Are you looking for somewhere to visit to take some inspirational photographs? With Crewe being a major railway junction it’s easy to get to many big cites for a days photography. You’re spoiled for choice with places like Manchester, Liverpool, Chester, Birmingham, Stoke-on-Trent and North Wales within easy reach. Let the train take the strain!
This page contains some locations within a reasonable driving distance from Crewe you may wish to consider. Please check the appropriate website for opening times and there might be restrictions on photography.  I’ll update this page as necessary and if any members would like to suggest additions to this page please contact the webmaster.

The National Trust.

The National Trust has some very photogenic sites in our area. If you want to visit several of them it might be worth you becoming a National Trust member.
Biddulph Grange Garden is an historic garden themed from world wide locations. Biddulph Grange’s website
Chirk Castle and its garden near Wrexham. Chirk Castle’s Website
Dunham Massey’s mansion, garden and deer park near Altrincham, Cheshire Dunham Massey’s Website
Erddig Stately Home and Gardens near Wrexham. Erddig’s Website
Little Morton Hall is a black and white timber framed mansion near Congleton. Little Moreton Hall’s Website
Lyme Park’s mansion and its deer park near Stockport. Lyme Park’s Website
Quarry Bank Mill is a old textile factory near Wilmslow, Cheshire. Quarry Bank’s Website
Speke Hall’s garden and estate are near Liverpool. Speke Hall’s Website
Shugborough Hall’s estate and garden near Milford, Stafford. Shugborough Hall’s Website
Tatton Park’s garden, farm, mansion and deer park near Knutsford, Cheshire.  here

Animal Venues

Some of the National Trust deer parks above are great for stalking deers and there are other sites where you can photograph animals. Here’s a few-
Blue Planet Aquarium is a challenge to photograph. Blue Planet’s website
Cheshire Falconry is near Northwich Cheshire Falcony’s website
Chester Zoo is the best Zoo in the country!  Chester Zoo’s website
Cotebrook Shire horse Centre is home to many beautiful horses. Book Here
Gauntlet Birds of Prey near Knutsford have flying displays. Details on their website
Knowsley Safari Park where lions roam free!  Knowsley Safari Park’s website
Stockley Farm’s Birds are near Arley Stockley Farm’s website
Trentham Monkey Forest near Trentham Gardens where monkies roam free. (Closed over winter)  Monkey Forest’s website

Museums and Galleries

Museums and Galleries might not be obvious places for photography but you might be surprised.
The Gladstone Pottery Museum in Longton, Stoke.  Gladstone’s website
The Black Country’s living museum near Dudley. The museum’s website
Blists Hill Victorian Village is a living museum near Telford. Blists Hill’s website
Middleport Pottery museum in Stoke. Middleport Pottery’s website
Ellesmere Port Boat Museum. The Boat Museum’s website
The Lion Salt Works museum and gallery in Northwich. The Salt Works’ website
Crewe Heritage Centre. The Heritage Centre’s website
Cosford RAF Museum has many aircraft on display . Cosford’ website
Liverpool’s Open Eye gallery is a great place to visit for contemporary inspiration. Open Eye’s Website

Parks and Gardens

Some parks and gardens have been listed above, but here are a few more that you might enjoy.
Biddulph Grange Country Park has a restored victorian boathouse. More Details here
Stonyford Cottage Gardens is a hidden gem near Delamere Forest. More Details here
Visit Wollerton Old Hall Gardens for 3 acres of inspirational English country gardens. More Details here
Abbeywood Estate has a 2 km nature walk to savour. More Details here
Shropshire’s Goldstone Hotel is famous for its stunning garden. More Details here
Cheshire’s not so secret gardens are great to photograph More Details here
The Victorian Queens Park is in sunny Crewe. More Details here
Tirley Garth Garden at Willington, near Tarporley has limited opening times. Check here
The Dorothy Clive Gardens is near Woore. The Gardens’ website
Rode Hall for spring flower. Check opening times on  Rode Hall’s website
Visit Arley Hall’s gardens near Northwich.  Arley Hall’s website
Trentham Gardens are in Stoke. Trentham Garden’s website

Miscellaneous Venues

Here’s a few other photogenic locations that you may wish to visit.
The Apedale Heritage Centre has a coal mine and light railway to explore Apedale’s Website
Cheshire Wildlife Trust has several locations and events to see local wildlife. You can become a member for £3 per month. Check their website here
Jodrell Bank could give you something a bit different. Jodrell Bank’s Website
Visit the Lakes and take a Mountain Goat coach Tour. Mountain Goats Website
Sch. It’s the Hack Green secret bunker. Not saying where it is though.  The Secret Bunkers’ website
Visit Norton Priory’s ruins, garden and museum near Runcorn . Norton Priorys’ website
Visit Manchester Airports Viewing Gallery . Viewing Gallery’s website