Chester Zoo
One of the UK’s largest and most popular animal paradises, Chester Zoo has been a fantastic day out for the whole family for decades. Astonishingly home to over twenty thousand animals from five hundred varieties of species, the attraction allows children to be immersed in the characteristics of animals from around the globe. With the zoo divided into zones based on the animals' native habitats, the information is easily digestible for younger kids, making it simple for them to learn and enjoy. For instance, the African Plains, Islands, and Tropical Realm are all named with the hope they mimic the species’ natural habitats. Get close to penguins playing and living amid crystal waters and icy conditions to mimic the more southern points of the world and walk through ‘Butterfly House’ where you can interact with the kaleidoscopic colours of butterflies filling the air. The zoo is practical for any-sized families, with plenty of baby-changing facilities, family bathrooms, and stroller rentals to make for the most convenient visit.
Enjoy one of the animal talks or feeding sessions run daily in the zoo and let the curious out in the wildlife enthusiasts among your family. Children can enjoy learning interesting facts from zookeepers presenting the shows and sessions. There are various themed trails throughout the land, like the Wildlife Explorer and Rainforest Adventure, for younger ones to learn the significance and preservation of specific landscapes and ecosystems.
Delamere Forest
Near the town of Frodsham in Cheshire, about twelve miles from the central Chester town, Delamere Forest covers over two thousand acres of green space. The mix of deciduous and coniferous trees intertwined with diverse wetlands, ponds, and heathland makes for the perfect place for woodland walks all together. Amble through the landscapes and paths where you can hopefully spot the array of diverse wildlife finding home here. From birds like woodpeckers and nuthatches to mammals like deer, foxes, and badgers, there are so many things to see across the forestland. Take on popular routes around the scenic Blakemere Moss Lake and the landscape even have dedicated cycle routes for families that prefer life on two wheels! With bike, helmet, and trailer rental available, it’s the perfect way to have an active day out amid natural beauty.
Are there any book lovers among the younger ones? Head on the self-led trail based on the popular book, The Gruffalo, where the whole family can be immersed in finding markers and completing activities relating to the renowned tale. The forest is home to a Go Ape treetop adventure for the older ones to fulfil their adrenaline and feel like Tarzan for the day! Climb and scramble through ropes connecting to the treetops and jump through the high branch canopies; the most exhilarating day out for everyone.
Cheshire Canal Boat Trip
A unique way to see a lot in one day is by canal boat hire in Cheshire, which is sure to keep little ones enthralled. Hop off at the sites that take your fancy and experience family life aboard calm canal currents. Head to the Anderton Lift for a distinct vertical spectacle that connects both the River Weaver and the Trent and Mersey Canals. The site hosts an immersive visitor centre with a café and activities for the children to enjoy. Stroll through Cheshire's cobblestone narrow streets, lined with Tudor-time façades and Roman walls. With a boat for the day, embrace the flexibility of being able to go exactly at the pace to suit you and yours. If you’re really feeling adventurous, you could even head all the way to Manchester via the Bridgewater Canal, which is lock-free.
Beeston Castle
Standing in Beeston, around twelve miles southeast of Chester, Beeston Castle is renowned for its strategic importance during medieval times and its role in various conflicts since. Today, the ruins are positioned on a sandstone cliff that provides panoramic views throughout the county and even into the Welsh mountains on clear days. It's an ideal location for families to learn how such important architecture has evolved, and kids will enjoy pretending to be the ruler for the day! With the castle often hosting treasure hunts and themed trails suited to younger ones, keep up-to-date with offerings for the most perfect day. There are designated picnic spots around where families can enjoy time together with a packed lunch in tow, and the adults can even get the perfect caffeine fix from the local café.
Cheshire Ice Cream Farm
Just a short drive out of Chester city centre, Cheshire Ice Cream Farm combines the world’s largest ice cream shop with both indoor and outdoor play attractions to suit children. This is sure to be the ideal spot to keep everyone grinning from ear to ear, with indoor soft play for younger ones and outdoor mini golf for the whole family to enjoy together. With a low entry fee in but so much to do for the whole day, spend quality time together amid the traditional British countryside and embrace fun-filled time, no matter the weather. Plus, it wouldn’t be a true visit without creating your perfect ice cream out of over fifty flavours!
Summary
For a quaint getaway combining all the best of English countryside, infrastructure, and adventure, Cheshire is your calling card. Devour the quintessential charm and soak up the wealth of things to do all together. The county awaits you and yours.
Ashley Pugh ;
Ashley Pugh is one of the Co-Founders of Familydaysout.com and has been committed to writing family related content since 2008. There isn't much about family attractions that Ashley doesn't know, after visiting hundreds of them worldwide over the last 20 years.
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