Top 10 Things to do Good for a Rainy Day in Cheshire, England

It used to be one of the best kept secrets among Cheshire's many attractions but over the past few years it has undergone some major changes and is now recognized as one of the country's leading specialist museums. Situated in Higher Poynton, the museum is on the site of the old Anson Colliery. Engine enthusiasts from all over the world come to visit this fascinating museum. However, it is increasingly becoming a "must visit" attraction for non-enthusiasts too and won the "Visitors Choice" award (voted for by the public) when they were asked "where would you take a visitor to the Macclesfield area"? As well as the largest collection of engines in Europe, the museum also has changing displays of local history items such as photographs, maps, mementos and keepsakes from the Vernon Estate and Anson Colliery. Open one weekend a month in 2015.

The Antiques Shop, located at street level, within the Rows of Chester. Established in 1989. Owned and run by the same Antiques Dealer, for nearly 30 years, selling genuine British Antique and Vintage items. The shop building is a late 13th century great medieval stone town house, circa 1290-1300. Although the facade is imitation 17th century, within the building there are substantial remains of the medieval town house. 38-42 Watergate Street is one of the most interesting buildings in Chester. Rarely has the medieval fabric of a building survived so intact as in the upper levels, and rarely has a building been so thoroughly investigated.

Multi-award winning boutique Cheshire distillery. Visit us to craft your own bottle, or pop down for our tour and tasting every Saturday. Set in a beautiful woodland location opposite Cholmondeley Castle, Three wrens produce a range of artisan gins, using locally sourced Cheshire botanicals. Gold medal winners at the 2020 world gin awards and winner of UK’s most innovative craft gin distillery 2020.

Chester Cathedral is many things to many people: a vibrant community of worship, an ancient abbey, an archaeological treasure, a cultural hub, a centre of musical excellence and a unique blend of medieval and modern history.

Nestled in a picturesque river valley just south of Manchester sits Quarry Bank, a place where nature and industry collide. This giant cotton mill led the way into the Industrial Revolution and was home to a bustling community of mill owners, workers, and child apprentices. Get a sense of what life here was like as you watch the machinery going at full whack in the mill, and step inside the Apprentice House to see where the children lived in exchange for the gruelling work they did each day. Walk across the cobbles in the village to discover more about family life in a two-up-two down Workers Cottage, and compare the contrasting worlds of the mill owners as you explore their lovingly designed gardens and elegant Georgian home.

Located above Warrington Central Library, Warrington Museum is one of the oldest municipal museums in the country. Much of the quintessential character of the building has been preserved and its original glass cabinets are crammed with treasures from all over the world. Work from acclaimed artists is also on display in the art gallery, and there is a lively program of events, activities and temporary exhibitions. Admission is free!

Follow the journey of silk making, from cocoon to loom at The Silk Museum. As well as the stunning displays of silk items, there is a fascinating programme of temporary exhibitions to enjoy. Paradise Mill is next door. Step back into the 1930s with a guided tour; see restored Jacquard looms and machinery, and watch as they weave their magic!