Summer Holiday Adventures in Cheshire: Where Will Your Imagination Take You?

BeWILDerwood: A Summer of FUN and Stinky New Adventures!

Ready for a summer of pong-tastic play? Step into the magical world of BeWILDerwood and follow the Pongy Potions stink trail through the trees. Inspired by the brand-new book Minty and the Big Stink, this is a place where imagination runs wild and muddy knees are practically guaranteed.

Meet the adventurous Minty herself, swing and slide through the treetops, and catch the brand new show Minty and the Big Stink. From storytelling to zip wires, it’s a world where fairytales come to life, so get outside and get stuck into magical adventures.

Summer of Play at Quarry Bank

Come rain or shine, there’s fun for all the family at Quarry Bank. Inside the huge mill, there's a brand-new Play Hub where little ones can dress up, put on puppet shows dive into soft play and enjoy giant board games. Older kids can get stuck into traditional games and crafts in the Discovery Zone too.

Outside, on the Mill Meadow you can play nature bingo, race through the maze or build your own adventure. Enjoy a picnic on the tables next to the playground near the Mill Yard – or pull up a deck chair and treat yourself to an ice cream from the Stables Ice Cream Parlour.

And with Magic Mondays, Travel Tuesdays, Woodland Wednesdays, Theatre Thursdays, Fitness Fridays and Wild Weekends – there's something new for you to try every time you visit.

Summer of Play at Lyme

Fill a full day at Lyme on the edge of the Peak District. There’s pushchair-friendly paths and adventurous trails to explore. Every day this summer stories will come to life through the world of play.

In the garden, gallop your way from Netherfield to Meryton and experience the locations of Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice through the eyes of a child. Inside the house you can play with shadow puppets and recreate the Egyptian adventures of Thomas Legh, an explorer who lived at Lyme, or dress up in period costume. The Timber Yard Café near the Crow Wood play area serves tasty treats from children’s lunch boxes and sandwiches to ice cream scoops.

Summer of Play at Dunham Massey, Altrincham

Dunham Massey, near Manchester, is full of playful adventures this summer. Follow the colourful bunting to the Play Hub in the North Park where you’ll find giant deck chairs, a tipi and games to play with the whole family. And from circus skills to fancy dress, there's lots of different activities to try every day of the week.

Climb and clamber over the Log Pile natural play area and spot fallow deer roaming the parkland. For a moment of quieter imagination, head inside the house and follow Speechly’s grand tour. Fill hungry tummies with a woodfired pizza and keep the adventures going.

Tatton Park: We're Going on a Bear Hunt – and So Much More!

If you go down to the woods this summer, you’re in for a BIG surprise at Tatton Park! This summer, Tatton have partnered with Wild in Art and Walker Books to bring you a colourful trail of brilliant bears! Inspired by Michael Rosen's classic children's story, each bear sculpture tells it’s own story, beautifully painted and unique and hiding throughout the Gardens and Farm. Can you find them all?

Follow the trails of 10 bright and colourful bears through the gardens and farm. Swish through the long grass, venture through the pinetum forest and picnic beneath the trees!

But that’s just the beginning. Head down to the farm for a fun-filled day out! From getting up close and personal with all your farmyard favourites to delicious cookery demonstrations, there's something for the whole family to enjoy.

But that’s just the beginning. Head down to the farm for a fun-filled day out! From getting up close and personal with all your farmyard favourites to delicious cookery demonstrations, there's something for the whole family to enjoy.

Meet Feathered and Wheeled Friends!

• Step into our hatchery and greet the newest fluffy members of our farm family. Get up close and personal - perfect for all ages.
• Say hello to Little Grey Fergie the Tractor. Snap a picture with this friendly tractor, who can move all by himself!
• Gather around for captivating storytelling sessions and discover fascinating facts about farm life. There's a story behind every corner!
• Sheep Racing: Cheer on your favourite woolly racers in an exhilarating sheep racing event. It's baa-rilliant fun!
• Explore the Maize Maze - will you find your way to the centre?

Find out more

Then round off your summer holidays with the Traditional Country Weekend at the Farm!

Spend the August Bank Holiday weekend at the farm and enjoy a fantastic mix of traditional fayre, family fun, and exciting activities for everyone to enjoy! Take part in the egg and spoon race or show off your strength in the Farm's tug-of-war and see if you've got what it takes to be the champion! There'll be Falconry displays and circus skills - so there's something for everyone. Don't forget to grab a bite to eat at the Farm's BBQ and get your creative juices flowing with country crafts. You won't want to miss out on this amazing weekend. See you there!

And when day turns to dusk, don’t pack up just yet—Tatton’s Outdoor Cinema evenings are pure summer magic. Bring a picnic blanket, grab some popcorn, and snuggle under the stars for blockbuster movies in a stunning countryside setting.

Gulliver’s World, Warrington: Bing, Flop & Summer Sparks

This summer, Gulliver’s World in Warrington is the place to be for families looking for fun-filled days out. Look out for Bing and Flop, who will be making special appearances throughout the Summer months.

Alongside the Bing-tastic fun, the whole park is packed with rides and attractions for all ages—from gentle boat rides and mini coasters to log flumes and carousels.

Plus, celebrate another magical summer season at Gulliver's World Warrington with the Summer Sparks Spectacular!

Enjoy extra ride time with extended opening hours (10:30am - 8:30pm) ahead of a fantastic fireworks display starting at approximately 8:45pm!

With live entertainment, themed accommodation, and something new around every corner, Gulliver’s offers a full day of adventure—rain or shine.

Jodrell Bank: Blast Off into a Summer of Discovery

Blast off into a summer of space-themed fun at Jodrell Bank—no rocket required! Families can explore interactive exhibitions, hands-on science stations, and immersive shows in the awe-inspiring Space Dome.

Young astronauts (ages 2–7) will love Ted’s Space Adventure, a lively show full of music and movement, while older space fans can get hands-on in the Rocket Lab, launch stomp rockets, and witness spectacular science demos.

Don’t miss the chance to learn about the iconic Lovell Telescope through short outdoor sessions or go deeper with expert-led Telescope Talks, packed with fascinating facts and live demonstrations. There’s also space crafts, a brand-new discovery trail, and plenty of green space for picnics and play.

Best of all, your ticket gives you free return visits for a whole year—book online to save 10%!

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After Glow at Chester Zoo: Summer Evenings with a Sparkle

This August, Chester Zoo lights up the nights with After Glow—15 magical evenings packed with golden-hour adventures and festival vibes. Running from Friday 1st to Sunday 17th August (3pm–8pm), After Glow offers a whole new way to experience the zoo after hours.

Families can enjoy fairground rides suitable for all ages, delicious festival food like hot dogs, nachos, and sweet treats, plus roaming puppets, stilt walkers, and surprise pop-up performances around every corner. Don’t miss the chance to interact with giant dinosaurs in the Land of Dinosaurs, or unwind with a self-guided trail, guided meditation, and a gentle lazy river boat ride.

With live shows, games, and prizes, After Glow is the perfect summer evening outing for all ages. Tickets start from £14 for kids and £21 for adults—book early to avoid missing out!