Local Attractions
3 Blake Street, Congleton, Cheshire, CW12 4DS Tel: +44 (0)1260 272731
Folklore & History Local attractions Congleton Index Map
Macclesfield Canal
The Macclesfield Canal was one of the last narrow canals to be built, indeed, it was very nearly a railway!
A variety of ideas were proposed and the present canal was approved by Act of Parliament in April 1826.
The completed canal was opened on 9th November 1831 at a cost of UKP320,000.
The route of the canal was surveyed by Thomas Telford. However, construction was managed by William Crosley who became the canal's engineer.
Gawsworth Hall
In Elizabethan times Gawsworth was the home of Mary Fitton, the supposed ‘Dark Lady’ of Shakespeare’s sonnets.
Today, broad lawns studded with evergreen trees and shrubs contrast well with the half-timbered architecture of the Hall, and the formal rose gardens still retain an Elizabethan character.
To the south, the Hall looks out over medieval parkland enclosed by a crumbling 16th century wall.
The mounds and terraces here were once thought to be a tilting yard - where jousting was practised; yet they are almost certainly all that remains of a sizeable formal Elizabethan pleasure garden.
The gardens also contain an open-air theatre with covered grandstand where plays are performed in the summer.
Little Moreton Hall
"Location for TV's Moll Flanders"
Britain's most perfect and friendliest moated Tudor house offers fish, ducks and quizzes for the children, free guided tours and a tranquil garden for adults. Also of note are the recreated Yew Tunnel and the historic herb and vegetable gardens.
Open 20th March - 31st October Wed - Sun and Bank Holidays 11.30am - 5.00pm.
Macclesfield Silk Museum
From Cocoon to Loom the story of silk in Macclesfield. A visit to the award winning silk museum offers you a chance to explore the history of an English silk town. Guides demonstrate this fascinating production process on Jacquard handlooms at the nearby fully restored Paradise Mill.
Jodrell Bank
Discover the wonders of the Universe, in the Science Centre, beside the world famous Lovell radio telescope. Have fun with science through hands-on exhibits. Explore fascinating exhibitions on astronomy, Earth, space, satellites and energy. Experience the wonders of the Universe in our Planetarium. Relax and experience the beauty of the 35 acre Arboretum. Locate trees and planets! Investigate sundial time and the Environmental Discovery Centre. Picnic and play area. Ample parking, cafeteria, facilities for disabled people and gift shop.
Jodrell Bank Arboretum
The Jodrell Bank Arboretum covers 35 acres (14 ha) next to the University of Manchester’s world-famous radio telescope and planetarium. Containing over 2,500 varieties of native woody species, it is one of the finest collections of hardy trees and shrubs in the North-West of England. An Environmental Discovery Centre introduces the arboretum and explains the ecological importance of trees. The collection focuses on particular varieties of trees, particularly flowering and fruiting crab apples (malus) and mountain ashes and whitebeams (sorbus). Other prominent types include alders birches, pines, pears and mock oranges.
The Bridestones
On the outskirts of Congleton lies a large hill known as the Cloud.
The Cloud is steeped in history, part of it being quarried by Thomas Telford in order to build the Macclesfield Canal.
On the cloud lies the Bridestones a neolithic burial chamber with two standing stones.
The Bridestones have been linked to strange Unearthly lights and even an alien abduction which is covered on our folklore page.
Mow Cop Castle
The castle was built in 1754 by local stone masons John and Ralph Harding, for Randle Wilbraham of Rode Hall. The ruined curtain wall was never more than a picturesque folly to add effect to the eastern skyline as seen from Rode Hall 3 miles away. The tower was a summerhouse, originally two storeys high with a cone shaped roof which could be used as a beacon.
Beartown Brewery
Beartown brewery was established in 1995 it is a micro-brewery well loved by CAMRA members all over the UK, they opened their first pub in the town in 1999.
If you are looking for a first class real ale it is well worth a visit!
Below is a list of Beartown brews.
Ambeardextrous 3·8%
Bear Ass 4·0% Well recommended !
Bearskinful 4·2% Well recommended !
Blarney bear 4.8% A top class Stout!
Black Bear Mild 5·0%
Bruin's Ruin 5·0%
Hoppy Rambler 4·0%
Kodiak Gold 4·0% Well recommended !
Polar Eclipse Oatmeal Stout 4·8% A must try!
SB Bitter 4·2%
Spirityule Ale 5·5%
Strong Mild 5·0%
Th'Underback 5·3%
Walkley Wobble 4·5%
Wheat Bear 5·0% Very light!
Check out there web site by clicking the link below!
3 Blake Street, Congleton, Cheshire, CW12 4DS Tel: +44 (0)1260 272731
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2000
Folklore & History Local attractions Index Map