There’s a plentiful supply of things to see and do for all the family in and around Delamere.
Here's our recommended must-do's for a visit to this area of Cheshire for a weekend break.
Day 1
Go on a Woodand Adventure. Delamere Forest is Cheshire’s largest woodland area and the perfect place for family adventures and picnics. Take a trip to the Visitor Centre where you can pick up trail maps, hire bikes for an exciting family adventure, or just explore the forest on your own.
There’s plenty of wildlife to be found including the greater spotted woodpecker, small tortoiseshell butterfly and southern hawker dragonfly, so why not bring some binoculars and see what you can spot.
If you’re feeling adventurous then bring out your inner ape at Go Ape! A high wire adventure with rope ladders, Tarzan Swing into a giant rope net, zip wires, rope bridges and much more in the heart of the forest. A high wire adventure takes approximately 3 hours. Age and height restrictions apply, booking is advisable.
Have fun at Blakemere. Head 10 minutes down the road from Delamere Forest and you’ll find Blakemere Village, with an indoor play barn, outdoor adventure play park, Bird of Prey flying displays and Segways as well as craft shops and craft activities, plenty to keep the whole family entertained.
Stay right in the heart of the forest in one of the beautiful new forest holidays lodges, the perfect place for a back-to-nature family break,
Day 2
Anderton Boat Lift. Built in 1875 the Anderton Boat Lift’s purpose was to transport working craft between the Weaver Navigation and Trent & Mersey Canal 50 feet above. Today the Anderton Boat Lift still operates so step aboard the Edwin Clark trip boat for a river trip and journey through the lift. The operations centre houses an interactive exhibition, gift shop and refreshment area, so there’s plenty to see and do.
Other Suggestions
Beeston Castle. Standing majestically on a sheer rocky crag, Beeston Castle offers perhaps the most stunning views of any castle in England. Discover 4,000 years of history, and explore over 40 acres of woodland walks. Perfect for a family day out!
The Ice Cream Farm. Choose from over 30 award winning and irresistible real dairy ice creams and sorbets made in Cheshire. Visit animal corner, watch the cows being milked and visit the café and gift shop. For the younger ones there’s ‘Crazy Daisy’s amazing adventure Indoor Play Barn and outdoor play area.
Item |
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Delamere Forest |
Go Ape Delamere |
Blakemere Village |
Anderton Boat Lift |
Beeston Castle and Woodland Park |
The Ice Cream Farm |
Forest Holidays Delamere Forest |
Northwich
Enjoy a fun day out in Cheshire’s biggest woodland!
Located between Liverpool and Manchester, Delamere Forest provides a stunning setting for your next family adventure.
Enjoy a fun day out in Cheshire’s biggest woodland!
Located between Liverpool and Manchester, Delamere Forest provides a stunning setting for your next family adventure. Whether a leisurely wander through the trees, scaling the heights at Go Ape, an adventure in the deep, dark wood finding all the sculptures from the Gruffalo story or enjoying a family bike ride on our new traffic-free trails, Delamere Forest is bursting with opportunities to explore the great outdoors. Explore the stunning landscape on a choice of three walking trails or two cycling trails. If you’re stuck for wheels why not visit Tracs cycle centre who’ll happily fix you up with a hire bike, they’ve got something to suit everybody. Be sure to visit the eco-friendly visitor centre which is also home to the Delamere Forest Café – for all the post-fun refreshments you’ll need. You can become a Delamere Forest member for £72 and get free parking all year round, plus a range of discounts and benefits. You’ll also be supporting the nation’s forests. Find out more here.
Northwich
Boasting three high ropes activities above the forest floor, and an all-terrain Forest Segway experience, days out at Go Ape Delamere are about having fun and creating unforgettable memories.
A 50-minute drive from Liverpool, we're located in the heart of Delamere Forest, Cheshire's largest wooded area. Highlights include views across Lake Linmere on our Treetop Challenge and our super-fast ziplines. Our Old Pale Forest Segway Tour is also a popular activity for those wishing to explore Delamere. Whether you're 4 or 104 and are looking for things to do we have an adventure to keep everyone entertained. Boasting three high ropes activities above the forest floor, and an all-terrain Forest Segway experience, days out at Go Ape Delamere are about having fun and creating unforgettable memories. Whether you are a thrill seeker looking for action-packed fun or simply after some quality time with friends and family, they have adventure covered. From super-fast zipwires and tree top crossings, to high-wire bridges and free-fall Tarzan Swings. A Go Ape experience not only boosts your sense of well-being it's great for self-esteem and keeps you active. Treetop Challenge
An exhilarating self-guided 2-3 journey through the forest canopy
Treetop Challenge is an unparalleled outdoor experience. It’s all about testing your own limits at dizzying heights.
Take a big gulp of fresh air and hold on tight. You’ll be tackling canopy-height crossings, leaping off free-fall Tarzan swings and riding high-speed zips. There’s nothing like disconnecting, laughing your head off and screaming your lungs out.
Leave the dusty comfort zone behind and bravely go beyond. Our rope ladders are your gateway to a hidden world. Clamber up the side of giants, explore the trees and capture memories with your Tribe.
Grown-up fun in the great outdoors. Take the time to waste a moment.
Treetop Adventure
An action-packed one-hour introduction to high ropes life.
Go Ape Tree Top Adventure is a jam-packed hour of intricate crossings, wobbly bridges and a zip wire finale - guaranteed to evoke screams and laughter.
Whether you’re swinging by their side in the trees or cheering them on from below, you’ll be amazed at how much taller little monkeys walk after conquering the course. Our Tree Top Adventure courses are designed with the younger family in mind.
A high ropes experience for those over a metre tall.
Forest Segway
Ride, roam and explore this enchanting Cheshire Forest. Whether you’re whizzing through purpose-built tracks or drinking in spectacular scenery – our all-terrain Segways are a brilliant way to discover more of the forest than ever before.
This hour-long experience on a self-balancing electric Segway is a totally unique way to tackle the trails.
Oh. And you’ll need to be over 7 stone to participate. Heads up!
Northwich
Situated in the heart of Cheshire just outside Chester, Blakemere Village is home to a unique collective of independent shops, built in and around a stunning Edwardian stable block.
Situated in the heart of Cheshire just outside Chester, Blakemere Village is home to a unique collective of independent shops, built in and around a stunning Edwardian stable block. You can explore over 30+ independent shops offering giftware, antiques and furniture, design-led homeware, clothing, pet shops and artisan food as well as an excellent coffee shop, Licenced Restaurant and Blakemere Village Social with heated tipi and food outlets. Take a stroll through the nearby woodlands, enjoy the free outdoor adventure playpark and our indoor play barn, or choose one of many activities including Segway, awe-inspiring Birds of Prey experiences, and numerous crafts - an ideal Day Out for all ages. Open 7 days a week from 10am until 5pm, free to enter and free to park. For more information on what's on and events, please see the website www.blakemerevillage.com
This year, Blakemere Village celebrates 28 years of family entertainment and independent shopping, we’re always evolving and developing to offer everyone a great day out!
Blakemere Village offers both group organiser and coach driver incentives and can also tailor a bespoke package to individual needs including activities and group rates. For more information visit www.blakemerevillage.com. For Group tour operator bookings call 01606 883261 or email info@visitblakemere.co.uk.
We are a dog friendly site with a great woodland adjacent for walking your four legged friend. All we ask is that you please keep your dog on a lead at all times when walking around Blakemere Village grounds and if they happen to make a mess, please pick it up and pop it in a bin. If you are aware of any issues with your dog regarding bark control, then please use anti-bark correction training device. You can also try to calm them using CBD treats from KarmaPets.
Individual businesses at Blakemere Village may or may not allow dogs to enter their premises but this is at their discretion. Some shops have designated ‘dog waiting’ areas with bowls of water so please look out for them. The Village Restaurant & Coffee Bar allows assistance & guide dogs within the restaurant and also has two dog-friendly designated tables inside the doorway for colder days as well as a great outside terrace to sit with your best friend when the sun is out where you can find a water barrel for them to enjoy a drink with you. Look out for our dog friendly stickers in the shop windows. Here is the current list of shops and establishments who accept dogs as customers!
A Wonderful World Blakemere Village Social Blakemere Touring Park Cheshire Aquatics Crafts in the Corner
Farrow House Ginger & Browns Greg Nicholson Golf & Leisure Inspired by Artisans & Vintage Innoscent Spa
Peepultree Saffi Boutique Salsa Jewellery The Wee Howff The Village Restaurant & Coffee Bar
Northwich
Book one of our extended River Cruises along the picturesque Weaver Navigation (at 11.30am or 2pm), 1 April - 1 November.
Book one of our extended River Cruises along the picturesque Weaver Navigation (at 11.30am or 2pm), 1 April - 1 November.
There’s also a free waterways themed children's playground ... or you can just enjoy a stroll around our stunning grounds exploring the wide-open spaces and landscaped garden before treating yourself to our selection of fresh cakes, sandwiches, pizzas, paninis and hot and cold drinks in our hill top Coffee Shop overlooking the lift.
We are dog-friendly throughout the site.
Watch out for our seasonal programme of events taking place throughout the year.
There are no boat trips 1 November - 31 March
Walking the Lift Tours - Selected dates during the year visit https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/anderton for info. Minimum age 16 years”
Tarporley
Set 350 feet above the Cheshire Plain on the sheer rocky crags Beeston Castle is a magical site with something for everyone.
Set 350 feet above the Cheshire Plain on the sheer rocky crags Beeston Castle is a magical site with something for everyone. With stunning views to take your breath away, long walks through rich woodland for nature lovers and nooks and crannies for kids to hide in you’re sure to have a magnificent day out! Beeston's origins stretch over 4,000 years; to a Bronze Age hill fort to the medieval fortress visitors see today which was inspired by the Crusader's Castles and the impregnable hill-top strongholds of the Holy Land. Legend has it that the majestic Beeston Castle guards buried treasure once belonging to Richard II. The king is said to have dispersed bags of gold at Beeston en route to quell the rebellion in Ireland, perhaps your family can find the treasure? The famous views from the top are reputedly the best from any castle in England - on a clear day visitors can see across 8 counties from the Pennines in the east to the mountains of Wales in the west. Beeston is also a haven for wildlife and the unspoiled woodland makes it home to a host of birds and small mammals, remember to bring those binoculars and who knows what you may discover.
Dogs on lead allowed. Assistance dogs welcome.
Tattenhall, Chester
Set in the picturesque location between Beeston and Peckforton Castle, The Ice Cream Farm is the tastiest trip you will ever take, enticing over 800,000 visitors a year with over 50 award-winning and irresistible Cheshire Farm Ice Cream and sorbets to choose from.
Set in the picturesque location between Beeston and Peckforton Castle, The Ice Cream Farm is the tastiest trip you will ever take, enticing over 800,000 visitors a year with over 50 award-winning and irresistible Cheshire Farm Ice Cream and sorbets to choose from.
Frodsham
Stay in one of Britain's most beautiful forests, in a secluded location offering a retreat from the everyday.
Stay in one of Britain's most beautiful forests, in a secluded location offering a retreat from the everyday.
There’s loads of places to stay in Cheshire. But only one where you can spend a few nights deep in the heart of Delamere Forest. A Forest Holiday is the chance to step away from the world for a few days, to catch your breath and to relax. Whether it's a weekend break, a four-night midweek stay, a seven-night break, or even longer, you feel the magic of the forest from the moment you arrive. Perfect for a back-to-nature family break, explore and enjoy time with friends or escape for a romantic weekend for two.
The oasis of broadleaf and evergreen trees spans 972 hectares of wild forest. Here you can choose between cabins bordered by clusters of trees for an off-the-beaten-track feel or cabins with sun-lit views of country fields. In Delamere Forest you’re likely to stumble across restored meres and mosses - grassy wetlands which give Cheshire’s landscape its distinctive character.
Reconnect in a Forest Holidays cabin with peaceful forest views, an outdoor hot tub and all the extras you need to personalise your stay. You can also book adventure activities, see the forest by segway or meet owls on a nature-led experience the whole family will love. Venture out into the local area and find your own family favourites and hidden gems. Because the forest is more than just a place it’s endless possibilities.
Sleep under the stars in Delamere Forest in a cosy cabin that feels like home.
From | To | Distance * (metric) |
---|---|---|
Delamere Forest (53.22871,-2.67853) | Go Ape Delamere (53.22961,-2.67854) | 0.09 |
Go Ape Delamere (53.22961,-2.67854) | Blakemere Village (53.22794,-2.60534) | 4.39 |
Blakemere Village (53.22794,-2.60534) | Anderton Boat Lift (53.2745,-2.52763) | 6.59 |
Anderton Boat Lift (53.2745,-2.52763) | Beeston Castle and Woodland Park (53.12658,-2.68248) | 17.5 |
Beeston Castle and Woodland Park (53.12658,-2.68248) | The Ice Cream Farm (53.1318,-2.75038) | 4.12 |
The Ice Cream Farm (53.1318,-2.75038) | Forest Holidays Delamere Forest (53.24995,-2.70194) | 12.19 |
Total Distance * | 44.87 miles | |
Estimated Journey Time | 1.44 hours |
* Approximate distance by road