I’d like to welcome Lisa from The Toy Hunter to my series, A Postcard From…Awesome Places Around The World! This year is going to be all about one of my favourite things – travel! If you’d like to share your area of the world, please contact me. Read on for some fun activities to do in North West England!
The February half-term holidays are approaching fast and I’m always keen to compile a list of fun places to visit with the kids. So I thought I’d share with you a few of my favourite days out and places to visit in North West England! I’m always eager to find a few cheaper places to visit to keep the cost down over the holidays, as well as including days out that are a little more expensive, but my primary aim is to find places I know the kids will love!
My first recommendation for February half-term is a visit to Chester Zoo! We are huge animal fans in our house and love anything that involves furry creatures, creepy crawlies and the such so a trip to Chester Zoo is always a winner. Chester zoo has a whopping 15,000 animals including lions, tigers, zebras, elephants, rhinos and much more! There’s 125 acres of award-winning zoological gardens and we love how Chester Zoo wants to be the BEST conservation charity in the world! Any day out at Chester Zoo is always fun and exciting!
The kids love visiting the different animal enclosures as well as walking through the bat house and butterfly house. The butterfly house is truly spectacular, especially if you’re lucky enough for a brightly-coloured butterfly to land on your shoulder! There are many places to grab food and drinks. I always let the kids have their faces painted as I think this is a very special touch!!! Finally, it’s always a pleasure listening to the team of experts talk about the different species – their knowledge of the animals and their habitats is incredible! So, if you’re animal mad and live in the North West I’d definitely recommend a trip to the zoo!
My next suggestion has to be a day trip to the seaside. You simply can’t beat a trip to the beach during the school holidays and what’s great is that you can make it as cheap or expensive as you like! In the North West there are lots of fab beaches to visit from Southport to Hoylake, and of course there’s Blackpool! At least once or twice a year we visit Blackpool for a trip to the beach! We always visit around October time to see the amazing illuminations, but I’d also suggest visiting at another time of year, too.
My kids love a day at the seaside building sandcastles, eating ice cream, riding on a donkey, and we always finish the day off with a fish & chip supper! If you want to add some more fun to Blackpool take a look at the Pleasure Beach, Sea Life Centre, and the Tower; but these attractions can be a little pricey!
Another favourite place of mine in the North West is Delamere Forest. It’s a shady oasis in Cheshire with bike and walking trails and lots of fun on offer for families. We always have a great time, and our favourite activity is finding the Grufflalo. Kids can enjoy becoming Gruffalo Spotters by following clues and collecting evidence as they search for the Gruffalo along the Gruffalo trail. This is a great activity for getting the kids outdoors in the fresh air and I love supporting the Forestry Commission.
During the February half-term I always look for indoor activities too, especially as it can be cold and wet at this time of year. A great day out for scientific explorers living in the North West is a trip to the Catalyst Science Discovery Centre in Widnes. This is the only museum in the UK which explores the science and technology behind the chemical industry and its impact on our lives past and present through a host of hands-on exhibits, activities, and demonstrations. I think it’s really important for the kids to visit educational places as well as recreational places during the school holidays. Therefore, I make it my aim to visit at least one educational place each holiday.
I hope I’ve given you a few fun places to visit if you live in the North West of England or are planning a mini -break. Other places I’d recommend include Apple Jacks Farm, The Blue Planet Aquarium, The Crocky Trail, The Candle Factory, Cheshire Ice Cream Farm, Knowsley Safari Park, Museum of Science & Industry and Stockley Farm. Of course there are so many more fun and interesting places to visit too! The list is endless!
I’m Lisa Bradburn, mum of three and teacher turned Toy Hunter. I help connect quality toys to educational purpose, so you can give gifts that do more than just entertain. Follow us at The Toy Hunter, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
