Middlewich
Middlewich is a town situated centrally in the north-west English county of Cheshire.
Understand
[edit]
Middlewich was founded by the Roman Empire who used the large salt deposits underground. It has since then become a market town residing in the heart of the cheshire countryside, boasting unspoilt countryside, scenic waterways and summer festivals. Unlike cities and most big towns, it is not over-run by large store chains which gives small independent businesses a chance to flourish.
Get in
[edit]By car
[edit]The M6 motorway is close by. Use junction 18 to get to Middlewich.
By plane
[edit]The town is about half an hours drive from both Liverpool John Lennon Airport and Manchester Airport. Both are easily accessible via the road networks, and less so through rail.
By train
[edit]Although Middlewich's train station has not been active for years, there is a train station out the outskirts of the neighbouring town of Winsford, and one sightly further away in the town of Sandbach.
These two stations have direct links to Crewe station, which is one of the main hubs for rail in the north of England. Crewe is on the West Coast Mainline (London Euston to Glasgow Central) with connections to Manchester, Liverpool and Chester.
- 1 Winsford station, Winsford, CW7 3NQ (2.5 miles west from Middlewich town centre).
- 2 Sandbach station, Sandbach, CW11 3JG (4 miles south from Middlewich town centre on the A533).
By bus
[edit]The buses are very frequent in Middlewich, running to and from every neighbouring town. Take the bus number 39 from Crewe (or its train station) which will take you to Middlewich after about an hour. For bus time tables ring Traveline Cheshire on +44 1606 815050.
By boat
[edit]The Trent and Mersey canal runs right through the centre of the town and therefore you can reach Middlewich via canal barge once on the correct canal. The Trent and Mersey Canal can be reach via The Coventry, Staff and Worcs, Macclesfield and Bridgewater canals.
Get around
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Middlewich is a small and compact town so most attractions and amenities are within walking distance.
See
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The big church in the center of town is considered the main attraction. There are miles of watersways to walk along, The Trent And Mersey canal, as well as several rivers. The town is surrounded by countryside offering bird watchers lots of opportunities, particularly along the Croxton flashes.
- 1 St Michael and All Angels. Church dating from the 12th century, although most of the building work was done between 1480 and 1520.
- 2 Wardle Canal. The shortest canal in the UK, 154 ft (47 m) long, linking the Trent and Mersey Canal to the Middlewich Branch of the Shropshire Union Canal.
Do
[edit]Visit during the Folk and Boat weekend, usually the third weekend in June. The whole town explodes with people, events and music. Small fields in the center of town have stalls on them, offering locally brewed beers and scrumpies, as well as the main music tent. The pubs along the side of the canal are usually packed and offer live music too. The Middlewich Folk and Boat festival is now firmly established on the folk circuit and it is estimated that 30,000 people visit the town during the festival weekend, along with 400 boats.
It is also worth a visit to the "Temptations" shop along the high street, a very unique shop which is deceptively large once you enter the building.
- Folk and Boat Festival, ☏ +44 709 239 0501. Annually in June.
Buy
[edit]- Temptations, 66 Wheelock St, ☏ +44 1606 832472.
Eat
[edit]Like many towns in northern England, there are many Indian and Chinese takeaways as well as a few Turkish kebab houses.
Drink
[edit]There are many places to drink in the center of town. The Kings Arms and The Vaults are located centrally in town although it is advised to be wary drinking during Friday and Saturday night, particularly in the Vaults, as some locals can be rude to people out of town. The Boar's Head and Newton Brewery, just outside of the center of town, are more suited for a friendlier atmosphere, whilst the Salt Cellar at the top end of town is a family pub.
- Thai Tapas, 33 Wheelock St, ☏ +44 1606 837358.
Sleep
[edit]Some of the higher end pubs offer places you can stay. On the outskirts near the industrial estate, there is a Travelodge.
Like many of the towns with canals running through them, you can rent and stay in a canal barge. This also gives you the opportunity to visit other towns through this different way of transport.
- Andersen Boats, ☏ +44 1606 833668. Canal holidays are for anyone who just wants to get away from it all and experience something completely different from the everyday world.
- 1 The Boars Head, Kinderton St, ☏ +44 1606 833191. Well-maintained draught ales, home-cooked food. The Cheshire hotel began life as a coaching inn and has been used for hospitality for over 200 years. Current proprietors Pat and Liz have been continuing the tradition and welcoming punters for almost 12 years.
Connect
[edit]Middlewich and its approach roads have 4G from all UK carriers. As of Oct 2022, 5G has not reached town.
Go next
[edit]| Routes through Middlewich |
| Manchester/Liverpool ← Knutsford ← | N  S |
→ Sandbach → Birmingham |
| Chester ← | W  E |
→ Holmes Chapel → Congleton |