Knutsford Heritage Centre

Guided Tours

The best way to discover Knutsford is through one of our official tours which run throughout the year. Follow your Heritage Centre guide around the town’s streets and discover its rich past and diverse heritage. All tours last approximately one hour and depart from the Heritage Centre. Booking is essential and our tours currently include:

Cranford and Mrs. Gaskell
Travel back in time with your guide to discover Knutsford as the real Cranford. View the childhood home of Mrs Gaskell, see the church where she was married and the chapel where she is buried, and see ,also, the shops and residences that would have been frequented by the real Cranford Ladies.

People and Places
This tour takes you on a journey around Knutsford discovering some of its great historical characters. You will learn about Kings and highwaymen, architects and authors, gentry and generals. You will also discover the fascinating history behind some of Knutsford’s landmarks. The ‘Battles’ on the Heath, the old Knutsford Prison and the majestic Tatton Park to name a few.

Knutsford Buildings and Architecture
We have introduced two new walks 'Knutsford Buildings (North)' and 'Knutsford Buildings (South)' and their stories.

There are well over 100 listed buildings in Knutsford ranging from 17th century cottages and a Grade 1 listed chapel to fine Georgian houses, an impressive neoclassical court house and a Victorian Gothic town hall, not forgetting of course the Italianate architecture of Richard Harding Watt. Select either tour; see the good, the bad and the mad; enjoy their stories and hear about some of the unexpected, and famous, associations.

Virtual Tours
We also offer 'virtual tours' around Mrs Gaskell's 'Cranford' or the 'People and Places of Knustford' with one of our guides. These are Powerpoint presentations at the Centre each lasting about 45 minutes and cost £3.50 per person.

Dates and Times

Knutsford Heritage Centre runs prearranged guided tours throughout the year but from June to the end of October there is a walk every Friday, which are open to anyone who wishes to come along (see below).

Cranford Walk: Join us for a Cranford walk every Friday at 2pm from June to the end of October. Just turn up at the Heritage Centre shop, where a guide will meet you. The cost is £5 per person and the walk lasts approximately 1 hour.

You can also book a tour as part of a group visit. Please view our group bookings information