Your Cheshire Summer Family Break

Cheshire is renowned for its number and variety of superb family attractions, eateries and general things to do. And here in Cheshire we really are a family with a huge range of family-run and family-inspired businesses. Now we’re into the summer holidays you may need some inspiration on just what to do. Well don’t worry as we’ve pulled together some inspiration for the whole family to stay and play across Cheshire.

Where to Stay

Across Cheshire there’s a host of family friendly places to stay with everything from chic boutiques and rural retreats to self-catering and glamping spots where the family can reconnect. Your family can find the perfect place to stay without breaking the bank with a range of hotel and accommodation offers. Here’s a few of our top picks, but make sure to check out our summer hotel deals page for more.

De Vere Cranage Estate

Found in leafy Holmes Chapel, De Vere Cranage Estate is a Grade II listed building hidden away within 20 acres of landscaped gardens in the heart of the Cheshire countryside – but still easily accessible from the M6. The hotel is perfectly family friendly and has an indoor swimming pool, sauna and steam room. With the Be part of the Story package you and the family can enjoy an opulent overnight stay with up to £30 per person to spend in the restaurant –and a scrumptious breakfast in the morning. Plus, under 12s stay and eat free at De Vere Cranage, making this an excellent option for families visiting Cheshire.

Gulliver’s Hotel

A huge draw for families to Cheshire of course is Gulliver’s World Resort in Warrington. The family theme park is a firm favourite for locals and visitors alike with rave reviews from the kids. There are a variety of ways to stay at Gulliver’s: from the Gulliver’s Hotel to ‘Lost World’ cabins and new tipis which start from just £38 per person.

Flat Cap Hotels

This summer the Flat Cap hotels family (which includes The Bridge, Prestbury, The Courthouse, Knutsford, and The Vicarage, Holmes Chapel) are offering families a luxurious Cheshire sleepover across their boutique hotels. With the Family Sleepover package, the family will enjoy early check-In at 1pm, £30 per adult supper allowance with the kids staying and eating free, all from £155 per night.

Forest Holidays Delamere Forest

Nestled in the beautiful Delamere Forest with easy access to Cheshire’s scenery and attractions, Forest Holidays could be perfect for the family. These secluded and highly luxury log cabins offer a tranquil retreat in the lush forest with serene locations, modern interiors and appliances, hot tubs and even pizza ovens. You can save by booking midweek, with per-night rates being lower than the weekend.

Kerridge End Holiday Cottages 

Found in the picturesque village of Rainow in the Cheshire Peaks, Kerridge End Holiday Cottages are a slice of real luxury and a perfect self-catering option for families of all sizes. With three beautifully restored stone cottages to choose from sleeping anywhere from two to six, these cottages are ideal for exploring everything in the east of Cheshire from the Peak District National Park to Macclesfield and Jodrell Bank. And with easy transport links via car or rail from Macclesfield, the whole family can explore even further afield. These cottages are available to book now and are an ideal way to experience the Cheshire Peaks.

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Things to Do

There’s no shortage of things to do for the whole family across Cheshire and with all the choice, you may need some inspiration for just what to do. With family days out as diverse as woodland adventure parks and deep-space discovery centres to brilliant museums and completely free things to do, we’ve put together a bit of inspiration for your family

BeWILDerwood

This 70-acre woodland wonderland is based on the beloved book series written by author and creator Tom Blofeld. Families can expect super slippery slides, extra-long zip wires, massive muddled mazes, huge rope bridges, magical treehouses, den building and lots more. This summer the Bouncing Boggles Bonanza is on until the 25 September where the whole family can enjoy storytelling shows, crafts and a puzzling trail around the park – all included in your ticket price. Plus, there are savings to be had this summer by booking online in advance.

Jodrell Bank

A true Cheshire icon and a UNESCO World Heritage site, Jodrell Bank is a favourite for the whole family. Set in the shadow of the iconic Lovell Telescope the Discovery Centre is full of fun exhibitions, activities, talks and shows all around the science of space. And now families can enjoy the new First Light Pavilion which features a permanent exhibition on the history of Jodrell Bank with interactive displays as well as the Space Dome – a completely immersive auditorium experience. What’s more, all tickets (which are just £8 for kids and £12 for adults with family group discounts) are now annual tickets, meaning you can return as many times as you want within the year!

Gulliver’s World Resort

If you’re bringing the little ones to Cheshire, Warrington’s Gulliver’s World Resort is a must-visit. The family theme park is designed especially for families with kids aged 2-13. With a wide range of rides, activities and shows to keep the kids entertained, Gulliver’s makes for an unforgettable day out with the kids. This summer, beloved characters Bing and Flop will be making regular appearances at the park for the kids to meet and greet. 

Beeston Castle

Set above the Cheshire Plain this Medieval castle is a great family day out. With its history going back to the Bronze Age the castle grounds boast spectacular views and a woodland park which the kids love to explore. There’s a permanent exhibition where the family can learn about the long and fascinating history of the castle and grounds and this summer until 31 August there’s the Summer Adventure Quest where the family will have to complete challenges, find missing shields and learn all about Beeston Castle's fascinating past. Families can also marvel at the Legendary Joust - where knights will be pitted against one another in a no holds-barred competition.  Plus you can save by booking your visit online in advance.

Lion Salt Works

Northwich’s Lion Salt Works was the last operating open pan salt works in the country. And if you ask someone from Northwich what it’s famous for, they’ll surely say salt. The museum offers a fascinating insight into the effect and history of salt on Northwich and beyond with interactive displays including an audio-visual example of the open pan salt process. The museum is set on idyllic grounds with a play area perfect for the kids to expend some energy. Family tickets start from just £17.30 so won’t break the bank for a great day out.

Walton Hall & Gardens

If you want to explore some gorgeous green space, Walton Hall & Gardens is just a stone’s throw away from Warrington’s town centre. On the grounds of the former home of Lord and Lady Daresbury, there’s a wide range of things to do including trails around the estate, children’s zoo, play area, adventure golf and pitch ‘n’ put as well as the gardens themselves. You just need to pay for parking if you’re travelling by car and entry is free.

Blakemere Village

Not far from Delamere Forest you can find Blakemere Village. This attraction is home to all kinds of fun for the family from segways and falconry to food and drink and independent shopping. And this summer is perfect time for families to enjoy Blakemere. There’s a variety of indoor and outdoor activities to keep the kids (and the adults!) entertained. Families can enjoy archery, crazy golf, fairground ride, nature trails, craft workshops, a miniature railway and there’s even the play barn for the littlest ones. The village is free to enter and offers free parking to boot!

Anderton Boat Lift

Also known as the Cathedral of the Canals, this masterpiece of Victorian engineering is always fun for the whole family. Entry to the site itself is free with boat trips down the Weaver available to book. The site is set in some glorious Cheshire scenery with the Northwich woodlands – featuring a discovery trail and brilliant nautically themed play area. The structure of the lift itself is unfortunately closed currently but check back for details for its magnanimous return.

National Waterways Museum

Ellesmere Port’s National Waterways Museum is a gem of industrial history. This former hub of canal activity is a slice of Cheshire’s past and includes everything for a family day out. As well as the Grade II listed buildings there’s a new QR trail to explore the grounds and their past as well as a play area for the little ones to enjoy. Plus, every Sunday until 18 September is Canal Town, where history comes alive pop-up themed events, live music and traditional games that will keep the whole family entertained! With a family pass which, for a standard admission fee, allows you to visit as many times as you like for a year means you can save each time you visit.

Save on Travel
 

You can also save on travel by visiting Chester & Cheshire by train. Off-peak train fares with Avanti and Northern will save on travel and spare the stresses of driving. Some example fares include:

London Euston – Chester from £60.20 return per person with Avanti West Coast

Manchester Picadilly – Chester from £12.90 per person return with Northern

Leeds – Chester from £20.50 per person return with Northern

Birmingham New Street – Chester from £30 per person return with Transport for Wales

Cheshire is connected via the Mid Cheshire line, which takes you through the county from Chester to Manchester. There are also large rail hubs in Crewe and Warrington, making it easy to visit Cheshire on the rails this summer.