Itinerary Planner

Family Fun in Warrington

Family Fun in Warrington

Warrington really knows how to entertain, amuse and inform too. Here's our recommended must-do's for a visit to Warrington for a weekend break.

Day 1  

Spend an exciting day at Gulliver's World Resort. Set in 100 acres of land around an idyllic lake Gulliver’s World Resort is a fun-packed day out for the family. Aimed at children aged 2 – 13 and with over 90 rides and attractions including the all new Splashzone, a fully heated indoor water play factory, it’s perfect whatever the weather.

Day 2  

Visit Norton Priory.  There’s so much to see and do at Norton Priory; explore hidden pathways in the woods; borrow some binoculars and see what wildlife you can spot; follow the sculpture trail and see some weird and wonderful artworks!; discover the Tots Gardens with plants to touch, see, smell and hear or delve into a Storysack and have fun with stories and games about Norton Priory. 

Experiment at Catalyst Science and Discovery Centre Science has never been so much fun! Explore hands-on galleries and take a ride in the glass lift which will take you up to the rooftop observation gallery where you’ll have fabulous views over Mersey Estuary. 

Catalyst Science and Discovery Centre is set on the banks of the River Mersey at Spike Island, perfect for a family walk.

Other Suggestions

Walton Hall & Gardens - If you’re looking for some free family fun then head to Walton Hall and Gardens, there’s a small charge for the car park but entry to the parks and gardens is free. Visit the Children’s Zoo to see the colourful birds and animals in residence and don’t forget to stop at the playground with swings, slides, climbing frames and more there’s plenty of fun to be had! Walton Hall and Gardens has plenty of green parkland for family picnics, fun games and running around. 

Meet the Mad Hatter in Warrington Town Centre. Lewis Carroll, author of Alice in Wonderland was born on the outskirts of Warrington in a village called Daresbury and in Warrington town centre you will find a statue of the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, so head on into town and see what characters you can spot. 

If you fancy some retail therapy then Golden Square Shopping Centre is also great for shopping. 

Warrington Museum and Art Gallery - Travel back in time at Warrington Museum and Art Gallery, dating back to 1857 it’s one of the oldest municipal museums in the country. See Warrington’s very own dinosaur and explore the hands-on history activities and discover treasures from around the world. Entry to the museum is free.

Product Information

  1. Gulliver's World Resort

    Warrington

    Gulliver’s Theme Parks are designed especially for families. Enjoy rides, shows and attractions that are perfect for children aged 2-13.

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    Gulliver's Gears
    Togo Tower at Gulliver's World Resort
    Family Fun at Gulliver's World Resort
    Roller Zone at Gulliver's World Resort
    Fun for all the family at Gulliver's World Resort
    Gulliver's Gears
    Togo Tower at Gulliver's World Resort
    Family Fun at Gulliver's World Resort
    Roller Zone at Gulliver's World Resort
    Fun for all the family at Gulliver's World Resort

    Gulliver’s Theme Parks are designed especially for families. Enjoy rides, shows and attractions that are perfect for children aged 2-13.

    Book your theme park tickets for Gulliver's World at least two days in advance and save even more. Make your visit extra special this year with a short break, choose from a range of stay and play options available at The Gulliver’s Hotel and Wilderness Wharf. Discover luxury glamping tents, themed hotel suites, western lodges, fairy dens and much more.

    You can expect FREE parking every time you visit. 

    “Gulliver’s Gears” is a thrilling new area themed around mechanics and cars, located within the main theme park and featuring a new Coaster (Grand Prix Racers) and a 360-spin ride (Overdrive) as well as a play area and buggies attraction.

    Visit the official Gulliver's website for opening times, special events and amazing offers.

     

    Contact Details:

    Off Shackleton Close, Old Hall, Warrington, Cheshire, WA5 9YZ

    Tel:

    01925 444888

    Website

    Web Site

  2. Norton Priory Museum & Gardens

    Runcorn

    Come and discover a story which spans 900 years and uncover the site’s transition from St Augustinian priory, to mitred abbey and onto the family home of the Baronets of Norton. 

    Add Norton Priory Museum & Gardens to your Itinerary

    Come and discover a story which spans 900 years and uncover the site’s transition from St Augustinian priory, to mitred abbey and onto the family home of the Baronets of Norton.  Today, Norton Priory Museum and Gardens is recognised as Europe’s most excavated monastic site and is an accredited museum surrounded by 42 acres of woodland and the stunning 2.5 acre Georgian Walled Garden.

    Uncover the site’s fascinating history in the two museum exhibition galleries, where you will find such treasures as a Gainsborough painting, a magnificent seventeenth century Flemish Collector’s cabinet and a recreation of the stunning cloister which was once a central feature of this remarkable space.  In the visitor centre’s atrium, meet the gigantic medieval sculpture of St. Christopher, a late fourteenth century statue of international significance and showing the skill of the craftsman who created it.  The same statue inspired author Lucy M. Boston, leading to the statue being prominently featured as a benign force in her ‘Green Knowe’ series of children’s books.

    Step back in time as you enter the Victorian porch which leads through to what is considered the finest Norman arch in Cheshire, before entering the hush of the medieval undercroft.  Once used as store rooms for the monastic complex, and the later Georgian mansion, the largest of the spaces became the grand entrance to the Georgian mansion in 1868.  As the last remaining element of the priory still standing, this area includes a passageway which would have once formed an entrance for visitors into the priory.

    Outside the excavated remains of the priory reveal themselves, tracing out the outline of the key structures that made up this site.  Further beyond lies the woodland, within which a series of paths will lead you to the stream glade, children’s play area, a summer house and onto the banking of the Bridgewater Canal.  During the summer season, the 2.5 acre Georgian Walled Garden reveals its hidden secrets to visitors through a series of ‘garden rooms’: a cottage garden, an orchard, a croquet lawn, a vegetable garden, a children’s garden and onto the magnificent Rose Walk.

    Visit on a Sunday and experience ‘Discover Sundays’, a programme of additional activities for no additional cost.  Norton Priory Museum and Gardens has a packed event schedule, offering something for everyone, from outdoor theatre, to music concerts and from meditation sessions to traditional skills workshops… and much more! 

    Norton Priory is family-friendly, with lots to entertain younger visitors, including dressing up, play houses in the Walled Garden, and a giant bell to ring in the woodland! They’re also dog-friendly, with dogs welcome in both museum galleries and the Walled Garden.  The only place dogs aren’t allowed is inside the café, but there is alternative seating outside and in the atrium, so there’s no reason not to bring your four-legged friend along with you!  There is free car parking on site as well, so there is no need to ‘clock-watch’ on a visit to Norton Priory; in fact they positively encourage you to take you time, wind down and relax as you uncover the stories and explore the spaces.

    Contact Details:

    Tudor Road, Manor Park, Runcorn, Cheshire, WA7 1SX

    Tel:

    01928 569895

    Website

    Web Site

  3. Catalyst Science Discovery Centre and Museum

    Widnes

    Science has never been so much fun!

    Add Catalyst Science Discovery Centre and Museum to your Itinerary

    Catalyst Science Discovery Centre and Museum
    Catalyst Science Discovery Centre and Museum
    Catalyst Science Discovery Centre and Museum
    Catalyst Science Discovery Centre and Museum
    Catalyst Science Discovery Centre and Museum
    Catalyst Science Discovery Centre and Museum
    Catalyst Science Discovery Centre and Museum
    Catalyst Science Discovery Centre and Museum
    Catalyst Science Discovery Centre and Museum
    Catalyst Science Discovery Centre and Museum

    Science has never been so much fun! Catalyst is an interactive science centre and museum whose mission is to inform, educate and excite the widest audience about the relevance of chemistry through the unique offerings, hands-on experiences, the rich industrial heritage archives and strong links to the local area.

    The ground floor interactive gallery is home to a host of hands-on exhibits where you can film in our TV studio, create an animation, make a marble run, test the scarf shooter and more!

    Learn about the history of the area in our Birth of an Industry and the Baker Galleries and discover a small part of our archive collection in the Gossage Room where we also host adult group historical talks. The museum archive holds a wide collection of material from some of the big names in the North-West Chemical industry such as ICI and Brunner Mond.

    Enjoy panoramic views across Cheshire from the glass-walled, rooftop Observatory Gallery, the perfect place to enjoy a heritage afternoon tea or for groups to experience one of our night at the museum sleepovers.

    At weekends and during school holidays you can get to grips with real science in our purpose-built lab where we run activities and workshops that the whole family can enjoy.

    Also on offer is free car parking, a gift shop and the Catalyst café, the ideal place to enjoy a tasty snack or drink whilst admiring the riverside views and the views of the Mersey Gateway Bridge.

    Contact Details:

    Mersey Road, Widnes, Cheshire, WA8 0DF

    Tel:

    0151 420 1121

    Website

    Web Site

  4. Walton Hall & Gardens

    Warrington

    Set within acres of tranquil and idyllic parkland is Walton Hall and Gardens – the former home of Lord and Lady Daresbury.

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    Walton Hall & Gardens
    Conservatories restoration at Walton Hall & Gardens
    Conservatories at Walton Hall & Gardens
    Walton Hall & Gardens
    Walton Hall & Gardens
    Walton Hall & Gardens
    Conservatories restoration at Walton Hall & Gardens
    Conservatories at Walton Hall & Gardens
    Walton Hall & Gardens
    Walton Hall & Gardens

    Set within acres of tranquil and idyllic parkland is Walton Hall and Gardens – the former home of Lord and Lady Daresbury. Lovingly restored and refurbished, the Elizabethan hall boasts unique antique furniture, Victorian paintings and high gilded ceilings.

    There’s also the restored glasshouses which are filled with botanical displays and the Children's Zoo, which is free to enter and home to a range of wildlife.

    Whether you’re visiting the zoo, taking a resident alpaca for a walk, exploring the beautifully maintained gardens, playing a round of adventure golf or a full 18 holes at Walton Hall Golf Course, or tackling the high ropes course, there really is something for the whole family to enjoy.

    After a day of excitement, you can relax with a coffee in the Heritage Café, which offers a range of fresh, delicious and locally sourced food and deli products. It’s the perfect place to unwind – and dogs are welcome too! 

    Walton is home to the annual Disability Awareness Day – the world's largest 'not for profit', voluntary-led disability exhibition. It’s held every year in a huge, tented village within the grounds and attracts over 22,000 visits with over 200 exhibitors.

    Walton Hall and Gardens is also one of Cheshire’s premier destinations and a picture-perfect setting for weddings – it’s the perfect place to say ‘I do’. Whether you choose a small intimate gathering or want to throw a huge party no one will forget, the team will adapt to your requirements and help you to make those very special memories.

    Set within acres of tranquil and idyllic parkland, Walton Hall and Gardens is Warrington’s jewel in the crown. Whether you’re visiting the children’s zoo and taking a resident alpaca for a walk, exploring the beautifully maintained gardens, playing a round of adventure golf or relaxing with a coffee in the Heritage Café, It’s the ideal family destination with something for everyone. And, with the estate’s beautifully restored conservatories shining once more, you can enjoy a fascinating insight into Warrington’s heritage.

    Dogs are welcome too! Located in the heritage courtyard within the beautiful grounds of Walton Hall and Gardens, we're a welcoming, family and dog friendly café offering a range of fresh, delicious and locally sourced food and deli products.

    Contact Details:

    Walton Lea Road, Higher Walton, Warrington, Cheshire, WA4 6SN

    Tel:

    01925 262908

    Website

    Web Site

  5. Warrington

    Warrington

    Warrington has been welcoming visitors for over 2000 years since the Roman Empire marched into the area and established a base at Wilderspool in 100 AD.

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    Warrington
    Warrington - Norton Priory
    Warrington - Gullivers World
    Warrington - Waterways
    Warrington - Walton Hall
    Warrington
    Warrington - Norton Priory
    Warrington - Gullivers World
    Warrington - Waterways
    Warrington - Walton Hall

    Warrington has been welcoming visitors for over 2000 years. It's location is a big plus. It’s close to Liverpool and Manchester and within easy reach of the Peak District, North Wales and the Lake District even the Trans-Pennine Trail passes through the borough. Today, you’ll find a busy town centre with great shopping on offer including Golden Square, home to all the major brands under one roof. Out of town retail parks feature mega-stores galore including the first IKEA in Britain. Looking for independent outlets? Head for Stockton Heath where fabulous boutiques flourish alongside a delicious choice of restaurants. Warrington really knows how to entertain, amuse and inform too. Its Museum and Art Gallery chart the development of the town and showcases contemporary and specialist street art exhibitions. Nearby Pyramid and Parr Hall regularly host an array of music concerts and family-friendly shows for all tastes and ages all year. Warrington is rightly famous for being at the heart of Rugby League and The Halliwell Jones Stadium is home to the mighty Warrington Wolves who carry everything before them. They won the Challenge Cup again in 2012 and hosted matches in the Rugby League World Cup in 2013. Events, fetes and festivals take place throughout the year across the area including, Warrington Walking Day, classic car shows, the annual contemporary arts festival, farmers and themed markets - and even a welly-wanging competition! Warrington is also blessed with fabulous parks, glorious canals and wonderful countryside too just waiting to be explored including Rixton Claypits, Lymm Dam, Risley Moss, Woolston Eyes and Appleton Dingle. Must-see attractions include Walton Hall and Gardens (home to a delightful children’s zoo) and Gulliver’s World theme park with its fabulous hotel. Don’t miss the Golden Gates of the Town Hall during your visit and make time too for a visit to Daresbury Church with its Alice in Wonderland stained glass windows – a fitting tribute to children’s author Lewis Carroll who was born in the nearby village. It all makes Warrington the ideal place for an unforgettable short break. Find a list of hotels in Warrington here.

    Contact Details:

    Warrington, Cheshire, WA1 2EN

    Website

    Web Site

  6. Golden Square Shopping Centre

    Warrington

    Whether shopping for something special or a weekend mooch on the mall, Golden Square is a high quality retail destination with luxury brands like Lush, Tesutti and Goldsmiths and bigger sized stores of high street favourites like Primark, Next and Boots.

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    Golden Square Shopping Centre. Credit Warrington BID
    Golden Square Shopping Centre. Credit Warrington BID
    Golden Square Shopping Centre. Credit Warrington BID
    Golden Square Shopping Centre. Credit Warrington BID
    Golden Square Shopping Centre. Credit Warrington BID
    Golden Square Shopping Centre. Credit Warrington BID
    Golden Square Shopping Centre. Credit Warrington BID
    Golden Square Shopping Centre. Credit Warrington BID

    Whether shopping for something special or a weekend mooch on the mall, Golden Square is a high quality retail destination with luxury brands like Lush, Tesutti and Goldsmiths and bigger sized stores of high street favourites like Primark, Next and Boots.

    Outside the mall is the Old Market Place which is host to a range of hospitality venues. Here you will find a mix of national brands like Ask Italian and Nando’s alongside independents including White Lace Cakes and Rhode Island Coffee. The Old Market Place is also home to Warrington’s oldest pub, the Barley Mow which dates back to 1551. There’s a year-round programme of undercover entertainment, whether that’s a play area, pop up cinema, ice rink or music festival. Golden Square prides itself on being much more than a shopping centre, supporting lots of good causes at the heart of community life.

    Contact Details:

    Old Market Place, Warrington, Cheshire, WA1 1QB

    Tel:

    01925 655053

    Website

    Web Site

  7. Warrington Museum & Art Gallery

    Warrington

    Situated in a charming, Grade II listed building, Warrington Museum and Art Gallery is a hidden gem.

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    Warrington Museum & Art Gallery
    Warrington Museum & Art Gallery
    Warrington Museum & Art Gallery
    Warrington Museum & Art Gallery
    Warrington Museum & Art Gallery
    Warrington Museum & Art Gallery
    Warrington Museum & Art Gallery
    Warrington Museum & Art Gallery

    Situated in a charming, Grade II listed building, Warrington Museum and Art Gallery is a hidden gem. One of the oldest museums in the country, it plays an important role in Warrington’s growing cultural offer. Its rich history has been brought into the 21st century with a major revamp, transforming it into a creative hub, providing superb links between the museum, art gallery and library services, with Warrington Central Library at the same location.

    Home to exhibitions, unique performances and historic collections, the museum and gallery bring a wealth of art, culture and heritage to the heart of Warrington. Admission is free of charge.

    For more information about opening times, on-site facilities, and how to get there, visit wmag.culturewarrington.org/visit-us.

    Contact Details:

    Museum Street, Warrington, Cheshire, WA1 1JB

    Tel:

    01925 442399

    Website

    Web Site

Itinerary Distances

FromToDistance * (metric)
Gulliver's World Resort (53.40613,-2.61667)Norton Priory Museum & Gardens (53.34226,-2.68028)7.44
Norton Priory Museum & Gardens (53.34226,-2.68028)Catalyst Science Discovery Centre and Museum (53.35153,-2.73456)3.38
Catalyst Science Discovery Centre and Museum (53.35153,-2.73456)Walton Hall & Gardens (53.36147,-2.60209)7.98
Walton Hall & Gardens (53.36147,-2.60209)Warrington (53.38737,-2.59234)2.66
Warrington (53.38737,-2.59234)Golden Square Shopping Centre (53.39006,-2.59538)0.33
Golden Square Shopping Centre (53.39006,-2.59538)Warrington Museum & Art Gallery (53.38698,-2.59638)0.31
Total Distance *22.1 miles
Estimated Journey Time43 minutes

* Approximate distance by road

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