What’s new and what’s free for families in Cheshire this summer

Cheshire’s the place for a family holiday this summer. Chester Zoo was named Visitor Attraction of The Year at Britain’s top tourism awards earlier this month. And the First Light Pavilion at Jodrell Bank, a major new visitor attraction for the UK, opened its doors to the public on 4 June. Plus there’s more to enjoy – as highlighted by Visit Cheshire’s new campaign, Our Family Welcomes Your Family – including free and brand new attractions to enjoy this summer. You can share your family days out using #OurCheshireFamily

What’s New 

Passports ready for inspection, Explore The World in a Day at Chester Zoo, 18 July-11 September, offers the chance to collect stamps from different destinations on a whirlwind journey from the forests of Madagascar, to the national parks of India, and the wetlands of Latin America. Plus, another novel idea, which is bound to be a winner with teenagers, is the zoo’s new after-hours sessions, Into The Night, to meet the animals, enjoy live entertainment and themed food on selected dates in July and August. Go to www.chesterzoo.org. 

It's now possible to enter the new First Light Pavilion at Jodrell Bank is now open to the public. The impressive new dome-shaped building houses an exciting cutting-edge exhibition  ground-breaking contribution to exploring the Universe using radio waves is  

The Boggles and Twiggles are planning a Bouncing Boggle Bonanza for little ones at BeWILDerwood. There’ll be a brand new story at the Storytelling Stage and the chance to make Curious Crowns in the Big Hat tent, plus a sparkly new Puzzling Park Trail to follow with clues hidden in the woods. Go to https://cheshire.bewilderwood.co.uk. 

They’ll be sprinkling the magic dust on a new self-guided family trail at Dunham Massey’s Fairy-tale Summer, 23 July-7 September. Jack and the Beanstalk and Little Red Riding Hood will be among the characters inspiring activities from stringed-musical happenings on the lawn to literature-laden children’s stories in the Orangery. Go to www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dunham-massey. 

Flower power is the blooming this season at Bolesworth Castle, which will open its first Aladdin Maze, 20 August-4 September. And movie nights on 19 and 21 August include a screening of Disney’s animated adventure, Encanto. Go to https://bolesworth.com/events. 

Everyone can ascend to new heights at Capesthorne Hall on 19 June. Friendly instructors will be on hand with advice and a special system for Discover Tree Climbing, giving kids from six years a leg up to get a view from the top of the estate’s magnificent old oak. Go to https://www.capesthorne.com. 

What’s free?  

West Cheshire Museums will host  new event Festival of the Future – The Big Sustainability Festival throughout July, which aims to entertain families while encouraging sustainable everyday habits. The packed itinerary of environmentally-minded events, from circus performances, to clothes swap events and ‘eco ceilidhs’, will take place across Chester’s Grosvenor Museum, Stretton Watermill, Lion Salt Works Museum and Weaver Hall Museum. Go to www.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk    

Would-be illustrators should pack their pencil cases and head to Chester’s Grosvenor Museum, next stop for BFG in Pictures, 23 July-2 October, an exhibition of the work of Quentin Blake, one of the country’s best-loved illustrators. Blake is famed for his work on Roald Dahl’s books and this free exhibition, curated by the artist, will include many of his illustrations from The BFG, including some early and unknown work. Plus there will be free activities for children about dreams, giants and the power of the imagination, including film shows. Go to https://grosvenormuseum.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk. 

  

Knutsford will be throwing a tasty celebration of local culinary culture at its first Food & Drink Festival on 13 August. There’ll be tastings, a food market, live music and more for all the family to sample at venues across the town. Go to https://www.knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk/events/knutsford-food-drink-festival   

Scaling walls and navigating wonky walks are among the challenges in store for youngsters at the free new Adventure Play Area at Bents Garden & Home. There are free Children’s Storytime sessions here, too, every Thursday morning. Go to https://events.bents.co.uk.