Home of the new Vauxhall Astra

Home of the new Vauxhall Astra

Vauxhall's factory at Ellesmere Port is to be one of four plants in Europe that will build the new Astra.

Listen to this page
A-Z of Services
Contact Us
Site Map
Print this Page


Advanced Search
start

Attractions: Neston

Jackson's Tower and The Cross, NestonProbably dating back to Saxon times, Neston is one of the oldest settlements in the borough, featuring as it does in the Domesday book of 1086.

Originally surrounded by sea and perched on a sandstone outcrop, Neston grew into a market town and this tradtition is alive and well today - Neston market (held every Friday) is one of the best around for quality and sheer choice of goods.

In the Middle Ages Neston was one of the most important towns in the area and had a small port, but this shifted to Parkgate when River Dee silting became too bad.

But a measure of the importance of the town can still be seen today in the historic buildings, particularly around the town centre. Many display initials of the owners and the date they were built.

Among the more unusual buildings is Jackson's Tower (pictured), built from Ruabon brick, the library, which was funded by Scottish-American industrialist Andrew Carnegie, and the Vine House and its 'crinkle-crankle' wall.

Later, in the 19th Century, coal was discovered and a colliery opened, with tunnels reaching under the River Dee. The Wirral Colliery company was a big employer, providing work for nearly 200 people in 1896.

The town is also famous as the birthplace of Nelson's mistress, Lady Hamilton, who was born to a humble family in Neston before working her way into polite society.

Today the focus is on shopping and the weekly market, which is held in the basement of the town hall. Neston, which has free car parking, is also the focus of a new market town regeneration.

Neston is also a great place to explore the surrounding tranquil villages of Burton and Willaston, Ness Botanical Gardens and Wirral Country Park.

As well as bus services, there is also a railway station, which is on the line between Wrexham and Bidston.

See also:

More information: