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10 best day trips in driving distance (North West)

The cold winds and showers are finally starting to give way to sunnier days, and with the sunshine comes the perfect opportunity to get out and enjoy some fresh air with your family! According to a recent survey carried out by us, most people are willing to drive up to three hours away for the perfect day trip, and this year’s staycation trend means many of you will be planning your first escape of the year. That’s why we’re helping out by finding the top 10 best days out within driving distance of the North West for you and your family to enjoy.

Our roadmap out of lockdown is still on course, which means it’s never been a better time to get out and enjoy some fresh air. The benefits of being in nature are huge, with recent studies showing those who had the chance to spend time in the open air during lockdown found the stresses of the pandemic easier to handle than those who didn’t. So why not pick your favourite destination from the list below and enjoy some time away from home? Don’t forget to let us know where you decide to go! 

Abbeywood Gardens

Offering acre upon acre of beautiful woodland walks and formal and informal gardens, each with their own unique sights, Abbeywood Gardens is a perfect day spent outdoors. Look out on the stunning Utkinton Hills or let your children explore the play area while you enjoy delicious food from the café made with local produce. No booking required – entry costs £6 per adult, and children go free.

Get directions here.

Holker Hall and Gardens

Explore 23 acres of immaculately kept gardens, featuring a diverse range of species that offer year-round colour. There are a few planned walks around the gardens that you can choose to follow, or simply wander through and let your imagination be your guide. The Courtyard Café is open for takeaway, and you can book your entry here.

Holker Hall And Gardens
Holker Hall and Gardens

Get directions here.

Leighton Hall

The historic seat of the Gillow family, Leighton Hall has plenty to offer visitors of all ages, from stunning parkland and gardens complete with red squirrels and rare butterflies to spot, to plenty of trails and activities for children such as the tree face trail, woodland walks and a fun play area. Book your tickets here.

Get directions here.

Cholmondeley Castle Gardens

Nestled within historic parkland, 70 acres of beautiful gardens offer magnificent displays through the seasons and are filled with colour and botanical delights. Discover the romantic Temple and Folly Water Gardens, Rose Garden, Glade, Arboretum, and the ornamental woodland upon Tower Hill. The newly created Lavinia Walk is a 100-metre-long double herbaceous border dedicated to Lady Lavinia Cholmondeley, and continues her legacy within the heart of the garden. Book your visit here.

Get directions here.

Acorn Bank

Best known for its comprehensive herb collection and traditional fruit orchards, Acorn Bank is a tranquil haven with a fascinating industrial past. Wander along the Crowdundle Beck to the partially restored watermill, enjoying wildlife in the woods on the way, and discover more about the history of gypsum-mining on the estate. Book your tickets here.

Get directions here.

Blackpool Murder Mystery Treasure Trail

Explore Blackpool and have fun with the family on the Murder Mystery Treasure Trail, a circular walk with clues for all ages hidden around the town itself – a different and entertaining day out guaranteed to please everyone! Book your trail pack here.

Get directions here.

Ullswater Lake

Ullswater Lake – the second largest lake in England at 7.5 miles long – is surrounded by stunning mountain scenery to its south and gentle hills to its north. With plenty of wildlife and nature to be explored, it’s the perfect place to simply spend a day relaxing outside. Find your best starting point and parking here.

Ullswater Lake
Ullswater Lake

Get directions here.

Go Ape Delamere

Delamere Forest is home to three fantastic Go Ape activities suitable for adventurers of all ages (over 1m tall). Whether you’re ready to fly around the treetops or prefer to stick to the forest floor on a Segway tour, you can book your day trip here.

Go Ape Delamere
Go Ape Delamere

Get directions here.

Royal Albert Dock Liverpool

The Royal Albert Dock Liverpool offers stunning waterfront views any time of day, although we recommend sunset as the best time to sit and enjoy a hot drink or snack as you take in the scenery. Even while most shops are shut, the docks are still a great day out by the water for the whole family – simply get some takeaway food or bring your own and have a lovely waterside picnic.

Get directions here.

Honister Slate Mine

Experience the Lake District like never before with Honister – discover the historic slate mine and its rich volcanic history on this fun tour suitable for all ages. The perfect day out for unpredictable spring weather, booking is essential to avoid disappointment. Click here to book. 

Get directions here.

The most important thing to remember before a long trip is to make sure your car is in tip-top condition. After going so long without much use, it’s worth being extra careful to make sure you don’t end up waiting for recovery at the side of the road. Perrys can help with a health check and service for complete peace of mind before you set off.

Looking for the perfect car for the trip? We think a spacious family SUV is just right for the job, offering all the comfort, space and power you need for everyone to enjoy the journey.

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Written by Perrys | 7 min read
09 Apr 2021