Family Days Out North West – Engaging Days Out For All Ages

Looking for the best family days out in northwest England?

Believe it or not but the North West of England is home to some of the best family days out in the UK, packed with exciting attractions and hidden gems to thrill both kids and adults alike.

From world-class zoos and interactive museums to adventure parks and cultural hotspots, there’s loads of amazing options to enjoy quality time together and create lasting memories.

As a northerner and a parent myself, I’ve visited many of the suggestions in this post and can highly recommend them to families whether it’s for a day trip, a weekend break away, or a half-term holiday.

Map of the Top Attractions in Northwest England

Use the interactive map below to zoom in and out and see all the top family attractions for days out in the northwest of England.

Northwest England: Best Day Trips with Family in 2024

Ultimate guide to all the best day trips in the north west of England for families by train, car and coach, suitable for kids, couples, young and old alike.

1. Legoland Discovery Centre Manchester – Perfect for Younger Kids

The Legoland Discovery Centre is packed with proper hands-on, interactive Lego-themed rides, shows, and building workshops that will absolutely delight the kiddos. The best features include riding an actual Lego train, racing Lego cars, watching a mind-blowing 4D cinema show, and meeting characters like Lego Ninjago!

With plenty of creative play areas perfect for imaginative young minds, as well as a Lego-themed VR experience, this is a pure, plastic brick paradise!

✨ Legoland insider tips:

➡️ Arrive early to avoid crowds and make the most of shorter queues for the most popular rides and activities.
➡️ Look out for special events and themed days that may be happening during your visit.
➡️ Bring socks or be prepared to purchase them, as they are required for some of the play areas.

Address: Barton Square, The Trafford Centre, Manchester M17 8AS
Opening Times: Mon-Fri 10am-7pm, Sat-Sun 10am-8pm
Price: From £20 per person, children under 3 free. Book your tickets in advance HERE
Getting There: Located inside the large Trafford Centre shopping mall just off Junction 10 of the M60

2. Manchester United Museum – Great for Sports Lovers

Manchester is known for being the most famous footballing city on earth – and football-mad families will love the pioneering, interactive Manchester United Museum at the iconic Old Trafford stadium, regardless of which club they follow.

Take a self-guided tour and learn all about the history of this legendary club through exhibits of trophies, memorabilia and life-size player figures. You can even take part in skill challenges like dribbling and shooting in the interactive zone, and walk through the player’s tunnel out onto the hallowed Theatre of Dreams for that money-can’t-buy experience!

Alternatively, you could book the Manchester City Stadium Tour at Man Utd’s rival football club, or even the National Football Museum in the city centre – whichever you choose, you’re spoilt for choice!

Address: Sir Matt Busby Way, Old Trafford, Manchester M16 0RA
Opening Times: Daily 9:30am-5pm except match days
Price: Adults £21, Kids £14
Getting There: Next to Old Trafford stadium, accessible via tram

3. Knowsley Safari Park – Thrilling Outdoor Adventure

For a wildly exciting family day out, Knowsley Safari Park is pretty tough to beat. Drive your own car through expansive animal enclosures and get up close views of tigers, rhinos, giraffes, zebras and tons more.

With an enormous range of species, there’s plenty of amazing wildlife spotting to be done to keep the kids busy for hours, indeed Knowsley Safari Park is rated among the top zoos and safari parks in Britain!

Other park highlights include walkthrough lemur and wallaby areas, sea lion shows, and exhilarating rides like Baboon Towers. Truly an unmissable outdoor adventure!

✨ My top insider tips:

➡️ Bring your own food and drinks to save money, as the on-site options can be expensive.
➡️ Make sure to keep windows and doors closed when driving through the animal enclosures.
➡️ Consider booking a guided safari tour for a more informative and engaging experience.

Address: Prescot, Merseyside L34 4AN
Opening Times: Daily from 10am, closing times vary
Price: Online saver £29 adults, £22 kids, Under 3s free
Getting There: Located between Liverpool and Manchester, accessible from M57

4. World Museum in Liverpool – Best Indoor Option for Rainy Days

When the weather turns wet, the World Museum in Liverpool city centre is a superb indoor attraction that doesn’t cost a penny. Spanning Natural History, World Cultures, and Space & Science, there’s an incredible array of exhibits to spark kids imagination and expand their knowledge.

The most standout displays include towering dinosaur skeletons, Egyptian mummies, a planetarium, and live insects. With free admission (yep!) and a hands-on kids zone too, it’s an absolute gem you can’t miss!

✨ Some useful tips:

➡️ Arrive early to beat the crowds and have more time to explore the museum’s vast collection.
➡️ Look out for special events, workshops, and demonstrations that are sometimes held.
➡️ Don’t miss the free daily planetarium show for an immersive space experience.

Address: William Brown St, Liverpool L3 8EN
Opening Times: Daily 10am-5pm
Price: Free admission
Getting There: Short walk from Liverpool Lime St station

5. Sefton Park in Liverpool – Top Budget Day Out

One of the best free family days out in the North West is the gorgeous 235-acre Sefton Park in Liverpool. With a huge variety of sights and activities, you can easily spend a whole day here without spending a penny!

The kids will love its playgrounds like the Fairy Glen, boating on the lake, and riding the miniature railway. Meanwhile, walking trails, rolling parklands, and attractions like the Grade I listed Palm House offer plenty of joy for adults too. An ideal spot for a picnic or casual playtime outdoors.

✨ Top tips and advice:

➡️ Pack a picnic and find a nice spot in the park to enjoy a relaxing family lunch.
➡️ Explore the lesser-known areas of the park, such as the Fairy Glen and the Palm House.
➡️ Rent a pedal boat or join a guided walk to learn more about the park’s history and wildlife.

Address: Ullet Road, Liverpool L17 1AP
Opening Times: Open daily
Price: Free entry
Getting There: Situated around 5 miles from Liverpool city centre

6. Chester Zoo – Ultimate Wildlife Experience

Consistently ranked as one of the top zoos in the world and the UK’s number one zoo, Chester Zoo is the ultimate northwest England family day out. Home to over 21,000 creatures across 125 acres, it provides the most incredible up-close experience with exotic wildlife.

Stroll through spacious enclosures like Islands with komodo dragons and orangutans, and the Monsoon Forest with crocs and tigers. With feeding talks, kids play areas, and even an overnight zoo sleepover option! Chester Zoo promises a truly memorable top-notch adventure for the whole family.

✨ My best insider tips:

➡️ Book tickets online in advance to get discounted prices and skip the queues.
➡️ Plan your visit around the daily animal talks and feeding times to see the creatures at their most active.
➡️ Consider upgrading to a VIP experience for behind-the-scenes access or a guided tour.

Address: Upton-by-Chester, Chester CH2 1LH
Opening Times: Daily from 10am, closing times vary
Price: From £29.70 adults, £23.74 kids, Under 3s free
Getting There: 15 minutes’ drive from Chester city centre

7. The World of Beatrix Potter – Perfect for Peter Rabbit Fans

Having grown up reading the beloved Peter Rabbit books, your kids will truly appreciate the opportunity to step into the magical world of Beatrix Potter at this charming attraction in the Lake District.

Meet Peter Rabbit and friends as you explore recreated scenes from her classic tales. Highlights include Mrs Tiggy-Winkle’s kitchen, Jemima Puddle-Duck’s glade, and Mr McGregor’s greenhouse.

With a tea room, gift shop and outdoor play area too, it’s ideal for fans of the beloved author. Bring her stories to life on this literary day out.

My 18-month-old toddler loves the Peter Rabbit left-the-flap books that I read her at bedtime, and the way her eyes lit up with excitement when we brought her here truly made our (and her) day.

✨ Things to know:

➡️ Time your visit to coincide with one of the daily storytelling sessions for a more immersive experience.
➡️ Explore the outdoor play area and trails around the attraction to fully immerse yourself in the natural setting.
➡️ Stop by the tea room for a traditional cream tea or Beatrix Potter-themed treats.

Address: Crag Brow, Bowness-on-Windermere, Windermere LA23 3BX
Opening Times: Daily 10am-5.30pm
Price: Adults £8.55, Kids £4.30, Under 3s free
Getting There: Situated in the Lake District National Park

8. Ice Cream Farm – Most Fun for Play Time

For family fun with lots of playing, swinging, sliding and jumping, Ice Cream Farm is an excellent value attraction. As the name suggests, treat yourselves to the farm’s legendary ice cream flavours before burning off all that energy on huge indoor and outdoor play frame structures.

Other highlights include pedal tractor rides, go-karts, sand pits, and interactive experiences like feeding lambs or meeting farm animals. With picnic areas too, it’s such a delightful place to enjoy simple messy playtime as a family.

✨ My top insider tips:

➡️ Arrive early to avoid the crowds and ensure you get the best pick of the legendary ice cream flavors.
➡️ Bring a change of clothes or swimwear for the kids, as the play areas can get quite messy.
➡️ Take advantage of the free entry and pay-as-you-go pricing to customize your day based on your budget.

Address: Drumlan Hall, Newton Lane, Tattenhall, Chester CH3 9NE
Opening Times: Daily from 9.30am until 6pm
Price: Entry free, pay-as-you-go
Getting There: 10 minutes south of Chester city centre

9. SEA LIFE Blackpool – Suitable for Kids of All Ages

Sea Life Blackpool provides an entertaining underwater day out for kids young and old. Walk through interactive rock pools and get up-close views of everything from sharks to clownfish in massive tanks. A clear underwater tunnel puts you right amongst the action – it’s mesmerising watching rays gracefully glide overhead!

With talks, feeds and opportunities to touch starfish and crabs, this engaging aquarium brings marine life close for an eye-opening family experience.

We’ve been to the National Sea Life Centre in Birmingham before, and this one is just as good but also very different – our little one absolutely loved both attractions so I cannot recommend Sea Life Blackpool enough for families with young kids.

To complete your day, why not take your kids to the Gruffalo & Friends Clubhouse on the Promenade? This is perfect for toddlers and small children!

✨ Best insider advice:

➡️ Book a slot for the Shark Voyage VR experience for an additional thrill.
➡️ Look out for scheduled talks and feeding demonstrations to learn more about the marine life.
➡️ Upgrade to a 2-day ticket if you want to revisit and explore the attraction in more depth.

Address: The Promenade, Blackpool FY1 4SA
Opening Times: Daily from 10am
Price: From £16.20 adults, £13 kids, under 3s free. Book online in advance for discounted tickets HERE
Getting There: On Blackpool seafront, just off the central pier

10. Museum of Science and Industry in Manchester – Top Budget Indoor Attraction

Covering Manchester’s rich industrial heritage, this fantastic museum offers a wealth of hands-on science displays that will utterly fascinate kids and adults alike. Interactive exhibits let you experience the power of electricity, vibrations and vacuum technology.

There’s even vintage vehicles like steam engines and trams to ride, and iconic Manchester sights like the 1830 warehouse and 1830s street to step back in time on.

With thought-provoking exhibits on textiles, communications and more, it illuminates the city’s past in a practical, engaging way while providing a wealth of educational knowledge for the kids – bonus!

✨ Things to consider:

➡️ Plan to spend at least half a day to fully experience all the interactive exhibits and historical displays.
➡️ Check the website for upcoming special events, workshops, or exhibitions that may be of interest.
➡️ Explore the outdoor area and historic buildings to get a sense of Manchester’s industrial heritage.

Address: Liverpool Rd, Manchester M3 4FP
Opening Times: Daily 10am-5pm
Price: Free, charges for special exhibits
Getting There: Situated about 1 mile from Manchester city centre

👉 Read more: How to get from Birmingham to Alton Towers

🚅 Best Northwest England Day Trips For Families By Train

Many of the top family-friendly days out from Manchester and Liverpool are accessible by direct train. 

Here are your best options to visit by train instead of car, due to faster travel time and convenient train station access:

➤ Legoland – you can get the train (Blue Line) from Picadilly then change (Red Line) to the Trafford Centre
➤ Manchester United Museum – train and buses to Whardfside then 11 minutes walk, or to MediaCity then a 20 mins walk
➤ World Museum Liverpool – trains arrive at Liverpool Lime Street then its an 8 min walk through the city centre
➤ Chester Zoo – bus number 1 from Chester is 23 minutes and takes you straight to the zoo entrance
➤ Sea Life Blackpool – arrive at Blackpool North station and walk 17 mins along the Promenade or get the tram
➤ Science and Industry Museum – from Manchester Picadilly its 15 mins ride on the Free Bus that stops right at the Science Museum

The train is a super option that allows you to relax and enjoy the scenery en-route – something the kids will love! Plus, you avoid the parking and traffic headaches at busy tourist spots.

🚗 Best Northwest England Day Trips For Families By Car

The following places are better suited for visiting by car due to convenience, quicker duration, and parking facilities:

➤ Manchester United – plenty of car parks around Old Trafford
➤ Legoland – you can park at the Trafford Centre
➤ Knowsley Safari – plenty of car parking on site
➤ World Museum Liverpool – park at one of the car parks in the city centre and then walk to the museum
➤ Sefton Park – drive up to the park (parking on Moseley Hill Drive)
➤ Chester Zoo – plenty of car parking on site
➤ World of Beatrix Potter – there’s a car park on Rayrigg Road (or park on the street) alternatively park around the corner on Crag Brow
➤ Sea Life Blackpool – Central car park or Chapel Street car park are the nearest parking options

Northwest England Day Trips with Family FAQs

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about family days out in the North West:

Conclusion: Family Days Out North West

With so many incredible attractions from adrenaline-packed adventure parks to hands-on, interactive museums, the North West of England truly is an underrated destination for the most unforgettable family days out.

There’s exciting wildlife encounters, evocative heritage sites, and paradises for interactive playtime perfect for creating magical memories together.

You can be on a tight budget or looking to splash out on a special day, the options are there for everyone. So get exploring this diverse and fascinating region by road, rail or tram – amazing family adventures only a short trip away!

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