Secrets of Knutsford
Supplied by: Jonathan Schofield Tours
Set in the Cheshire countryside, Knutsford is a real gem. In a way, it’s the embodiment of the lowland English market town – charming, quaint, and packed with history. But it’s also brilliantly eccentric. From wild architecture to wilder characters, there are many stories to be told about this place.
This town isn’t short of architectural oddities, not least its series of unprecedented mediterranean villas. Learn all about them, as well as the wider haphazard harmony that exists between the very different buildings on King Street.
Your tour guide will also tell you about Knutsford’s many, many eccentric characters. There are dark deeds, tales of execution, crazy sports and a mad Irishman. There are sunny stories full of love and life. There is the tragedy of Alan Turing. And being a Jonathan Schofield tour, there are plenty of laughs along the way.
Overview
Set in the Cheshire countryside, Knutsford is a real gem. In a way, it’s the embodiment of the lowland English market town – charming, quaint, and packed with history. But it’s also brilliantly eccentric. From wild architecture to wilder characters, there are many stories to be told about this place, and there are few more trusted voices to tell them than Jonathan Schofield Tours.
Knutsford isn’t short of architectural oddities, not least its series of unprecedented mediterranean villas, erected by Richard Harding Watt around the turn of the 20th century. Your tour guide will unravel the stories behind many of these weird and wonderful buildings, which almost make a Barcelona of Knutsford.
One of Watt’s unusual builds is the Ruskin Rooms, named after John Ruskin and inscribed with his words: “Let every dawn be to you as the beginning of life, and every setting sun be to you as its close.” Another is the former Belle Epoque restaurant on King Street, where a haphazard harmony exists between buildings that span 250 years in age. While you walk this thoroughfare you’ll also learn about the impressive Gaskell Memorial Tower and King’s Coffee House, which pays tribute to the Victorian novelist.
As well as green spaces like Knutsford Heath and Tatton Park, your tour guide will tell you about Knutsford’s many, many eccentric characters. There are dark deeds, tales of execution, crazy sports and a mad Irishman. There are sunny stories full of love and life. There is the tragedy of Alan Turing. And being a Jonathan Schofield tour, there are plenty of laughs along the way.
With some darker moments to add definition, expect a fun and entertaining deep dive into one of Cheshire’s most interesting towns.
Highlights
- Learn about Knutsford’s eccentric architecture including its mediteranean villas
- Explore fascinating streets like King Street, where a haphazard harmony exists between buildings 250 years apart in age
- Hear tales about Knutsford’s many eccentric characters
- Trace the connection between Knutsford and key figures in culture and innovation, from Elizabeth Gaskell to Alan Turing
- Hear the story behind the stunning Ruskin Rooms, named after John Ruskin and inscribed with his words
What's included
- Walking tour of Knutsford, led by a knowledgeable and experienced tour guide
- Food and drink
- Transportation to and from the walking tour
- Umbrellas
Cancellation policy
You may cancel or modify your booking up to 24 hours before the event start time for a full refund.
