Lion Salt Works: Cheshire’s Historic Open-Pan Salt Museum
Explore Cheshire’s historic salt-making heritage at the restored Lion Salt Works, a unique open-pan salt museum by the Trent and Mersey Canal.
The Lion Salt Works in Marston, Northwich, is a unique industrial heritage museum showcasing the traditional open-pan salt making process that shaped Cheshire’s history. Restored from the original 1894 salt works, it offers visitors a rare glimpse into the region’s salt industry with authentic buildings, demonstrations, and exhibitions. Open Tuesday to Sunday, it combines history, culture, and scenic canal-side surroundings.
A brief summary to Lion Salt Works
- Ollershaw Ln, Northwich, Marston, CW9 6ES, GB
- +441606275066
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Tuesday 10:30 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 10:30 am-5 pm
- Thursday 10:30 am-5 pm
- Friday 10:30 am-5 pm
- Saturday 10:30 am-5 pm
- Sunday 10:30 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Bring cash for admission as card payments may not be accepted.
- Wear sturdy footwear and warm clothing due to uneven floors and unheated buildings.
- Visit on a weekday morning for a quieter experience and guided tours.
- Combine your visit with a walk or cycle along the Trent and Mersey Canal towpath.
- Check for special events or Heritage Open Days for free activities and demonstrations.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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By Car
Driving from Northwich town centre, the Lion Salt Works is approximately a 5-minute drive via the B5075 (Ollershaw Lane). A large free car park is available on site, including coach parking. No parking fees apply.
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By Train and Walk
From Northwich Railway Station, it is about a 25-minute walk or 15-minute bicycle ride to the Lion Salt Works. The route follows local roads and the scenic Trent and Mersey Canal towpath. There is no taxi rank at the station.
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By Bicycle
The site lies on two Sustrans cycle routes: a local on-road route off Route 5 (Northwich) and Route 70 (Great Budworth), plus a traffic-free path along the Trent and Mersey Canal towpath, offering a safe and pleasant ride.
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By Canal Boat
Visitors arriving by canal boat can moor alongside the Lion Salt Works with access from the towpath. Check Canal and River Trust regulations before planning your visit.
Lion Salt Works location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
Discover more about Lion Salt Works
A Legacy of Salt in Cheshire
Nestled in the village of Marston near Northwich, the Lion Salt Works stands as a testament to Cheshire’s centuries-old salt-making heritage. The region’s underground salt deposits have been exploited since Celtic and Roman times, evolving through methods from brine wells to open-pan evaporation. Established in 1894 by Henry Ingram Thompson, the Lion Salt Works operated by pumping brine from underground and boiling it in large open pans, a traditional technique that continued until the works closed in 1986. The site’s industrial activity profoundly influenced local economy and culture, marking Northwich as a salt-producing hub.Restoration and Museum Transformation
After decades of abandonment, the Lion Salt Works underwent a careful restoration starting in 2012, reopening to the public by 2015 as an award-winning industrial museum. The restoration preserved the site’s Scheduled Monument status, ensuring the retention of original brickwork, stove houses, and corroded iron pans, allowing visitors to experience the authentic atmosphere of a working salt factory. The project balanced historical integrity with public accessibility, making the site safe yet evocative of its industrial past.Exploring the Site and Exhibits
Visitors can explore the open-pan salt making process through preserved structures and live demonstrations. The museum features interpretive displays detailing the science and history of salt production, the impact of mining subsidence on the landscape, and the social history of the workers. The site’s location alongside the Trent and Mersey Canal adds a scenic backdrop, with mooring available for canal boats. The museum also hosts family-friendly craft activities, guided tours, and special events that deepen understanding of the salt industry’s legacy.Visitor Experience and Practical Details
Open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:30am to 5pm, the Lion Salt Works welcomes visitors of all ages with free admission for children under 16 and concessions for seniors, students, and jobseekers. The site is fully accessible and family-friendly, featuring a café, picnic areas, and a shop offering salt products and souvenirs. Visitors are advised to wear sensible footwear and warm clothing due to the unheated historic buildings. Safety signage guides visitors around uneven floors and low head heights.Community and Cultural Significance
The Lion Salt Works serves as a cultural landmark preserving a vital part of Cheshire’s industrial heritage. It educates new generations about the region’s salt industry, which shaped both landscape and livelihoods. The museum’s events, exhibitions, and restoration efforts reflect local pride and community involvement, making it a dynamic space for heritage appreciation and cultural engagement.Setting and Surroundings
Situated about a mile northeast of Northwich town centre, the site offers a tranquil yet engaging environment. Its proximity to the Trent and Mersey Canal towpath makes it a pleasant destination for walkers and cyclists. The large free car park accommodates visitors and coaches, while the nearby town provides additional amenities. The blend of industrial architecture and natural waterways creates a distinctive atmosphere unique to this historic salt works.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Relaxing
- Cultural Heritage
- Unique
- Family Friendly
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Industrial
- Heritage Neighborhoods
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Waterfront
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
- Car-Free Access
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
- Festival / Event Nearby
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
