There are few places in Cheshire where history, folklore and good food come together quite as perfectly as Alderley Edge.
Best known for its dramatic sandstone escarpment, sweeping countryside views and ancient copper mines, the National Trust beauty spot has inspired myths for centuries.
And at the heart of it all, after a beautiful woodland walk, sits a charming tearoom whose name is woven into one of the area’s most famous legends.
The Wizard Tearoom is the perfect place to begin – or end – the National Trust’s popular Wizard’s Wander, an easy circular route that explores woodland paths, old mining remains and the legendary sites that gave Alderley Edge its magical reputation.
According to local folklore, first published in 1805, a mysterious wizard guards an army of sleeping knights hidden beneath the Edge, waiting to awaken when England needs them most.
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Steeped in character, the tearoom itself occupies a building dating back to the 16th century and has become something of a destination in its own right.
Today it’s run by aunt-and-niece team Rachel and Harriet, who have created a welcoming spot for walkers, families and anyone looking to slow down and enjoy the surroundings.
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You reach the tea room via a beautiful walk through Alderley EdgeIce cream from the hatch at the Wizard Tea RoomOutside the tea roomThe Alderley Edge Wizard’s Wander walkPimms and a slice of cakeA huge tray of pastries
With outdoor seating overlooking one of Cheshire’s most scenic beauty spots, the menu stretches from hearty breakfast baps and relaxed lunches to traditional scones with clotted cream and jam. During the warmer months, a refreshing Pimms is just as tempting as a cup of tea after a woodland stroll.
There’s also an ice cream hatch at the front, making it easy for visitors to grab a cone before setting off on the trails or while enjoying the picnic area nearby.
The owners are passionate about supporting local producers. Ingredients are sourced from nearby suppliers wherever possible, from locally produced honey to cakes baked by Baked by Bean, giving visitors a genuine taste of Cheshire alongside the spectacular scenery.
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The tea room has also grown into a community hub, hosting regular events including pottery painting sessions and open mic nights.
Outside the gates, the Wizard’s Wander offers a gentle one-mile adventure through some of Alderley Edge’s most intriguing landmarks. Along the way walkers pass old mine workings, dramatic viewpoints including Stormy Point, the mysterious Devil’s Grave and the famous Golden Stone.
Whether you’re visiting for the legends, the countryside or simply a slice of homemade cake after a walk, it’s easy to see why this corner of Cheshire continues to cast its spell on visitors.
Combining centuries of history, enchanting folklore and warm hospitality, the Wizard Tearoom proves that sometimes the best adventures end with tea and cake.
You can see the full walking route on the National Trust website HERE.
New Greater Manchester travel warnings issued as Christmas Markets get underway
Emily Sergeant
New travel warnings and advice have been issued across Greater Manchester as the city’s annual Christmas Markets get underway.
Manchester Christmas Markets officially kicked off for 2026 last Friday (6 November), and that means the city region is gearing up to welcome millions of extra visitors over the next couple of months – no matter whether they’re heading to the Markets, shopping for Christmas gifts, or enjoying a festive night out with friends and family.
Around 3.4 million additional visitors are expected in the city centre during just the Christmas Markets period alone.
It’s predicted that almost 40% of that extra footfall will be concentrated into just nine days – including Black Friday weekend at the end of this month, and the first two weekends of December.
With all these extra visitors expected, Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has issued travel warnings and advice – encouraging people to choose their travel method, route, and time wisely when planning their journeys.
Millions of journeys are set to be made on the region’s tram and rail networks, whilst walking and cycling are also touted as a ‘great option’ for shorter journeys.
🎅 The Manchester Christmas Markets are back in full force ready for your festive cheer until 22 December.
🚌 Shudehill Interchange and Piccadilly Gardens bus station are both a short walk away from all market locations.
🎄More info: https://t.co/rP2ltFTnUJ https://t.co/hOjmaUHBdS
More buses than ever will also be running across the city region this festive season, as this year is the first Christmas with 24-hour night buses serving every borough.
More double trams will be running on some of the busiest parts of the Metrolink network, including on the Altrincham-Bury line, and on the Trafford Park line during the Christmas period, while additional/enhanced tram services laid on for major events such as football fixtures and others expected to generate higher passenger numbers
Elsewhere, as part of efforts to encourage people to leave the car and give public transport a try, overnight parking restrictions are being lifted on existing Park & Ride locations, and some new pop-up Park & Rides will be opening soon.
“The growing popularity of Manchester and the massive programme of events means it will definitely be busy,” warned Danny Vaughn, who is the Chief Network Officer at TfGM.
“That’s why we’re encouraging people to try public transport if they usually drive, and urging everyone to give extra thought to how and when the travel as they plan their journeys.”
Councillor Mandie Shilton Godwin, who is the Executive Member for Clean Air, Environment and Transport at Manchester City Council, added: “As always, public transport remains the best option if you’re looking to enjoy Christmas in Manchester and we’d urge people to use the bus, tram or train rather than using their own car.
“Our colleagues at TfGM are working incredibly hard to put on additional services and make it as cost-efficient as possible to use public transport.
Featured Image – Manchester City Council
Travel & Tourism
Exciting new CGIs released of £500m Therme Manchester wellness resort as construction continues
Emily Sergeant
As construction continues on Manchester’s massive wellness resort, some new CGIs have now been released.
In case you need bringing up to speed, construction of the £500 million Therme Manchester wellness resort officially began last September after several years of planning, and now developers have released some exciting new CGIs – with an update on how construction is going, as a new milestone has been reached this week.
Set to open to the public in 2029, Therme Manchester will become one of the largest urban wellbeing resorts in the world.
Visitors can expect to make the most of a 10 pools – both lagoon and wave pools included – thermal bathing, multi-sensory sauna rituals, steam rooms, 18 water slides, affordably-priced luxury spa therapies, and health and fitness experiences.
Exciting new CGIs released of Therme Manchester have been released / Credit: Supplied
At the heart of Therme Manchester will be three distinct zones, each offering a different way to spend time at the resort.
Play will bring together water-based fun and attractions for families and visitors of all ages, and Restore will focus on thermal bathing and restorative experiences designed to help visitors unwind, while Relax will offer spaces for relaxation and wellbeing.
The latest CGIs showcase the design as it develops – including the resort’s extensive indoor and outdoor spaces, and its 53,000sq ft wellbeing garden.
Construction is still underway on the £500m wellness resort / Credit: Supplied
The plans also feature a new public plaza designed to strengthen connections between the resort and the Bridgewater Canal.
Professor David Russell, CEO of Therme UK, said: “We have taken the opportunity to refine the design, improve how traffic and parking are managed and create a more welcoming environment for everyone arriving at the resort.
“We are creating an even better experience for visitors while supporting more efficient and sustainable operations.”
Daisy Jackson -
24th July 2026 
