Looking for things to do in Cheshire when it’s raining? Rainy days can be a downer, ruining plans and forcing you to stay indoors. However, they don’t always have to be this way. Instead of staying home, break the routine and hang out with your family or friends at great indoor spots all over Cheshire. These are some great places to go and activities to do the next time you’re stranded by rain.
1. Visit the Blue Planet Aquarium
The Blue Planet Aquarium at Cheshire Oaks Coliseum is a great place to visit with your family. This marine and freshwater aquarium is the largest in North West England, with over 100 living displays and thousands of marine creatures. On top of this, they also offer daily talks and feed shows in the Aquatheatre where you can learn about different species of fish. Blue Planet Aquarium is renowned for having the largest collection of sharks in Europe, along with other species of fish. Apart from marine creatures, you also get to see snakes, lizards, frogs, a rock pool area, a section specially designed for venomous animals, and a spacious otter enclosure.
Going around the aquarium will take you about 2-3 hours. When your children get restless, there is a play area where they can have fun. After exploring the underwater world, you can have a hot meal to warm you up at the large on-site aquarium.
Prices at the door are affordable, costing you ₤19.00 for a standard ticket, ₤13.50 for juniors over 90 cm and up to 12 years old, and ₤16.50 for concessions. Children that are under 90cm in height are admitted for free.
The aquarium is open daily from 10am-5pm during the weekdays and 10am-6pm on weekdays.
2. Explore the Cheshire Military Museum
Situated in Chester, this is a great place to indulge in the rich history of the Cheshire Soldiers dating back to the 17th Century. Discover the adventures of the Regiments of Cheshire, their expeditions across the world during the occurrence of numerous great battles. You will also get to learn about the wars fought, and experience the life of a World War One soldier in the trenches. Additionally, the museum houses the Archive of the Cheshire Regiment. Some of the items on display worth seeing include:
The Greg Challenge Cup- this legendary cup was presented to the Regiment by lieutenant colonel R.A Greg in 1938, and was utilized by the Regiment as a shooting cup until 1995.
The uniform of Surgeon Carline of the Carabiniers- one of the only three in the UK, this magnificent rare item of clothing was worn by the surgeon during operations.
Pictures of the 1st Battalion during the 1920s depicting their time spent in India.
The museum is within a 19th-century building that originally served as the home of soldiers and officers for some time. You will definitely appreciate the intricate architecture and the history behind it all.
Tickets are quite cheap, only costing you ₤4.00 if you are on your own, and ₤9.00 if you visit as a family.
Concession will set you back ₤2.00
The museum is open daily from 10am-5pm, except on Wednesdays.
3. Catch a Movie at The Vue Cinemas
Imagine watching a movie as the rain softly patters outside. You can have this relaxing experience at the Vue Cinemas at Cheshire Oaks in Ellesmere Port. This contemporary 16-screen cinema includes an IMAX theatre and Digital Dolby Surround Sound for the ultimate movie experience. You can watch the latest 2D and 3D movies or a Big Screen Events, which include the best music, sport and dance performances from around the world. Check online to watch trailers, and to view listings of movies being screened. You can also book your ticket online, and explore the great deals Vue Cinemas often offers.
Children can play in the games room within the cinema, and you can have a meal after your movie in one of the many stellar restaurants nearby.
You can bring your family along and experience the magic of the big screen from ₤1.99 per ticket for 2D movies, and ₤2.79 for 3D movies.
The cinema is open daily, and you can check what movies are being screened online.
4. Discover the Chester Cathedral
This beautiful cathedral is located in Chester and offers a unique blend of medieval and modern history. Like many English Cathedral, Chester has undergone many modifications, but it can be traced back to Roman times. The most extensive restoration in recent times took place in the 19th century, and a free-standing bell tower was added in the 20th century.
You can explore this architectural masterpiece by climbing the ancient staircase which was used by the monks that once lived there. The interior gives off a warm and mellow ambience, due to the pinkish colour of the sandstone. Admire the lovely patterns of the stained glass that is reminiscent of the design trends from the 19th and 20th century.
One of the highlights of a tour of the church is the climb to the top of the central tower. If the downpour is not too heavy, you will experience stunning views of the surroundings from 125 feet above the ground.
The introductory tour of the ground floor is free, where you will be guided by helpful volunteer guides. Beyond this point, a 1-hour tour costs ₤8.00 for adults and ₤6.00for children, while a 30-minute tour will set you back ₤6.00 for both adults and children.
Tours are available from Monday-Saturdays, at 11 am, 1.30pm, and 3 pm.
5. Have Tea at The Historic Booth Mansion
Situated in the heart of Chester, Booth Mansion is a recently reopened art gallery and tea room on Watergate Street with retail and office space. Certain aspects of the mansion are the 12th century, other major parts are from the 15th century, and the frontal part was constructed by George Booth, Earl of Warrington. Currently, this Grade 1 listed building houses local artworks, along with hosting afternoon tea or a glass of wine or beer and light lunches in the 17th Century Ballroom. Warm up with a hot cup of tea in the classically furnished Georgian tearoom as you admire the stunning artwork displayed. Other highlights of the Booth Mansion include a bannister from a ship that suffered wreckage in the Dee and a 12th century stone ogre face.
The mansion is open Monday-Saturday from 9am-6pm, and you can reserve a table online.
6. Land Rover Experience Cheshire
Would you love to drive in the beautiful Cheshire countryside in an off-road vehicle? The Land Rover Experience offers you this opportunity, where you can experience the beautiful scenery shielded from the rain in one of their remarkable vehicles. You can find them at the picturesque and historic Peckforton Palace. Here you will be provided with a wide range of cars to choose from. Some of the most popular car models include Defender, Discovery, Range Rover, Range Rover Sport, Evoque, and Discovery Sport. You get to drive these impressive vehicles in an off-road environment.
For the one-hour taster drives, enjoy a welcome drink followed by an introduction from the instructor before the drive. You will then get to drive the car over rugged terrain including inclines, descents, low traction surfaces, water, rock crawls and wheel articulation sections. This will set you back about ₤99.0 for two people per vehicle.
For a half-day experience, improve your driving skills by learning how to navigate steep inclines, side slopes, streams, roller beds, rock crawls, bridge crossings and descents. This will cost you ₤225, and an extra ₤60 if you bring along a friend. The price is inclusive of refreshments before and after the drive.
7. Explore the Utterly Absorbing Silk Museum and Paradise Mill
Discover the largest known collection of Jacquard silk handlooms in Europe, preserved in their original setting in this brilliant museum situated in Macclesfield. The Silk Museum highlights the unique relationship between the unique relationship between the people of Macclesfield and its prominent silk industry. Other than the remarkable Jacquard looms, another notable display worth your time are the beautiful Pattern Books that accurately depict the creative ideas and processes of Macclesfield’s major silk firms.
The Silk Museum is housed in the former Art School where artists and designers used to be trained. Currently, you can explore the Maker’s Place on the first floor, where modern makers weave beautiful original items which you can purchase as souvenirs.
Fascinating displays that have been recently incorporated include:
Macclesfield at War, which comprises of a significant group of War Memorials that were previously housed in Christ Church
Macclesfield and the World, which constitutes Marianne Brocklehurst’s Egyptian collections that prove the link between Macclesfield and Egypt.
You can pay for entry at the Silk Museum by giving a donation. Guided tours of Paradise Mill will cost you ₤5, with ₤4.50 concession. The tour is free for children.
8. Visit the Crewe Lyceum Theatre
This beautiful Edwardian auditorium will definitely lift the gloom of a rainy day, with presentations of drama, musicals, comedy, and pantomime. Situated on Heathe Street in Crewe, it was originally a converted Roman Catholic Church in 1876 before undergoing several renovations. The Grade II listed building is currently a performance arts theatre where you can catch shows and plays. Despite the old age of the theatre, the acoustics are great.
You can enjoy a pre-show meal at the restaurant in the theatre where you will be served with multi-course delicacies. There is also a bar that serves drinks at affordable prices, and the atmosphere is generally fun and relaxed.
You can book a ticket online for all events available, as well as selecting where you want to be seated from the provided interactive seating plan on the Crewe Lyceum website, where you will also find prices.
9. Explore The Unique Lion Salt Works
You will find a captivating and fresh take into the story of salt in this “living museum” situated in Marston, near Northwich. The Lion Salt Works holds the distinction of being the last remaining open pan saltworks area. It was closed as a work in 1986 and is currently a museum with fun and interactive exhibits that illustrate how the salt works operated and the significance of salt to the economy and landscape of Cheshire.
Explore the walk-in ubsiding house”, with theatrical lighting, sound, and film enhancing the experience by evoking giant clouds of steam similar to the ones that were once produced by the site’s huge pans. Other highlights that might pique your interest include two restored pan houses and three restored stove houses.
You will also love the beautiful Butterfly Garden along with a play area that will thrill children with its imaginative design. Afterwards, you can have a warm cup of tea at the café on the grounds.
To be admitted into the museum, you will have to part with ₤6.25, with ₤5.50 concession, and a ₤4.00 charge for children. You have free access to the Butterfly Garden, café, play area, and car park.
The Museum is open from Tuesday-Sunday from 10.30am-5pm.
10. Hack Green Secret Nuclear Bunker
Discover this vast underground complex as you escape the boredom of a rainy day. Situated in Hack Green, the Hack Green Secret Nuclear Bunker is formerly government-owned. The area was first used in World War II to confuse Luftwaffe bombers who sought to find the vital railway junction at Crewe. In the 1950s, it was upgraded as part of the secret radar network referred to as the ROTOR project. Originally meant to be the centre of Regional Government had nuclear war broken out, the underground bunker was declassified in 1993.
Currently, you can explore the various unique features of this bunker, such as the decontamination facilities, a Minister of State’s office, communication centre, life support and telephone exchange among other things. You also get to view original broadcasts that were to be transmitted on all TV stations prior to a nuclear attack. One of the main reasons why Hack Green is distinguished is the fact that it houses the largest public display of nuclear weapons in Europe. Furthermore, there is numerous equipment in an original setting that gives you an intriguing glimpse into the Cold War.
Ticket prices are pocket-friendly, with charges for adults amounting to ₤9.25, ₤6.00 for children, ₤7.00 for disabled and carers, and no charges for disabled children.
Hack Green is open from Mondays-Saturdays.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, there is so much to do in the lovely Cheshire, even when it is raining. Go out and discover all these amazing places without having to worry about getting drenched, and simultaneously avoid the monotony that comes with staying at home during downpours.
