Northwich Tourist Information

Northwich is at the centre of Cheshire Plain at the confluence of the Rivers Weaver and Dane, and is an interesting town to visit.

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 £7 million restoration.

Another highlight of the area is Arley Hall and Gardens, located five miles north of Northwich.

Towns Near Northwich To Visit - straight line distance:

Winsford (4.42 miles) Middlewich (5.46 miles) Knutsford (6.95 miles) Daresbury (7.40 miles)
Hide AccommodationWhere to stay in Northwich
HideHotels
Premier Inn Northwich (Sandiway)
520 Chester Road Northwich CW8 2DN
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.
More Details and Prices
Premier Inn Northwich South
London Road Northwich CW9 8EG
The Premier Inn Northwich South has free parking and modern en suite rooms. It is situated just a mile and a half from Northwich town centre and features free private parking. Some rooms can take 2 adults and 1 or 2 children (under 16 years).
More Details and Prices
Wincham Hall Hotel
Hall Lane Northwich CW9 6DG
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..
More Details and Prices
HideHoliday Cottages
Oakmere Shippon
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.
More Details and Prices
Smithy Barn
Field House Sandiway Northwich CW8 2SJ
This lovely welcoming contemporary barn conversion is very smartly furnished well-equipped set within the peaceful lawned grounds of the owner’s home and conveniently situated near the hourly train service to Chester and Manchester.
More Details and Prices
Hide Map How to get to Northwich
Northwich, A533 south east from Runcorn. Off A556 south west from Knutsford.

Hide AttractionsTourist Attractions in Northwich to Visit

ActivitiesActivities

Anderton Boat Lift A fascinating feat of engineering.

Historic HousesHistoric Houses

Arley Hall & Gardens An impressive red-brick neo-Jacobean house.

MuseumsMuseums

Weaver Hall Museum and Workhouse Discover more about the area's history.

Hide WeatherNorthwich Weather
Saturday 25th May
Day :Sunny skies17°C Sunny skies
Night :Clear skies2°C Clear skies
Sunday 26th May
Day :Sunny skies18°C Sunny skies
Night :Clear skies4°C Clear skies
Where to Stay in Northwich
Share This Page

myspace del.icio.us  Digg  reddit facebook
This Page on Northwich
has been viewed 1,319 times
Area Telephone Code
01606
Get Our Newsletter
Offers, short break ideas, event news, and ideas on attractions to visit, all in our newsletter emailed direct to you.