Days out in the north west - places to go with kids - Castles - Ruins - Country Parks & Estates - Family friendly attractions

Arley Hall and Gardens

Although this stately home is open for guided tours, the principal reason for our visits is always the gardens. They are renowned for their beauty and have a reputation as being amongst the finest in Europe. Our last visit was on one of the rare sunny days over the summer break. Three mums with six children – we packed a humongous picnic, armed the kids with a few lightsabers for charging around with when they got there and headed down the M56. You come in the back way at Arley, through the gift shop, across the cobbled courtyard, passing under the clock tower, then...

Chatsworth House

One of the finest stately homes in Britain, this sumptuous house sits in magnificent romantic parkland, resplendent with lakes, fountains, statuary and gorgeous, rich blooming beds. All within the natural beauty of the Peak District. It really is one of the most splendid estates in England. This is a brilliant family attraction. Chatsworth works hard for its visitors, making sure there’s something for everybody. Whilst the adults will marvel at the splendour on offer, the kids are far from neglected. There’s a beautiful farmyard with all you&rsq...

Dunham Massey New Rose Garden

The new Rose Garden at Dunham Massey was officially opened on 5th June by Rachel De Thame and is already a magnificent spectacle, even before they are all in full bloom! We headed there this weekend for Fathers day and Granny's birthday and were entranced by the sweet smell of azaleas, lush hostas, and a fun bee trail as we wound our way through the gardens to the dark velvet carpet of the moss garden that led us through to an oasis of calm; the new sumptuous walled, rose garden. Laid out in a geometric pattern, the shale paths of the garden criss cross to meet unde...

Gawthorpe Hall

The National Trust has embarked upon a policy of ensuring family fun is an essential part of a visit to their properties. Gawthorpe Hall is no exception. As we went at half-term, this grand Elizabethan stately home was host to a simple indoor quiz trail that enthralled our six year old. We’ve really noticed a difference with NT properties recently – our kids now can’t get enough of them. Outside there’s a formal garden together with woods to explore and the chance to spot some woodpeckers there! A pleasant café in the stable yard serves the usual...

Lyme Park

Lyme Park is a stunning mansion house that closely resembles an extravagant Italianate palace surrounded by gardens, moorland and ancient deer park. The park is rolling countryside with loads of open space and if little legs will allow there are plenty of substantial walks. First stop for us was Crow Wood, an enormous new playscape built primarily from wood. The two huge towers, the tallest being 12 metres, had to be helicoptered in, which is no mean feat considering the play area is on a steep slope and surrounded by mature trees! When you’re ready for...

Quarry Bank Mill and Styal Estate

We’ve made it to Quarry Bank Mill twice in the last year. First we came with Grandma who isn’t so steady on her feet so we opted for a look round the 18th century working cotton mill, which is very impressive. There are plenty of hands-on exhibits and the kids were enthralled by guides in traditional costumes giving demonstrations and potted histories of the mill equipment. Be warned, if you have a child who doesn’t tolerate volume, when the machines start up the noise is fierce. At the bottom of the mill is the most powerful water wheel in Eur...

Speke Hall

This is a quite spectacular Tudor manor House, set in beautiful grounds with panoramic views across the Mersey towards North Wales. It is a glistening gem that stands out somewhat from its closest neighbours – a rather large industrial estate and John Lennon Airport! We happened to visit on a beautiful sunny day so the focus of our visit was more on the outside than in. There’s a good playground, which kept all of our kids happy for some time. Then there’s The Maze – created in 2011 by one of the world’s leading maze design...

Tatton Park

Simply driving down one of the long majestic carriageways that disect Tatton’s 1,000 acres or so of deer parkland is guaranteed to lift your spirits. You’re instantly transported to a more elegant world, one where you might expect to find Hugh Bonneville lurking behind every tree... Obviously the kids in the back of the Golf quickly snapped me out of my favourite daydream, and so the day out began. Tatton Park is the biggest of the National Trust properties in the North West area and probably has the most to offer. It’s got a huge playground, a working f...

Towneley Hall & Park

I was delighted to discover Towneley Hall in Burnley. The 500 year old hall and extensive parkland serves as a walking destination, a museum, a place to play sport, children’s play space and simply a place to come and lunch. On arrival, you are taken aback by the large vistas and dramatic avenues that span out from the beautiful house. The children were drawn to the large duck pond, with its jet fountain at the front. Their groans when we mentioned our intention to look round the house soon subsided as they discovered the treasure hunt for kids; the hunt f...

Trentham Gardens & Adventure Play

There is a huge amount on offer at Trentham and my visit with a friend and our five kids barely scratched the surface! There are award- winning gardens with a Barefoot Walk, a shopping village, a Monkey Forest and Aerial Extreme high rope adventure, all within the estate. I’d been desperate to try out the children on the Barefoot Walk so we decided that our trip would simply consist of entry to the gardens together with a lunch. As it turned out that filled the day perfectly. You’ll find the entrance at the centre of the shopping village and once through the turn...