Lion Salt Works

Book Tickets Online

It’s a story brilliantly told at the Lion Salt Works, one of the last open-pan sites in the world, an intriguing warren of stove, boiler and pan houses renovated to reveal how salt was extracted from the underground brine lakes and transformed into a coveted commodity. Immerse yourself in the high-tech wizardry of Salt Pan 3, which recreates the steamy and dangerous conditions where bare-chested men toiled over great vats of the boiling brine. Stand at the bar in the old Red Lion pub, where the workers were once served refreshing pints of beer with a replenishing pinch of salt. Spot the worker’s boots encrusted with salt crystals and the sardine tins that, curiously, wages were paid in. Then step out on the towpath of the Trent & Mersey Canal, where salt was once hauled to Liverpool’s docks, the gateway to the world.

Book Tickets

Guide Prices

Adult £6.25, concession £5.50, child £4. Family 2 adults + 2 children £16.40. Family 1 adult + 3 children £14.60. Concession Family 2 adults + 2 children £15.20. Concession family 1 adult + 3 children £14. Adult Annual Pass £18 valid for 12 months from date of issue. Family Annual Pass (2 + 2 or 1 + 3) £50 valid for 12 months from date of issue. Concessions are OAPs, Jobseekers, or Students. Children are aged 5 – 16

Opening Times

2024 (1 Jan 2024 - 31 Dec 2024)
Day	Times
Tuesday - Sunday	10:30	- 17:00
Bank Holiday	10:30	- 17:00

* Closed: 24-26 Dec and 1st January.
Play Area and Butterfly Garden
Gates, play area and gardens open 9am – 5:20pm Monday to Sunday.

Awards

Visit England VAQAS Accredited 2019
Regional and Miscellaneous Marketing Cheshire Award Winner 2015 2015

Directions

Road Directions

At the crossing of the B5075 from Northwich and the Trent and Mersey Canal. Leave M6, jct 19 and follow A556; or M56, jct 10 and follow A559.Nearest train stations are Northwich (1 mile), Hartford (3 miles).Buses available to Northwich town centre.

Public Transport Directions

By coach: Please book your groups in advance. By train: From Northwich Railway Station the Salt Works is a 25 minute walk or 15 minutes by bicycle. There is no taxi rank at the station. By bicycle: The Salt Works is on two Sustrans routes: On road – local route off Route 5 (Northwich) and Route 70 (Great Budworth). Traffic free – along Trent and Mersey Canal towpath. By canal: Canal boats can be moored alongside the Salt Works with visitor access from the towpath. Please check the Canal and River Trust for terms and conditions.

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating:

481 reviews

Excellent
312
Very Good
145
Average
19
Poor
5
Terrible
1

Recent Reviews:

jonathanpG727IV
Fascinating industrial museum
Friday, 2nd August 2024
This is a fascinating place to visit with plenty of free car parking. Staff are friendly and helpful and the story of salt making in Cheshire is covered at one of the few remaining traditional salt... Read full review
Cruiser11866650719
Brighton, United Kingdom
Trip Type:
Couples
Great restoration
Saturday, 21st September 2024
After passing this site many times in our youth it was lovely to see what a fantastic attraction this has become for future generations. Our knowledgeable guide George brought the story of salt to... Read full review
mikecO1302TH
Northwich, United Kingdom
Trip Type:
Family
Come and understand the process of salt mining.
Sunday, 13th October 2024
English heritage site, lots of informative stuff on the walkabout museum tour. All area accessible on all floors. Wheelchair lift and disabled toilets. Staff members are very helpful and... Read full review