When we drove down south to get the ferry to Holland last month we took our time and did a bit of an English roadtrip on the way there and back. I enjoy visiting places that I’ve heard about, just to see what they’re like – and the next time I hear them mentioned on the road traffic reports on the radio I can picture the place in my mind.

So Knutsford in Cheshire, (which is only around 15 miles from Manchester) was one of the places we visited this time. We did actually drive through it a while ago but didn’t have time to stop, although when we were stopped at traffic lights there I noticed that a building at the side of the road was called Canute House. I had one of those D’OH moments as it was only then that it dawned on me that Knut actually means what we now call Canute, so the town must have been where King Canute used a ford.

Mrs Gaskell of Cranford fame lived in Knutsford but nowadays it’s apparently popular with top footballers and actors. When we were there they were having a May Day celebration weekend so the bunting was out as you can see, but it was all going on in Tatton Park, the entrance to which is in the town, we didn’t bother going to that though, just a had a walk about the shops which are of the fairly exclusive sort. It’s also our Chancellor of the Exchequer’s constituency, so we’ve now been to visit George Osborne and David Cameron’s backyards so to speak. Both of them need to get out and about more I would say as their constituencies bear no resemblance at all to most of the UK.

It’s an interesting wee place, definitely worth having a look around if you find yourself nearby.

If you’re interested you can see more images of Knutsford here.