August Bank Holiday fun in Merseyside, whatever the budget

August is the last bank holiday before Christmas so it’s time to get planning some fun for the family – whatever your budget.

From country walks, to beaches, farm parks and bike rides, there is so much on offer wherever you are in and around Liverpool city region.

Here are eight of our favourite family activities for August bank holiday weekend.

Have fun!

Thurstaston, Wirral

Sign on wall at entrance to conservation area Thurstaston Wirral May 2020

Whether you like the coast or the countryside – or both – Thurstaston is the perfect place to head this bank holiday weekend.

For some free fun you can dip your toes in the water on the gorgeous beach, enjoy a picnic and spot some wildlife in Wirral Country Park while enjoying the views over the Dee Estuary across to the Welsh Hills.

If you’re feeling active, you can hire a bike from Thurstaston Bikes (TRACS) and cycle the 12 mile Wirral Way.

For families, why not try out a visit to Church Farm?

Enjoy tractor rides, animal feeding, or messing around on space hoppers and pedal go-karts

A family of four can visit for a part day for £19, £24 for a full day. For more details check out the website here. Pre-booking is advised for the bank holiday.

Ness Botanic Gardens, Neston, Wirral

The formal garden entrance of the Ness Botanical Gardens, Wirral, UK

Enjoy 64 across of plants, wildlife and gorgeous scenery in this Wirral beauty spot.

Originally created by Arthur Kipling Bulley in the 1890s, plants were introduced from China and Nepal making Ness one of the leading botanic gardens in the country.

The gardens were presented to the University of Liverpool after Bulley’s death in 1942 and continue to be a leading attraction for visitors of all ages to this day.

So if the sun is shining on the bank holiday weekend, you are promised a riot of colour if you make Ness your day out.

A family visit will cost around £20. For full admission details and prices head to the website.

Acorn Farm, Kirkby

Acorn Farm Goats.
Picture: Acorn Farm

Acorn Farm is a great value family attraction in Kirkby, where you can get up close with the animals, enjoy a woodland walk and even buy some eggs laid on the farm.

The farm park, in Depot Road, also has Oak Tree Cafe where you can enjoy hot food or a snack.

The kids can meet a range of animals from pigs and goats to meerkats and horses.

There are also two outdoor play areas and plants sales.

Adult admission is £3.50, children one-16 £2.50. Under 12 months go free.

For more details about admission and how to find Acorn Farm go to their website.

Court Hey Park, Bowring Park, Knowsley

Nominated as one of the UK’s favourite parks, Court Hey is the perfect place to spend a couple of hours on a sunny day this bank holiday weekend.

A designated local wildlife site, the park was once part of the extensive estate owned by railway tycoon Robertson Gladstone, brother of Prime Minister William. Gladstone built a walled garden on the site and planted rare trees. With a range of wildlife from bats to toads, it is the perfect place for the kids to learn about nature before you enjoy a picnic in the sunken gardens.

Keep up to date with activities by visiting the Facebook site of the Friends of Court Hey Park.

Rice Lane City Farm, Walton

Rice Lane City Farm is holding a Bank Holiday Bonanza on Saturday, 27^th August, with stalls, music and refreshments.

There will also be a teddy bears’ picnic and the chance to buy farm produce.

It will run from 11am-3pm.

The farm, at the end of Rawcliffe Road in Walton, was established more than 40 years ago and gives children the chance to see farmyard animals including rare breeds like Ryeland sheep and Berkshire pigs.

There is a woodland walk, a children’s play area and there are other regular events like a walking group and craft lessons.

See the website for more details.

Queens Jubilee Trail Southport

Picture: Sefton Council

If you’re thinking of heading to Southport this bank holiday weekend and want to connect with nature, the Queen’s Jubilee Trail is the perfect place.

This wildlife haven has a series of trails, areas to enjoy a picnic, grassy sand dunes and wet areas bursting with wildlife.

The site gets its name from the adoption and improvement project of 1992 to celebrate the Queen’s 40^th anniversary. It had previously been used for sand quarrying.

Now, a viewing platform allows you to look out over the sand of Southport beach across the Ribble Estuary to the north and Welsh hills to the south.

Hire a bike from the nearby Eco Centre to explore more of the Sefton coast or, for a more sedate activity, wander through the nearby Victoria Park.

Martin Mere, Burscough, Lancashire

For a day out with nature this bank holiday weekend, take a trip out to Burscough, near Ormskirk, at Martin Mere Wetland Centre.

There are more than 800 acres of land, home to rare birds, otters and other wildlife.

You can hunker down in one of the hides to spot the birds eating from feeders and wading in the wetlands or if you’re feeling more active enjoy a canoe safari or zip wire.

A family ticket for four costs from £37.86 and children under four go free. Check out the Martin Mere Facebook or website for more admission prices and information about activities.

Storybarn at Calderstones Park

There are a range of activities for children to enjoy over the bank holiday weekend, at The Storybarn with I Spy a Story and Fishing for Stories two of the highlights.

Children will help unravel riddles, solve puzzles, take part in challenges and create a story book to take home.

The Storybarn is a fully inclusive play space for children in Calderstones Park with daily activities.

And the great thing is, once all the fun has been had you can explore the rest of the 49 acre park, including Harthill Botanical Gardens, the playground, and the Reader Cafe and ice cream parlour.

See The Reader website for more details about Storybarn events. Tickets for I Spy a Story and Fishing for Stories cost £3.60-£4. There are discounts available.