Colllaborative post
Let’s face it, keeping kids entertained can be a challenge. Luckily for mums and dads in the north-west though, there are plenty of attractions to visit. In its recent ‘Exploring the Cheshire Property Market’ infographic, Laurus Homes highlighted some of the best choices for days out in the Cheshire area that help to make this part of the world a great place for families to live.
Here are five of its top picks.
1. Chester Zoo
Home to around 21,000 animals and set in 125 acres of zoological gardens, Chester Zoo is a must-see. Each year, nearly two million visitors from the north-west and further afield enter its gates to check out the dizzying array of creatures – from tigers to giraffes, elephants, sloths and penguins. You can easily spend a whole day exploring the attractions, stopping to refuel at the selection of picnic areas, restaurants and cafes.
2. Go Ape! Delamere Forest
What better way to tire your little ones out than to take them to Go Ape! at Delamere Forest? This outdoor adventure park has something for everyone, including Forest Segway, Tree Top Adventure and Tree Top Junior experiences. Your brood will get to test their skills on rope courses and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding forest and countryside.
3. Blue Planet Aquarium, Ellesmere Port
Sticking with the nature theme, the Blue Planet Aquarium in Ellesmere Port is well worth checking out. The largest attraction of its kind in the north-west, this marine and freshwater aquarium boasts Europe’s biggest collection of sharks and you can view these majestic fish from a 71-metre underwater tunnel. If you’re feeling really brave, you can even swim with the sharks.
4. Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre, Macclesfield
If it’s an educational experience you’re after, plan a trip to Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre. There are a host of pavilions to work your way around, including the Planet Pavilion housing a working scale model of the solar system. This is the largest model of its kind in the entire world. Meanwhile, the Space Pavilion offers a variety of hands-on activities for youngsters. You’ll also get a chance to see the huge Lovell Telescope up close.
5. Ness Botanic Gardens, Neston
Located near the Dee Estuary on the Wirral Peninsula, Ness Botanic Gardens make for a relaxing day out, especially if the weather’s nice. Spanning 64 acres, they showcase a living collection of 15,000 plants from far flung areas of the globe, including the Himalayas, Burma and China. Look out for highlights including the rock garden and Laburnum arch.
If your visiting any of these attractions as a big group, you might like to consider minibus hire St Helens to save you all driving separately.