Train travelling on viaduct over Hunts Lock along the Mid Cheshire Line. North West UK.

Train at Delamere Railway Station along the Mid Cheshire Line. North West UK.

Delve into the area's history, have a cultural day out or enjoy an afternoon of shopping along the Mid Cheshire Line.

The Mid Cheshire Line, which connects Chester to Manchester via Northwich, Knutsford, Altrincham and Stockport, has many Marvellous Days Out to enjoy.

Explore historic Chester with its famous racecourse and cathedral before travelling along the line to experience Northwich, the salt capital of the world and home to the Anderton Boatlift and Lion Salt Works.

Follow in the footsteps of Elizabeth Gaskell in Knutsford then continue on to discover Altrincham market. Spend a day in Stockport exploring Staircase House or the Hat Museum before enjoying time in Manchester with its many museums and art galleries.

Download your copy of the 36 page Marvellous Days Out on the Mid Cheshire Line guide, packed full of inspiring things to see and do, and illustrated by Nicky Thompson’s iconic railway posters.

Discover Amazing Women by Rail is another great way to explore this line. Travel back in time and discover locations that played an important part in the lives of historic women. From writers, artists and sportswomen to campaigners, suffragettes and politicians you'll be inspired by their stories. Download your copy here and get exploring...

Highlights

Alight at the forest station in Delamere and enjoy 972 hectares of forest and meres, tracks and trails perfect for walking, cycling and horse riding

Stop at Knutsford and follow in Elizabeth Gaskell’s footsteps around her home town and identify the Cranford landmarks

Explore Goose Green in Altrincham and browse in the ancient Charter Market that dates back to 1290 or practice skating at the ice rink

Find out more

Local line website

Getting there

Train/bus Car Plane

All Mid Cheshire Line Stations have parking on site or close by.

The towns and cities are served by various bus companies. Plan your journey on the Traveline website for details. Stockport and Manchester Piccadilly have free buses from the station into town. Chester station also has a bus in to the city centre but a small fee is charged.

Route

Manchester - Chester

Cost

£13.40 Off-Peak Day Return

Opening times

7 days a week | all year

Journey time

1hr 28

Distance

64 miles | 104 km

Time from London

2:10 hours (see itinerary)

Plan your trip

Suggested itinerary

Take the train from London Euston to Manchester Piccadilly. Trains are frequent and take approximately 2 hour 15 minutes (look up times).

Places to explore along the Mid Cheshire Line include:

Stop at Knutsford and follow in Elizabeth Gaskell’s footsteps around her home town and identify the Cranford landmarks. Marvel at the Italianate architecture that evokes thoughts of another continent and lifestyle or shop in the individual boutiques and dine in one of Knutsford’s many fine eateries. For those who fancy a stroll, walk through Tatton estate to the historic Mansion House and gardens, enjoy tea and cake in the tea rooms.

Explore Goose Green in Altrincham and browse in the ancient Charter Market that dates back to 1290 or practice skating at the ice rink. Head further up the Line to Stockport and step back in time by exploring the eclectic Staircase House or experience life during the war at the Air Raid Shelters. Enjoy afternoon tea in the Art deco Plaza Café or a refreshing pint on the Robinsons Brewery tour.

Stroll through some of the wealthiest areas of Greater Manchester out to popular National Trust house & gardens at Dunham Massey. The Winter Garden is particularly worth a visit in the Winter!

Spend a day in Stockport (free bus from the station around town), visit the historic market or Staircase House, take refreshments after a tour of Robinson’s Brewery, learn about the history & making of hats in the Hat Museum, find out more about the war and visit the atmospheric Air Raid Shelter attraction and take afternoon tea in the art deco Plaza building.

Manchester Piccadilly with its museums, art galleries, shops, restaurants and canal network is one not to be missed.