Warrington really knows how to entertain, amuse and inform too. Here's our recommended must-do's for a visit to Warrington.
Spend an exciting day at Gulliver's World Resort. Set in 100 acres of land around an idyllic lake Gulliver’s World Resort is a fun-packed day out for the family. Aimed at children aged 2 – 13 and with over 90 rides and attractions including the all new 'Gullivers Gears', a thrilling new area themed around mechanics and cars, it’s perfect whatever the weather. Book in advance and save, plus FREE parking guaranteed.
Head into the city centre where you can meet the Mad Hatter. Lewis Carroll, author of Alice in Wonderland was born on the outskirts of Warrington in a village called Daresbury and in Warrington town centre you will find a statue of the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, so head on into town and see what characters you can spot.
If you fancy some retail therapy then Golden Square Shopping Centre is great for shopping plus the award winning Warrington Market is worth a visit with over 50 fantastic independent traders, selling a wide range of fresh food, gifts and goods. Its also the perfect place to stop for lunch with cuisines from around the world to choose from.
Travel back in time at Warrington Museum and Art Gallery, a hidden gem dating back to 1857 it’s one of the oldest municipal museums in the country. See Warrington’s very own dinosaur and explore the hands-on history activities and discover treasures from around the world. Best of all entry to the museum is FREE.
In Warrington you have not one but two fantastic venues with the country's best music, comedy and family friendly performances to enjoy. Why not head to Pyramid or Parr Hall for a matinee or evening performance. Coming up in 2024 is Science Museum Live, There was an old Lady who swallowed a fly, Pop Princesses and more!
If you’re looking for some free family fun then head to Walton Hall and Gardens, just 15 minutes from Warrington city centre. There’s a small charge for the car park but entry to the parks and gardens is FREE. Visit the Children’s Zoo to see the colourful birds and animals in residence and don’t forget to stop at the playground with swings, slides, climbing frames and more there’s plenty of fun to be had! Walton Hall and Gardens has plenty of green parkland for family picnics, fun games and running around.
Just half an hour's drive from Warrington is Bents Garden & Home, a garden centre with a difference. Walk in the woods, play in the play area, have fun in the sand at the beach or enjoy a bite to eat in one of the cafes and restaurants, you can even bring your pooch with you to the Pet Cafe, because dogs love dinner dates too!
If you want to get out and about and enjoy some fresh air, Warrington has plenty of parks, recreation grounds and play areas to visit and enjoy. The perfect place for little ones to let off some steam, explore nature and enjoy the outdoors. Check out the parks and play areas in Warrington here.
Find more things to do, places to visit, stay and eat in Warrington here.
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Gulliver's World Resort |
Walton Hall & Gardens |
Warrington |
Golden Square Shopping Centre |
Warrington Market |
Parr Hall |
Bents Garden & Home |
Warrington
Gulliver’s Theme Parks are designed especially for families. Enjoy rides, shows and attractions that are perfect for children aged 2-13.
Gulliver’s Theme Parks are designed especially for families. Enjoy rides, shows and attractions that are perfect for children aged 2-13.
Book your theme park tickets for Gulliver's World at least two days in advance and save even more. Make your visit extra special this year with a short break, choose from a range of stay and play options available at The Gulliver’s Hotel and Wilderness Wharf. Discover luxury glamping tents, themed hotel suites, western lodges, fairy dens and much more.
You can expect FREE parking every time you visit.
“Gulliver’s Gears” is a thrilling new area themed around mechanics and cars, located within the main theme park and featuring a new Coaster (Grand Prix Racers) and a 360-spin ride (Overdrive) as well as a play area and buggies attraction.
Visit the official Gulliver's website for opening times, special events and amazing offers.
Warrington
Set within acres of tranquil and idyllic parkland is Walton Hall and Gardens – the former home of Lord and Lady Daresbury.
**Wedding Venue of the Year Award Winner at the Marketing Cheshire Tourism Awards 2024**
Set within acres of tranquil and idyllic parkland is the picturesque Walton Hall and Gardens, the former home of Lord and Lady Daresbury and now the perfect Cheshire destination for families.
Walton Hall and Gardens is free to visit, simply pay for your parking if you’re coming by car and enjoy a day of fun across stunning gardens.
There’s plenty for families to do, from the free to enter Children’s Zoo, the accessible playground and the stunning formal gardens, Walton ensures you can keep the kids busy even if you’re on a budget.
You can also check out the many outdoor activities on offer, including family friendly adventure golf or if you take your golfing seriously, there is also a full 18-hole course over at Walton Hall Golf Course. There’s also a high ropes course which is set amongst the woodlands, as well as a brand-new, free to use orienteering course for the more adventurous families!
Lovingly restored and refurbished, the Elizabethan Hall boasts Victorian paintings and high gilded ceilings and is the perfect venue for weddings and events alike. And with the estate’s beautifully restored conservatories shining once more, you can enjoy a fascinating insight into Warrington’s heritage, whilst checking out the award-winning botanical displays on offer.
After a day of excitement, you can relax with a coffee in the Heritage Café, which offers a range of fresh, delicious, and locally sourced food and deli products. It’s the perfect place to unwind – and furry friends are welcome too at the dog friendly estate.
Walton Hall and Gardens is Warrington’s jewel in the crown and the ideal family destination with something on offer for everyone.
Warrington
Warrington has been welcoming visitors for over 2000 years since the Roman Empire marched into the area and established a base at Wilderspool in 100 AD.
Warrington has been welcoming visitors for over 2000 years. It's location is a big plus. It’s close to Liverpool and Manchester and within easy reach of the Peak District, North Wales and the Lake District even the Trans-Pennine Trail passes through the borough. Today, you’ll find a busy town centre with great shopping on offer including Golden Square, home to all the major brands under one roof. Out of town retail parks feature mega-stores galore including the first IKEA in Britain. Looking for independent outlets? Head for Stockton Heath where fabulous boutiques flourish alongside a delicious choice of restaurants. Warrington really knows how to entertain, amuse and inform too. Its Museum and Art Gallery chart the development of the town and showcases contemporary and specialist street art exhibitions. Nearby Pyramid and Parr Hall regularly host an array of music concerts and family-friendly shows for all tastes and ages all year. Warrington is rightly famous for being at the heart of Rugby League and The Halliwell Jones Stadium is home to the mighty Warrington Wolves who carry everything before them. They won the Challenge Cup again in 2012 and hosted matches in the Rugby League World Cup in 2013. Events, fetes and festivals take place throughout the year across the area including, Warrington Walking Day, classic car shows, the annual contemporary arts festival, farmers and themed markets - and even a welly-wanging competition! Warrington is also blessed with fabulous parks, glorious canals and wonderful countryside too just waiting to be explored including Rixton Claypits, Lymm Dam, Risley Moss, Woolston Eyes and Appleton Dingle. Must-see attractions include Walton Hall and Gardens (home to a delightful children’s zoo) and Gulliver’s World theme park with its fabulous hotel. Don’t miss the Golden Gates of the Town Hall during your visit and make time too for a visit to Daresbury Church with its Alice in Wonderland stained glass windows – a fitting tribute to children’s author Lewis Carroll who was born in the nearby village. It all makes Warrington the ideal place for an unforgettable short break. Find a list of hotels in Warrington here.
Warrington
Whether shopping for something special or a weekend mooch on the mall, Golden Square is a high quality retail destination with luxury brands like Lush, Tesutti and Goldsmiths and bigger sized stores of high street favourites like Primark, Next and Boots.
Whether shopping for something special or a weekend mooch on the mall, Golden Square is a high quality retail destination with luxury brands like Lush, Tesutti and Goldsmiths and bigger sized stores of high street favourites like Primark, Next and Boots.
Outside the mall is the Old Market Place which is host to a range of hospitality venues. Here you will find a mix of national brands like Ask Italian and Nando’s alongside independents including White Lace Cakes and Rhode Island Coffee. The Old Market Place is also home to Warrington’s oldest pub, the Barley Mow which dates back to 1551. There’s a year-round programme of undercover entertainment, whether that’s a play area, pop up cinema, ice rink or music festival. Golden Square prides itself on being much more than a shopping centre, supporting lots of good causes at the heart of community life.
Warrington
The multi-award-winning Warrington Market is home to more than 50 fantastic independent traders, selling a wide range of fresh food, gifts, goods and services.
The multi-award-winning Warrington Market is home to more than 50 fantastic independent traders, selling a wide range of fresh food, gifts, goods and services. The purpose built, state-of-the-art facility features a combination of traditional and contemporary charm, with the two-storey building bordered by Bridge Street on one side and Time Square on the other.
It sells everything from meat, fish, cheese, pies, fruit, veg, cakes and sweets, to jewellery, fabric, handbags, clothes, makeup, perfume, curtains, clothing alterations, comics, musical instruments, Fairtrade products, key cutting and shoes repairs, Plus, there is the 'Cookhouse at Warrington' which is home to 11 worldwide food outlets and two independent bars. It also hosts various makers markets throughout the year in Time Square – offering a variety of fine foods, drinks, crafts and locally sourced goods for visitors to immerse themselves in a unique retail experience.
Cookhouse at Warrington Market
The Cookhouse has a huge variety of hot and cold dishes on offer and two independent bars, with an inside dining area and outdoor terrace. It can also be separated from the main market hall to serve customers into the evening and to host special events, including the Cookhouse Comedy Club and live music nights.
There is something for everyone to enjoy, with food available to takeaway, or you can dine in, as well as enjoying fun-filled evenings of belly laughs and fantastic music.
Warrington
Nestled in the heart of Warrington’s Cultural Quarter, the Pyramid and Parr Hall are two of the North West’s premier performance, arts and entertainment venues.
Nestled in the heart of Warrington’s Cultural Quarter, Pyramid and Parr Hall are two of the North West’s premier performance, arts and entertainment venues. Playing host to both local groups and national names, Pyramid and Parr Hall are the ideal homes for music, comedy, drama, and much more. The Parr Hall is the venue of choice for many larger bands who want to launch their material before taking it to the national stage.
For more information about opening times, car parking, on-site facilities, and how to get there, visit parrhall.culturewarrington.org/visit-us.
Warrington
The Bents story began over 75 years ago when Alfred and Margaret Bent started growing and selling roses from their own front garden. Since then Bents has evolved into an award winning lifestyle destination and complete day out.
The Bents story began over 75 years ago when Alfred and Margaret Bent started growing and selling roses from their own front garden. Since then Bents has evolved into an award winning lifestyle destination and complete day out. Whilst premium quality plants and expert garden advice remain at the core of the business new additions mean a great day out just got even better. New shops and great brands at the bigger and better Bents include an extensive Food Hall with everything from fresh, daily produce, continental deli counter and Honeywell’s Butchers to an extensive wine and beer collection from Reserve Wines. A Cook Shop, Children’s Boutique; The Pet Place with its own Pet Café (where your four legged friend can choose from its own delicious menu) are joined by leading arts and crafts retailer C-Crafts and outdoor specialists, Nevisport | Trespass. Bents’ Open Skies Glass House continues to offer the ultimate all-weather destination to shop a premium plant collection all year round, whilst outdoor living and homestyle departments complete the inspiration for the garden and home. And there’s something for everyone to enjoy with an event calendar packed full of entertainment for all the family. Children will love the indoor beach* and outdoor adventure play area, both conveniently located next to Caffé Lago so the grown-ups can enjoy a coffee and cake whilst the little ones play. And Caffé Lago is just one of the many dining destinations offered at Bents so you’re sure to find the perfect place to suit any occasion. Dining at Bents Food is one of Bents’ many passions and it caters for every occasion with a choice of dining destinations to discover and enjoy. Everything from freshly prepared meals in The Fresh Approach Restaurant, to home made sandwiches, soups and speciality patisseries in Caffé nel Verde and quick pick me ups in the Fresh Express and Caffé Lago. Bents’ team of 18 chefs prepare everything on the premises, using fresh, locally sourced ingredients ensuring quality choice are at the very heart of dining at Bents. Your four-legged friends are welcome in The Pet Place, with our groom room and pet café however, only assistance dogs are allowed in the rest of the store - See the following page for The Pet Café opening times.
The Fresh Approach Restaurant
*Please note that last orders in the Fresh Approach Restaurant are 30 minutes before the garden centre closes.
**Our Fresh Approach Restaurant is open between the hours of 9am – 4pm for breakfast (breakfast is served between 9am & 11.30am) & lunch and the Centre will be open between 10.30am – 4.30pm (you can browse the store after breakfast before the tills open)
Online shopping is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at our online store. Weeping Ash Garden Created by retired nurseryman, John Bent, Weeping Ash Garden - situated just next to Bents Garden & Home - is a garden with year round interest. Initially created using a piece of vacant land that once housed nurseries and greenhouses, Weeping Ash has evolved into an established garden where each section is hidden from the next and carefully designed to create tranquil scenes of clarity and perfection. New features include an extensive water garden bordered by wild flower turf banks, and a new bridge and weir form a stunning centrepiece. Weeping Ash is much larger than it initially seems with hidden paths bordered by wildflowers, and wooded areas creating a sense of growth and history which have evolved naturally over the past 20 years. And snowdrop enthusiasts will love the blanket of white, which appears during the early months of the year as John has nurtured and introduced new varieties to create a simply stunning display. If you’re a fan of gardening and haven’t yet experienced Weeping Ash then we would definitely recommend a visit; whatever the time of year. The garden is open every Sunday between 12.00 and 4.00pm with an entry donation for Bents’ charity of the year. (subject to weather conditions, call 01942 266 300 to confirm)
From | To | Distance * (metric) |
---|---|---|
Gulliver's World Resort (53.40613,-2.61667) | Walton Hall & Gardens (53.36147,-2.60209) | 4.56 |
Walton Hall & Gardens (53.36147,-2.60209) | Warrington (53.38737,-2.59234) | 2.66 |
Warrington (53.38737,-2.59234) | Golden Square Shopping Centre (53.39006,-2.59538) | 0.33 |
Golden Square Shopping Centre (53.39006,-2.59538) | Warrington Market (53.38801,-2.59097) | 0.33 |
Warrington Market (53.38801,-2.59097) | Parr Hall (53.38735,-2.59685) | 0.36 |
Parr Hall (53.38735,-2.59685) | Bents Garden & Home (53.47606,-2.49644) | 10.72 |
Total Distance * | 18.95 miles | |
Estimated Journey Time | 37 minutes |
* Approximate distance by road