What to do in Knutsford

Knutsford is an amazing town that is full of character and is now host to a fantastic range of pretty shops, delightful eateries and characterful bars, all nestled together on a backdrop of cobbled streets. 

The main hub of the town is centred on two main streets – Princess Street, known locally as Top Street, and King Street, known as Bottom Street. There is certainly enough variety on these two streets alone to keep you occupied for a whole day.

Knutsford town itself is steeped in history. You can feel it in the ambience of the place as you explore side streets and admire the Georgian townhouses, black-and-white gabled buildings and whitewashed cottages. While strolling around it is easy to imagine how author Elizabeth Gaskells was inspired to write Cranford and indeed, fans of the novelist can often be seen interspersed amongst the shoppers and locals, following the Gaskell trail.

Harvey Homes’ latest development, Swan Green, is just three miles from Knutsford and just a five-minute drive from the hub of the town. The homes there have the advantage of being surrounded by beautiful countryside while being just a stone’s throw away from a popular and bustling town. 

So, once you’ve bought your new home at Swan Green, how can you best spend a day out in Knutsford? Here we’ve put together a guide of what to do in Knutsford, from shops and strolls to days out and drinks. Enjoy!

MORNING

You can spend a delightful morning (or even a whole day if you’re a shopaholic) in Knutsford perusing the many shops in the town. Many people from the region travel specially to Knutsford for shopping as it has a perfect mix of both high street and independent businesses. There are high-end dress shops, womenswear outlets, menswear shops, children’s boutiques, shoe shops, arthouses, antique houses, book shops and there’s even a perfumery for those people who are particular about the fragrance they wear.

Aside from these tempting shops that line the main streets and hide away in alleys, there is the Knutsford Market Hall that sells a range of fresh produce as well as home-made gifts. An award-winning artisan Maker’s Market also pops up on Princess Street on the first Sunday of every month. 

LUNCH

When you’re ready to take a rest, make sure you pop into one of the many independently owned cafes that can be found all over Knutsford for a bite to eat and to rest your feet.

• The Cranford Café and Sandwich Bar has plenty of gluten-free, vegan and dairy-free options on the menu and is known for its generous breakfasts and moreish sandwiches. 

• The Tea Room is a very cosy café with both indoor and outdoor seating. Its delectable range of cakes, brownies and scones has people going back for more, time and time again. 

• The Neki Café is an eclectic place serving a wide variety of dishes made from local produce that will suit many tastes. The menu features quality coffee, breakfasts, brunches, salads, lunches and sweet treats. 

AFTERNOON

After you’ve replenished yourself at lunch, head over to Tatton Park which is just a few minutes’ drive from the town centre. It is the perfect place for a family day out, with more than 1000 acres of parkland to explore, a farm, playground, historic mansion and beautiful formal gardens that even feature a maze. The parkland is renowned for being a great spot to walk or cycle round and there are several routes you can take while you try your hand at wildlife spotting to see the red deer and other animals that live in the park. 

The farm at Tatton Park is open throughout the year, every day in the summer and at weekends only in the low season. It is a perfect place for children to get close to animals such as donkeys, cows, poultry, horses, sheep and pigs. National Trust Members can enjoy free entry to the Mansion and Gardens and 50% discount on entry to the farm. 

EVENING

After you’ve fulfilled your need for nature, head back into Knutsford town and choose from the plethora of restaurants and eateries. It has frequently been said that Knutsford has got the best selection of restaurants and cafes in Cheshire. 

Whether you’re wanting a family meal, a cosy romantic date or a catch up with friends, Knutsford is sure to have a restaurant perfect for you and there is every type of cuisine imaginable, from Indian to Italian, to French and Spanish. These restaurants include:

• Evuna is a gorgeous Spanish tapas restaurant that is located in a grade 2 listed Tudor building. Its fresh dishes and casual atmosphere mean it’s always a great choice. 
  
• Brasserie Blanc is an upscale chain brasserie serving a classically French menu that is devised by celebrity chef Raymond Blanc.
  
• Enjoy Indian street food and authentic curries at the modern Indian restaurant that is Margao.
  
• Indulge your cheese and wine habit in The Cheese Yard which is a very cosy and charming eatery and shop. 
  
• Good food and drinks await you at The Botanist in surroundings that are eclectic and comfy. 
  
• The Courthouse is a very upscale restaurant that serves up all day dining classics, inspiring cocktails, fine wines & champagne in luxury surroundings. 

Once you’ve eaten, you can either head to the cinema or paint the town red at one of the many bars and pubs.

Although closed at the moment (July 2020) due to coronavirus. The much-loved cinema in Knutsford – The Curzon Knutsford – is a beautifully refurbished three-screen cinema that features a bar where you can enjoy cocktails and light bites before your movie. 

The range of pubs and bars in Knutsford is enough for any discerning drinker, with traditional pubs alongside swanky bars. Try The Rose & Crown, The White Bear, the Cross Keys Hotel, the Lost & Found Bar or April’s Kitchen and it is sure to be a night to remember!

So, there we have it – that should give you a pretty great overview of what to do in Knutsford and why it is a great place to live. It certainly seems to hit that sweet spot of having a fantastic range of shops, eateries and watering holes all nestled together in beautiful surroundings. And the best part? Our selection of four and five-bedroom detached homes at Swan Green is just a stone’s throw away!