Marbury Country Park
Attractive Marbury Country Park near Northwich was once part of a large country estate, the history of the estate stretches back to the thirteenth century. The ostentatious grand hall which once stood there was built in the 1850's and modelled on Fontainbleu. The hall deteriorated over the years and fell into a state of severe neglect, it was consequently demolished in 1968.
The mere at Marbury Country Park
In 1975, 196 acres of the estate were leased by Cheshire County Council from its then owners ICI and major restoration work was commenced. Marbury Country Park is cared for at present by the Countryside Management Service to the benefit of wildlife and visitors.
The Lime Avenue
The mere, which is used for watersports, has some excellent views over to Great Budworth church. In the spring the woodland by the mere is awash with a carpet of bluebells and other wildflowers. The woodland contains some impressive and interesting wooden sculptures which have been carved from dead trees. There are lime avenues and a bird hide that overlooks the Mere.
Most of the footpaths around the more formal areas of the park are accessible for both wheelchair and pushchair.
A walk from Marbury Country Park to the Anderton Boat Lift
Distance 6 miles
Duration around 2 hours
*Exit the car park into the park and turn left, pass the Ranger's Hut and cross a path into woodland, veering to the right with Budworth Mere(pictured above) on your left. Continue along the path beside the mere to leave the woods and turn left along the canal towpath.
*Pass the marina and on arriving at Anderton Boat Lift, cross the car park and follow path through the dragonfly shaped gates. Follow the signs to Haydyn's Pool, passing through Anderton Nature Park. On joining the surfaced track veer to the left and follow it over the canal.
* Turn right into Marbury Country Park and then left to follow the track through the woods. On reaching a junction, turn right and then left through a gate. Cross the field and pass through a further gate to return to the car park.
Follow the Country Code
*Be safe- plan ahead and follow any signs.
Protect plants and animals and take your litter home.
Keep dogs under close control
Leave gates and property as you found them