10 family days out a short drive from Liverpool

There are loads of popular places and attractions in Liverpool to keep the family happy over the summer holidays.

But there’re times when you just want to get in the car and head somewhere less familiar for fab family days out.

The good news is you don’t have to go too far.

From stately homes to thrilling theme parks and cities just bursting with things to do, there are plenty of places to set your sights on, like these:

Blackpool Pleasure Beach

With its huge collection of rides and attractions it’s no wonder Traveller’s Choice voted it Number 4 in Europe – and number 8 in the world! From more gentle rides like its famous carousel and Wallace & Gromit’s Thrill-O-Matic, to bigger thrillers like the Big One and ICON and the much-loved wooden Grand National roller coaster, it’s right there on every family’s summer wish list. 

You can even enjoy its ice and magic shows and catch some of your favourite TV characters like the Paw Patrol squad and Spongebob Squarepants in the UK’s only Nickelodeon Land. And, if that’s not enough, you can take a stroll on the beach, try the slots on the Golden Mile, or visit Blackpool Tower with its famous circus…and it’s all just an hour and a half away by car.

Check it out here.

Chester

IT’s only a short drive or under an hour’s train journey to get to Chester and once you’re there you can soak up all things Roman about this beautiful historic city from the amphitheatre to the award-winning Dewa Roman Experience or a walk around its famous city walls.

The kids will love a river cruise or the chance to work up an appetite with a trip in a pedalo and, let’s not forget, the fabulous animals and attractions at Chester Zoo which has got loads of summer activities including Into The Night, with the chance to discover its animals’ evening routines as the sun sets, enjoy evening entertainment and food and drink.

Gulliver’s World – Warrington

With a fantastic selection of rides, attractions and shows to see each day, Gulliver’s World guarantees a great family day out. And, from the wild rides in Western World to the exciting rides of Smugglers Wharf, it’s especially designed for those with children aged two to 13.

There’s Logger’s Leap Sand Play in Discovery World, Cape Canyon Crazy Golf in the Safari Kingdom, and Fossil Digs in The Lost World, and more. When you’re feeling peckish, there’s a variety of restaurants and food stalls, and Gulliver’s World is also home to the fascinating RAF Burtonwood Heritage Centre, which shows what life was like during the war, and the effect of WWII on Warrington.

Find out more here.

Formby

The National Trust treasure of Formby has a glorious beach with dramatic sand dunes and is surrounded by sweeping coastal pinewoods with its very important inhabitants, the famous red squirrels. Always a favourite, you can explore the beautiful woodlands and see if you can spot a squirrel by following the specially laid out trail.

You’re also close to the beach so you can dip your toes in the sea, play hide-and-seek in the famous dunes, or enjoy a picnic or games on the sand. There are more walking trails to discover Formby’s prehistoric past, and crop fields you can wander through to see how the gem which is asparagus shaped its today – and that’s just the start of it.

Pleasureland, Southport

Pleasureland in Southport is a firm favourite with Merseysiders for the thrills and spills of the family-friendly amusement park and it’s looking better than ever. You can choose to channel your inner racer on the dodgems, scare yourself silly on the Ghost Train or make a splash on the Log Flume – or choose from any of the many more fab fun rides you can go on.

If you don’t fancy a ride, what about Freya’s Fun House, bouncing around on the trampolines, or playing traditional fairground games like Hook a Duck. Pleasureland’s now got lots of picnic benches and green spaces too, so you can take your own food and enjoy some al fresco dining, or eat in at one of the on-site restaurants.

Check out their website here.

Alton Towers

Whether you’re after pure adrenalin-pumping experiences or family fun, there is something for all ages at this Staffordshire theme park. Are you bold enough to take on the Alton Towers Resort’s head-spinning, heart-pounding roller coasters like Wicker Man, Oblivion and The Smiler? Dare you add a visit to the Alton Towers Dungeons? Or will you take a spin on Gangsta Granny: The Ride?

There are more than 40 rides and attractions set among acres of gorgeous gardens, and you’ve also got the Water Park next door, CBeebies Land, Extraordinary Golf, and hotels if you want to prolong your stay.

Find out more here.

WWT Martin Mere

There’s more than 800 acres of wonderful wetlands, wildlife, and tons of exciting activities so if you want to splash into summer you could start here with flamingos, canoe safari adventures, play areas, bug hunts, and more. And, until Sunday, September 3 you can explore arts and crafts throughout the ages as part of its ‘Drawn to Water’ partnership with illustrator, Quentin Blake, highlighting how wetland materials were used for food, textiles, crafting and more.

You can get hands-on with willow weaving and clay modelling; view the wetlands through the eyes Quentin Blake as part of its Drawn to Water summer trail, step back in time at its Mere Tun village, and pick up your sword and shield and get defence-ready to protect the village with weapons training, among all the usual activities – and the GIANT LEGO® Brick Animals!

More info here.

Tatton Park

Set in the heart of Cheshire, Tatton is an amazing historical estate with a neo-classical mansion, a medieval old hall, a rare breed farm, 50 acres of landscaped gardens and 1000 acres of deer park. There’s loads to see and do at any time of year, and some special activities in summer, like The Tiger Who Came to Tea Garden Trail, and Summer activities with Mog at the Farm. 

Over the bank holiday weekend of August 26 – 28, the farm will be hosting a weekend of traditional English fayre and fun, with country crafts, food and drink, alongside demonstrations and a daily programme of activities to take part in.  

For more click here.

Farmer Ted’s Adventure Farm – Ormskirk

Farmer Ted’s offering a Jurassic Tedventure this summer with state-of-the-art animatronics bringing you face-to-face with the ferocious T-Rex, the towering brontosaurus, swift raptors and more; and favourite dinosaurs Vinny and Titan will be entertaining everyone with their interactive show.

That’s all in addition to the usual fun down on the farm including the Massive Maize Maze, the Shaun the Sheep Farm Adventure, the Mini Beasts Centre, and the chance to meet Farmer Ted’s animals like Laura the Llama, and Shetland ponies, Bracken, Ruby and Jessie.

Check out more here.

Imperial War Museum

A short trip down the M62 to Salford Quays in Manchester takes you to the IWM, which guides you on an award-winning immersive experience telling the story of more than a century of war. Every Wednesday in August you can meet IWM’s veterans and eyewitnesses of conflict to gain a unique insight into the impact of war on people’s lives.

In We Were There: Family Day you’ll hear personal stories and powerful memories from those who’ve experienced conflict first-hand – ranging from driving an Army tank to being evacuated from the place they called home, and throughout summer in Story Seekers: Throwback Games you can learn how children kept themselves entertained during the Second World War with games, pastimes, and toys.

For more info click here.

For more family days out click here.