11 of the best places to cool down in Cheshire

We're sure you are out and about enjoying the sunny weather but as temperatures have been reaching record highs we thought it might be good to share 11 of the best places in Cheshire to cool off!

1. Sandy Lane Aqua Park

Situated on the banks of the river Dee just outside the city centre with stunning views of the surrounding area, Sandy Lane Aqua Park is a FREE paddling pool with sprays and a picnic area. Open every day from March until September, 11am until 5pm. Find out more about Sandy Lane Aqua Park.
 

2. Congleton Paddling Pool - Now closed for 2023
 

A free facility but must be booked in advance. Congleton’s Paddling Pool has been a firm favourite with young children since the 1930s, it’s the perfect place for the little ones to cool off and have fun! Open Wednesday to Sunday with two sessions a day from 10am – 1pm and 2pm - 5pm (weather dependent), and open 7 days a week during the summer holidays until 3rd September. Spaces are limited to 140 people per session and everyone needs an entry ticket – including toddlers and babies. Tickets will be released daily a week in advance here.

3. Nantwich Outdoor Brine Pool
 

Nantwich is known for it’s outdoor brine pool, open since 1935 with a temperature maintained at 75°f. Open from May to the end of the summer season, and just £6.85 a swim (FREE for Everybody Members). With loungers available, toilets and changing rooms, it’s a great place to set up for the afternoon and cool down. The pool will be open 8am-6pm Monday to Friday and 8.30am – 5.30pm Saturday and Sunday. Find out more about the Nantwich Outdoor Brine Pool here.

4. Church Walk Paddling Pool
 

Church Walk Paddling Pool is another fabulous FREE outdoor paddling pool situated in Northwich town centre. Open for two sessions every day from 10am - 1pm and 2pm - 5pm - May to September (weather permitting) and the best thing…parking is FREE too! A firm favourite in Cheshire. Booking is essential for this very popular attraction, you can book here.
 

5. Madagascar River Play at Chester Zoo
 

There is so much to discover in this amazing play space that allows little ones to climb like a lemur and play on the sandy beach like a tortoise. Make a BIG splash in the dry river bed or play hide and seek in the Madagascar grasses. There are also plenty of other places in the zoo you can visit to shelter from the sun and cool off, not forgetting plenty of places to buy your obligatory ice creams! Find out more about Madagascar River Play at Chester Zoo here.

6. Honeycomb Canyon at the Ice Cream Farm
 

Not only has the Ice Cream Farm in Cheshire been named best in the country, it’s also home to  Europe’s largest indoor sand and water play area. A hive of activity offering hours of fabulous family fun with sand pits, playhouses, water pools, mills and channels. (things can get a little messy! Take a towel and spare change of clothes). Admission, FREE for under 12 months, over 12 months – £4.50 for 30 minutes play (Save money with a play pass).

7. Delamere Forest

Delamere Forest is the largest area of woodland in Cheshire, providing a shady oasis for families and all ages alike to escape the crowds, let off steam and find peace and quiet in the open air. Go wildlife spotting, bring your bike, take a stroll, walk the dog, bring a picnic or simply relax with a cold drink or ice cream in the onsite cafe. Find out more about Delamere Forest here.

8. Dee River Kayaking
 

Dee River Kayaking is a friendly and professional river kayaking service based in Chester offering guided tours and instruction in both Kayak and Stand Up Paddleboard, so however you'd like to get your floating fix, you're covered.

The River Dee at Chester is the perfect place to experience the joy of river kayaking. You can enjoy nature as you paddle past Chester Meadows, the atmosphere of the river-front promenade, and soak in the history of sites such as the Roman city walls, the Old Dee Bridge, and the Chester Weir on your Chester Town Kayak Tour.

If you fancy something a little more exciting,  you can even take this chance to try white water kayaking by booking the Chester White Water Session. All sessions are designed to be accessible to beginners and enjoyable for all.  Find out more about Dee Kayaking and book here.

9. Manley Mere

Get ready for a fun filled wet and muddy adventure for kids and adults alike at Manley Mere Adventure Trail. Open 10am til 5pm with evening sessions available 5pm - 7.30pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays during term time.

Also onsite is Cheshire Aquapark a fabulous wet and wild fun day out with a wipeout style water park assault course featuring giant trampolines, balancing beams, climbing walls and some exciting new additions. Minimum age 7 years + anyone under the age of 14 years must be supervised by an adult 17 years or above on the water. Price; £25pp includes wetsuit and buoyancy aid for 50 minutes on the water. 

You can also take watersports lessons in Paddle Board & Kayaking, Sailing, windsurfing and powerboating. Find out more about Manley Mere here.

10. Wild Shore Delamere
 

Wild Shore Delamere is a water-based adventure hub, offering a number of unique, dynamic and adrenaline-charged outdoor activities including a brand new and world first Aqua Chimp, Aqua Park, Wakeboarding, Stand Up Paddleboarding and Open Water Swimming. Perfect for some time in the water to cool off!

11. The Delicious Dozen Ice Cream Trail
 

Cheshire isn’t known for its sandy beaches, yet it’s just the place to go for ice cream to help you to cool down. There’s been a thriving dairy industry in the county’s lush green pastures for centuries and today some of that local milk is being put to delicious use creating our favourite sweet treat. Try some homemade Cheshire ice cream on a tour of its makers and you’ll also discover an ice-cream-themed play park and encounter a friendly giant bee. Find out more about the Cheshire Ice Cream Trail.

* Please check opening times before you set off for your visit especially as many of the above are open weather permitting.
 

Find more places to visit in Cheshire here.