Cheshire, one of the most picturesque counties in Britain, is situated in north west England. Black and white 'Magpie' houses set in idyllic gardens typify the Cheshire countryside. Its green pasture lands and farms are renowned for the production of the famous crumbly white Cheshire cheese. There are historic houses and gardens, waterways, fascinating museums and heritage you can trace to pre Roman times. Cheshire Tourist Information can be found in the main towns in the county.

Cheshire Tourism usually begins in the County town of Chester, situated on the banks of the River Dee. Visit the city for the unique experience of combining first class shopping set in the 'Rows' (13th century covered walkways at first floor level), with a walk along the city walls, or a visit to the Norman Cathedral. Perhaps a boat trip on the river, or a day at England's oldest racecourse, Chester Racecourse, or even a visit to Chester Zoo - there is lots to see and do in Chester.

In the north west of Cheshire is Ellesmere Port, the town which grew with commercial trading on the Shropshire Union and the Manchester Ship Canals. Today Ellesmere Port offers visitors up to the minute shopping complexes and parks. It is also the home of the Boat Museum, Britain's premier canal boat museum.

Warrington, an expanding town with an ancient history. There are some interesting buildings in the town centre and an excellent selection of shops. Enjoy a trip along the historic Manchester Ship Canal, or the Bridgewater Canal taking passengers through attractive countryside and picturesque villages such as Grappenhall and Lymm.

Black Bear Park is a good starting point for exploring the Trans Pennine Trail and the Mersey Way. The village of Appleton, outside Warrington, is home of the popular 'Maize Maze', a fun experience for all ages. If you like visiting stately homes, with plenty of attractions then enjoy a day out at Walton Hall Gardens.

Vale Royal in the heart of Cheshire encompasses many interesting towns and delightful countryside. The Vale was so named when Prince Edward built an Abbey on the banks of the River Weaver for the Cistercian monks in the late 13th century. Cheshire is renowned for its production of salt, you can trace its history by visiting The Salt Museum, at Northwich.

The Norman hunting forests covering much of the area have long gone, but the conifer plantation of Delamere Forest provides a safe environment for walking and cycling with way marked trails, as well as a haven for wildlife. The sandstone ridge around the west of the area gives good views across the Cheshire plane to the Dee Valley and the Welsh hills.

Northwich is home to Anderton Boat Lift, which is the world's first boat lift. Here you can enjoy a trip on the specially designed boat 'Edwin Clark'. For country house and garden enthusiasts we recommend a visit to Arley Hall.

Knutsford, the town which inspired the setting for Elizabeth Gaskill’s novel Cranford. Take a town trail to see places familiar to the author. Knutsford is also associated with the artist Charles Tunnicliffe, many locations in the area feature in his natural history works.

Knutsford is home to Tatton Park where the RHS hold the annual flower show in July. Tatton Park makes for a great day out, with two houses to visit and the gardens are one of the best in Britain. Nearby is Tabley House, the finest Palladian mansion in the North West of England - well worth visiting.