Attractions and Places To See around Lea-By-Backford - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Lea-By-Backford are situated in Cheshire West and Chester, England, offering a tranquil base amidst picturesque countryside. This small hamlet provides access to scenic walks along the Shropshire Union Canal and serves as a gateway to the wider region's natural and historical sites. Visitors can explore the surrounding areas for a variety of experiences, from historic city walls to nature trails.
Best attractions and places to see around Lea-By-Backford
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Last updated: July 2, 2026
Burton Marsh Boardwalk
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River Dee Riverside Trail
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Chester Greenway
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Eastgate Clock
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Chester Millennium Greenway
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Eastgate Street in Chester is one of the city's most iconic and historic thoroughfares. It's part of the renowned Chester Rows and features a mix of medieval and Tudor-style buildings with unique double-level shopping galleries. The street is home to the famous Eastgate Clock, an ornate timepiece mounted on the historic city walls, and is often considered the second most photographed clock in England after Big Ben.
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The Millenium Greenway runs along an old railway line from Mickle Trafford, located east of Chester, through the historic city of Chester to the Wharf at Connah's Quay. This cycling or walking route is short, traffic-free and fairly flat. It makes for the perfect day out for families or less experienced cyclists.
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Chester is a historical city with many older, well preserved buildings.
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The River Dee round is a safe, completely traffic-free loop of 24 kms (15 miles). It follows the National Cycle Network Route 5 to the west of the city as far as Hawarden Bridge, returning via the riverside cycle path along the River Dee. Chester Cycling Campaign’s seven Family Cycle Rides have been planned with all members of the family in mind. The routes use quiet lanes, established cycle routes and canal tow paths wherever possible, except for some occasional short sections on busier roads. All rides are between 15 and 20 miles in length, and are suitable for families with children, either riding their own bikes or riding on a trailer bike. Some rides include short off-road sections. The directions for these rides also include a description of a minor road alternative. Route Grading: (A) Quiet Route – This is a route with long stretches of off-road cycleway.
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This is a fantastic 7.5km return bike ride along the Cheshire side of the Dee Estuary. It follows the National Cycle Network route number 568, running from Hawarden Bridge near the Deeside Industrial Estate all the way to Neston, Cheshire, on the Wirral peninsula. It’s not just for cyclists though, the cycle path is for pedestrians too and would be fantastic for prams, so I’ll include this post in the walks section too. On a clear day the views across the marshes and estuary towards North Wales are beautiful. Once upon a time the River Dee ran right up alongside the shores of Burton up to Parkgate. As shipping access to the city of Chester became impossible because of the silting of its port, quays were built in the early seventeenth century (although it’s suspected that quays existed here since medieval times) at Burton and Neston to serve as outports for the city. As they became victims of silting themselves, a further port was built at Parkgate. Between them they functioned as trading ports.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of natural landscapes can I explore near Lea-By-Backford?
The area around Lea-By-Backford is rich in picturesque Cheshire countryside. You can enjoy scenic walks along the Shropshire Union Canal, which runs north of the hamlet. For expansive views, consider the Burton Marsh Boardwalk, which offers a 7.5 km return path with views across the Dee Estuary towards North Wales.
Are there any historical sites or landmarks worth visiting close to Lea-By-Backford?
Yes, several significant historical sites are easily accessible. The historic Chester City Walls are approximately 5.3 km away, offering panoramic views. Within Chester, you can also visit the stunning Chester Cathedral (about 5.5 km away) and the iconic Eastgate Clock, a prominent landmark on the city walls and one of England's most photographed clocks.
What cycling routes are available near Lea-By-Backford?
Cyclists have several options. The Chester Greenway and Chester Millennium Greenway are well-maintained cycle paths suitable for various skill levels. For a longer ride, the Burton Marsh Boardwalk is part of the National Cycle Network. You can find more cycling routes in the area by visiting the Cycling around Lea-By-Backford guide.
Are there family-friendly attractions or activities in the vicinity?
Absolutely. Chester Zoo, a highly-rated attraction, is only about 2.7 km from Lea-By-Backford. The Blue Planet Aquarium in Ellesmere Port is another excellent option for families, approximately 3.2 km away. For outdoor activities, the River Dee Riverside Trail and the Chester Greenway are both marked as family-friendly.
What walking trails can I find around Lea-By-Backford?
You can enjoy walks along the Shropshire Union Canal towpaths. The River Dee Riverside Trail offers a traffic-free path, and the Burton Marsh Boardwalk provides a scenic walking experience with estuary views. For more options, explore the Hiking around Lea-By-Backford guide, which includes routes like the 'Chester Zoo loop from Upton-by-Chester' and 'Shropshire Union Canal loop from Bache'.
What is the best time of year to visit Lea-By-Backford for outdoor activities?
The picturesque Cheshire countryside is enjoyable throughout the year. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for walking and cycling, with spring bringing wildflowers and autumn showcasing vibrant foliage. Weekdays tend to be less busy on popular routes like the Chester Greenway compared to weekends.
Are there any wheelchair-accessible trails or attractions?
Yes, the Burton Marsh Boardwalk is noted as wheelchair-accessible, offering a smooth path for enjoying the views. The Eastgate Clock in Chester is also accessible, being located on the city walls.
Where can I find running trails near Lea-By-Backford?
There are several running trails in the area. You can find various loops, such as 'Running loop from Moston' or 'Alpaca Farm – Capenhurst Pinfold loop from Capenhurst'. For a comprehensive list and details, refer to the Running Trails around Lea-By-Backford guide.
What do visitors particularly enjoy about the attractions near Lea-By-Backford?
Visitors appreciate the diverse range of experiences, from the tranquil countryside walks along the Shropshire Union Canal to the historical richness of Chester's landmarks like the Eastgate Clock. The well-maintained cycle paths like the Chester Greenway are also highly rated for their accessibility and scenic routes.
Are there any specific viewpoints to seek out?
The Burton Marsh Boardwalk is an excellent viewpoint, offering extensive views across the marshes and the Dee Estuary towards North Wales. Additionally, walking along the Chester City Walls provides elevated perspectives of the historic city.
Can I bring my dog on walks around Lea-By-Backford?
Many of the outdoor trails in the wider Cheshire area are dog-friendly, but specific rules may apply in certain nature reserves or protected areas. Generally, paths like the Shropshire Union Canal towpath and the River Dee Riverside Trail are suitable for walks with dogs, usually requiring them to be on a lead.
What is the terrain like on walking routes near Lea-By-Backford?
The terrain varies. Paths along the Shropshire Union Canal are generally flat and easy. Cycleways like the Chester Greenway offer good, surfaced routes. The Burton Marsh Boardwalk is also a smooth, level path. Some routes in the wider countryside may involve gentle undulations.
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