Fun for all the family, we go in search of great family days out in Cheshire
Ness Botanic Gardens One for all of the family. While you take in the amazing views that Ness Botanic Gardens has over the Dee Estuary as well as admiring some of the finest collections of plant life, the children can explore this amazing tourist attraction. They can hunt around the gardens, which contain some of the best rhododendron and azaleas in the north west as well as boasting one of the most well known heather gardens in Britain. There's also a café and shop where you can rest and relax. Ness Botanic Gardens, Neston Road, Ness, Neston, CH64 4AY, 0151 353 0123, www.nessgardens.org.uk.
Chester Zoo Chester Zoo has a series of free daily talks where you can learn about all the exotic animals on show. Bugs, Elephants, Chimpanzees Camels and Meerkats all come under the spotlight, every single day at preset times. Chester Zoo is a registered conservation charity and supports projects around the world as well as in Cheshire. It is the largest zoo in the UK and is home to 7,000 animals and 400 different species, many of which are endangered. Chester Zoo, Upton-by-Chester, Chester, CH2 1LH, www.chesterzoo.org
Catalyst Science Discovery Centre This Widnes attraction is so much fun and it's also a good way to help your children increase their learning. This interactive science centre is all about how chemistry is used in everyday life. Every visit to the centre is designed to be exciting as well as full of action-packed attractions. There's a rooftop observatory, where after a ride in a glass lift you can get a panoramic view of the Cheshire countryside. There are also several exhibitions and shows including A World of Opportunity, a careers gallery with interactive displays and the Catalytic Discovery Lab where children can crack the Crime Scene Mystery. There is also a shop and a café. Catalyst Science Discovery Centre, Mersey Road, Widnes, Cheshire, England, WA8 0DF, 0151 420 1121, www.catalyst.org.uk
Anderton Boat Lift Take a ride on this fascinating boat lift as it transports you from the River Weaver and the Trent and Mersey canal much higher above. There is also an operations Centre with an exhibition about the history of the boat lift, as well as a café for those ready for a rest, a gift shop and some outdoor space perfect for enjoying fantastic views. If you're lucky enough to have good weather, take a picnic along. Anderton Boat Lift, Lift Lane, Anderton, Northwich, CW9 6FW, 01606 786777, www.andertonboatlift.co.uk
Go Ape! Delamere Trek through the treetops, speed down huge zip wires and make the longest crossing across Bosun's Chair at Go Ape in Delamere Forest. All of this as well as fantastic views of Lake Linmere and the chance to spot some of the local wildlife. If you want to travel further afield there are also sites at Rivington, Lancashire and Grizedale Forest, in the Lake District.
Go Ape! Delamere, Delamere Forest Park, Linmere, Northwich, CW8 2JD, 0845 643 9215, www.goape.co.uk
Tatton Park, Knutsford Tatton Park is a glorious place to visit at any time of year. Enjoy leisurely walks around the vast grounds, try and spot some of the resident deer, browse the handful of shops or put your feet up in the restaurant. Tatton Park, Knutsford, Cheshire, WA16 6QN, 01625 374400, www.tattonpark.org.uk
Jodrell Bank Visitor Centre and Arboretum, Macclesfield Star-gazing children and adults will love a day out at Jodrell Bank. As well as seeing the huge Lovell Telescope close up, you can also walk around the 35 acre Granada Arboretum, take a trip to Mars in the 3D theatre or join in events. Jodrell Bank Visitor Centre and Arboretum, Macclesfield, SK11 9DL, 01477 571339, www.jb.man.ac.uk/visitorcentre
Red House Farm, Dunham Massey Red House Farm has been run by the Clare family for more than 100 years. Today, people flock from all over the region to this popular visitor attraction. As well as the farm, there is also a shop and tea rooms and it is also home to the famous Maize Maze. Events are held throughout the year and plans for some fantastic Easter celebrations are expected to be confirmed soon. Red House Farm, Red House Lane, Dunham Massey, Altrincham, WA14 5RL, 0161 941 3480, www.redhousefarm.co.uk
Blue Planet Whether you love the lure of the deep blue sea or want to learn more about everything from seahorses to sharks, the Blue Planet aquarium, is as ideal day out. There are plenty of attractions inside the aquarium including Amazing amphibians, Mangrove Swamps and the new Aquatheatre. There's also the chance to dive with sharks or try scuba diving. Blue Planet Aquarium, Cheshire Oaks, Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, CH65 9LF, 0151 357 8800, www.blueplanetaquarium.com
Port Sunlight Take a step back in time at this picturesque village built in 1888 by William Hesketh Lever for his Sunlight soap factory workers. Browse the Port Sunlight Museum or the Lady Lever Art Gallery or enjoy one of the many events held throughout the year. Port Sunlight Village, Wirral, CH62 5DX, 0151 644 6466, www.portsunlightvillage.com
Legoland Discovery Centre, Manchester Build yourself a great day out at this new attraction at the Trafford Centre's Barton Square. Described as a passport to the Lego world of colour, creativity and fun, the centre is the UK's first and has more than two million Lego bricks. The centre is bursting with interactive features, children get to go on a tour that reveals how the bricks are made and there is also Miniland, an area that includes all of the local iconic landmarks. Visitors can also make their own versions which can be tested on an earthquake machine to see if their structure would stay up. There is also Kingdom Quest, an interactive Lego laser ride, a Lego racers build and test track, a Duplo village with soft plat area and a café and shop. Legoland Discovery Centre, Barton Square, The Trafford Centre, Manchester, M17 8AS. To book call 0871 222 2662 or for more information visit www.LEGOLANDDiscoveryCentre.com.
Stapeley Water Gardens It is easy to see why this tourist attraction at Stapeley, near Nantwich, is so popular. There is everything from the beautiful gardens to wander around, more than 100 species of rare and exotic wildlife to discover as well as pets, clothing and gifts to buy.
Stapeley Water Gardens, London Road, Nantwich, CW5 7LH, 01270 623868, www.stapeleywg.com
Lyme Park A trip to this magnificent estate is a must-do. There is a fascinating history to discover about the family who lived there. Take a look at some of the amazing and intricate tapestries, clocks and grand rooms or explore the vast parkland that surrounds this country home. Lyme Park, Disley, Stockport, SK12 2NR, 01663 762023, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lymepark
For information on these attractions and more visit www.favouritedaysoutincheshire. co.uk
