Posted Oct 6, 2023
Are you considering a move to Crewe?
Crewe, in the beautiful landscapes of Cheshire, offers opportunities for both work and leisure. It also has significant railway links for easy commutes across the country.
You’ll find a vibrant cultural scene here with events ranging from music gigs, theatre shows and food festivals.
The town equally caters to nature enthusiasts with green spaces such as Queens Park and Tipkinder Park. While providing urban comforts, Crewe maintains its charming environment, making it an ideal place to live.
Our area guide will provide you with a flavour of what it's like living in Crewe and if it's a suitable place to live.
Transport in Crewe
Getting around Crewe and Cheshire shouldn't be a problem.
Trains
Crewe is renowned for its railway connection, often regarded as a major junction on the West Coast Main Line. Crewe Railway Station provides regular services that connect several major cities across the UK.
Direct trains can take you to Manchester in about an hour, Liverpool in 45 minutes, Birmingham in under an hour, and even London in only 90 minutes (158 miles). This means if you work in any of these cities, daily commuting could be a viable option. With 12 platforms, it’s also the starting point for journeys heading to Wales and even Scotland using the Caledonian Sleeper.
Buses
It has an efficient local bus network operated by several companies. There is coverage of Crewe and neighbouring areas such as Nantwich, Chester and Stoke-on-Trent.
The most prominent company is Arriva, which runs regular routes throughout Crewe city centre and beyond. Its frequent timetable often means you won’t have to wait long at the bus stop.
Cars
Although public transportation in Crewe is efficient enough, having a car might prove quite handy too. The town is close to the motorway network - it’s just off junctions 16 and 17 of M6 Motorway.
So whether it’s a beach outing at Blackpool or hiking adventure at Peak District National Park – both just about an hour-drive away.
Note that congestions could occur during peak hours sometimes.
Cycling & Walking
Crewe gives you an opportunity to embrace more eco-friendly modes of transport like cycling or walking. It has plenty of pedestrian pathways and bike routes crisscrossing through parks and residential areas alike.
Education
Schools
If you are a family planning on living in Crewe, then you have plenty of choice. Below is a list of some of the primary and secondary schools you will find in the area.
Edleston Primary School
A primary school in Crewe that provides a nurturing and inclusive environment for children aged 3-11. The school SEN support for those in need.
Brierley Primary School
A state primary school in Crewe, offering education for children aged 3-11.
Beechwood Primary School and Nursery
A primary school and nursery in Crewe, educating children aged 3-11.
Ruskin Community High School
A comprehensive secondary school in Crewe, offering a broad and balanced curriculum for students aged 11-16.
St. Thomas More Catholic High School
A voluntary aided secondary school in Crewe, educating students aged 11-16.
The Oaks Academy
A secondary school in Crewe, offering a diverse curriculum and a wide range of extracurricular activities for students aged 11-16.
Colleges
You have a few options for higher education in Crewe.
Cheshire College – South & West
This further education college offers a range of vocational courses. They include apprenticeships, access to higher education diplomas, and BTECs. The college has two campuses in Crewe, one on Flag Lane and one on Dunwoody Way. Facilities include industry-standard workshops, salons, studios and labs. As a lower-cost local option, South Cheshire College is great if you want to gain skills and experience before progressing.
Reaseheath College in Nantwich
Just a short 10-minute drive from Crewe. The college specialises in land-based studies and sports. Reaseheath College offers higher education courses in subject areas like agriculture, equine and veterinary. The college has lots of facilities, including a commercial farm, equine centre, and animal management unit. Reaseheath also does further education courses like BTECs. It's especially good if you have a passion for working with animals or in the countryside.
Universities
Within a half-hour drive to Crewe, there are two universities in the nearby city of Chester. The University of Chester has a long history dating back to 1839. It offers an extensive range of undergraduate and postgraduate degree subjects. Particular strengths include medicine, business, and education. As a mid-sized university, it has a friendly community atmosphere.
Also in Chester, there's the University of Law. As its name suggests, this small specialist university focuses solely on law degrees, including LLBs, LPCs, and BPTCs. So it's the place to study if you want to become a solicitor or barrister. With excellent links to the legal profession, this vocational university really prepares you for a law career.
Shopping
Grand Junction Retail Park
On Earle Street, the Grand Junction Retail Park is home to a range of popular stores. It features a large Tesco Extra supermarket where you can find groceries, household items, and electronics. Next door to Tesco, you'll also find various well-known retailers such as Argos, Boots, Halfords, and Sports Direct.
The Market Shopping Centre
On Market Street in the town centre, The Market Shopping Centre provides a wide selection of shops. It has major retailers for homeware essentials at affordable prices and WHSmith for stationery supplies.
Victoria Centre
On Edleston Road lies the Victoria Centre - another excellent shopping destination in Crewe. This indoor shopping arcade creates a vibrant atmosphere with its diverse selection of stores.
Crewe Indoor Market
For those seeking unique finds or locally produced goods, head over to the Crewe Indoor Market on Earle Street. It provides a mix from stallholders selling everything from fresh produce to crafts, jewellery, and clothing. Explore here if you're looking for something special or want to support local businesses.
Nantwich Road Independent Shops
Nantwich road has several charming independent boutiques worth exploring. Both Crewe town centre and the surrounding areas have many smaller independent shops. You will also find a selection of cafes and boutiques waiting to be discovered.
Employers in Crewe
Bentley Motors
One of the most well-known employers in Crewe is Bentley Motors, a renowned luxury car manufacturer. They offer a range of career opportunities across various departments. Jobs include engineering, design, manufacturing, sales, marketing, finance, and more. Bentley Motors has a reputation for producing exceptional vehicles.
Leighton Hospital
It is the major hospital serving Crewe and the surrounding area. Leighton Hospital offers many job opportunities within the healthcare sector. Jobs include nursing, medical administration, and allied health professions. You will also find support roles like maintenance or catering services. Leighton Hospital provides diverse options to suit unique skills and qualifications.
Crewe Engineering & Design UTC
Created through collaboration between local educational institutions. The University Technical College specialises in preparing students for careers in engineering and design. This institution also acts as an employer offering teaching roles.
Eating Out in Exeter
Miller & Carter Crewe
Known for its delicious steak dishes, Miller & Carter Crewe is a highly rated restaurant on Nantwich Road.
The Farmhouse Beefeater
On Coppenhall Lane, The Farmhouse Beefeater offers a variety of steak options and has garnered excellent reviews.
Gio’s
If you’re craving Italian cuisine, Gio’s on Nantwich Road is a popular choice with a high rating.
Brocklebank Brewers Fayre
A family-friendly restaurant on Weston Road, Brocklebank Brewers Fayre offers a range of dining options for all ages.
Thai Corner
On Nantwich Rd, Thai Corner is a well-regarded restaurant where you can enjoy authentic and flavourful Thai cuisine.
The Rising Sun Inn
This charming establishment offers a British pub atmosphere along with a menu that includes healthy options.
Passage To India
If you’re a fan of Indian cuisine, Passage To India on Nantwich Road is a recommended choice in Crewe.
The White Lion Weston
Considered one of the best restaurants in Crewe, The White Lion Weston serves delicious British dishes in a welcoming setting.
The Victorian Restaurant at Rookery Hall
On Main Road, Worleston, this upscale restaurant offers an elegant dining experience.
The Peacock
On Crewe Road, Willaston, The Peacock is a British restaurant known for its tasty dishes and friendly service.
K2H Creative Indian Kitchen
For lovers of Asian cuisine, K2H Creative Indian Kitchen on High Street in Sandbach is worth visiting for its creative Indian dishes.
Green Spaces and Parks
Queens Park
This Victorian park offers you magnificent flower beds and a lake filled with wildlife. It’s the perfect place for a leisurely walk or an afternoon picnic. Often, there are weekend events to enjoy too.
Weston Park
Just on the outskirts of Crewe, Weston Park engrosses you with its endless meadows and forest trails. You could walk your dog or have a family outing amidst stunning parkland views.
The Valley Brook (Mile End) Linear Park
This is a pleasant green corridor sweeping across Crewe. You can jog or cycle alongside the brook and savour the interesting sculptures peppering your route.
Tipkinder Park
Near the town centre, Tipkinder Park offers you an interesting Victorian layout and many leisure amenities. You may also enjoy mini golf and a model railway here.
Rope Lane Meadows
A secret gem on Rope Lane, this meadow can give you the serene break away from city hustle and bustle. Enjoying natural beauty and spotting interesting wildlife become your favourite outdoor activities here.
Brookfield Park
This park provides open green space for you to sit back, relax, or play a sport. The shimmering brook running through it adds to its tranquillity.
Wybunbury Moss Nature Reserve
This rare bog-edged woodland reserve invites you to explore unique flora and fauna. There’s always something new throughout different seasons in the year waiting to excite your curiosity.
Sports and Recreation
Alsager Golf & Country Club
If you love golf, travel further outskirts of Crewe to Alsager Golf & Country Club. Besides its challenging course, the scenic vistas surrounding it are noteworthy too.
Crewe Golf Club
If golfing interests you, head towards this lush, fairway-laden green space. Here, professionally maintained course amidst natural beauty takes your golfing experience to another level.
Barony Par
This green space will entertain you with its sports facilities, like tennis courts and football pitches. It also has a play area to keep your children engaged.
Alexandra Stadium
The spirit of competitive sport hums in the city of Crewe, right at your footsteps with football taking centre stage. You can watch games live at Alexandra Stadium, which is the home ground for Crewe Alexandra FC.
Things to do
Crewe Heritage Centre
When you move to Crewe, your first stop should be the Crewe Heritage Centre. Situated on Vernon Way, it’s conveniently nestled amidst the beautiful Cheshire countryside. Offering a fascinating insight into the town’s rich railway history, the centre boasts an array of exhibits including classic locomotives and vintage carriages. The location also offers enjoyable miniature railway rides and special events throughout the year. Seeing as Crewe was once one of Britain’s greatest railway towns, here is an opportunity to immerse yourself in this part of its history.
The Lyceum Theatre
Unleash your inner lover for performing arts at The Lyceum Theatre. Located right in the heart of Crewe, this Edwardian theatre brings you an astounding repertoire of drama productions, musicals, comedy shows and more all year round. Not only will you appreciate performances on stage but also marvel at the impressive architectural structure providing both aesthetic viewing pleasure and cultural satisfaction.
Lakemore Farm Park
If you’re looking to engage with nature more closely, Lakemore Farm Park is worth a visit. Here you get to interact with a variety of farm animals while learning about them in an interactive manner that both adults and kids can appreciate. There are also plenty of outdoor play areas along with picnic spots making it a perfect family day out destination.
St Mary’s Church, Nantwich
Just a quick drive away from central Crewe lies St Mary’s Church in Nantwich, renowned for its historical relevance and exceptional architecture. Dating back to the 14th century, it is admired for its intricate stained glass work and captivating medieval carvings. Whether you’re a history buff or architectural enthusiast, this Parish church offers ample opportunity to explore local history in depth.
Hack Green Secret Nuclear Bunker
In case you fancy something off-the-beaten-path while living in Crewe, head off to the Hack Green Secret Nuclear Bunker - now converted into a museum that narrates intriguing stories about its covert past during Cold War Britain. This destination provides you with an unusual insight into Cold War history through exhibits boasting military paraphernalia and original government artefacts.
These places add charm to Crewe’s allure as these leaven historic heritage with contemporary amenities in perfect harmony.
Events in Crewe
Crewe Rail Ale Festival (September)
It’s the perfect occasion for you if you like craft beers and ciders. The festival takes place at Crewe Heritage Centre. It combines the attraction’s displays of vintage railway equipment with a broad selection of local brews. What’s even better is that it often incorporates live music performances to add to the atmosphere. Once there, take your time to explore and sip on unique mixes that tickle your palate.
Cosmopolitan Food Festival (October)
Are you a foodie or just enjoy trying cuisine from around the world? Then visit the Crewe Cosmopolitan Food Festival in October. This gastronomic voyage features various stalls selling foods from all over the globe. There’s plenty of entertainment from cooking demos, and live music performances.
Crewe Christmas Lights Switch On (November)
Don’t miss out on the magical spectacle of Crewe Christmas Lights Switch On event. You’ll feel an almost tangible buzz in the air as crowds gather. Thousands of twinkling lights illuminate the town centre, marking the start of Christmas festivities. The event usually comes with street performers, live stage acts featuring local artists and bands. It has lots of fun-filled family amusement rides along with Santa himself making an appearance!
Interested Living in Crewe?
Goddard Street is a range of 2 and 3 bedroom Shared Ownership houses in a residential area of Crewe, Cheshire. Enjoy the convenience of being just a short 10-minute walk from Crewe Town Centre. It offers a variety of amenities, restaurants, bars, and transport connections.
