Tattenhall: Nature, Canal and History

Tattenhall offers several different starting points for planning a hotel stay: the Shropshire Union Canal, natural areas, local history and a family attraction. Tattenhall Marina is on the canal in the Cheshire countryside; The Spinney is a distinct focal point in the village itself.

Canal, woodland and paths

Tattenhall Marina is on the Shropshire Union Canal in the Cheshire countryside. Its seasonal nature makes a canal trip a distinct option when planning your visit, while the natural areas offer a different focus.

The Spinney is a small woodland in the heart of Tattenhall. It has an accessible entrance for wheelchair users. The Spinney project also included surfaced paths for access to the woodland, as well as places to sit and relax. The land next to The Spinney and Millbrook End has paths, benches and picnic areas that can be used year-round.

Natural areas and their special features

Memorial Wood is open to the public and designated as a Local Wildlife Site. Three woodland clearings have been sown with a wildflower mix. More than 20 butterfly species have been recorded there; the clearings add more open areas to the woodland.

Glebe Meadow is a registered Local Wildlife Site designated by the Cheshire Wildlife Trust. Previous counts recorded 23 different grass species and up to 20 wildflower species there. Public access to Glebe Meadow is limited to a permissive footpath.

Church and local history

Tattenhall was mentioned in the Domesday Book as early as 1086. At the Church of St Alban, the core structure and tower date from the early 16th century; John Douglas restored and remodelled the church in 1869–70. The building’s early fabric and later remodelling thus sit side by side in its history.

Painted sandstone blocks, possibly Roman, and Roman pottery were found in 1982 during an archaeological excavation ahead of drainage work. The finds point to a Roman site at or near the church. The Barbour Institute has served Tattenhall as a village hall since 1898.

Local history also includes the heritage trail brochure “Tattenhall in The Great War 1914–1918”; the availability of printed copies may vary. The history of the wider district around Tattenhall adds to this local perspective: its economy was historically based predominantly on agriculture, particularly cheese production.

Places to visit and refreshments

The Ice Cream Farm is an award-winning family attraction in Tattenhall. The ice cream parlour offers more than 50 award-winning ice cream flavours and sorbets; the range may change. Check current operating details before travelling.

At Tattenhall Marina, the Boathouse Café Bar serves coffee, cake and local ales. Due to staffing problems, the bar is temporarily closed; check whether it has reopened before visiting.

Getting to The Ice Cream Farm

When travelling from Chester, bus route 41A to Tattenhall is one option; from there, it is about a 13-minute walk to The Ice Cream Farm. Check that the service is currently running before you travel.

Discover more destinations: Crewe, Knutsford, Frodsham, Beeston, Neston, Winsford, Macclesfield, Waverton.

For the main travel overview: Cheshire.