A weekend in Nantwich

A black-and-white timbered Cheshire market town with a canal basin

Independent UK guide
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Updated October 2026

Nantwich is a charming market town in south Cheshire, with a large number of black-and-white timber-framed buildings, a handsome church and a canal basin on the Shropshire Union Canal. It has a long history as a salt town and a siege during the Civil War.

Independent shops, pubs and a regular market give it a friendly feel, and it is close to Chester, Crewe and the Welsh border.

Best forHistory lovers, Food lovers, Walkers, Families

Best time to goSpring to autumn. The July cheese show and the winter jazz festival are highlights.

Typical budget (2 people, 2 nights)£320–£560, excluding travel

Getting thereChester: About 30 minutes by car.

Check prices for a weekend in Nantwich

Plan your weekend in Nantwich

Top attractions in Nantwich

St Mary's Church

A magnificent medieval church, sometimes called the cathedral of south Cheshire.

The timbered buildings

Streets of half-timbered houses, including Churche's Mansion, a fine Elizabethan house.

The Canal Basin

A pleasant waterside, with canal boats and an aqueduct that carries the canal over a road.

Dorfold Hall

A Jacobean house with gardens, open on selected days.

The Nantwich Show and Cheese Awards

A summer food event, with regional cheese and local produce.

Best things to do in Nantwich

Guides to the activities most people plan a weekend around.

Chester Zoo visit

Chester Zoo is one of the UK's largest zoos and a major conservation charity, with a large site of habitats for animals from around the world. Allow a half day to a full day.

Chester city walls walk

Chester's walls are some of the best-preserved Roman and medieval city walls in Britain, and you can walk almost the whole circuit of around two miles. Allow 1 to 2 hours.

Shakespeare in Stratford-upon-Avon

Stratford-upon-Avon is the birthplace of William Shakespeare, and the Royal Shakespeare Company stages plays there year-round. Allow a weekend.

Best areas to stay in Nantwich

The town centre

Central, with pubs, shops and cafes.

Near the canal

Peaceful, with towpath walks.

Surrounding villages

Rural stays in the Cheshire countryside.

Best hotels in Nantwich

Prices for a double room in Nantwich typically fall around £90–£150 a night in this price band. Guesthouses and B&Bs are usually the best value, while boutique hotels and inns with rooms suit a treat. Read recent guest reviews and use the filters on the booking sites for the things that matter to you.

Compare places to stay in Nantwich

Prices change daily, so check a few sites. These are affiliate links.

Best time to visit Nantwich

Spring to autumn. The July cheese show and the winter jazz festival are highlights.

Seasons that suit Nantwich well: spring, summer, autumn.

Estimated budget for a weekend in Nantwich

Hotel or B&B, per night for two	£90–£150
Food and drink, per day for two	£55–£85
Activities and extras for the weekend	£30–£90
Estimated total, 2 people, 2 nights, excluding travel	£320–£560

Mid-range destination. These are rough 2026 estimates and vary by season and room type. Add the cost of getting there. For a personalised figure, use the BritBreaks finder.

Getting to Nantwich

From Chester: About 30 minutes by car.
From Manchester: About 1 hour by car.
From Shrewsbury: About 45 minutes by train or car.

Journey times are rough guides. Check live train and road times before you travel.

A sample weekend in Nantwich

Friday evening: Arrive, settle in and have dinner in The town centre.
Saturday: Start with St Mary's Church, then The timbered buildings. In the afternoon, head to The Canal Basin.
Sunday: Visit Dorfold Hall or The Nantwich Show and Cheese Awards, then head home.

Packing list for Nantwich

Handy things people often forget. These are Amazon links, so prices and availability are set by Amazon.

More kit guides: Walking gear Wet-weather gear Dog travel gear

Good to know

Market days are busy, so check which days suit you.
Parking in the centre is limited.
Check festival dates, which fill rooms.

Nantwich weekend FAQs

Is Nantwich worth a visit?

Yes. It is a pretty, quiet market town with lots of timber-framed buildings and good food.

Can I reach Nantwich by train?

Yes. Nantwich is on the line between Crewe and Shrewsbury.

More weekend ideas

ChesterCheshire

Roman walls, medieval Rows and a riverside setting

ShrewsburyShropshire

A medieval market town in a loop of the River Severn

LudlowShropshire

A medieval market town with a castle and a big reputation for food

LiverpoolMerseyside

A waterfront city of music, museums and football

Explore more: Best weekend breaks from Manchester and the North West · Best weekend breaks from Birmingham and the Midlands · Best family weekend breaks in the UK · Best UK weekend breaks by train

Browse popular weekend activities or use the BritBreaks finder to match a weekend to your budget and travel time.

Last reviewed October 2026. Please check opening times and prices with each attraction before you go. Report an error or share a tip.