Alderley Edge and Cheshire Countryside

Important notice -

Mow Cop, Bickerton and Alderley Edge car parks are now open. We have limited spaces, so if the car park is full please come back another time.

Dramatic red sandstone escarpment, with impressive views

More about this place

A family enjoying the outdoors in autumn or winter

Visiting information for this winter 

Many gardens, parks, cafés, coast and countryside sites and some houses are open for you to explore. When planning your visit, please note that local, country and tier restrictions are in place, so some houses and shops are closed, and some cafés are takeaway only. To avoid disappointment please book your visit in advance and check the property webpage before you travel.

Back to top
Alderley Edge and Cheshire Countryside

Things to see and do 

Dog walking on a lead

Walking with your dog in the Cheshire and Wirral countryside 

Please read this guide to help you to keep yourselves, your dogs, livestock, wildlife and the environment safe, when you are walking at the Cheshire and Wirral countryside places.

Walking in the Cheshire and Wirral countryside
Alserley Edge Wizard Tea Room

The Wizard Tea Room

The Wizard Tea Room are open 9am-5pm, 7 days per week. At the moment, they are offering takeaway only with a reduced menu. This includes a few toast and cereal options, soft floured baps, and a full selection of delicious cakes and other bakes.

The Wizard Restaurant at Alderley Edge on sunny day

What is happening to the Wizard pub? 

The Wizard Inn has now closed. Find out more here.

Why not visit ....

A carpet of heather on Thurstaston Common

Enjoy the rich landscape of the Wirral 

Hills, commons, woodlands and fields, the Wirral landscape is diverse and fine. The views you get from hill tops are really magical.

Different views of Cheshire Countryside

Get a different view from the Cloud near Congleton 

Why not climb to the top of the Cloud, on a clear day there are great views across a number of counties.

The well cover at Lewis Carrols birthplace Cheshire

Lewis Carrolls birthplace 

Are you keen to see where Charles Dodgson's spent his childhood? Or maybe you'd like to gaze down the well and let your imagination run wild.

Folly at Mow Cop Cheshire Countryside

Mow Cop Folly 

Take a step back in time and visit Mow Cops castle folly.

Back to top
Alderley Edge and Cheshire Countryside

History

A view showing the underneath of Manchester's railway viaduct
Blue Malachite glistening in Engine Vein
The Armada Beacon Alderley Edge
A white pony grazes in a field at Alderley Edge

An escape by train 

A train journey and a walk to Alderley Edge was a treat for families escaping the smog of the cities which thrived during the Industrial Revolution.

Ancient mining 

There has been mining activity at Alderley Edge for over 4,000 years, from early Bronze Age times right through to the early 20th century.

The Armada Beacon 

Step back in time to the invasion of the Spanish Armada and imagine how the Armada Beacon was used as a warning across the Cheshire Plain.

Discover the legend 

Read about the legend of Alderley Edge, a tale of a white horse, brave knights and a devious wizard.

Back to top
Alderley Edge and Cheshire Countryside

Wildlife

Birdwatching in the woodland at Alderley Edge, Cheshire

Birdwatching at Alderley Edge 

Take in impressive views and see the sun peeking through the trees as the leaves return after winter. Keep your eyes peeled for birds and spring flowers on a walk at Alderley Edge. Redstart, nuthatch, flycatcher and tree creeper are just a few of the woodland birds that you'll hopefully be able to spot.

Common blue butterfly {Polyommatus icarus}

Butterflies on Alderley Edge 

Take a short stroll from our car park and you’re likely to see a few species of butterfly, including Large White and Orange Tip.

Back to top
Alderley Edge and Cheshire Countryside

Our work

Alderley Edge ranger volunteers

Donate today to help protect Cheshire Countryside 

Our natural world and places of historic beauty are at serious risk. Give to help protect Alderley Edge and Cheshire Countryside and together, we can help nature recover, bring people closer to it, and ensure our shared history continues to inspire us all. Thank you for your continued support.

View over Bickerton Hill

Managing the heathland at Bickerton Hill 

We've been rejuvenating the rare lowland heath at Bickerton and have worked closely with a number of partner organisations to help improve the regeneration of the heathland.

Back to top
Close

For everyone, for ever

Download the app

© National Trust Registered Charity 205846 Heelis, Kemble Drive, Swindon SN2 2NA

We use cookies to provide you with a better service. Carry on browsing if you're happy with this, or find out how to manage cookies.