Churches and Cathedrals in North Downs

"Warrington’s parish church is an atmospheric sandstone building with a spire 86 metres high. This is the eighth highest spire in the country, and the fifth highest among parish churches. Most of St Elphin’s dates from a restoration that took place in the 1860s, but there are fragments of earlier buildings."

"At the top, look inside St Michael’s Church, which commands the Market Place and can be seen across the town. Although the church was almost completely rebuilt at the start of the 20th century it is highly regarded for its two historic chapels. Here you’ll encounter what is considered to be Cheshire’s richest collection of alabaster effigies, produced in the 16th and 17th centuries for the Legh and Savage families."

"This 13th-century church about a mile north of Macclesfield is the fourth church on this site. But what’s unusual is that the third church is still here, out among Medieval yew trees. There’s a Norman Romanesque chapel in the churchyard, dating to the 12th century, with semi-circular door and window arches and weathered but visible tympanum relief and lozenge patterns in the archivolts."

"Climb up to Hen’s Cloud, go past the mysterious Doxey Pool and then across the Roaches to bag the Roaches trig!. The Roaches is a popular spot with climbers and rock enthusiasts. It is thought that wallabies (released from a zoo) roam the area, but we didn’t manage to spot any, so it may be a legend."

"The Roaches is located above Leek and Tittesworth Reservoir and is loved by hikers and climbers alike. The impressively rugged and steep gritstone ridge is home to mythical mermaids and 15 metre natural gritstone clefts."

"We spent a beautiful weekend in the Roaches and it is the best place for walking enthusiasts in the Peaks!. There are also some beautiful rock formations."

"The Trafford Ecology Park is tucked away in the industrial Trafford Park behind an oil depot and is a registered Biological Important site and a true oasis of wildlife. The park is spread across an area of eleven acres and is a true delight for a nature enthusiast."

"One of the newest kids on the block is the stunning Indigo Hotel near Victoria Station. The building retains many of its original features and has a laid back bohemian vibe with 187 bedrooms styled to reflect Manchester’s industrial past. The Mamucium Restaurant and Bar is overseen by former Lowry Hotel executive chef Andrew Green, so if it’s tempting tapas you’re looking for, or you just fancy some locally sourced beers, Hotel Indigo has it all."

"The Peak District will always lie at the heart of our identity as a hotel, and we are so grateful to be embraced by such a treasure trove of adventure, history and natural beauty. As a hotel located at the heart of this incredible National Park, Losehill House will always strive to be a hub for those wishing to discover, explore and fall in love with the Peak District, as we do more and more each day."

"The caves around Castleton are open for tours and are something that families will undoubtedly enjoy. There are several caves of note. The caves are famous for having large deposits of Blue John – a large semi-precious stone!"

"The area's most exciting cavern by far is Speedwell Cavern, with 105 slippery steps leading down to old lead-mine tunnels blasted out…"