We have all heard of Cheshire, although most of us know it more for being the name of a cat with a particularly cheeky grin! As it happens though, it is a county in the UK, and one that is definitely worth getting to know better! So, with that in mind, here are some fun facts about Cheshire!
1. Where is Cheshire?
Cheshire is a gorgeous county in North West England. It borders Wales to the west, Greater Manchester to the north, Derbyshire to the east, and Staffordshire to the south. Technically, some refer to it as home to Manchester, though that is generally its own entity.
2. What’s the county town of Cheshire, anyway?
Chester is Cheshire’s county town, which is particularly well-known for having a rich history that tapers all the way back to the time of the Roman Empire! It is also famous for its stunning medieval city walls and unique black and white timber-framed buildings. Essentially, it’s a town you have to see at all costs!
3. The Cheshire Cat’s namesake.
As mentioned above, many of us know the name “Cheshire” from Lewis Carroll’s “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland”. And, the cat is indeed believed to have been inspired by the county of Cheshire!
4. It offers fantastic access to the Peak District.
If you like long walks, hiking, and stunning natural views, then few places are quite as well-recommended as the Peak District! It is a genuine area of natural beauty, and it lies within the eastern boundary of Cheshire. Millions visit Cheshire to scale the peaks and to just get out and enjoy that fresh air occasionally.
5. A salty county?
Believe it or not, Cheshire was historically known for its salt industry! The town of Northwich, in particular, was a major centre for salt extraction and production during the 19th century. Are people from Cheshire the “salt of the Earth” type? We’ll leave that pun there…
6. It was at the epicentre of the Industrial Revolution.
Cheshire played a significant role in the Industrial Revolution. It was home to industries such as textiles, silk weaving, and coal mining. The people here definitely worked for their money – and it’s these physical efforts that have helped to keep the north of England afloat.
7. If you go down to the woods today…
Back to the natural beauties found within Cheshire – have you ever been to Delamere Forest? It is a large woodland area popular for walking, cycling, and nature exploration. It offers trails, picnic spots, and a variety of wildlife. The perfect locale for a family day out, or just a wander alone in the woods!
8. A Cheshire safari!
One of the most celebrated attractions in all of Cheshire is Chester Zoo! It is one of the biggest zoo establishments in all of the UK, famously home to a wide variety of creatures and critters, and is dedicated to education and habitat conservation.
9. It’s a celebrity hotspot.
Cheshire’s best-known citizens include the famous author Lewis Carroll, singers Gary Barlow and Harry Styles, Olympian Paula Radcliffe, and actor Daniel Craig.
10. You’ve probably seen it on TV!
Cheshire has also been famously used for its incredible filming locations! You can spot it in shows such as Peaky Blinders, Game of Thrones, Foyle’s War, and more!
FAQs about Cheshire
Why is Cheshire famous?
Cheshire is well known across the UK for its stunning landscapes, famous Cheshire cheese, salt, and silk. It is also the inspiration for part of Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, which many know as Alice in Wonderland!
Is Cheshire a nice place to live?
Thanks to its stunning landscapes, rich history, and industries, yes, Cheshire is a wonderful place to live! It is particularly popular among young families.
What accent do people speak in Cheshire?
If you want to head to Cheshire, it’s time to start practicing understanding Jon Snow and Ned Stark! The dialect spoken in Cheshire is Northern English.
Further reading:
https://facts.uk/tag/UK
https://www.visitcheshire.com/
https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Tourism-g186232-Cheshire_England-Vacations.html
Do you know any fun facts about Cheshire? Share them in the comments below!