Jenny Schippers walks, shops and eats in the ancient town with a very modern, independent outlook on life
Illustration by Cathy Mulhern, cathyillustration.com, Instagram: @cathy_illustration
Standing at the convergence of the River Dane and River Weaver, Northwich – or Condate as it was known during Roman times – is a modern market town with a vibrant community feel. This strong sense of civic pride is almost infectious as you walk around its pedestrian centre, designated as a conservation area. Its bustling streets are scattered with pretty Tudor and Victorian buildings, seasonal blooms and quaint crocheted toppers lovingly crafted by Mid Cheshire Craft & Chat Group and Toppers of Northwich.
Situated at the heart of the Cheshire Plain, Northwich remains a natural meeting point and regional hub for the county, with festivals and events taking place during the year: a weekly indoor market (Tuesday, Friday, Saturday), the monthly artisan market in collaboration with The Market Co, Northwich River Festival, Festival of Arts, and Northwich Krazy Race, all taking place during July and the quirky Pina Colada Festival in August.
The fortunes of Northwich were built on and sunk by the salt mining industry, with rock salt first discovered close to Marbury Hall in the 1670s. Locals and visitors alike are encouraged to learn more about the history of this fascinating town, including its devastating subsidence issues and subsequent redevelopment, with a visit to both the Lion Salt Works and Weaver Hall Museum and Workhouse.
Start a day in Northwich with an early morning visit to BEAR, a contemporary coffee shop housed within the Barons Quay development. Take a seat at the floor-to-ceiling windows, with views across the River Weaver, and enjoy its extensive brunch menu, including bubble & squeak cakes, banana & berry pancakes, and shakshuka – all washed down with an expertly poured cup of coffee or a healthy fruit shake.
Close by, locally owned The Coffee House is another popular spot, with a stop at Culinary Concept by Rayner Muller a must for delicious homemade doughnuts and wholesome South African cuisine. Together with the familiar chain stores in its centre, there are countless, independent businesses well worth a visit. Along Witton Street: John Griffiths Fruit Shop, Birtwisle’s Butchers, Weigh of the World, Northwich Art Shop, Cheshire Style Interiors, and Chapel Gifts and Home.
On nearby Crown Street, close to The Swinging Witch pub, Ivy Cottage Interiors is a delightful store stocking homeware and gifts, while nearby Abda Coffee Shop, deserves a mention. This colourful, inclusive space promises to serve coffee, cake, and culture, with a unique selection of Middle Eastern fusion dishes and a brew bar where visitors can select a brewing method and choice of coffee beans.
After a morning spent shopping and sipping, take the short five-minute walk over the Town Swing Bridge, close to the Bird & Hat Bar – stocking more than 50 rums – to Verdin Park. With the statue of Robert Verdin, a local salt manufacturer and Liberal Unionist Member of Parliament for Northwich at its centre, Verdin is an elevated municipal space with a designated dog-walking zone, playground, and skate park.
Together with the much-loved Vickersway Park, the vast 350-acre Northwich Community Woodlands completes the impressive collection of green space, all in easy walking distance of Northwich town centre. Incorporating nine countryside sites, all linked by a labyrinth of walking and cycling trails, the Northwich Community Woodlands occupies swathes of redeveloped, post-industrial land close to the Weaver Navigation and Trent and Mersey canal.
Begin to explore this area via Carey Park, accessed at the Cumberland Street Car Park. Opened in 2003, this park is already a Site of Special Scientific Interest, thanks to its unique combination of flora, fauna, geological and physiological features. From here, it is possible to spend a full day navigating the inter-connected woodlands. Visit the Anderton Nature Park (site of the majestic Anderton Boat Lift), Marbury Country Park, Dairy House Meadows, Witton Hill Meadow, Ashton’s and Neumann’s Flashes and Furey Wood.
After a walk, a welcome reward can be enjoyed at Poppy Rose Vintage Tearoom, home to mouth-watering afternoon teas, light lunches, traditional cakes, and tea served in china cups. For something a wee bit stronger, take up a comfortable position at The Salt House, overlooking Northwich Marina. This family-friendly bar is open daily for coffee and cake, alongside locally brewed craft ales, wines, and spirits.
Into the evening, the neighbouring Bombay Quay serves a mean curry in the prettiest of surroundings, with spectacular views out across the water. For those looking to discover more of the local area, Northwich serves as an ideal base, with much of Cheshire being less than a 30-minute drive away. Highlights close by include Blakemere Village, home to an array of independent shops, outdoor attractions, and newly opened glamping lodges. Antique enthusiasts will be spoilt for choice with the Vintage & Collectibles Emporium, The Design Shed, and Farrow House all occupying units at Blakemere. Crafters can indulge their passion at Crafts in the Corner and the Cheshire Craft Workshops, while adrenalin-seekers can try their hand at Segway and archery.
From here, the Whitegate Way and Delamere Forest are accessible for walking and cycling, while The Hollies Farm Shop at Little Budworth, is just a short drive away. This family-run business continues to go from strength to strength, offering a huge selection of homeware, gifts, clothing, and lifestyle products alongside a bustling farm shop, dining options, and luxury onsite accommodation. On the drive back to Northwich detour via Hartford, a pretty village, with recommended eateries here including Chime, The Hart of Hartford, and Hartford Hall.
Talking heads
Jenny Schippers, journalist, copywriter and content creator
With my parents making the move to Hartford last year, I have spent the past 12 months discovering the area for myself and I have come to love it. Not only is Northwich well connected but the shopping and community events in the town make it an exciting place to be year-round. I enjoy coming into town for the monthly artisan markets and I have made a point of exploring more of the walking routes with favourites including the Marshall’s Arm Nature Reserve near Hartford, and Marbury Park where my daughters love the newly installed wooden playground.
Lydia Smethurst, owner, Lyds Place, Blakemere Village
I moved to Davenham from Dunham Massey in 2018. I enjoyed my education at Sir John Deane’s College where I achieved straight As. However, a university path wasn’t for me. I wanted my own business and to follow my passion for interiors and design. I started my business while studying at the age of 18 and with the help of my amazing mum and supportive friends at Farrow House, Blakemere Village, I have created Lyds Place. Now a year later, my business has grown to four units selling high-end interiors and antiques. I am in daily contact with amazing, generous local people who have supported me throughout my journey and I truly love every minute.
