Nantwich

Frequently asked questions

What is Nantwich famous for?

Nantwich is famous for several things, and they go back a very long way. The Romans first harnessed the natural brine springs by the River Weaver, and by the Tudor period there were more than 200 salt houses in operation. That salt heritage shaped everything about the town, from its wealth to its cheese making, its architecture and even its nickname for locals, the Dabbers. Nantwich has a history spanning over 1,000 years and retains some beautiful timber-framed vernacular structures along with one of the highest concentrations of listed buildings in England. It is also famous for St Mary's Church, the Jazz Blues and Music Festival, Holly Holy Day, and a food and drink scene that draws visitors from across the region. Few towns of its size pack in as much character.

What is there to do in Nantwich?

Nantwich rewards a proper wander. Wander through atmospheric streets lined with historic architecture, enjoy award-winning eateries, and explore a thriving cultural scene, whether you're visiting for a leisurely shopping experience, discovering the town's rich heritage or enjoying one of its lively events. The town centre has many independent shops including a grocer and a cheese shop, with the countryside on the doorstep and both the Shropshire Union Canal and the River Weaver nearby. Nantwich Museum, St Mary's Church, the outdoor brine pool, and a rich annual events calendar add further layers to what is a genuinely full and rewarding day out.

Is Nantwich worth visiting?

Absolutely, and it has a habit of surprising people. Nantwich is one of those towns where you arrive expecting a pleasant market town and leave genuinely captivated by it. The concentration of medieval and Tudor buildings is extraordinary, the independent shops and restaurants are excellent, and the events calendar gives you a reason to visit at almost any time of year. As one of the oldest towns in Cheshire, it played a pivotal role in the salt industry for centuries and was a key site in the English Civil War, and you feel that history all around you as you walk the streets. Nantwich is a very good place to spend a day.

What is the history of Nantwich?

It runs deep. Salt production put Nantwich on the map, with records of brine baths and salt works dating back to the Roman era. The name itself has Old English roots: "Nant" means a stream or river, and "wich" is a nod to salt springs or brine wells. A raging fire consumed much of the town in the late 1500s, and a 17th-century population survived siege by the Royalist army in the bitter English Civil War. The generosity of Queen Elizabeth I proved crucial in the rebuilding after the Great Fire of 1583, when she donated £2,000 and helped organise a national appeal that raised the then enormous sum of £30,000, funding many of the fine properties we see today. The Nantwich Museum on Pillory Street brings all of it to life, and free guided walks run throughout the year. It's a remarkably eventful history for a town of its size.

What is St Mary's Church in Nantwich?

One of the finest medieval churches in England, and unmissable on any visit to the town. St Mary's Church is a Grade I listed building that has been called the Cathedral of South Cheshire, and is considered by some to be one of the finest medieval churches not only in Cheshire but in the whole of England. The architectural writer Raymond Richards described it as "one of the great architectural treasures of Cheshire." Construction began around 1340 to replace an earlier chapel of ease, and took over a hundred years to complete, with delays caused by the Black Death. The church was both used to detain Royalist prisoners and as a sanctuary for the townspeople during the Civil War, and the musket marks on the exterior walls are a quiet reminder of those turbulent years.

What is Holly Holy Day and when does it take place?

Holly Holy Day is one of the most distinctive and atmospheric events in Cheshire's calendar, and takes place every January. The day commemorates the lifting of the siege of Nantwich during the English Civil War on 25th January 1644, and the name comes from the tradition of local people wearing sprigs of holly in their hats to celebrate the town's relief. The festivities begin at 10am with morris dancers, tours and exhibitions, and a demonstration of muskets, pikes and drums in the town centre, with the opportunity to throw cabbage leaves at an unfortunate prisoner in the pillory outside Nantwich Museum, before a battle fought by members of the Sealed Knot on Mill Island at 2pm. It takes place on the Saturday nearest to 25th January each year. Admission to the town activities is free, with a small charge for the Mill Island battle.

What is the Nantwich Jazz, Blues and Music Festival?

One of the best reasons to visit Nantwich over Easter, and a festival with genuine national standing. The five-day musical extravaganza takes place over the Easter Bank Holiday weekend and attracts tens of thousands of visitors to the town, with 170 bands performing across 17 venues including the Nantwich Civic Hall, The Crown Hotel, pubs, restaurants and the town square. As well as main headline shows, there is a large programme of events in venues across the town, many of which are free. The festival now spans far beyond jazz and blues, covering soul, indie, folk and more. A wristband covers access to most venues, with separate tickets for headline acts. Visit nantwichjazz.com for line-ups and tickets.

What is the Nantwich outdoor brine pool?

One of Nantwich's most quietly remarkable attractions, and a living link to the town's ancient salt heritage. Nantwich Outdoor Brine Pool is believed to be the only inland brine pool in Britain today, and has been open to the public since 1st July 1935. The pool water temperature is maintained at 22°C and through solar gain is usually considerably warmer. Swimming in it is a genuinely unique experience, the warm, slightly silky salt water feels like nothing quite like a standard pool, and the pool's setting within the Nantwich Baths complex adds to the charm. It opens seasonally from May each year. Check everybody.org.uk for opening times and prices.

What events take place in Nantwich throughout the year?

Nantwich has one of the most varied event calendars of any town in Cheshire. Holly Holy Day in January sees the Sealed Knot re-enact the Battle of Nantwich; the Jazz and Blues Festival runs over Easter weekend with live music on the town square, in pubs and at the Civic Hall; the Food and Drink Festival takes place in September; and the Nantwich Show, a popular one-day agricultural event at Reaseheath College, is always held on the last Wednesday of July. There is also a Words and Music Festival in October and Nantwich Pride during the summer. Between them these events give the town a palpable energy throughout the year. Keep an eye on our visitcheshire.com events listings for dates and details.

What are the best walks near Nantwich?

The countryside around Nantwich is ideal for easy walking, with the River Weaver and the Shropshire Union Canal both close to the town centre. A level canal towpath walk offers an elevated position with views over Nantwich town and the surrounding Cheshire plain, while the Riverside Park walk from the town centre takes in the river, the canal and the historic Welsh Row. Welsh Row itself has a fascinating history: known as Frog Row in the medieval period, its name changed by the late 15th century due to the presence of Welsh businessmen who came to town for the salt trade. The loop walk along the river and canal is around three miles and the route leaflet is available from the Nantwich Information Centre.