Northwich is at the centre of Cheshire Plain at the confluence of the Rivers Weaver and Dane.
The suffix 'wich' indicates the presence of brine springs, and salt was first extracted at Northwich by the Romans.
Salt mining began again in the town in 1670 but by the 19th century it had become uneconomical to mine for salt. Instead hot water was pumped into the mines to disolve the salt which was then extracted from the brine. However, this weakened the mines and led to widespread subsidence.
Northwich and the surrounding area have been seriously affected by subsidence but a stabilisation programme, begun in 2004, has been carried out to rectify the situation.
The brine produced is transported to British Salt in Middlewich where it is used for a range of products including road de-icers and water softeners.
Northwich's salt industry is celebrated at the Salt Museum, donated by two local salt proprietors Thomas Ward and John Brunner in 1889. The museum is now located in the town's old Workhouse because its former building subsided as a result of salt extraction!
Northwich is known for its chemical industry. In 1874 Brunner Mond began producing soda ash at Northwich using salt as a main raw material. Brunner Mond amalgamated with other chemical companies to form Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI), one of Europe's leading chemical companies.
One of the most important tourist attractions is the Anderton Boat Lift in nearby Anderton. This structure, known as the 'Cathedral of the Canals', links the River Weaver and the Trent and Mersey Canal.
Dating from 1875, the Anderton Boat Lift was the world's first and is currently England's only boat lift, the only other working UK boat lift is the Falkirk Wheel in Scotland.
After being out of action for almost 20 years, the Lift reopened in 2002 following a £7million restoration.
Another highlight of the area is Arley Hall and Gardens, located five miles north of Northwich.
Anderton Boat Lift Lift Lane, Anderton, Northwich CW9 6FW
A553 north of Northwich. Boat owners and visitors are now able to ride the Lift and the Operation Centre with education and visitor facilities, exhibition, cafe and shop. Anderton Boat Lift information
Arley Hall & Gardens, Northwich CW9 6NA
5 miles north of Northwich, north-east of A559. An impressive red-brick neo-Jacobean house, home of Viscount and Viscountess Ashbrook. 12 acre gardens, parkland, walled gardens, rockery. Arley Hall & Gardens information
Salt Museum 162 London Road, Northwich CW9 8AB
On the A533 just south of Northwich. Old photographs, paintings, working tools, models and videos used to illustrate this unique industrial heritage. Galleries, displays, gift shop, coffee shop. Salt Museum information
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520 Chester Road Northwich CW8 2DN MAP A mile (1.6 km) from Cuddington Rail Station, this Premier Inn hotel has free parking, family-friendly rooms and a cosy Chef & Brewer restaurant. The Premier Inn Northwich (Sandiway) has a traditional-style pub restaurant, with open fires and a welcoming... More Information and Book ... |
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London Road Northwich CW9 8EG MAP The Premier Inn Northwich South has free parking, modern en suite rooms and a Brewers Fayre restaurant, serving pub-style meals in a family-friendly setting. Some rooms can take 2 adults and 1 or 2 children (under 16 years). Up to 2 children also get a f... More Information and Book ... |
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Hall Lane Northwich CW9 6DG MAP Wincham Hall Hotel is set in 5 acres of country gardens with Northwich & Knutsford town centre only 5mins drive away.Various tourist attractions close by. Tatton Park/Anderton Boat Lift/Salt Museum/Jodrell Bank/Wincham Wharf/20mins from Manchester..... |
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Waste Lane Oakmere near Northwich CW8 2HJ Just 10 miles from Chester this smartly furnished detached barn conversion with its own hot tub sits peacefully at the edge of extensive private woodland with footpaths and a cycle trail. Delamere Forest offers cycle hire and Go Ape (2 miles) whilst a zoo … Sleeps 7... |
Towns Near Northwich To Visit - straight line distance:
Winsford Tourist Information (4.42 miles) Middlewich Tourist Information (5.46 miles) Knutsford Tourist Information (6.95 miles) Daresbury Tourist Information (7.40 miles)