1 / 3Lion Salt Works
📍 Northwich, North West
Restored 1894 salt works in Northwich with pan houses, brine tanks, smithy and pump house all open to explore. Free entry, fully accessible via lifts, with a cafe, gift shop, outdoor play area, and a children's cat-hunting trail.
Very interesting and educational place to visit, my 10 year old nephew really enjoyed his time there especially searching for the cats. Well worth a visit.
🏆 Family Action Verdict
Best for families with school-age children who want a genuine industrial history experience at no cost. The cat-hunting trail keeps younger visitors engaged as adults absorb the well-preserved buildings and social history. Toddlers can use the play area and pram access is good throughout.
ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go
💬 What Families Are Saying
View all reviews →710 Google reviews
Geoff davies-palin
4 weeks ago
“Very interesting and educational place to visit, my 10 year old nephew really enjoyed his time there especially searching for the cats. Well worth a visit.”
Dave Dean
10 months ago
“I've been wanting to go to the salt mine museum for some time and it didn't disappoint. I went on a Wednesday and started with a lovely coffee in the café before starting my walk round. Lifts to all floors for disabled visitors so they can see it all. Well worth a visit and a play area for the kids in the grounds. I walked through the gate onto the canal towpath when I finished and went for a little walk to see the boats.”
Lorraine
a month ago
“Definitely worth a visit. Didn't know what we were going to see, but exceeded expectations, very well presented. Well preserved site with original buildings and artefacts. The museum information boards explained the story of the works, about the industry, people and surrounding area. Informative short videos that were kid friendly. There is a cafe and gift shop as well as an outdoor children's play area.”
Nuts
5 months ago
“Extremely interesting visit. The tour route has information boards to tell the story of the works which was constructed in 1894. The pan houses, brine tank, manager's office, smithy, stove houses, Red Lion Inn and pump house are all accessible. There's also an excellent cafe and gift shop as well as an outdoor children's play area.”
Reviews from Google
Overview
Lion Salt Works is a preserved Victorian industrial site built in 1894. Visitors walk through original pan houses, brine tank, manager's office, smithy, stove houses and Red Lion Inn using information boards that explain salt production and the lives of workers. Children can follow an interactive cat-hunting trail throughout the site. Lifts reach all floors for full accessibility. An outdoor play area, cafe, and gift shop round out the visit. Canal towpath walks start directly from the site.
