Google “Frodsham” and the first image you’ll see is a lovely cobbled street full of people sitting outside Tudor-style frontages, sipping coffee, with a solid-looking church tower in the background. It’s a bustling scene and perfect Daytripper fodder – but it’s not Frodsham. It’s Frodsham Street, in the centre of Chester, 10 miles away. This seems a bit of a shame because the real Frodsham is lovely, even in a Thursday drizzle. Defined by a single road, Main Street, Frodsham is rich in history. Many of today’s buildings stand on the original plots of land laid out in the 13th and 14th centuries, the original ones marked by blue plaques.

Every Thursday, traffic comes pretty much to a standstill (visitors take note: arrive by train or bus) as market stalls line the roadside and the vibe is ye olde peddlers meets The Real Housewives of Cheshire.

Yet Frodsham (pop. 9,000) doesn’t take centre stage in the county, being overshadowed by its larger, Roman-walled neighbour. Is there a rivalry between Chester and Frodsham? “No. Chester gets everything,” comes the disgruntled reply from Kim Horton, who manages an art gallery in Castle Park. “Frodsham is very much overlooked.”

Castle Park Arts Centre Credit: PAUL COOPER

This is a pity, considering that it was an important port during the Middle Ages; salt and cheese from Cheshire were warehoused by the riverbank before being loaded on to boats bound for Liverpool, and the town was a popular stop-off during the stagecoach era. However, since the M56 was built in 1971, it’s been much easier to avoid the place altogether.

That is, unless you’re a Nineties teenage girl trapped in the body of a fully grown woman – also known as a Take That fan. Gary Barlow is arguably (a point we will return to) Frodsham’s most famous son. His mum still lives here and, when he’s back in town, Gary likes to hike the 500ft Frodsham Hill with her. Adorable.

"Come to Frodsham," says Gary. "Nothing much happens.” Credit: GETTY

Or perhaps not. In March this year, Gary reportedly declared that “nothing much happens” in his home town. After the ensuing outcry, the singer-songwriter backtracked, not entirely convincingly, and explained that that was the exact reason he loved it. Clearly, he hasn’t tried paintballing at nearby Catton Hall or paddleboarding at Manley Mere. And I’m not convinced that “Come to Frodsham: nothing much happens” has been a hit with the tourist office either.

Yet there are many fine reasons to do nothing much here – even on busy Thursdays, you can pick from as many as 13 pubs in the town for a quiet pint. Frodsham likes pubs and I’m sure the local bar staff would even shake up a martini, if you asked in the right way – which, if you’re Frodsham’s other famous son, Daniel Craig, is probably with an unfriendly glare. The James Bond actor grew up here: his father was, for a time, the landlord of the Ring o’Bells.

Daniel Craig's dad was once the landlord of the Ring o’Bells Credit: PAUL COOPER

Such celebrity connections, not to mention the town’s proximity to the major football clubs of the North West, might account for the numerous fine eateries and wine bars also proliferating along Main Street. Oh, and Justin Bieber stayed nearby while on tour.

Take that, Chester.

Seven good reasons to visit Frodsham

1. The walk

The original Sandstone Trail officially opened in 1974. Starting out from outside the Devonshire Bakery and stretching over 11 miles (5-6 hours approx), follow the ridge of sandstone that rises dramatically from the Cheshire plain – the perfect antidote to some doughy gluttony.



2. The cake spot

Five generations of baker mean the Devonshire Bakery has honed its recipes. Whether you’re after sweet or savoury, sit down in the bakery’s café and indulge in some Frodsham’s finest.



3. The history hit

Follow the footsteps of Frodsham’s 17th-century residents by taking the Blue Plaque Trail of historical signs, bursting with detail and complete with the town’s symbol, the bumblebee.



Look out for the town’s symbol, the bumblebee Credit: PAUL COOPER

4. The pub

According to the date on the lintel over the front door, the Bears Paw was constructed in 1632. It stands prominently on Main Street, and is an excellent people-watching spot on market days.



5. The gallery

Castle Park Arts Centre is set in beautiful parkland, and houses four galleries, craft units, coffee shop and workshop rooms. See and buy art and craft by Frodsham’s local artists and then take a walk in the peaceful park.



6. The restaurant

Opened in May, Next Door is an excellent foodie destination owned by the daughter of the local butcher. Lunch is served Thurs-Sat. The emphasis is modern British with local produce.

7. The shops

Oddly sited on a caravan park outside the town, the Lady Heyes’ boutiques and bazaars are well worth a visit for antiques hunters and Flog It! contestants.

Antiques hunters will be happy Credit: PAUL COOPER

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