Two ‘gems’ of Cheshire -Tabley House and the Lion Salt Works

Northwich’s multi award-winning Lion Salt Works Museum and nearby Tabley House, near Knutsford, will offer 2-for-1 priced adult tickets from now until the end of October 2021.

Vouchers for this exclusive offer are available at its ticket desks. The sites, both ‘gems’ of Cheshire are an ideal combination for a perfect day out – or alternatively, the vouchers can be used on separate days until the end of the offer, saving adults who visit both sites up to £7. For information on the sites go www.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk and www.tableyhouse.co.uk.  

The Lion Salt Works Museum opened in 2015 after a £10m restoration by Cheshire West and Chester Council and the Heritage Lottery Fund. It has gone on to win ten major awards. The vast reserves of salt beneath the Cheshire Plain have always played a huge role in the history of the region. The Museum, one of the last open-pan,salt-making sites in the world is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, with the same protection status as Stonehenge and it explains the history of salt through fun, interactive displays, including a sound and light show, an automaton, and a ‘subsiding’ house. 

Just six miles from the Museum, the Tabley House Collection is housed in the finest Palladian mansion in Cheshire. Its stately home and estate was owned by the Leicester family who lived in the area for over 700 years, until the mid-1970s. This means much of the collection has stayed together and can be seen in its original setting. It features state rooms, a chapel and an outstanding collection of paintings, furniture and books, as well as fascinating stories about the history of the family. 

Councillor Louise Gittins, Leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council said: “I’m am delighted by this joint initiative. These sites, though completely different, are both of outstanding quality and full of interest and history. In this staycation year, many people will be looking to have interesting days out but keen to save money and with this offer means they can do this by visiting these two fascinating sites. 

“For over two thousand years, salt has played a pivotal role in the history of Cheshire and the North-West. It was one of the reasons the Romans were so keen to conquer the Cheshire Plain; it explains why Cheshire cheese is one of its most well-known cheeses in the country (plentiful local salt helped preserve the cheese for longer, helping establish its enduring popularity); and why the North-West has a thriving chemical industry (salt is a catalyst in many chemical processes). The Lion Salt Works Museum is a fun and fascinating way to dive into this history.”   

Clare Pye, Chair of the Tabley House Collection Trust said “Tabley House is a stunning Grade I listed building designed by the architect John Carr of York and completed in 1767.  Its elegant State Rooms contain a unique collection of paintings including works by Turner, Lely, Reynolds, Dobson and Lawrence. Furniture by Gillow, Bullock and Chippendale also adorn the rooms, along with memorabilia which offer an intriguing insight into the lives of the Leicester family.  We are very excited to join in this initiative with the Lion Salt Works and we both very much look forward to welcoming visitors.” 

Parking is free at both sites.  The Lion Salt Works has a café, shop, industrially-themed play area and butterfly garden. Tabley House has a characterful tea room, complete with home-made cakes and scones, and a 17th Century Chapel with impressive stained glass windows.

Lion Salt Works Museum’s Opening Times 

Open: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday,
10.30am – 1.30pm and 2pm – 5pm 

Last admission at 4pm 

Tabley House Opening Times 

Open: Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday and any Bank Holiday Mondays. 

1.00pm – 5.00pm  

Last admission at 4.30pm 

Tea Room open same days from 12 noon – 5.30pm   

Pictured - Tabley House, near Knutsford, Cheshire.