6196_DB_C&B_Griffin_Bowdon_Pub_2023_36.jpg

Discover the best things to do in Bowdon, Cheshire

Local attractions near the Griffin

Ready for some cosy walks, delightful stately homes and mouth-wateringly delicious pub food in Bowdon? This charming suburb of Altrincham sits within easy reach of Manchester city centre, but is also surrounded by some of the best things to do in Cheshire.

Brimming with glorious outdoor spaces, even more glorious heritage sites, and traditional country pubs, it’s a must-visit for any countryside lover. So with that said, here are a few of our favourite things to do in Bowdon, all starting and ending at the Griffin.

Dunham Massey

This National Trust house and gardens is a short drive from Bowdon and a truly wonderful place to while away a few hours. The elegant Georgian manor house is packed with historic treasures that paint a vivid story of the site's rich past.

In addition to strolling through opulently decorated rooms and exploring the servants’ quarters, you can take a turn around the house’s idyllic formal gardens and picturesque lake. Dunham Massey is also home to a 300-acre deer park crisscrossed with trails that are fantastic for a refreshing walk throughout the seasons.

Visiting in the summer? Bring a picnic and savour an alfresco lunch surrounded by vibrant blooms. Or why not seek out a pub near Dunham Massey like the Griffin for a delicious meal accompanied by a few drinks?

Altrincham Market

A trip to this award-winning indoor market is easily one of the best things to do in Altrincham. It’s a true local gem that sits right in the heart of the town, offering everything from delicious street food and homegrown produce to gifts, trinkets, and more.

If you’re feeling peckish, take your pick of Altrincham Market’s ten independent food stalls – from wood-fired pizza to delicious Greek mezze. Or simply grab a cup of coffee from Market House Coffee and enjoy the market’s lively atmosphere before walking up to the Griffin for a hearty meal. Or, if you’re looking for places to eat near Dunham Massey, the market is only a short drive away.

Tatton Park

This corner of Cheshire really is spoilt for choice when it comes to heritage sites. Tatton Park is another National Trust estate that’s well worth a visit when you’re in the Bowdon area. One of the most serene things to do in Cheshire, you’ll find the expansive park on the edge of nearby Knutsford.

Tatton Park’s 1,000-acre deer park is free to enter and offers numerous walking routes that cut through ancient forests and around a vast, shimmering lake. A visit to Tatton Park mansion will instantly transport you back to the 18th century with opulent decor and historical artefacts.

If you’re an animal lover, don’t miss the estate’s heritage working farm where you can meet various breeds of animal and learn how to make your own butter from scratch. And be sure to pay Santa a visit when he drops anchor for Christmas at Tatton Park.

Sale Water Park

Venture just north of Bowdon and you’ll come across one of Manchester’s most adored areas – Sale Water Park. It isn’t actually full of water rides and log flumes as its name might suggest, but is in fact a perfect place for a relaxing stroll in nature.

Explore various walking trails that take you through magical woodland or meander around its beautiful lake, which is particularly attractive in the summer months. Indeed, when the sun is shining, the large lake becomes a water sports playground. Head over to the park’s dedicated Water Sports Centre and take your pick of thrilling activities like paddle boarding, canoeing and sailing.

An image of Arley Hall and Gardens advertising local attractions near to Chef & Brewer venues.

Arley Hall & Gardens

This little-known gem sits in the nearby village of Arley, and a visit is one of the best things to do in Cheshire for anyone who appreciates exquisite heritage architecture.

The handsome Arley Hall dates back to the 1830s and has become a popular filming location in more recent years. In fact, you might just recognise its exterior as Tommy Shelby’s house in Peaky Blinders.

While the hall is only open to the public on certain days each month, the property’s real crowning glory is its wonderful gardens. They were laid out over 100 years ago and are absolutely bursting with beautiful plant life. Why not plan your Bowdon pub getaway in late June and grab tickets to the enchanting Arley Garden Festival, an annual horticultural event celebrating gardening.

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.

DB_C&B_People_Lifestyle_Female-Bartender-Serving-Pint_2024.jpg

Discover More About Us