THE first wave of free vouchers and tickets to top attractions in Cheshire have now 'sold out'. 

Ranging from spectacular stately homes and gardens to museums and historic theatres, attractions are throwing their doors open to residents in Cheshire and Warrington between March 17 and March 25 to thank them for welcoming a significant rise in extra tourists into the county.

Latest figures show visitor numbers rose 7.7% in 2016, with in excess of 62 million tourists visiting the Cheshire and Warrington area.

Tickets will be released in two further stages on February 25 and March 8.

Following last year’s success, even more top tourist attractions are part of this year’s Residents Festival.

The number of tickets available will vary according to the attraction and everyone applying must have either a Cheshire or Warrington postcode.

The Festival coincides with VisitBritain’s English Tourism Week and is being supported by Cheshire East Council, Cheshire West & Chester Council and Warrington Borough Council.

VisitEngland England Director, Andrew Stokes, said: “English Tourism Week is about celebrating the value and quality of tourism in England, and for Cheshire that includes the diverse range of attractions and its wonderful heritage.

"The welcoming attitude of locals plays a huge part in visitor experience, and the Residents’ Festival is a wonderful way to engage with locals, by encouraging them to be tourists in their own city and think of themselves as ambassadors for Cheshire.”

For tickets and more information, click here. 

What’s open?

List of Sites involved in Cheshire Residents Festival 2018 include:

Addlington Hall

Anderton Boat Lift (Northwich)

Arley Hall (Arley, near Northwich)

Capesthorne Hall & Gardens (Macclesfield)

Congleton Museum

Cotebrook Shire Horse Centre (Tarporley)

Crewe Lyceum Englesea Brook Chapel and Museum (Weston, Crewe)

Jodrell Bank 

Lion Salt Works Museum (Northwich)

Lymm Heritage Centre (Warrington)

Nantwich Museum Norton Priory Museum (Runcorn)

Port Sunlight (Wirral)

Potters Barn (Sandbach)

Pyramid Parr Hall (Warrington)

RSPB Burton Mere Wetlands (Puddington, Cheshire)

Silk Museum (Macclesfield)

Tatton Park Gardens (Knutsford)