Chester & Cheshire welcomes families of all shapes and sizes

Cheshire is the premier destination for families, with a whole host of world class family-friendly attractions and family-run businesses. Here in Cheshire, we like to think of everyone as family, and we define family in the broadest sense - we want to welcome families of all shapes and sizes. Whether your family is made up of parents and little ones, a big reunion with all the extended family members, your friends who may as well be family, a family with fur babies, or even your work family, Cheshire provides the warmest of welcomes. In case you need a little inspiration, we’ve put a few ideas together:
 

Parents and Kids

If you’re visiting Chester & Cheshire with the littler ones, there’s certainly no shortage of things to keep both the parents and kids entertained. One of the newest family attractions to hit the Cheshire scene is BeWILDerwood. This forest haven in Whitchurch is home to all sorts of slides, zip wires, treetop houses and colourful characters all based on Tim Blofeld’s beloved children’s books. Everyone is encouraged to get involved at BeWILDerwood including the grown-ups, and if you’re with the littlest ones (under 92cm tall) they go free!

There can’t be a much more enticing prospect for both adults and kids alike – an Ice Cream Farm! One of the UK’s top attractions, this family-run ice cream mecca is certainly worth a visit. The kids can enjoy a wide variety of play areas, rides, games and more, with it all topped off with a generous scoop (or two) of hand-made ice cream – there are over 50 flavours to choose from after all.

And there are thrills and spills for even the youngest at Gulliver’s World in Warrington. With over 25 rides, a wonderous selection of experiences and shows – all aimed at kids aged 2-13 years, Gulliver’s is perfect for the budding thrill-seekers. There’s event the Gulliver’s Hotel and the themed lodges so you can make Gulliver’s your base of operations for exploring Chester & Cheshire.

 

Older Families

Perhaps your family is a little older, the kids may have flown the nest, or are heading that way and you want to reconnect. Once again, there’s no shortage of places to do just that. Nestled in the heart of Blakemere you can find Cheshire Outdoors. This haven for outdoor activities is perfect for a bit of family team building, and to learn a few new skills. You can train your eye with archery, air rifles and laser clay shooting, explore some Cheshire woodland on all-terrain Segways, get close up with some birds of prey, and even try your hand at bushcraft.

Port Sunlight is another great option for older families to explore. This pretty village on the Wirral Peninsula is a real piece of Cheshire history. Purpose built for William Lever’s ‘Sunlight Soap’ factory workers in 1888, today Port Sunlight is home to a fascinating museum, beautiful architecture, a world-class art gallery, stunning parkland and a thriving community.

And of course, Cheshire is home to many National Trust properties – perfect for exploring, learning and reconnecting. There’s Tatton Park, with its stunning mansion, 1000-acres of parkland and its gorgeous gardens. Quarry Bank is a great experience for all ages, with the fascinating water-powered cotton mill and all the history this entails as well as some beautiful walks. And Lyme, with its infamous grand house, deer park, and magnificent gardens is similarly ideal for the family to get together.

 

Just the Two of Us

Perhaps it’s just the two of you visiting Chester & Cheshire? There’s a lot for couples to enjoy, from romantic date nights to fun-filled days out. If you’re looking to have a bit of fun and love a good puzzle, Escapism might be the perfect place for you to connect. With five themed rooms with varying difficulties, you’re sure to strengthen your team with a bit of problem solving.

For something a little more laid back, we’d be remiss not to mention Chester & Cheshire’s abundance of world-class spas. With everything from country estate retreats like Carden Park, Mottram Hall and Rookery Hall, to urban boutique spas like The Chester Grosvenor and Spa by Kasia, wherever you are, you can spend some quality couples’ time together in true tranquillity.

And if you’re looking for somewhere a little different to stay, why not try Pitch & Canvas. With glamping pods and yurts, this is a spot to enjoy some Cheshire scenery to the fullest in some quirky surroundings.

 

Families with Fur Babies

Your family may include a four-legged friend, and there’s no need to leave them at doggie daycare if you’re visiting Cheshire. There’s a lot of room for dogs to explore here, as well as many dog-friendly attractions, pubs, restaurants and accommodation.

A prime spot for the pooch is Delamere Forest. This wondrous bit of Cheshire forestry has ample room for the family to explore, with many different routes to wander so your fur baby can get their daily exercise. The visitor’s centre is a popular place to stop and refresh with coffee, cake, ice cream and off course some water for the dogs.

Anderton Boat Lift is another great place where your family with fur babies can explore. While not all areas such as the boat trips are dog friendly, there’s ample room on the site to see the Cathedral of the Canals with dog in tow. Plus you’re only a stone’s throw away from Anderton Nature Park which is a prime spot for dog walking amongst some of Cheshire’s most charming countryside.

And up in above the Cheshire Plain you’ll find Beeston Castle and Woodland Park. This Medieval marvel is exceptionally well preserved. Although your four-legged friend may not appreciate Beeston’s historical significance, they will surely love the 40-acre woodland park and panoramic views from the castle site.

 

Families Wanting to Reconnect

A large part of us here in Chester & Cheshire wanting to welcome so many families of all shapes and sizes is to help you reconnect after the distance you have experienced during the past two years. You may be looking for some space for everyone, whether local or from far-flung corners of the country, to reconnect. And Cheshire is packed full of great places whether the entire family can stay together with their own spaces.

Forest Holidays Delamere Forest has everything for families wanting to reconnect. These luxurious log cabins set in some of the most serene part of Delamere Forest boast stunning views, tranquil environs and a host of extra special features like hot tubs, pizza ovens and outdoor kitchens. Being close to a number of nearby attractions as well as the outstandingly beautiful Sandstone Trail, Forest Holidays is a great option for the family to get together.

The Hollies Forest Lodges provide a perfect home away from home. These luxury open plan self-catering lodges sleep between 4 and 6 people each, with a variety of welcoming features like hot tubs, chic décor and even food and drink from the much-loved Hollies Farm shop. Set within a tranquil pine forest, and again close to a wide variety of Cheshire destinations and beyond, the Hollies Forest Lodges are certainly well-equipped for the family to reconnect.

And on the historic Combermere Abbey Estate, there are 10 superbly equipped luxury cottages where your family can reconnect. Converted from the 19th century Combermere stables and ranging in size and style these cottages sleep between 4 and 10 people. Set on the Cheshire-Shropshire border, these cottages are a superb vantage point to explore the surrounding area.

 

Friends that are Family

Chester & Cheshire is perfect for friends, too. If you’re looking for somewhere to visit with those friends that may as well be family, there’s a lot on offer. Whether you want to meet up for a drink and a meal, hit the shops, explore somewhere new, or even climb the trees you and your friends can do just that.

Chester’s Sick to Death is a fun and quirky option for you and your friends to explore. This museum explores the history of medicine and its place in some of the darker parts of Chester’s past, but has a real twist with some weird and wonderful exhibits like “Diagnosis Alley”, Magic & Medicine, and the TURDIS – the world’s only time travelling toilet!

In need of some refreshment? BarLounge could be the perfect spot for you and your friends to reconnect over dinner and drinks. Alongside a carefully curated menu of small plates, mains and pizzas you’ll find an excellent seasonally-inspired cocktail menu with a range of delectable concoctions served up by BarLounge’s expert mixologists. Plus, with a gorgeous outdoor terrace, it’s a great place to reconnect al fresco.

Looking for something a little higher up? Go Ape in Delamere Forest is an exciting prospect for a day out with your friends. This high-rise high wire course takes you up into the Delamere Forest canopy, with some spectacular views and a few treetop challenges along the way. You can strap in and descend back down to earth via the 212-metre zip wire!

 

Whatever your family's shape or size, you're sure to make some memories here in Chester & Cheshire.