Discover the best things to do in Macclesfield, Cheshire
Local attractions near the Blacksmiths Arms
If a visit to the Blacksmiths Arms is on the cards, you may also be on the lookout for a few things to do in Macclesfield – and we have plenty to recommend. Located on the northern edge of picture-perfect Cheshire, the town is full of charming attractions.Gorgeous country parks, grand stately homes and fascinating museums all await you as you venture into this beautiful area of the country. So let’s take a peek at some of our handpicked recommendations, just a short drive from the Blacksmiths Arms.
Jodrell Bank
For a unique day out, look no further than the UNESCO World Heritage, Jodrell Bank. This incredible radio observatory is one of the best things to do in Cheshire, especially if you’re curious about the mysteries of space.
The award-winning attraction is bursting with unique and interactive exhibitions. Go on a fascinating journey through the history of space travel, be wowed by the mesmerising Dome Show, and get up close to the UK’s largest radio telescope. And if you’re looking for pubs near Jodrell Bank, where better than the Blacksmiths Arms?
Macclesfield Forest
If a weekend in the countryside sounds like your cup of tea, put Macclesfield Forest on your itinerary. It’s just a short drive from the town centre and is a delightful spot to immerse yourself in the bounties of nature.
Many well-maintained trails crisscross this vast area of woodland, giving you plenty of options for both short and long hikes. Don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled for all manner of intriguing wildlife, including elusive red deer. A walk through the forest is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Macclesfield throughout the year, but it’s extra special in the autumn when the trees are a riot of russet shades.
And why not stop by the Blacksmith Arms after your visit? After all, we are one of the very best pubs near Macclesfield Forest.
Capesthorne Hall
Step into an 18th-century wonderland at the grand Capesthorne Hall. This magnificent stately home dates back to the early 1700s and is surrounded by acres of stunning Cheshire countryside. Marvel at the hall’s elegant interiors before getting lost in its gorgeous grounds that are bursting with vibrant perennials and historic relics like the Old Boat House.
Capesthorne Hall is open on Sundays and Mondays throughout the spring and summer, making it the ideal place to wander leisurely if you’ve booked a long weekend away at the Blacksmiths Arms.
Macclesfield Silk Museum
If you can drag yourself away from the comfort of the Blacksmiths Arms, you’ll find one of most intriguing things to do in Macclesfield just a few miles down the road. The Macclesfield Silk Museum is lodged within a handsome 19th-century art school building and reveals the region’s rich heritage of silk weaving.
As well as delving into this historic Cheshire industry, you’ll be able to see exactly how it was crafted. The lovingly restored Paradise Mill sits next door to the main museum building and is filled with antique silk Jacquard handlooms, which were still used by local craftspeople until the 1980s.
Tegg's Nose Country Park
You can’t beat a scenic walk in the Cheshire countryside on a sunny afternoon. And where better to explore than Tegg’s Nose Country Park? This locally loved treasure is bursting with dense forest, vast moorland and rolling, craggy hills. This includes the aptly named Tegg’s Nose whose summit offers stunning vistas as far as Liverpool on clear days.
There are numerous walks to complete throughout the country park. One of the most popular is a 7.5-mile hike that allows you to soak up the area’s wild landscapes and encounter all manner of flora and fauna, from skylarks swooping through the trees to meadows blanketed in sunshine-hued pansies. Bliss.