What to do and see in Cheshire, England: The Best Specialty Museums

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.

Housed in the Victorian cells in Warrington Police Station the Museum of Policing in Cheshire preserves and displays artefacts spanning the history of policing in the County since the Force was founded in 1838

A gorgeous working watermill in the heart of the rural Cheshire. A tour of the mill and a picnic by the mill pond is a delightful way to spend an afternoon for all age groups and all interests. The mill is open seasonally and has temporary exhibitions and events.

Independently owned, but housed as an attraction at Crewe Heritage Centre, Exeter West Box is unique in being the largest preserved mechanical signal box in full working order and able to show visitors what life was like in such a big, busy signal box duringthe last days of steam. Removed from Exeter when it closed in 1985, Exeter West has been restored so that visitors can see full simulated operation of a 1960 summer weekday, summer holiday Saturday or summer Sunday. Volunteers undertake the simulations using either a manual simulator or one based on a 'laptop' computer., and will be happy to explain the complexities of what is going on. As well as all of its original, working equipment, Exeter West also houses a series of displays explaining how various items of signalling equipment worked (by means of interactive displays,) and also tells something of the story of railways in the Devon city. Open when the Heritage Centre is open, a visit is included in your admission ticket.

Norton Priory is the most excavated monastic site in Europe. Boasting the priory ruins, 12th century undercroft (which is the last fully surviving part of the priory itself) and an 18th century Walled Garden, it is located within an oasis of 42 acres of tranquil woodland and wildflower meadows. The museum includes two exhibition galleries which explore the site's history, including the archaeological digs which took place in the 1970s and 1980s. Thousands of artefacts from Norton’s 900 year history are on display, including the internationally significant 14th century statue of St. Christopher, which features in Lucy M. Boston's classic children's book, 'The Children of Green Knowe'. Please note that as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are currently opening on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only at this time. We advise booking in advance via our website, or calling prior to visiting during our opening hours.

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.

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!