Make your festive season that little bit more magical by visiting one of our prized attractions with your favourite people!
With three separate areas ranging from the Boulder Play for the youngest climbers, to the Main Walls suited to all over 11*, an action-packed session at Ellesmere Port’s Boulder Hut promises to be nothing short of fun, challenge, and teamwork. Hungry for more? The onsite café, dedicated to vegetarian and vegan delights, offers the perfect fuel to continue climbing to your heart’s content. Don’t worry if you don’t yet have climbing shoes, they are available to hire, and for any other climbing goods, the onsite store will have you covered! Just be sure to book your session online before you visit.
(*Subject to testing, those under 11 can climb on the Main Walls too).
Situated at the intersection between the River Weaver Navigation and the Trent and Mersey Canal, a day out at Anderton Boat Lift offers the perfect combination of marvelling at industrial treasures and exploring the stunning Cheshire countryside in the neighbouring Anderton Nature Park, or a walk along the River Weaver. Not yet convinced? Anderton Boat Lift won ‘Experience of the Year 2019’ and is also known as one of the ‘Seven Wonders of the Waterways’. Plus, with plenty of picnic benches throughout the area, as well as onsite stores and cafés, and downloadable waterways activity packs, you will certainly be able to make the most of your visit.
As you walk through the 300+ acres of stunning parkland, you will see fine avenues, ancient trees, roaming deer, and open grassland, making Dunham Massey an unmissable day out the festive season. Did we mention that you can bring your dogs along to this Edwardian marvel too? Please book in advance of visiting to avoid missing out.
Boasting countless acres of parklands and gardens, and even an onsite farm, Tatton Park is a great destination for a family day out. A deer park since 1290, Tatton Park is home to Red and Fallow deer, as well as rare Hebridean and Soay sheep, so keep an eye out for these as you stroll throughout the exquisite grounds! As with many of our attractions, please ensure you book online before your visit.
From the Adventure Golf at Strawberry Falls, to the Rocky Road and Silvercone Racing Track, and over 30 scrumptious flavours of gourmet ice cream (including vegan options) to indulge in, a trip to Cheshire’s Ice Cream Farm makes for a perfect day out for the whole family, young and old alike! Looking for extra value from your visit? Purchase a Play Pass, offering a discount of the full price of each attraction. Please book your visit to avoid disappointment.
Located on the outskirts of Chester, this world-famous zoo offers visitors the chance to marvel at the 35,000 animals across its 128 acres of gardens! Although the 68 species of animals such as Sumatran Orangutan, two-toed sloths, and Asian Elephants and may take centre stage, particularly with the recently-reopened Monsoon Forest, Chester Zoo is also home to a number of hidden plant gems, such as the Nepenthes and Orchids National Plant Collections. Visits to this award-winning attraction must be booked in advance.
Situated in 50 acres of beautiful Cheshire countryside, Cotebrook Shire Horse Centre is the only stud farm in the UK open to the public, and has been breeding Champion Shires onsite for nearly 50 years. From the history of Shire horse’s carrying knights in armour, to learning about important studwork today, there is plenty to see and do at Cotebrook Shire Horse Centre to make it the ideal day out with your favourite people. Please book online using this link.
Cheshire’s largest woodland, Delamere Forest, is the perfect place to relax, escape the crowds, and really appreciate nature. Saying that, offering Segway hire, orienteering and even GoApe, it is also the ideal adventure destination! Because of this, regardless of what you are seeking, Delamere Forest has ample facilities for all groups to have a fantastic day out together!
Europe’s most excavated monastic site is right on our doorstep, located in the popular town of Runcorn! The unique site, housing a Medieval Priory, an Abbey, a Tudor House and a Georgian Mansion offers visitors the opportunity to discover over 900 years of stories. What’s more, the Walled Gardens provide a picturesque backdrop for those relaxing strolls, and, due to the climate of the gardens, exotic plants such as kiwis, oranges and lemons can be seen growing! Tickets must be booked in advance.
Need to finish off (or start) the Christmas Shopping? Cheshire Oaks is THE place for you! Boasting over 130 designer outlet stores, from Armani to Whittard’s of Chelsea, and 15 restaurants including Harry Ramsdens and Wagamama, Cheshire Oaks offers the perfect facilities for a great family day out. Intrigued? Why not visit to find out more?
Located on the Wirral, with gorgeous views spanning the River Dee and North Wales, Ness Botanic Gardens offers visitors of all ages an outstanding nature-based experience. With themed areas including the Water Gardens, the Rock Garden, and the Mediterranean Banks, which are constantly changing, Ness Botanic Gardens always has something new to offer.
With the world’s oldest racecourse still in operation, stunning vistas alongside the River Dee and the City Walls, the historic gem of the Chester Cathedral, and the iconic Rows filled with independents and chain stores alike, a day out in the Roman City of Chester is certain to have something for everyone. Not only this, but the city’s bustling food & beverage scene offers everything from classic pub fayre and convenient takeaways, all the way up to Michelin Star experiences! Looking for further inspiration? Why not visit the Chester Visitor Information Centre where our helpful staff will be on hand to assist you in making the most of your visit?
And of course, Cheshire and Warrington boast dozens of spectacular walks and hikes, perfect for spending time with those that mean the most to you. We’ve partnered up with What3Words too, so you can find precise starting points for all of our trails!
And there you have it – 13 great ideas for festive days out with your favourite people. Let us know if you act on any of our recommendations and be sure to tag us in your photos on social with the #YourCheshire!
Ellesmere Port
Boulder Hut is an indoor climbing centre that opened its doors in July 2018 in Ellesmere Port, Cheshire. Bouldering is a shorter, sharper variation of rock climbing, done without ropes, over lower heights & matting.
Boulder Hut is an indoor climbing centre that opened its doors in July 2018 in Ellesmere Port, Cheshire. Bouldering is a shorter, sharper variation of rock climbing, done without ropes, over lower heights & matting.
Boulder Hut is the only indoor bouldering centre in Cheshire West and Chester & the nearest dedicated bouldering centre is over 30 minutes drive from Chester.
Inspired by the best European climbing walls, and housed in a 17,000 sq ft industrial unit, Boulder Hut is one of the largest in the UK with over 250 different climbs available, and has separate ‘Boulder Zoo’ and 'Boulder Play' areas for our younger customers, as well as offers elite training, coaching, kids clubs and parties. There is also a Vegetarian and Vegan cafe serving locally sourced, quality produce.
Download the price list here.
Northwich
The mighty Anderton Boat Lift is one of the ‘seven wonders of the waterways’ and together with its visitor centre, coffee shop, boat trips and near by Northwich Woodlands, it makes for a perfect family day out.
The mighty Anderton Boat Lift is one of the ‘seven wonders of the waterways’ and together with its visitor centre, coffee shop, boat trips and near by Northwich Woodlands, it makes for a perfect family day out. Marvel at the miraculous feat of Victorian engineering they call the ‘Cathedral of the Canals’. No wonder it won Visit England’s 2018 Large Visitor Attraction Of The Year - Take a 30-minute boat ride up or down the lift to get the inside track on its workings. If you’ve got a head for heights, try Walking The Lift; venture out along the aqueduct to see the former control room and machine deck, then climb to the very top of this impressive structure for wonderful panoramic views. Little ones will love the new Let’s Play outdoor area, complete with a mock-up of Anderton’s bridge, control house and mooring area, and, inside the Visitor Centre, a lift-themed craft area where young imaginations can fly. Check out, too, the fascinating exhibition about this unique spectacle.
Visitor Notice
From 5th January 2022, there is a road closure located at Soot Hill in the village of Anderton. Please visit canalrivertrust.org.uk/Anderton for up to date information on how to get to us.
Altrincham
A garden for all seasons, an ancient deer park and a house filled with treasures and stories.
A garden for all seasons, an ancient deer park and a house filled with treasures and stories.
Encircled by its protective wall, Dunham Massey is a green oasis nestled between the urban sprawl of Manchester and rural tranquillity of Cheshire.
The park and garden are the ideal place to enjoy the ever-changing landscape, while you can discover hundreds of years of history inside the house and servants' courtyard.
A ramble around the park will reveal a range of architectural oddities and views of the house complete with Dunham’s resident herd of fallow deer. You may also glimpse other wildlife including owls and woodpeckers. Enjoy a guided walk of the deer park, or take the chance to wrap up warm and wander freely amongst groves of ancient trees.
Dunham is also home to one of Britain’s finest winter gardens, with plenty of scent and colour to delight the senses throughout the year. Unwind on one of the accessible circular walks before warming up with a hearty homemade meal at the Stables Restaurant.
With special events all year round, there’s plenty to brighten your day at Dunham.
**#1 National Trust Garden in the UK 2020**
Tatton Park’s ancient Parkland is just waiting to be explored.
This beautiful corner of Cheshire has been home to deer herds since 1290 and they wander as freely as visitors throughout the year. The 50-acre Garden is one of the most picturesque and varied in England, with ever-changing seasonal views across the world-renowned Japanese Garden, Walled Kitchen Gardens and Arboretum, plus the historic glasshouses, maze and topiary.
The 18th century Mansion displays treasured collections of the well-travelled Egerton family including a recently-discovered portrait by renaissance artist Francesco Salviati. The amazingly-complete Servants’ Quarters provide a fascinating insight into life ‘downstairs’ for 18th century servants in a grand house.
And a family favourite is the working rare breed Farm, where you can step back in time as its ‘field to fork’ story brings to life bygone farm characters, rare breed animals and seasonal demonstrations. Don’t forget to say hello to the pigs, sheep, donkeys, chickens, horses and goats! Tatton Park hosts a huge programme of events throughout the year.
Visit www.tattonpark.org.uk for details
Tattenhall
Set in the picturesque Cheshire countryside between Beeston and Peckforton Castles, The Ice Cream Farm is the tastiest trip you will ever take, enticing hundreds and thousands of visitors every year!
Set in the picturesque Cheshire countryside between Beeston and Peckforton Castles, The Ice Cream Farm is the tastiest trip you will ever take, enticing hundreds and thousands of visitors every year!
From the delights of over 50 award-winning and irresistible Cheshire Farm Ice Creams and sorbets, to the fun-filled indoor soft play, there's something for every family member at The Ice Cream Farm.
Speed along the racetrack at Silvercone and swing into the crazy golf at Strawberry Falls. Dance under the 'snow' in Daisy's Garden and build a sandcastle at Honeycomb Canyon. Uncover the treasure at Gemstone Cove and shoot some hoops in The Loft. It's all here at Cheshire's favourite family farm.
What's more, the new Ice Cream Drive In has a menu full of tasty treats for a scoop or two of award-winning Cheshire Farm Ice Cream with a view.
Head to www.theicecreamfarm.co.uk to book tickets and see what events are coming up at The Ice Cream Farm.
An Award-Winning Ice Cream Farm:
-Family Business Award of Excellence, High Sheriff Awards for Enterprise 2019
- Large Food Producer, Taste Cheshire 2019
- Best Ice Cream Parlour in the UK, Big 7 2019
- Cheshire Business Awards, Businessman of the Year 2018
- High Sherriff Award for Enterprise, Mornflake Oats Award for Innovation 2017
- One of the UK’s most visited free-to-enter attractions by Visit England 2017
- British Farming Awards, Digital Innovation, 2016
- Trinity Mirror Business Awards, Business of the Year 2016
- Marketing Cheshire Awards, Large Visitor Attraction of the Year, 2016
- High Sherriff Award for Enterprise, Outstanding Cheshire and Warrington Business Leader Award 2015/16
Chester
A visit to Cheshire isn’t complete without a trip to the UK’s number one zoo. Chester Zoo is home to over 27,000 endangered and exotic animals based in beautiful, award-winning zoological gardens.
Chester Zoo is home to over 27,000 endangered and unusual animals based in beautiful, award-winning zoological gardens. With over 500 different animal species in our 128 acres of award-winning gardens, you’re sure to have great day out full of adventure where you’ll feel empowered and inspired to create a better world for wildlife.
Bring your pride to see ours and visit our incredible Asiatic lions in their savannah habitat. Take a trip to Madagascar and wander through our lemur walkthrough habitat, then explore the dense jungles of South-East Asia by boat, and immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and smells of the Monsoon Forest.
Come and see some of our newest and cutest arrivals, with many making their very first appearances, from the critically endangered cotton-top tamarin to the incredibly rare dusky pademelon.
Stop for a bite at one of the many restaurants, cafes and kiosks located throughout the zoo! From classic family friendly dishes to tasty street food.
If you’re looking for something extra special, our contemporary British pub The Oakfield, serves freshly prepared locally sourced food and hand-picked beers, wines and spirits – the perfect accompaniment to your zoo visit.
Join our Zoo Rangers for a jam-packed programme of talks and family-fun events to top up your knowledge of incredible animals across the globe! What’s more, we have plenty of playgrounds and activities to keep the kids (and the kids at heart) happy all day long!
Why not turn your zoo visit into an adventure and book one of our unique Experiences that give you the opportunity to get even closer to our animals and plants with exclusive access and feeding activities? You’ll also gain behind the scenes knowledge from our expert keepers.
Tarporley
Three times Winner of Cheshire's “Visitor Attraction of the Year”, Cotebrook Shire Horse Centre is set in 50 acres in the heart of the beautiful Cheshire countryside, and offers everything for the perfect day out.
Three times Winner of Cheshire's “Visitor Attraction of the Year”, Cotebrook Shire Horse Centre is set in 50 acres in the heart of the beautiful Cheshire countryside, and offers everything for the perfect day out.
Home of the internationally renowned Cotebrook Shire Horse Stud, Alistair King has been breeding champion Shires there for nearly 50 years and they form the centrepiece of the Centre with up to 25 horses at any time for you to meet.
At Cotebrook Shire Horse Centre there is lots to see and do to make your visit interesting and enjoyable. You can learn all about the Shire horse, from its history carrying knights in armour to the important studwork today, ensuring the future of this magnificent breed.
There is an opportunity to meet the horses up close and Alistair does regular talks with a personal introduction to his Shires.
As well as the fabulous Shire horses there is a selection of British animals and birdlife both wild and domesticated including rare breeds. You can wander around the mile long Nature Trail to meet the horses further afield, explore the Wildlife Watch Trail, browse around the gift shop with its unique country gifts and souvenirs, then visit the Lakeside Cafe which offers light lunches and cream teas.
Every spring there is FOAL WATCH which is a video diary of each mare in the weeks and days before she foals. Foal Watch then follows the foals as they grow and explore their new world.
Alistair also offers Shire Horse Experience Days, as featured on BBC1, where you can learn all about preparing a shire for the show ring or explore various aspects of studwork.
A warm welcome is assured all year around, closing only on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
Northwich
Delamere Forest is Cheshire's largest area of woodland and is a place for families to let off steam, escape the crowds, enjoy the stunning views and find peace in the heart of the forest.
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 on the Gruffalo Spotters Trail or enjoying a family bike ride, 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 the brand new 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 new 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 £60 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.
Runcorn
A fascinating combination of historical, archaeological and natural beauty. Medieval monastic ruins, a large Georgian walled garden, woodland walks, pear orchard, and the National Collection of Tree Quince; Cydonia Oblonga.
Now taking bookings for July 4th onwards. Book your tickets here.
Norton Priory Museum & Gardens is a fascinating combination of historical, archaeological and natural beauty. With Medieval monastic ruins, a large Georgian walled garden, and acres of gardens, woodland walks, pear and apple orchards, as well as the National Collection of Tree Quince (Cydonia Oblonga).
The Museum opened in August 2016 following a major renovation thanks to the Heritage Lottery Fund. New exhibitions tell the 900 year story of the site and the people who lived there. It is also home to the giant Saint Christopher statue. Made of sandstone, 12 feet tall and dating from the late 1300s, it has been described as one of the largest and most impressive examplesof sculpture surviving from the fourteenth century.
The Museum's Brooke Cafe serves a range of hot and cold meals and snacks. Open 10am - 5pm (1 March to 31 October) or 11am - 4pm (1 November to 29 February). Built in the 18th century by the Brooke family who owned and lived at Norton Priory from 1545 to the 1920's, the beautiful 2 1/2 acre walled garden features a restored rose walk, colour borders, soft fruit, fruit trees, herb garden, ice house and sculpture trail. Plants and produce including jams and juices are sold at the Gardener's Cottage at the entrance to the garden. There is a Tea Room in the courtyard to the side of the garden.
Set in the relaxing surroundings of the Walled Garden courtyard, the tea room offers teas and coffees, homemade ice-cream and cakes. The courtyard is also where the famous Norton Priory Ale is brewed. Open 10am - 5pm (1 March to 31 October) the Tea Room is closed from 1 November - 29 February.
Events on throughout the year.
Information for Groups:
Group rates for the whole site from August 2016 onwards are £5 per person with tours at £25 per tour. Tours of the museum and ruins, or the walled garden, are available. Tours with the Head Gardener or Curatorial staff can be arranged upon request. Opening times until the end of March 2017, 11am – 4pm. April to end October 10am – 5pm. However, tours can be arranged at any time but a surcharge may apply for evening bookings.
Ellesmere Port
Trendsetters, foodies, label lovers, it’s time to make some noise for the infamous McArthurGlen Designer Outlet, Cheshire Oaks.
Discover a host of premium services at Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet.
Make your day even easier: from booking appointments at your favourite brands so you can shop at the most convenient time for you, shop handsfree with Dropit who can collect and safely store your shopping bags and you can also reserve your own parking space, discover your new favourite services to brighten your day.
Trendsetters, foodies, label lovers, it’s time to make some noise for the infamous McArthurGlen Designer Outlet, Cheshire Oaks. So what’s the latest? Well, MORE. There are more stores, more choice and much more to discover. The open air shopping centre is home to over 140 designer and premium brands, offering up to 60% off RRP. Not to mention, they’ve made your day out even easier with free parking, handsfree shopping and extended opening hours. It doesn’t stop there. The new facilities also include a brand new play area and Under the Oak festival, including a rooftop terrace just in time for the summer months, ready to unwind with a cocktail and street food.
Fashion lovers, rejoice! There’s hundreds of brands to shop at McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Cheshire Oaks. From iconic designer brands such as Burberry and Polo Ralph Lauren to everyday leisurewear from Nike and Adidas. Get a taste for luxury at PINKO, or stock up on signature underwear and more at Calvin Klein. Check out Jigsaw for this season’s trends, must-have footwear at Kurt Geiger, Tommy Hilfiger jeans, Mulberry for all your accessories and elevated basics at Levi’s too. And if all that wasn’t enough, the coolest high-end streetwear waits for you at one of the centre’s newest brand’s, Champion.
Stay connected and fully charged with complimentary wi-fi and portable phone chargers, plus if you’re shopping in a group of 10 or more, receive an additional 10% off through the McArthurGlen Club. Visit Guest Services to activate before shopping.
Chester
Its bewitching beauty and unique atmosphere make the city one of Britain's most popular places for an unforgettable short break.
Its bewitching beauty and unique atmosphere make the city one of Britain's most popular places for an unforgettable short break.
The ancient city is a truly breathtaking experience. Each chapter of Chester's history is etched into the very fabric of the city. Well, you are walking where Roman Legionaires marched to war, Viking raiders wreaked havoc and Norman invaders conquered Angle Saxons.
Chester has the most complete city walls, the oldest racecourse and the largest Roman Amphitheatre in Britain, plus a 1000 year old Cathedral with Europe's finest example of medieval carvings - and of course the one and only 700 year old Rows galleries where shopping is a double delight.
You'll find stores galore offering the hottest fashion in Chester all set against a background of unique treasures of antiquity and a vibrant cafe culture where outdoor dining and people watching go hand in hand.
Make time too for Chester Zoo, the most visited UK attraction outside London and home to 7000 animals in acres of glorious gardens or slow the pace down and explore the city aborad an open top bus tour.
Time your visit to see one of Chester's many events and festivals for an extra special treat - nobody quite does parades like Chester!
From | To | Distance * (metric) |
---|---|---|
Boulder Hut (53.29157,-2.91522) | Anderton Boat Lift (53.2745,-2.52763) | 23.28 |
Anderton Boat Lift (53.2745,-2.52763) | Dunham Massey (NT) (53.38188,-2.40134) | 13.15 |
Dunham Massey (NT) (53.38188,-2.40134) | Tatton Park (53.33615,-2.38866) | 4.64 |
Tatton Park (53.33615,-2.38866) | The Ice Cream Farm (53.13241,-2.75059) | 29.8 |
The Ice Cream Farm (53.13241,-2.75059) | Chester Zoo (53.22551,-2.87758) | 12.05 |
Chester Zoo (53.22551,-2.87758) | Cotebrook Shire Horse Centre (53.18137,-2.64378) | 14.71 |
Cotebrook Shire Horse Centre (53.18137,-2.64378) | Delamere Forest (53.22871,-2.67853) | 5.18 |
Delamere Forest (53.22871,-2.67853) | Norton Priory Museum & Gardens (53.34196,-2.68033) | 11.35 |
Norton Priory Museum & Gardens (53.34196,-2.68033) | Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet (53.26362,-2.88124) | 14.36 |
Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet (53.26362,-2.88124) | Chester (53.19105,-2.89212) | 7.3 |
Total Distance * | 135.8 miles | |
Estimated Journey Time | 4.37 hours |
* Approximate distance by road