SPARKLING CHRISTMAS CRYSTAL TRAIL COMES TO CHESHIRE’S AWARD-WINNING LION SALT WORKS MUSEUM

This year’s reindeer, steam engines and craft activities may be on hold but Northwich's Lion Salt Works Museum, one of the country’s foremost industrial heritage museums, is determined that its smallest visitors will enjoy some of the magic of Christmas.

Its imaginative, sparkling Christmas ‘Crystal Trail’ will run for two weekends - 12-13 December and 19-20 December -as well as in the run up to Christmas on 22 and 23 December. The first 100 children will receive a free gift at the end of the trail.   

The sparkling Christmas Crystal Trail, which runs through the Museum's atmospheric rooms is free of charge, but normal museum charges will apply*. Parking on site is free. Due to social distancing guidelines, visitors must book their visit in advance to allow for staggered entries. Bookings can be made by calling 01606 275066.   

At sunset on Saturday 12-13 December, the giant wall of Pan House 5 will also be illuminated with pictures of snow scenes, salt crystals and pictures of Father Christmas at the Lion Salt Works Museum.   

Hot drinks will be available for purchase over the Christmas period. The Museum’s shop will also be selling a variety of gifts, suitable for those hard-to-buy-for relatives.   

Councillor Louise Gittins, Leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council said: “This year’s Christmas event will be different from previous ones but no less sparkly. Pure white salt crystals were the final product of open-pan, salt-making that took place at the Lion Salt Works Museum, so it could not be any more appropriate that this sparkling Crystal Trail takes place at this historic site. I hope as many children as possible are able to enjoy this lovely trail and we look forward to warmly welcoming them.”   

Planning a Visit  

To ensure the safety of staff and visitors, the Lion Salt Works Museums has introduced revised opening times and pre-booking. To guarantee admission, places must be booked in advance. To pre-book a visit, contact the Museum on 01606 275066. Opening times and booking procedures may change at short notice, please check this website before planning a visit.  

Opening Times  

The Lion Salt Works Museum is currently open on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday. Over Christmas, the Museum will additionally be open on Sunday 13 and Sunday 20 December.

Cheshire West and Chester Council is grateful to the Heritage Lottery Fund for awarding a grant of £5.29 million under its Heritage Grants scheme, making the Lion Salt Works one of the largest heritage schemes being undertaken with their support in the North West. English Heritage has also contributed £300,000 to the award-winning restoration.

Pictured - Christmas 'Crystal Trail' at the award-winning Lion Salt Works Museum in Northwich.