Cheshire is one of Britain’s most popular destinations for tourists. It’s easy to see why – it’s easy accessed from Liverpool and Manchester via the M53 and M56 respectively and from the rest of the country via the M6. If you’re looking for a place that’s rich in natural beauty and cultural wealth, then there are few more suitable. In particular, the county boasts a considerable smattering of historical sites – stretching all the way from the time the Roman invaders first founded Chester all the way up to the huge mansions of the Georgian era.
If you’re thinking of coming in from outside the county, then you’ll be pleased to learn that there are dozens of high-quality hotels in Chester to accommodate you, including Carden Park, which is also one of the foremost Cheshire conference venues. If you’re a local, you’ve got no excuse not to delve into this treasure-trove of history.
Since we’re in the run-up to Halloween, a few of these sites are putting on a little bit of an extra show in order to get their visitors in the mood for the season and so it’s a perfect time to visit. So, let’s take a look at some of what’s on offer!
Roman Ruins
It’s probably wise to begin with some of the earliest known above-ground historical sites in the county – those left behind by the invading Romans. To find these, of course, you don’t have to venture far from the beaten track; many of them are present right at the heart of Chester – a town which, of course, was founded by the Romans.
Of these, perhaps the most eye-catching is the Roman amphitheatre, which was excavated only as recently as 2006 – after delays spanning much of the last century. It was first discovered in the 20s, when gardening works at Dee House (a Georgian building) revealed a long, curved wall beneath the ground.
This was a problem, because a road was scheduled to be built right through the middle of it, and because the south side of the ruin lay underneath Dee House itself – where it remains to this day. Fortunately the road’s route was changed, and digs were planned shortly afterward – though World War II saw them delayed until the late 50s. It wasn’t until the turn of the millennium that the rate of restoration began to accelerate – and the result is proudly displayed today.
The amphitheatre is the largest in the UK, and is thought to have been used for a variety of blood sports, including cock-fighting, bull-baiting and of course, gladiatorial mortal combat. Stand in the middle of this ruin and it’s difficult to get a sense that it hosted so much bloodshed – though perhaps the Hallowe’en season will be enough to provoke your imagination!
Norton Priory
Let’s move forward a few hundred years or so, to the Augustinian priory in Norton, in Runcorn. First established in the 12th century, this priory was later upgraded to an abbey in 1391, before being closed in 1536, for the chief reason that Henry VIII decided he wanted a divorce.
But the abbey was to live on, thanks largely to Sir Richard Brooke’s purchase of the site nine years later. Brooke built a Tudor-style house on the site, which was to remain in his family for hundreds of years afterwards. Brooke’s house was replaced in the 18th century by a Georgian manor.
Norton Priory is always hosting special events, and this Halloween is no exception. They’ll be events in the evening throughout Hallowe’en week, featuring spooky storytelling, potions and pumpkin carving. If you’re looking for something to entertain the kids, it’s ideal.
Tatton Park
Tatton Park is perhaps the most famous of all of the historic sites in the county. It’s just north of Knutsford, and easily accessible via the M6. It contains a wealth of historical treasures, including an enormous 18th century manor house and an older hall built dating from the medieval era. On top of that, the grounds contain a series of beautiful gardens, and a thousand acres of sprawling parkland. All of this is preserved immaculately, thanks to the National Trust, who own and jointly administer it with the Cheshire East Council. Consequently, the place is a must-see for anyone looking for historical sites in Cheshire.
The park is hosting a number of spooky events this Halloween, including ghost walks through the gardens, face-painting, quizzes in the old hall and mystery-solving activities in the new one. What more could a family want this Halloween?