Share special moments amongst the beauty of Cheshire

Things to do near the Blue Cap, Sandiway

Whether you’re looking for a stroll through the scenic settings of Cheshire or a trip back to the Northwich of yesteryear, there’s something for everyone in and around Sandiway. With the villages of Sandiway and Cuddington home to a breadth of war time history, there is so much to uncover in a seemingly unassuming area. Step outside of the tree-lined streets surrounding the Blue Cap and Sandiway and explore all that the area has to offer.

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Leave no stone unturned at Delamere Forest

Hear the twitter of local wildlife and the crunch of nature beneath your feet with each step further into the ancient woodland of Delamere Forest. As the largest woodland in Cheshire, the area is well known for its scenic bike trails and picturesque hiking routes — one of which even leads ramblers up to a viewpoint, where you can marvel at Liverpool’s iconic skyline in the distance.

As you explore your way through the deep, dark wood, keep an eye out for sculptures of characters from the well-loved children’s book, the Gruffalo. Can you spot them all, just like mouse on his hunt to find a Gruffalo? The Gruffalo Trail is the perfect way to tire out little legs, while adults enjoy the fresh air and awe at the beautiful scenery around. And, if you're looking for a pub in Cheshire to round off your day, the Blue Cap is just 5 miles away.

Explore an engineering spectacle at Anderton Boat Lift

Marvel at one of the seven wonders of the waterways, Anderton Boat Lift. Colloquially known as the Cathedral of the Canals, the boat lift is a three-storey high edifice that lifts boats and barges 50ft in the air from the River Weaver Navigation to the Trent and Mersey Canal. Listen out for the sound of water sloshing over the edges of the lift, as two watertight tanks work as counterbalances to transport the boats up and down.

Originally, the lift was designed by Edwin Clark in 1875 and remained in operation for over 100 years, before it closed in 1983. After a 2001 renovation project, the system reopened in 2002 with some new offerings, including the chance to see behind-the-scenes action of the lift.

With a children’s play area that thoughtfully mimics the lift itself and a Heritage Cycle Trail linking the boat lift with Northwich, Anderton Boat Lift is an ideal stop for a day of exploring. While you’re there, take a moment to stop and look for wildlife — the area is known to be home to bats, bug hotels, swans, moorhens, rare orchids and, sometimes, the elusive white-tailed eagle. Just a 5-mile drive from the Blue Cap, so you can refuel with us after your big day out.

Experience our cherished countryside at Arley Hall & Gardens

A beloved family home since the 15th century, Arley Hall & Gardens is a stately home amongst 15 acres of gardens. Set within 2,000 acres of bumbling Cheshire countryside and owned by Lord and Lady Ashbrook, the house was built between 1832 and 1845 by Rowland Egerton-Warburton, to the designs of George Latham, a local architect. Some building materials for the mansion were even sourced from the original houses that sat on the land of Arley Hall & Gardens many years ago. The historic gardens are double-herbaceously bordered, first recorded on a map of the estate from 1744., and a small plant nursery is open from March until October each year. The nursery is full of hardy, blossoming perennials, with a small selection of shrubs, clematis and climbers, too. What will you spot on your trip around the grounds?

Arley Gardens are dog-friendly too, making a stop by the Blue Cap perfect for a hearty breakfast before your day out, or after to finish off a lovely time perusing the manor house with a delightful dinner. Our menu is filled with seasonal pub classics to end the day with special moments in a cosy, welcoming environment and our bar is well-stocked with traditional drinks to delight anyone and everyone.

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.