Knutsford Heritage Centre is housed in a reconstructed 17th century timber framed building which is often referred to as The Old Smithy. Evidence of its previous existence as a blacksmiths is clear; with a forge, anvil and wonderfully preserved set of bellows all on display.
Once no longer able to run as a blacksmiths, the site had sadly been left to ruin over the years but in 1988, The Groundwork Trust invested £100,000 to renovate and develop the area into what is now The Heritage Centre.
Working as an independent charity, The Heritage Centre continues to grow and develop to this day, always aiming to:
'protect, present and promote Knutsford's rich and diverse heritage
for the benefit of its residents and visitors.'
Admission to the Centre is FREE and it is open all year round.
You can contact the Centre via our email address: info@knutsfordheritage.co.uk
Christmas Market, Thursday 26th - Saturday 28th November.
This year the Christmas Market includes a food hall, as well as the usual variety of stalls.
Delamere Dairy Products, Cheshire Apple Juice, Hand Made Chocolates, Cake and Bread Stall and
the Victorian Sweet Shop.
Gifts include Accessories, Usborne Books, Christmas Cards, Hannah Young Photography and Jewellery.
Come and meet Father Christmas and get in the seasonal mood with some live music while you shop.
Thursday 26th - Saturday 28th November, 10.30 am - 4pm.
Heritage Centre wins the Floral Walk
Local History Display
Housed in the upper part of The Old Smithy, with timber beams and quaint leaded windows, the local history display is the best place to start your visit.
A perfect introduction to the town, here you can discover the story of Knutsford and view artefacts from the past including a 18th century sedan chair, a copy of the Domesday book of 1086 and a selection of crowns from past Knutsford May Queens
Gardens
Knutsford Heritage Centre also boasts two courtyard gardens beautifully maintained by a team of volunteers.
The front yard, full of colourful pots and baskets greets visitors to the centre and a walled cottage garden between the two buildings has an array of Old English plants, herbs and flowers and is a perfect place to sit and enjoy the day.
During the summer seasons, visitors can also purchase cuttings, seeds and plants from our gardens.
The Galleries
A separate building consisting of the Tapestry and Garden galleries can be found at the end of the garden.
The Tapestry gallery was purpose-built to house the Knutsford Millennium Tapestry. Part of an Old Tobacco Mill (now Cranford Carpets), this gallery is also used as a venue for talks, lectures and workshops.
The Garden Gallery hosts regularly changing exhibitions througout the year which vary from local artwork to regional heritage displays. You can view current and upcoming Exhibition Listings here.
The galleries are also available for hire, please call 01565 650506 to find out more.
Gift and Coffee Shops
The Centre has a well-stocked gift shop with Tapestry merchandise, gifts and souvenirs, postcards and books. We also provide a useful selection of free tourist information and leaflets.
The Penny Farthing Musueum and Courtyard Coffee Shop can be found directly next door to us and provides a perfect accompaniment to your visit.