Cheshire: Family & Friends

Come rain or shine, it’s nice to head out and about at the weekends or during half term to keep family and friends occupied. But sometimes you just don’t know what to do with yourself, so we’ve put together a complete list of all the best days out in Cheshire so whether you live around the corner or just in town for a visit, we’ve got your day out sorted.

Family day out in Cheshire #1: Chester Zoo

Who doesn’t want to visit the real-life sort of ‘The Secret Life of The Zoo’?! Not only are the animals amazing (check out this super rare baby deer) but they’re one of the world’s leading conservation based zoos. They have a 10 year conservation masterplan to tackle major changes in climate that are accelerating the extinction of many species.

When you take your friends and family on a day out to Chester Zoo, you’re actually helping them to meet their conservation goals. By being a world-class attraction, they can achieve the greatest conservation impact, provide exceptional animal and plant care, ensure financial sustainability and be the voice for change. Now isn’t that a wholesome family day out in Cheshire?

While you’re there you can see Okapis, Komodo dragons, Zebras, Flamingos, Capybaras, Cheetahs and more! There’s also the delicious restaurant The Oakfield to rest up and refuel as well as face painting to keep the little ones entertained. You can experience what a monsoon forest would be like, a Latin American wetland aviary or take a lazy boat trip and discover the amazing tropical environments of South East Asia. A family day out in Cheshire meets a trip around the globe.

Family day out in Cheshire #2: Crocky Trail

If you’re planning a day out in Cheshire and you like the getting muddy kind of adventures then Crocky Trail is spot on for you. There’s a series of gravity defying scary slides for a rush of adrenaline. Once you’re in the zone there are the classic Crocky Trail rides like the Rock ‘N’ Roller, Titanic, Flusher, Surf Rider, Flying Saucer, and Superbowl – all as daring as they sound.

For the adults, if the slides and rides don’t float your boat, you can kick back with a coffee while the little ones warm up. Then you’ll all be ready for the mile long trail, which winds through fields and trees, passing over the Crocky stream. You’ll be able to cross over the scary wobbly bridge, the swinging chain bridge or even the fallen log – but you’ll have to be careful because it has been known for people to fall in with an almighty splash. As you work your way back to the start, there’s the Crocky shop where you can stop in for a snack and a rest before making it back home after a long day out in Cheshire.

Family day out in Cheshire #3: Macclesfield forest and the Picturedrome

Are you into mountain biking? Macclesfield Forest has an 18.4 mile route for the experienced rider that climbs through the forest up to the Cat and Fiddle pub and looping back through Three Shire Heads. The ride gives you a taste of the rocky Peak District, and has some adrenaline pumping, gravity-defying rocky descents that make for a thrilling Cheshire day out. If you’re not into biking then you can still get the Peak District experience on foot with one of the many walks the forest offers.

Once you’ve worked up a sweat either on wheels or on foot you’ll need a decent pit stop. That’s where the Picturedome comes in. The building is just a short drive away, dating back to 1911, when it was a popular cinema. In 2019 the cinema was reimagined into a food lover’s heaven by the owners of Manchester’s Mackie Mayor and Altrincham Market, and opened to the public as a food hall. When you’re there you can choose from 7 different food outlets, and 2 fantastic bars and then choose to sit either indoors or soak up the sun in their outdoor extension which is undercover and has heaters – so you don’t have to worry about a predictable, yet sudden, turn in the northern weather.

Just in case it didn’t already sound like the perfect place to refuel, it’s also a dog friendly destination so you really can have a day out in Cheshire with the whole family.

Family day out in Cheshire #4: Cheshire Oaks

Not in the mood to get muddy? That’s okay because Cheshire Oaks might be a little more your pace.

This designer outlet is the ultimate Cheshire day out shopping experience. With 100’s of designer brands to browse you can find your perfect pair of Levi’s, the comfiest leisurewear from Adidas or Nike, an iconic raincoat from Burberry, a classic Mulberry handbag, or even some comfy Calvin Klein underwear. Basically you can kit yourself out head to toe in designer gear all in one place. Your bank account may get tired but your feet certainly won’t.

On your visit to Cheshire Oaks, there’s one very special visitor you’ll have to say hello to. Gimli the cat is obsessed with the shopping complex, and is often found strutting down aisles or taking kips in shop windows. She’s actually pretty famous with her own Facebook page hailing her the Queen of Cheshire Oaks.

Once you’re weighed down with shopping bags there are loads of pubs and restaurants to dip into for a cup of coffee or for a proper meal – you can find the best places to eat here.

You could turn your day out in Cheshire to a weekend out by shopping til you drop for an outfit appropriate for the races. That’s right, kit yourself out in designer gear and fancy toppers and head off the Chester race day – just don’t forget the prosecco.

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