Your Cosmic Cheshire Adventure

Morning Bliss and Market Munchies.

Start your day in Macclesfield with a warm welcome at Flour Salt Water. Grab a perfectly brewed coffee to kickstart your engines and a delicious lite bite to fuel your explorations. Once you're properly caffeinated, take a leisurely stroll around the charming town.

Top Tip: If your visit aligns with the Treacle Market (which happens on the last Sunday of the month – so check the calendar for 2025: May 25th, June 29th, July 27th, August 31st, September 28th, October 26th, November 30th, December 21st), you're in for a treat - This vibrant artisan market is the perfect opportunity to browse local crafts and, more importantly, stock up on some incredible savoury bites for a truly epic picnic lunch. Think gourmet pies, artisanal cheeses, and perhaps a hearty sausage roll or two!

A Picnic with Perspective at Jodrell Bank.

With your market treasures in hand, it's time to set your sights on the stars – or at least, the impressive structures that study them. Head over to Jodrell Bank, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that's truly awe-inspiring.

Find your perfect picnic spot. You can set up camp with a grand view of the iconic Lovell Telescope, a dish so enormous it feels like it's listening to the secrets of the universe.

Explore the Cosmos (and the Great Outdoors).

After your picnic, it's time to dive deeper into the wonders of Jodrell Bank:

Stretch your legs and take a stroll around the grounds. There are accessible pathways throughout the 35-acre arboretum, where you can admire over 3000 trees and shrubs, including national collections of Sorbus and Malus.

Keep an eye out for the ever-popular Whispering Dishes and various outdoor installations.

Step inside the First Light Pavilion, an incredible, grass-topped dome, which cleverly mirrors the shape of the Lovell Telescope. The First Light Pavilion houses a fascinating exhibition that brings the Jodrell Bank story to life with interactive displays, historical archives, and even sections of the original 1957 observation dish. It's a journey through cosmic discovery and the minds behind it.

As the grand finale to your Jodrell Bank adventure, catch a planetarium show in their state-of-the-art Space Dome. Immerse yourself in a spectacular audio-visual experience that will transport you through the cosmos and deepen your understanding of the universe. Check their website for daily showtimes and topics – they often have a variety of shows for all ages.(Remember, some shows might have an additional charge.)

Not Enough Stargazing? Stay for Tea!

If you hunger for adventure - and some proper pub grub, then don't head straight home! Just a short hop away in Goostrey, you'll find The Space Invader pub. This wonderfully named establishment, a nod to its famous neighbour, offers traditional ales, craft beers, and hearty pub food that's sure to hit the spot. Settle in by a roaring fire (if it's a chilly day!) and recount your cosmic escapades over a delicious meal.

So, what are you waiting for? Your Cheshire cosmic adventure awaits!