Manchester Piccadilly to Crewe

A pretty Cheshire town, Crewe is known for its connection to the railway and the immaculately maintained golf courses, but there is so much more to Crewe. Keen walkers enjoy the town’s proximity to a series of walks of which the Crewe and Nantwich Circular Walk is one of the most popular. Covering 29 miles, it passes through the glorious Cheshire countryside and takes visitors past some wonderful sights, including Shrewbridge Lake, the Shropshire Union Canal, and the Sandbach Flashes.

The Crewe Heritage Centre charts the local history of the region, with displays showing how the Canal was created and the part the railway played in Crewe’s development. Appropriately, the Heritage Centre has its own miniature railway, and you can drive the deceptively powerful locomotive, control the signal box and even get to know the superfast Advanced Passenger Train (APT), amongst others.

Old Moreton Hall, an eye-catching, black and white timbered hall, that, due to subsidence, is wonderfully wonky, is well worth a visit. This building is described by the National Trust as being "lifted straight from a fairy story, a gingerbread house", and they are right! Constructed in the early 1500s for wealthy landowners, the Moretons, the excessive amount of timber used in the build reflected their standing in the community. Inside, the hall has been restored to its former glory, filled with the medieval furniture that would have been within its walls in the 16th century. The surrounding gardens are immaculate, with the Knot Garden perfectly trimmed, a picturesque orchard, and a wonderful yew tree tunnel.

At the end of your day out, hop on the train home to Manchester, and start planning your next adventure. Save money with our Advanced tickets for those that are organised or Anytime options if you prefer more relaxed approach.