Eastham Lock

The lock itself is modest - a working waterway control point on the Manchester Ship Canal, nothing fancy. But what makes Eastham Lock worth stopping for is the walk around it and the sheer sense of industrial purpose. You're watching actual barges pass through, water levels shifting, gates opening and closing. It's proper fascinating if you're into that sort of thing.

The area around Chester has better-known attractions, sure, but Eastham gives you something different - a slice of working England rather than a heritage tourism box. The towpath walk is decent, especially if you've got kids who enjoy spotting boats. It won't take more than an hour or so unless you're keen on canal history, but it's free and straightforward.

Truthfully, it's more of a pleasant detour than a destination in itself. If you're based at Chester Fairoaks Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite just down the road, it's an easy afternoon wander - far less crowded than Chester itself and you'll actually see something functioning rather than just photographed. The industrial heritage angle appeals to older kids and adults more than young ones, who'll get bored once they've watched one barge go through.