrop of Pettypool — best viewed on the 11th and 12th holes.

The club holds an extensive history, from its original layout by Ted Ray, the first UK & Ireland Ryder Cup Captain, to part of the course being lost in the Second World War as the fairways were ploughed for food production. In the 1950s, some holes were lost or abandoned due to enforcement by the completion of the Northwich bypass, which you may drive on today as you make your way to the Blue Cap! Today, the club is often chosen to host international, national, regional and local championships and is held in high regard as a traditional private members’ club.

If your golfing skills are a little rusty, you can check out the course before you arrive on the Course Flyover page. Booking is advised at this esteemed golf club.

Sprinkle some time in Northwich into your day

Northwich is famous for its salt industry, which is, in fact, the reason the town has such few ancient buildings. The constant pumping of brine from beneath the district and the collapse of old salt mines has weakened the landscape around, sadly causing subsidence of the town, but this has been arrested in recent times with the introduction of controlled pumping.

Take a stroll through the old market town, pop into a few independent shops on your way past and, if you’ve timed your trip well, visit the monthly Artisan Market, full of unique treasures and handmade goods. The town is vibrant and welcoming, sitting prettily on the confluence of the River Dane and the Weaver Navigation, and has a distinctive look with its black and white timber-framed buildings.

Northwich lies at the end of the Heritage Cycle Trail route from Anderton Boat Lift and is home to the Weaver Hall Museum and Workhouse, where the history of West Cheshire comes to life through film, reconstruction, models, displays and artefacts. It’s a truly lovely day out for any family, made even better with a visit to a pub near Northwich. Why not try the Blue Cap, just 11 minutes' drive away, to complete a day of heartfelt memories?

The Ice Cream Farm

Award-winning ice cream, fun at the farm and family-friendly events are aplenty here at the Ice Cream Farm, and it's just a 25-minute drive from the Blue Cap, Sandiway, too. There are ten different areas for the little ones to run wild in, including Europe's largest indoor sand and water play, an adventure golf course and an arcade room for older children.

The Ice Cream Farm is also home to the world's biggest ice cream shop. The shop is filled with over 50 flavours of award-winning Cheshire Farm Ice Cream, which are topped with enough sprinkles and sauces to fulfil even the sweetest of tooths.

If you're looking for an event for the whole family, the Ice Cream Farm has themed escape rooms, scavenger hunts, toddler time and more. It's the perfect place to treat everyone to a day of fun and excitement in a fun and engaging environment. And, after a busy day of play, you can pop into the Blue Cap for a drink and some non-ice-cream-themed food afterwards.

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