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Original poster

Days out in the north-west with a toddler

29 replies

Hotcrossbunhero · 16/06/2023 14:57

Just after any extra inspiration on places to visit in NW England.
Had a lovely (if hot) trip out to the runway visitor centre at Manchester airport with my 2.5 year old - can really recommend as you only pay for parking and can take picnics so no extra expense. Nice playground and plenty of space outside. Plus I like watching the planes…
Would love to hear any other recommendations!

OP posts:
Original poster
Hotcrossbunhero · 18/06/2023 21:08

AliasGrape · 16/06/2023 22:36

I agree Walton Hall is great, we really like it there.

The Garden House in Marple - volunteer run community farm with a good play area - there’s also a cafe but it’s not brilliant, but you can take a picnic. Nice to park in Marple and do the river walk to the place itself. The river is ok for paddling too - we used to do a forest school toddler session there although I think they’ve moved sites now.

Bramhall Park is also lovely, has a play area, some woodland, a duck pond - but paths are good for pushchairs or scooters/ balance bikes.

Southport - I really like it as a day out, the beach maybe isn’t the best but it’s got a nice boating lake, arcades, great play area. Shame the pier is closed at the moment, I’m not sure how long for though so worth a google.

Buxton - pavilion gardens have a good play area, a train at the weekend/ in the summer, sometimes extra things like fairground rides or bouncy castles, boating lake, cafe in the pavilion itself or a little kiosk for ice creams/ drinks on the other side, or you can take a picnic or lots of cafes in the town centre.

Some of the garden centres have little trains - High Legh near Knutsford is a good one, also has an animatronic dinosaur in the cafe plus you can look at the fish etc. Also Brookside Garden centre in Poynton - you could visit there and also drop in at Torkington park which I think has free parking, and a lovely cafe/ ice cream place backing onto it.

Lyme Park has a great play area. Still free to park if NT member.

Thanks - I tried to do the Garden House a good while back now but chickened out as it was absolutely pouring it down when I arrived. I’d forgotten about it so will take another look. Marple is lovely and I do like a canal / river walk.

OP posts:
Original poster
Hotcrossbunhero · 18/06/2023 21:09

bluesky45 · 16/06/2023 22:56

If you have Instagram there's an account called kidsupnorth (I'm fairly sure!) that posts absolutely loads of day out ideas, parks etc and gives all the details like parking, food etc. Basically like this thread but with even more ideas! I've had loads of good ideas from there.
I'll add Worden park in Leyland is great, there's an amazing play area, cafe is fairly new and nice, maze, normal park paths good for bikes or scooters plus walks through the woods with a river, nice for paddling on a hot day.
Martin mere in Burscough has been mentioned a few times, expensive but a good day out. Take a change of clothes for after the water play at the end!
Windmill farm, again in Burscough is nice, again expensive but everywhere seems to be.
Blackpool zoo is nice as it's not too big so it's easy for little legs. Take your own food. Use Tesco vouchers to get in for free, a few quid to park.
Knowsley safari park is a fun day out too.
Delamere as mentioned above for walks/bike rides.
Formby for the beach.
Ice cream farm in Cheshire we thought was overpriced. Most of the activities weren't really worth what you paid for them. However, the water and sand play building there was amazing and we loved that!
Bewilderwood is one on our list to try this year.

Fab thanks, to Instagram I go!

OP posts:
Myusernameismum · 18/06/2023 21:10

Wheelock hall farm in Sandbach the play area at the back is vast and there's a soft play, so much to do ❤️ we have toddlers who love it there

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Flangeosaurus · 18/06/2023 21:22

Bewilderwood is fantastic! Crocky trail although probably better for 3/4 upwards. Bolton Abbey now the play trail is back open for summer. Park at the pavilion and do a loop up to the abbey, have a picnic then back down the play trail to finish at the cafe with an ice cream.

If you’re more towards Manchester, Hathersage lido is fab although take a wetsuit for small ones. Can double this with a walk at the Longshaw Estate which is NT. Need to book Hathersage.

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