A Travel Guide to Winsford

I might have mentioned that I’m going globetrotting next year, so I thought I’d do a traveller’s guide to my hometown – if anyone ever fancied holidaying in Winsford!

Here’s a brief (and I mean brief) description of Winsford:

Winsford lies on the River Weaver in the heart of Cheshire and grew out of the salt mining industry. During the late 60s, the town expanded when it became an overspill for Liverpool and Manchester. The latest population count is an estimated 32,610 Winsfordians. Of which, I am one. The name “Winsford” apparently comes from a crossing point on the River Weaver between the villages of Over and Wharton, that was owned by a man called Win.

Now I know what you’re thinking. You’re thinking “That’s interesting and all but WHY should I visit Winsford?” Well BUCKLE UP cos I’m gonna tell you. I went for a wander around town, but before I begin, may I just add that the weather on this day was pretty miserable – which is VERY rare in Winsford as Cheshire is famous worldwide for its beautiful weather.

Firstly, it’s important to know that there’s only one hotel in Winsford: The Winsford Lodge. Prices are usually around £56 a night. A mate of mine stayed there and had an incredible time – though I’m not sure how much that had to do with the hotel.

Winsford is a relatively new town but there are some pretty old features. St. Chad’s Church is the oldest place of worship, originating from the 14^th Century.

Apparently, archaeology tells us that this place has been a place of worship since pagan times. However, all young Winsfordians are told that the Devil once tried to steal the church, but as he was flying away with it, the monks in Vale Royal Abbey rang the bells and prayed so hard that he dropped it in the fields – where it is today. Seems legit.

The fields that hold the church are behind The Old Star pub. A few years ago, The Old Star beat 2000 other venues and won a McCoy’s crisps competition to rebuild the pub in Rio for the 2014 World Cup. Al Murray also came up to Cheshire to host a pub quiz. So it’s a good pub. A pub pub with football, nuts and Guinness.

There are plenty of pubs in Winsford, although every year seems to claim one (RIP Golden Lion). The oldest still standing is Knight’s Grange.

Tbf, it’s only been a pub since 1971 (much shorter than the lifespan of those trees they’ve had chopped down), but the brickwork is 17^th Century and there are older timber-framed walls inside.

Next to Knight’s Grange pub is Knight’s Grange Sports Complex, where you can partake in some football, athletics, tennis, but not golf.

Knight’s Grange Golf Course closed last year and we’re still waiting for the council or someone to revive it. Now it’s simply a nice place to walk your dog – but if that’s what you dig you should try out the Weaver Parkway.

If you park up at The Red Lion in the centre of town, you can begin a trail along the River Weaver that features ‘History of Winsford Waterfront’ signs. When the weather is nice, it’s a nice walk up to Newbridge Locks.

Here’s me enjoying the rain.

Eventually you’ll come to the areas of salt mining.

Winsford is Britain’s largest supplier of rock salt and it puts us ON THE MAP. Every time you’re following a gritter on the road, let the raining of salt on your car remind you of Winsford.

The history walk ends at Newbridge Locks and this really is a nice place to come and fish, walk or chill. Swimming in the Weaver is not advised, unless you enjoy being ill.

You still with me? Are you enjoying these vistas of brown and grey?

To allow barges to the salt mines, the River Weaver was canalised all the way from its mouth in the Mersey to Winsford Bridge.

I suppose this is where the original “Win’s Ford” was. On the other side of the Bridge, you’ll find Winsford Marina and the Bottom Flash.

What a name. ‘Flash’ is the name for a lake formed by subsided ground – and with salt mines in the region, we have a lot of subsided ground. In Winsford we have three flashes – Top, Middle (now silted up) and Bottom (the big one). You can go sailing or kayaking, but swimming is prohibited in Winsford’s Bottom Flash.

The Marina is the perfect place to get attacked by waterfowl and seagulls.

The Bottom Flash is a must-see on your tour of Winsford, but you simply cannot leave without visiting the Saxon Cross on Delamere Street.

This pyramid was not built by the Ancient Egyptians, but it was built by some old Winsfordians in the 19^th Century. Nowadays it’s a climbing frame for kids, but it used to be a lock-up for local petty criminals. The door is still visible.

But it was blocked up in the 1970s. Apparently, there’s treasure inside, but I reckon trying to break into a jail will land you in a different jail.

Not all of Winsford’s landmarks are noteworthy just cos they’re old. Over on Woodford Park Industrial Estate you’ll find this.

A Sea Harrier ZX494. This plane fought in the Falkland War – now it sits in the front garden of an MOT centre.

When you’ve finished enjoying all of Winsford’s landmarks, you’ll probably want to head somewhere for refreshments. Well, Winsford Cross Shopping Centre has you covered.

We’ve got a Wetherspoons if you fancy joining the alcoholics for a 9am pint.

The town centre is constantly changing. In 2013, a part of the shopping centre collapsed. Years later, it was finally demolished and replaced with this.

Much better… Rumour has it Lidl are trying to buy the land. I prefer it how it is.

We’ve also got a Greggs and a Subway, as well as an array of shops to satisfy your retail needs. Tbh, it’s mostly high street brands – you could literally be in any other shopping centre in the country – but for a few exceptions.

I still call it Les’s Fish Bar, but nowadays it’s called Al’s Plaice. I remember when it closed down for a long time once – the queue was out the door when it reopened! They do good chip baps. There’s also the famous Humble Pie cafe near Asda, where every Winsfordians has enjoyed a plate of chips and gravy.

Almost as famous as Winsford’s fine cuisine is Winsford’s nightlife. We have one club – De Bees – but if, like me, you’re not a teenager, you may be more suited to the pub just across the road…

The Red Lion – probably our nicest pub with night time events throughout the week. I happened to be there on a Wednesday night, so was able to enjoy the Open Mic Night – at which my mate Robbie was playing.

The lass is Krystal Cooper – the host. There’s always a good turnout and who doesn’t like listening to local artists?

Maybe music isn’t your thing; maybe you’re a bit of a nerd. If so, you should try out the Hashtag smartphone quiz at The Brighton Belle – but you’ll have to be quick and smart to beat these three geeks…

Yeah, that is me, with James and Josh. Beware. I may be biased but this pub quiz is probably my favourite one in Winsford.

(BTW, we won that night).

Now, what’s the best way to finish a night at the pub? Yep, you’ve got it: a kebab. Or pizza. Winsford does have its own Domino’s, but if you’re not made of money you can go local. Hot Spot is well placed to receive drunkards in its spot between The Red Lion, De Bees and The Ark, but I have to give a shoutout to Primes.

This had been my takeaway of choice for years. I’m such a regular that I don’t need to say a word when I enter – they know what I want (tried and tested).

VID’S TOP TIP.

If you like hot food, ask for Mohammad’s Chilli Doner Pizza. It has an extra dose of chilli sauce that you’ll definitely feel in the morning.

There are many ways to enjoy Winsford in the evening – especially at Christmas time!

These Christmas lights are classic – because I don’t remember a Christmas when we didn’t have these ones up – and I’m 26. We have a decent tree though…

That should be enough info for you to go and enjoy Winsford yourself! I’m sure there are bits of Winsford that I’ve missed out – maybe when I return there will be new exciting venues and features. Though I’m pretty bloody excited to go wandering the world, I know I’ll be pretty bloody emotional to come home. I already know what I’m gonna listen to when I do…

Take me home, country road, to the place I belong, BACK TO WINSFORD, IN MID-CHESHIRE, take me home, country road…

#VidatHome

P.S. I am currently in Nottingham where it is so bloody difficult to find cheap parking – this reminded me of something I always take for granted in Winsford: FREE PARKING. All the more reason to visit!