A charming market town nestled in the southeastern part of Cheshire, Nantwich is steeped in history, showcased by its Tudor-style architecture, and can be proud to have one of the highest concentrations of listed buildings in England.
However, there are also plenty of things to do in Nantwich that don’t involve history, which is why we’ve decided to put together a curated list of a mixture of both, giving you the best the town has to offer all in one place.
Things to do in Nantwich for adults
Visit St Mary’s Church
Set in the heart of Nantwich, St Mary’s Church is the town’s oldest listed building and remains one of the best examples of medieval churches in the country.
Taking around 110 years to be built between 1280-1390, it is still regularly used for services, funerals, weddings and baptisms, and hosts several events throughout the year, such as concerts and summer fairs.
While you can enter the church at any time when it is open to the public, you can also arrange a guided tour for your group if you want an expert to tell you all about its history and fascinating architecture.
Nantwich Jazz, Blues & Music Festival
Held over Easter weekend every year, the Nantwich Jazz, Blues & Music Festival started off as a small intimate event to become a festival that takes over the whole town.
Created in 1996 by the then proprietor of the famous Crown Hotel, Phillip Martin, it has evolved over the years and is now a day many earmark in the Nantwich event calendar.
With over 15 venues hosting different artists throughout, you’ll find a bit of everything for everyone, even if the main attractions remain big jazz and blues artists. It’s also the perfect place to discover new bands and local artists, which is why it’s high on the list of things to do in Nantwich.
Nantwich Museum
Want to learn all about Nantwich? Then Nantwich Museum should be top of your list of activities.
Covering everything that has happened throughout the town’s history, from the early Roman salt industry to the Great Fire of Nantwich in 1583, its wide range of exhibits leaves no stone unturned.
The museum also hosts numerous events throughout the year, such as town tours and guided walks of the famous Welsh Row.
Things to do in Nantwich with kids
Nantwich Outdoor Brine Pool
Believed to be the last remaining inland brine (salt water) pool in the country, Nantwich’s famous outdoor pool was first opened in 1935 and has remained a leisure staple in the town over the years, as well as an attraction for visitors to this day.
As well as feeling like you’re swimming in the sea, the salt water can be therapeutic for people with stiffness in joints and muscles, and it can get quite busy when the sun comes out, which is why online booking ahead of time is essential.
Open between May and October, the pool is maintained at 22 degrees throughout, meaning it’s enjoyable no matter what the weather has to offer, making it one of the best things to do with kids in Nantwich.
Snugburys Ice Cream
Located a few miles north of Nantwich, Snugburys Ice Cream is a family-run ice cream parlour that started in 1986. Now run by the three daughters of the original founders, they have kept the shop in their farm’s barn, which now attracts over 350,000 visitors a year.
Claiming to use ‘only the best ingredients’ for their products, their flavours range from Chocolate Brownie to Caramelised Banana, as well as some seasonal specials, such as Christmas Pudding (winter) and Lavender & Honey (summer).
They also build huge straw and wood sculptures in their field that can be seen from the A51, with past creations including Big Ben in 2009 or a 35ft Dalek in 2013 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Dr Who.
Unusual things to do in Nantwich
Hack Green Secret Nuclear Bunker
While no longer a secret now that the internet has been invented, Hack Green Secret Nuclear Bunker is a fascinating place to visit for anyone interested in the Cold War
One of the many things to do near Nantwich, this genuine Cold War bunker was originally built in 1952 and was kept secret for nearly 50 years before being decommissioned in 1993. It has since been turned into a museum, with all items present inside genuine artefacts from that period, carefully curated from other decommissioned bunkers around the country and the world.
And if you want to do something even more unusual, they also put together ghost hunts in the bunker for their bravest visitors.
Re-enactment of The Battle of Nantwich
If you’re a fan of both costumes and history, then there is one day in Nantwich’s packed calendar that is perfect for you: the re-enactment of The Battle of Nantwich (also known as Holly Holy Day).
Taking place every year in late January since 1973, this event becomes a townwide affair, with several activities put up all over, ranging from Morris dancers showing off their skills to musket and pike demonstrations in the town centre.
You’ll then be treated to a full re-enactment of the battle that took place in 1644 during the first English civil war, all put on by members of the historical association The Sealed Knot.
If you like what Nantwich has to offer and are considering settling down in the area, why not take a look at our Weaver Forge development?
