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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
2 play areas; junior area and enclosed toddler area; small car park; bowling green; tennis courts
Ryleys Lane, Alderley Edge, Cheshire, SK9 7UY
For over 100 years trains travelled along the Biddulph Valley Way carrying coal from the Potteries to Congleton. Today walkers, cyclists and horse riders enjoy this tranquil route away from the roads.
Car Park Off Brook Street,Congleton,Cheshire,CW12 1RG
Award winning farm on the edge of the Peak District.
Free; fully working farm; nature trail walks (partly accessible to buggies); picnics not allowed but tea room with indoor and outdoor seating; famous for its ice cream; slide and tractor to play on.
Wildboarclough, Macclesfield SK11 0BL
T: 01260 227229
Gardens, nursery, wildflower meadows and bluebell woods. Tearoom.
Bluebell Cottage Lodge Lane Dutton Nr Warrington Cheshire WA4 4HP
T: 01928 713718
Vantage point to see aircraft in the air or on the ground adjacent to Manchester Airport’s taxiways. Raised viewing mounds, accessible facilities, refreshments, souvenirs and a small visitor centre.
T: 01625 534791
Nice little park but no facilities (toilet/baby changing)
“Good for toddlers”
“Loved it”
79 Palmerston St, Bollington, Macclesfield SK10 5PW
Over 50 acres of mainly silver birch and oak woodland surrounding a 15 acre lake as well as areas of heathland, a wildflower meadow and wetland areas. A wealth of bird life, particularly in the woodland. Great spotted woodpeckers, nuthatch, treecreepers, kingfisher, heron, great crested grebe, goldfinch are just a few of our regular sightings.
Nice wooded area and open space for children to play safely, ideal for picnics, great place for kids to explore nature.
Davenport St, Davenport, Congleton CW12 4SU
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
19th-century castle gardens with lakeside walks, a play area, llamas and pygmy goats.
Cholmondeley Castle Malpas Cheshire SY14 8AH
T:01829 720383
Lovely large green open spaces; small car park (road parking when full); pretty flower displays; cafe; playground equipment largely suitable for toddlers; free neighbouring paddling pool
“Congleton Park is great for kids’
“The children’s playground is excellent”
19 Park Rd, Congleton CW12 1DS
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
Nice local park; new equipment (installed summer 2017); ground can get very muddy in wet weather (bear in mind if taking a buggy)
“Really lovely park that I wouldn’t have known about had my friend not taken me there”
Cop Meadow, Sutton, Macclesfield SK11 0EA
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
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
Tudor Manor House with covered garden
Church Ln, Gawsworth, Macclesfield SK11 9RN
T 01260 223456
Tennis park; mini soccer pitch; 2 play areas (one for ages 1-6; 1 for ages 6-12); fully enclosed toddler area; nice flat paths for scooting, buggies etc; well looked after
“Gawsworth Park is lovely”
“Fantastic place”
Church Ln, Gawsworth, Macclesfield SK11 9RJ
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
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
Lovely little park which is usually very quiet; lots of grass for them to run round on; short walk to Flora tea Rooms (but beware – no path)
“Gorgeous park”
“Hidden gem, didn’t know it was there”
Church Ln, Henbury, Macclesfield SK11 9NN
Small park close to Broken Cross Methodist Church; very toddler friendly and small enough for them to run around whilst you keep an eye on them from the bench; surrounded by a grassy area where they can run off some steam; safety aspect makes it a good option if you’re flying solo with baby and toddler; there is a car park but its intended for people using the Pavilion rather than the park and is locked when the Pavilion is not in use in which case walk there if possible or park on nearby roads
“Safe for my toddler”
“Love this park”
Off Whirley Road, Macclesfield, SK10 3GH
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
Barlow Road, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 4BS
Family run farm with animals to see, indoor and outdoor play barns, mini golf and nature walk.
“Lovely staff”
“A great, affordable day out with the kids”
Clay Lane Crewe CW1 5SQ
T: 07775 758725
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
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 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.
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
Open air pool in the grounds of Marvury Park – need to be a member but membership open to all (child memberships can only be purchased alongside an adult membership.)
Marbury Lane, Northwich CW9 6AT
T: 01606 77893
Poynton Park is situated just a few minutes walk from the centre of Poynton village with a pool, lots of trees and ample wildlife. Nice waterside walks, nice spots for a picnic. The Park covers 21 hectares.
4 Park Ln, Poynton, Stockport SK12 1RE
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.
Boating now available during the summer months – weekends, bank holidays and school holidays; Toilets, including disabled and baby changing in lakeside pavilion; Children’s play area; Bug Hotel; Outdoor gym; Ornamental lake; Crown green bowling; Boules; Refurbished lodges; Bandstand; hosts lots of events throughout the year; cafe.
“Lovely park”
“Great for children”
“Very tidy park”
Victoria Avenue Crewe Cheshire CW2 7SE
Open weekends and school holidays Reaseheath’s Mini Zoo is set in the scenic rural grounds of Reaseheath College.
Species from around the world, keeper talks and zoo experiences.
We are only open to the public only during school holidays and at weekends. Make sure you check our holiday dates!
Rease Heath, Nantwich CW5 6DG
T: 01270 613222
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
Organic shop and cafe.
Children’s play area and animals to visit and feed.
Manor Ln, Davenham, Northwich , CW97RH
T: 01606 46258
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
Cheshire country house with collection of English porcelain and extensive gardens.
Church Lane, Scholar Green Stoke-on-Trent ST7 3QP
T: 01270 873237
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
Two play areas – 0-8 and 8-14; outdoor gym; concrete table tennis table; picnic area; toilets with baby changing facilities; park at ‘The Commons’ car park in the town centre (park is adjacent to town centre); large open green; tennis courts; bowling green; toilet and baby changing facilities
“Lots of play equipment for all ages”
“Very, very good for kids”
The Commons, Sandbach, Cheshire, CW11 1FJ
Large park in Macclesfield with range of facilities including 2 play areas, 2 bowling greens, pitch and putt course, tennis courts, football/basketball courts; no cafe but a lovely vintage van in the car park serving hot and cold drinks and snacks (fabulous crepes!); large free car park; childrens’ tennis lessons; in warmer weather pop round the corner to Granelli’s Cream Ices on Newton Street to cool down with one of their amazing ice creams!
“Great for kids”
“Lovely big park”
Park Vale Rd, Macclesfield SK11 8AD
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
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
Two children’s play areas – one with the usual equipment and one made from wood; tennis court; skate park; ice cream van in the warmer months; toilet (20p charge); baby changing facilities; small café; River Bollin runs through the park – shallow enough in places for the kids to paddle (river bed can be spiky so take suitable footwear); lovely walk along river to Styal Mill; plenty of picturesque picnic spots; there isn’t much shade so take your own on sunny days; outdoor gym; pay and display car park
“It has everything”
“Great Park”
18 Cliff Rd, Wilmslow SK9 4AA
Outdoor adventure playground.
Guy Lane, Waverton Chester, Cheshire CH3 7PH
T: 01244 336084
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
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
Pay and display parking opposite, free street parking just outside; toddler and junior play areas; picnic area; promenade seating with views across the pool; ducks; large open grassy area; very close to town centre (2 minute walk); separate toddler and older play areas; nice walk around the water
“Great little park for the kids to play in”
“Fab park for kids and adults”
Knutsford WA16 6JD
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
A peaceful spot where families can picnic on the edge of young woodland. Water from Timbers Brook was once used to power the silk mill and the old Mill Pool is now a locally important breeding pond for toads.
Smallish car park; picnic tables; no toilets on site
Timbersbrook Picnic Area, Car Park off Weathercock Lane Timbersbrook, Congleton, CW12 3PP
T: 01260 297237
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
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
Good toddler section; woods to play in
“Lovely Park”
Sandwich Drive, Tytherington
Nice play area but small-ish; quiet; roadside parking (Buxton Road)
“Well kept park”
“Nice Play area for the kids”
Norton Street, Nr Buxton Road, Macclesfield, SK10 1GA
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).
We’re very proud to be a real working farm with an array of animals. We have over 130 cattle, sheep, pigs and chickens (great for the kids to come and visit!) and our farm is located across 140 acres of fields and countryside.
Here at Waugh Brow Farm we have our very own snack shack right in the middle of our farm yard.
“Brilliant with kids”
“Family friendly”
Waugh Brow Farm Shop, Smith Ln, Knutsford WA16 6JZ
T: 01565 872208
NB – Snack Shack and farm yard fun area are only open on Saturday and Sunday until the spring time
Large park in Macclesfield with playground, bowling green, ornamental gardens and skate park; nice cafe; toilets (but no baby changing facilities); cafe has small soft play room at the back; dedicated toddlers play area with safe climbing structures and sand pit; small car park at the back of the park but plenty of parking at Sainsbury’s next door (2 hours free)
“Great cafe”
“Lovely park with lots to do for all ages”
Prestbury Road, Macclesfield, SK10 3BJ
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
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
