Days Out

Museums, Attractions & Gardens

Below is a list of family friendly places, days out and things to do with kids in Cheshire and specifically in Macclesfield, Alderley Edge, Prestbury, Knutsford, Wilmslow, Poynton, Congleton, Sandbach and surrounding areas.  Includes National Trust and Farms in Cheshire.


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Adlington Hall

One of the most beautiful country homes in England, Adlington Hall reflects both the history of English architecture and the 700-year story of a single family, the Leghs.

Small maze to entertain the little ones but overall probably better suited to adults/ older children.

Mill Lane, Adlington, Macclesfield SK10 4LF

T: 01625 827 595

Air Raid Shelters Stockport

The Stockport Air Raid Shelters are a system of almost 1 mile of underground air-raid shelters dug under Stockport, six miles south of Manchester, during World War II to protect local inhabitants during air raids.

61 Chestergate, SK1 1NE

T: 0161 474 1940

Alderley Edge

Walk the dramatic red sandstone escarpment of Alderley Edge, with views over the Cheshire Plain to the Peak District. Explore woodland paths or walk to neighbouring Hare Hill Garden.

Suitable for young children. Buggy friendly in the most part. Car park can fill up very quickly.

Macclesfield Road, Nether Alderley, Macclesfield, Cheshire, SK10 4UB

01625 584412

Anson Engine Museum

The award winning museum houses a unique collection of over 250 gas and oil engines, many maintained in running order. Ranging from early Crossley gas engines through to more modern diesels. Engine enthusiasts from all over the world come to visit this fascinating museum.

The museum is open every Friday & Sunday between 1st April- 28th October

Anson Engine Museum Anson Road Poynton Cheshire SK12 1TD UK

Bents Garden and Home, Glazebury

Children’s Play Area, walk in the woods, beautiful gardens, Jurassic Cove Adventure Golf, cafe.

Warrington Rd, Leigh End, Glazebury, Warrington WA3 5NT

T: 01942 266300

Bluebell Cottage Gardens, Warrington

Gardens, nursery, wildflower meadows and bluebell woods. Tearoom.

Bluebell Cottage Lodge Lane Dutton Nr Warrington Cheshire WA4 4HP

T: 01928 713718

Bollington Discovery Centre

Discovery Centre for Bollington. It is located on the canal side at Clarence mill, bringing together the history of this and other great mills of Bollington, the Macclesfield canal and showing their place and importance to the town.

Canal 5 Clarence Mill Bollington SK10 5JZ

T: 01625 572985

Bunbury Mill, Tarporley

Restored water mill in two acres of wildlife-rich countryside.

Bunbury Water Mill Mill Lane Bowes Gate Rd, Bunbury Cheshire CW6 9PP

T: 01829 733244

Castle Park House and Gardens

Castle Park offers a breath of opportunities for all the family including bowling green, play area, garden and tennis courts. A great family day out in Cheshire.

Castle Park, Fountain Lane, Frodsham WA6 6SA

Cholmondeley Castle, Malpas

19th-century castle gardens with lakeside walks, a play area, llamas and pygmy goats.

Cholmondeley Castle Malpas Cheshire SY14 8AH

T:01829 720383

Coombes Valley Nature Reserve

Coombes Valley is a wonderful woodland reserve. It’s perfect for nature enthusiasts to explore and for families to have fun and play together outdoors – there is a play trail through the woods which keeps the Mini Mumblers busy for ages!

RSPB Coombes valley and Consall woods, Bradnop, Leek, ST13 7EU

Cotebrook Shire Horse Centre, Tarporley

Meet the horses, explore the Wildlife Watch Trail and Woodland area, browse the gift shop, visit the Lakeside Cafe which offers light lunches and cream teas.

Eaton Ln, Tarporley CW6 9DP

T : 01829 760506

Cuckooland, Knutsford

Museum that exhibits mainly cuckoo clocks

Cuckoo Land The Old School Chester Road Tabley Cheshire WA16 0HL

T 01565 633039

Dunge Valley Gardens, Kettleshulme

A beautiful garden in the rolling Pennine hills.

High Peak, Kettleshulme SK23 7RF

T 01663 733787

Dunham Massey

18th century house. Relax in the garden and explore its historic features and see the herd of fallow deer.

Wooden play area, beautiful gardens and lots of space for kids to run around, family area in the restaurant with toys/books to entertain little ones.

Woodhouse Ln, Altrincham WA14 4SJ

T: 0161 941 1025

Gauntlet Bird Of Prey, Eagle And Vulture Park, Knutsford

Home to over 40 different species including eagle, Falcon and owl plus other small animals such as ferrets and meerkats; regular flying displays; meet/greet and feed the birds; cafe; playground and sandpit.

A great family day out in Cheshire

Kids parties hosted.

Gauntlet Birds of Prey Manchester Road Knutsford WA16 0SX

T: 01565 754419

Gawsworth Hall and Gardens, Macclesfield

Tudor Manor House with covered garden

Church Ln, Gawsworth, Macclesfield SK11 9RN

T 01260 223456

Glebe Farm, Congleton

At Glebe Farm there is something for everyone – a great family day out.

Free; parking free and plentiful; picnics not allowed but child friendly cafe; tractor rides; play area largely toddler friendly; indoor barn; area for small animals;farm shop

Kids parties hosted.

Peel Ln, Congleton CW12 4RQ

T: 01260 273916

Gulliver’s World, Warrington

Large scale theme park comprising themed areas.  The park’s attractions were designed for children between the ages of 2 and 13.

Splash Zone, Roller Zone and Blast Arena (NERF target range, laser tag and bazooka archery) are additional attractions located next to the main theme park.

Shackleton Cl, Old Hall, Warrington WA5 9YZ

T: 01925 444888

Hack Green Secret Nuclear Bunker, Nantwich

Discover the secret underground world of Government and be transported back into the Cold War in this this vast underground complex.

French Lane, Nantwich
T: 01270 629219

Hare Hill, Macclesfield

Enjoy Charles Brocklehurst’s informal garden as it comes alive in spring; snowdrops, narcissi and cyclamen lead the way, and are soon followed by the vibrant colour of rhododendrons, magnolias, and azaleas. The walled garden has been restored in line with Brocklehurst’s vision, and now the white perennial borders sing out in summer. On warm days, enjoy following the hare trail through the woods, followed by a picnic. Autumn provides a great opportunity for invigorating walks around the garden and surrounding parkland.

Kids can run around safely – some (but not all) walks are unsuitable for buggies.

Macclesfield SK10 4PY

T: 01625827534

Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre

The Discovery Centre is a great day out for all the family. You can explore the wonders of the universe and learn more about the workings of the giant Lovell Telescope. The Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre Gardens are a great family-friendly space, perfect for a picnic, a gentle walk or, even for burning off some energy.

Lots of interactive activities but probably best for children aged 5 and up. Younger children can run around in the gardens and on the play area.

The University of Manchester, Macclesfield SK11 9DL

T: 01477 571 766

Kenyon Hall Farm

As a family-run farm we’re proud to offer a friendly place to visit for people of all ages and there’s always something to enjoy, whatever the time of year!

Farm shop; maze; seasonal pick your own; outdoor play area; junior farmer sessions (prebook); cafe which comes highly recommended.

Winwick Ln, Croft, Warrington WA3 7ED

T: 01925 765531

Little Moreton Hall, Congleton

Seeing the tumbling architecture of Little Moreton Hall for the first time, engineers in 1990 could not believe their eyes. Fortunately this timber-framed building, curled around with a scenic moat, has defied logic for over 500 years.

Nestled at the back of the hall is the manicured knot garden.  You’ll also find herbs and vegetables that the Tudors would have used for their cooking and medicines. We use seasonal produce from the garden in Mrs Dale’s Tea Room and The Little Tea Room.

Family friendly with lots of space for picnics.

Congleton, Cheshire, CW12 4SD

T: 01260 272018

Little World for Scholars, Altrincham

Little World for Scholars is a magical role play centre where children can create their stories in the human, natural and imaginary world.

28 Stamford New Road, Altrincham, WA14 1EJ

T: 0161 888 2225

Lyme Park, Stockport

Lovely woodland walks and pretty gardens to explore; large lakes (including the one that Colin Firth’s Mr Darcey strode out of in Pride and Prejudice) home to ducks and geese; large play area (but note this isn’t particularly toddler friendly and is probably better suited to older kids); good cafe with indoor and outdoor seating and a grassy area to eat picnics where the little ones can run around safely; woodland trails for £1 per child; large car park; keep your eyes peeled for the red deer that live on the estate

Disley, Stockport SK12 2NR

T: 01663762023

Macclesfield Forest

Macclesfield Forest is a working forest located in the east of Cheshire close to Macclesfield and Langley and Wildboarclough Villages. The forest has four reservoirs and both of the highest points in Cheshire are close by making for great walks with stunning views.

Being a forest many areas aren’t ideal for pushchairs and slings would be your best bet if the kids are small enough. The route round the reservoir near the Leather Smithy pub is often mentioned as being pretty buggy friendly. Alternatively, pick up a map from the information shelter – the brown route around Ridgegate Reservoir is accessible with pushchairs as is the small loop of the yellow route opposite the ranger station.

Marbury Park, Northwich

Large park with mere, picnic areas, playground, community orchard and car park. here is an outdoor pool on site but you need to be a member.

“A great walk with the children”

“Great for Dog Walking and Families”

Marbury Lane, Northwich CW9 6AT

T: 01606 77741

Nantwich Museum

The Museum’s main galleries tell the story of Nantwich through the ages – Roman salt making, Tudor Nantwich’s Great Fire and the more recent shoe and clothing industries.

Children’s workshops take place during school holidays/

Pillory St, Nantwich CW5 5BQ

T: 01270 627104

Nether Alderley Mill

This charming rustic mill is one of only four virtually complete corn mills in Cheshire. Take a guided tour of Nether Alderley Mill, and learn all about the process of milling and hear fascinating stories about the lives of the millers.

Probably better suited to adults/older children.

Congleton Road, Nether Alderley, Macclesfield, Cheshire, SK10 4TW

01625 527468

Peak Wildlife Park

Our large walkthroughs allow you to come face to face with exotic and endangered animals from across three continents.

Walk amongst and touch many of the animals (brush a goat!); outdoor play area; indoor soft play area with ride ons; cafe; picnic area.

A great family day out near Cheshire.

Winkhill, Leek ST13 7QR

T: 01538 308 880

Quarry Bank Mill and Styal Estate

Discover what it was like to work in a cotton mill. In the restored glasshouse and kitchen garden, you can see the array of exotic fruits and vegetables that were grown for the wealthy Gregs’ table. By contrast, take a guided tour of the Apprentice House to step into the lives of the pauper children who worked in the mill. Acres of woodland to explore.

Regular activities put on for children; they can also run around the gardens and use the play areas.

Reddish Vale Farm

Reddish Vale Farm was set up to give children a unique insight into life in the countryside. Our farm has a variety of animals, including horses, cows, sheep, goats, pigs, llamas, alpacas and chickens.

Country Park, Reddish Vale Rd, Stockport SK5 7HE

Kids parties hosted.

T: 0161 480 1645

Riverside Park, Macclesfield

70 acre linear park alongside the River Bollin between Macclesfield and Prestbury.

A large area of the park is wild flower rich grassland that is grazed by cattle.

“Lovely walk popular with families and dog walkers”

“Great place for tadpole catching and stream paddling”

“The kids love seeing the ons up close”

Beechwood Mews, off Manchester Road, Tytherington, Macclesfield, SK10 2SL

Rode Hall and Gardens

Cheshire country house with collection of English porcelain and extensive gardens.

Church Lane, Scholar Green Stoke-on-Trent ST7 3QP

T: 01270 873237

 

Rudyard Lake, Leek

Beautiful lake offering watersports and lovely walks.

Paid car parking available but limited; mini steam railway; cafe; toilets and changing facilities; some walks not great for buggies so double check before you start.

“Great for family days out”

“Fantastic Steam train for the kids and great dog walks”

Rudyard, Staffordshire

 

 

 

Runway Visitor Park, Manchester Airport

Take a front row seat to watch the planes take-off, enjoy a restaurant with a view like no other, take home a souvenir and round the day off with a guided tour of BA’s flagship Concorde.

Free entry (but pay for parking); play area; cafe but picnics permitted; ice cream stalls in warmer weather; seasonal fairground; some of the viewing hills aren’t buggy friendly but one has a ramp so head to that with your pushchair.

Science and Industry Museum, Manchester

Caters for all ages – older kids will enjoy the demonstrations and hands on experiments and for really little ones theres are special activities designed to use the power of play to spark their imaginations, soft play and baby sensory. Kids menu in Cafe.

Science and Industry Museum Liverpool Road, Manchester, M3 4FP

T: 0161 832 2244

Splash Zone at Gullivers World

The water isn’t deep enough to swim in, it’s simply a splashingly good time for the whole family!

There is a designated toddlers water play session – Splash Tots is available Friday (12 – 3pm) throughout term time.

Kids parties hosted.

Gulliver’s World, Warrington, WA5 9YZ

T: 01925 444 888

Tatton Park

Located in 1,000 acres of the most beautiful deer park. Uncover centuries of history at the Medieval Old Hall or visit the Mansion. Wander at leisure through glorious Gardens and take the kids to meet very special rare breed animals at the working Farm.

Play area suitable for toddlers, interactive farm and lots of space for kids to run around

NB – parking charges apply even to NT members

Knutsford WA16 6SG

Tegg’s Nose Country Park, Macclesfield

Enjoy exhilarating views over the Cheshire Plain; on a clear day you can see Liverpool’s cathedrals and Welsh hills beyond. The car park provides an excellent base for numerous walks and throughout the year there are many events taking place at the visitor centre.

Tea room; toilet with baby changing facilities

NB – Different walks available many of which are not buggy friendly – terrain is uneven and some paths are steep so check before you go with buggy

Buxton Old Road, Macclesfield SK11 0AP

01625 374833

The Crocky Trail, Waverton, Chester

Outdoor adventure playground.

Guy Lane, Waverton Chester, Cheshire CH3 7PH

T: 01244 336084

The Heights of Abraham

Hilltop park reached by cable car, with cavern tours, walking trails, fossil exhibitions and cafe.

” a lovely place with lots to do”

“great day out”

Dale Rd, Matlock Bath, Matlock DE4 3NT

T: 01629 582365

The Ice Cream Farm

The Ice Cream Farm is a family friendly tourist attraction bursting with all of the fun you need for a great day out.

Great for younger children and toddlers.

Kids parties hosted.

The Ice Cream Farm, Newton Lane, Tattenhall, Chester, Cheshire CH3 9NE

T: 0800 133 7000

The Lovell Quinta Arboretum and Nature Reserve, Congleton

Arboretum full of 2,500 trees and shrubs.  Two walks to try – one long and one short. £2.50 donation. Lots of things for kids to play with – sticks, tree stumps, dens etc.  A great few hours out.

The Lovell Quinta Arboretum is located behind the Swettenham Arms Swettenham Lane, Swettenham Village, Near Congleton, Cheshire CW12 2LF

Pavilion Gardens

Two play areas, one specifically for toddlers; very child friendly cafe with small soft play section; miniature railway; stream for paddling; ample parking (need to pay for); baby changing facilities

“Low cost and enjoyable day out”

“Fab and loads to do”

St John’s Rd, Buxton SK17 6BE

01298 23114

Tittesworth Water, Stoke on Trent

Tittesworth Water is situated near to Leek.  Open all year round with a broad range of activities for those who enjoy the outdoors.

The site is open every day except Christmas Day. The opening hours of the visitor centre are: Apr – Sept 10am – 6pm. Feb, Mar, Oct, 10am -5pm. Nov, Dec, Jan 10am – 4pm.

Meerbrook, Stoke-On-Trent, United Kingdom ST13 8SW

T: 01538 300188

Trentham Monkey Forest, Staffordshire

Home to 140 free roaming Barbary macaques.  Visitors walk the 3/4 of a mile woodland path and see the monkeys living just as they would in the wild, with no cages or bars.

Trentham Estate, Stone Rd, Tittensor, Stoke-on-Trent ST12 9HR

T: 01782 659845

Walton Hall and Gardens, Warrington

Beautiful Grounds and manicured lawns.

The park has a children’s play area, children’s zoo, pitch and putt, adventure golf, bowling and a coffee shop (some attractions are seasonal).

Walton Hall, Walton Lea Road, Higher Walton Warrington, England
T: 01925 262908

Water World

The UK’s No.1 Tropical Aqua Park. Water World is an epic adventure for the whole family to enjoy.

Kids parties hosted.

Waterworld Leisure, Festival Park, Etruria, Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire, ST1 5PU

T: 01782 205747

Weaver Hall Museum and Workhouse Northwich

Lots for children to do. Find out about workhouse food, discover some of the people who lived in the workhouse and visit the recreated Master’s sitting room. Challenge yourselves with our workhouse quiz or test your observation skills looking for important objects with our I-Spy trail.  Dress up and imagine yourselves as workhouse inmates learning all about the 3 Rs!

162 London Road, Northwich, Cheshire CW9 8AB

T: 01606 271640

 

Wheelock Hall Farm, Sandbach

Wheelock Hall Farm is a family run business based in Sandbach and we have a number of activities for all ages whether you are a youngster or just young at heart.

Petting farm; variety of animals including pigs, sheep, cows, donkeys and chickens; outdoor play area; farm shop; cafe; indoor soft play area; plenty of parking

Crewe Rd, Sandbach CW11 4RE

T: 01270 764230

White Peak Alpacas, Mobberley

See alpacas, ponies, llama and wallabies; gift shop selling alpaca wool items; enthusiastic, helpful owners; only open at weekends but call if you want to visit on a weekday as they will open for you if they can

Paddock Hill, Mobberley, Knutsford WA16 7DB

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