Country parks and natural attractions - Kidsguide Cheshire, Merseyside, Manchester, NE Wales

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	Acornfield Plantation Local Nature Reserve	Knowsley Industrial Park, Spinney Road, Kirkby Woodland and bog.
	Alderley Edge	Alderley Edge Dramatic red sandstone escarpment with great view. Woodland Walk and links to Hare Hill. Ancient copper mines. 01625 584412 www.alderleyedge.org
	Alyn Waters Country Park	Gwersyllt near Wrexham Woodland, grassland and riverside walks, 2 mile cycleway & sculpture trail offers safe cycling for families & access for wheelchair users. Adventure playground 01978 762122 countryparks@wrexham.gov.uk www.wrexham.gov.uk
	Anderton Nature Park	Anderton nr. Northwich Wildlife haven transformed from industrial wasteland, next to the historic Victorian boat lift. Wildflower trail & dragonfly pond. 01606 77741 marbury@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk www.northwichcommunitywoodlands.org.uk
	Arrowe Country Park	Arrowe Park Large area of parkland with kids' adventure playground pitch and putt, football and tennis. Small visitor centre. Free access public park 0151 678 4200 www.wirral.gov.uk
	Astbury Mere County Park	Congleton Good views from Astbury Mere Country Park to Congleton Edge and Mow Cop. Visitor Centre 01260 297237 astbury@cheshireeast.gov.uk www.cheshireeast.gov.uk
	Biddulph Valley Way	Congleton Traffic free walking and cycling route along disused cycle track. 01260 297 237 rangerservice@cheshireeast.gov.uk www.cheshireeast.gov.uk
	Bidston Hill	Bidston Hill Large wood and heathland. Windmill. TamO'Shanter Urban Farm. 0151 653 9332 (farm) www.wirral.gov.uk
	Black Bear Park	Warrington Start of Trans Pennine Trail. Routes suitable for buggies, bikes and wheelchairs. Wildlife haven. www.warrington.gov.uk
	Bonc yr Hafod	Johnstown, Wrexham Reclaimed spoil heap now a large community woodland. Great views. Lots of wildlife. 01978 822780 www.wrexham.gov.uk
	Brereton Heath Country Park	Holmes Chapel Easy walking trail through woodland with views of lake. Permanent orienteering course - maps available from the Rangers. Angling and canoeing by permit. 01477 534 115 brereton@cheshireeast.gov.uk www.cheshireeast.gov.uk
	Bryn Kinalt	Chirk Great views. Old mining machinery. Wildflower meadows. Woodlands. 01978 822780
	Burtonwood Nature Park	Warrington Wildlife haven. Good place for a picnic and birdspotting. www.warrington.gov.uk
	Caldy Hill Stapledon Wood	Lang Lane, West Kirby Heath and deciduous woods. Hill with views towards the Isle of Man. Wildlife.
	Caldy Nature Park	Caldy Valley Caldy Nature Park is a small area of wetland, woodland and meadows close to Chester City centre. caldy@clocsen.org www.clocsen.org/caldy/welcome.html
	Childwall Woods	South Liverpool Woodland and rough grassland. Bluebells in spring. Butterflies. Peaceful with good views.
	Clwedog Valley & Trail See also Minera Lead Mines below	Wrexham Walking trail & picnic spots. Nant Mill Visitor Centre and Minera lead mines. Giant reconstruction of a mole tunnel, complete with worms! Children's play area, easily accessible stream and picnic site. mineraleadmines@wrexham.gov.uk countryparks@wrexham.gov.uk www.wrexham.gov.uk
	Croxteth Local Nature Reserve	Croxteth Grassland, ponds, river and wetlands with lots of birds, dragonflies, water voles etc. Surfaced paths. see also Croxteth Hall and Country Park 0151 233 3007 www.croxteth.co.uk
	Culcheth Linear Park	Culcheth Nature park with footpaths and opportunities for nature spotting. www.warrington.gov.uk
	Daisy Nook Country Park	Failsworth Activities for children and café at the John Howarth Countryside centre. 0161 308 3909 www.oldham.gov.uk/oldham-countryside-service
	Delamere Forest Park	Delamere Extensive woods with walking trails, picnic spots, lakes. Permanent orienteering course: maps £1 from visitor centre. Bike hire on summer weekends, Seasonal events inc. Xmas tree sales & Santa's grotto. 01606 889792 www.forestry.gov.uk/northwestengland
	Dibbensdale Local Nature Reserve and Brotherton Park	Wirral Hidden valley of ancient woodland. Bird watching. Educational facilities. 0151 334 9851 www.wirral.gov.uk
	The Dungeon	Thurstaston Steep sided, wooded valley. Parking and facilities at nearby Thurstaston Visitor Centre.
	Eastham Country Park	Eastham Good views over Mersey. Woodlands, picnic areas. Tea garden. Visitor Centre. Bird watching and orienteering. Two pubs on waterfront. 0151 327 1007 www.wirral.gov.uk
	Eric Hardy Local Nature Reserve	Allerton Peaceful spot good for walks. Lots of wildife.
	Etherow Valley	See Great Wood Local Nature Reserve, Hurst Clough, Lymefield and Broad Mills and Wooley Copse
	Farndon Picnic Area	Farndon Farndon Picnic Area is an attractive spot on the bank of the River Dee.
	Formby Point	Formby Formby beach, dunes, red squirrels, woodland walks, natterjack toads. One mile walk from train station 01704 878591 formby@nationaltrust.org.uk www.nationaltrust.org.uk
	Great Wood Local Nature Reserve	Etherow Valley, Tameside Ancient woodland with lots of wildlife. Follow the Great Wood Trail from Lymefield Visitor Centre. www.tameside.gov.uk/countryside/etherow
	Greenfield Valley Heritage Park	Greenfield near Holywell Country park with easy walks round woods and millponds. Abbey ruins. Picnic areas. Also Heritage Park Farm Museum with animals to touch, adventure playground, shop and cafe. 01352 714172 www.flintshire.gov.uk
	Gronant and Talacre Dunes	Gronant Sand dunes and large open beaches. Lighthouse. Site of Special Scientific Interest. Views across Dee estuary. Bird watching. NB Beach is a tidal zone: beware of tides and leave plenty of time to get off beach. Nearby bucket & spade shops, fish and chips etc. 01352 719177 www.flintshire.gov.uk
	Hartshead Pike	Medlock Valley, Ashton under Lyne Tower on 267 metre high hill with great views. Lots of paths and wildlife. 0161 330 9613 www.tameside.gov.uk/countryside/medlock
	Heswall Dales Local Nature Reserve	Heswall Lowland heath. Views across Dee to Welsh hills. No facilities but can be combined on circular walk with Thurstaston Visitor Centre. 0151 342 7088 www.wirral.gov.uk
	Hilbre Islands Local Nature Reserve	Hilbre Islands 3 tidal islands. Only accessible on foot at low tide from Dee Lane West Kirby. Must check tides before crossing. Must be accompanied by adult. Check with Visitor Centre in Thurstaston before setting out. 0151 648 4371 www.wirral.gov.uk
	Hollinwood Branch Canal Local Nature Reserve	Medlock Valley, Ashton under Lyne Important wetland area with lots of paths and wildlife. 0161 330 9613 www.tameside.gov.uk/countryside/medlock
	Hopwood Woods Nature Reserve	Rochdale Woodlands, wildlife, walking paths.
	Hurst Clough	Etherow Valley, Tameside Narrow wooded valley with stream. Wildflowers and butterflies. Footpaths. Car park opposite The Wagon pub on Broadbottom Road. www.tameside.gov.uk/countryside/etherow
	Jumbles Country Park	Bolton Reservoir, parkland and pretty scenery in the West Pennine Moors. Lots of room for walking, playing and picnics. Visitor centre and cafe. Sailing club. 01204 856999 www.jumblessailingclub.fsnet.co.uk (includes location map)
	Knott Hill Local Nature Reserve	Medlock Valley, Ashton under Lyne By Knott Hill Resevor. Open water, marsh, swamp, woodland and grassland. Woodpeckers, owls, butterflies and dragonflies. www.tameside.gov.uk/countryside/medlock
	Little Budworth Country Park	Little Budworth Remnant of the ancient hunting forest of Mara and Mondrum. Lowland heathland with heather, woodpeckers & bats. Heathland Trail & pond. 01606 301484 whitegateway@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk
	Loggerheads	Near Mold Big open park next to small river . There are some caves and a very narrow gauge bridge to walk over. loggerheads.countrypark@denbighshire.gov.uk www.loggerheads.biz
	Lumb Brook Valley	Appleton Thorn Woodland nature reserve. www.warrington.gov.uk
	Lymefield and Broad Mills	Etherow Valley, Tameside Restored cotton mills. Self-guided trails. More information from Lymefield Visitor Centre. 01457 765780 www.tameside.gov.uk/countryside/etherow
	Lymm Dam	Lymm Lake. Great spot for a picnic or to explore and scramble over sandstone rock outcrops. Fishing. Birdwatching. www.warrington.gov.uk
	Macclesfield Riverside Park	Between Macclesfield and Prestbury Linear country park with woodland, wetland, ponds and a wildflower meadow. 01625 534790
	Marbury Country Park	Northwich Outdoor pool. Play area & picnic area. Large gardens inc. lime avenues, lake and the arboretum. 01606 77741 marbury@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk www.marburypool.info www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk www.northwichcommunitywoodlands.org.uk
	Martin Mere Wetland Centre	Burscough Over 100 species of rare and endangered ducks, geese, swans, flamingos and beavers. Hides, footpaths, adventure playground. Kids' events during holidays. Special toddler activities every Thursday during term time. 01704 895181 info.martinmere@wwt.org.uk www.wwt.org.uk
	Medlock Valley	See Park Bridge Heritage Centre, Rocher Vale, Hartshead Pike, Hollinwood Branch Canal Local Nature Reserve, Knott Hill Local Nature Reserve and Daisy Nook Country Park
	Mersey Forest	Mersey area Large community forest stretching from Formby to Northwich. www.merseyforest.org.uk
	Mersey Forest Woodland	Ellesmere Port to Chester Level surfaced towpath suitable for walkers and cyclists along the Shropshire Union Canal from Ellesmere Port to Chester. 0151 357 1991
	Millwood Local Nature Reserve	Speke Ancient woodlands famous for wildflowers. Birds inc. woodpeckers. Butterflies and dragonflies. www.liverpool.gov.uk
	Minera Lead Mines and Country Park see also Clwedog Valley above	Wrexham Starting point for the Clywedog Trail. Restored beam engine house, winding engine and boiler houses. Try panning for lead. Picnic spots with scenic views. 01978 762122 mineraleadmines@wrexham.gov.uk www.wrexham.gov.uk
	Moore Nature Reserve	Moore, Halton Nature reserve between Manchester Ship Canal and the River Mersey. Lakes surrounded by woodland, meadows and wetland with paths and bird hides. www.visithalton.com
	Moss Valley County Park	Moss, Wrexham Woodlands, lakes, cycle paths 01978 763140
	New Ferry Butterfly Park	Nr Bebington Station Nature reserve great for spotting butterflies. Also ponds. Open to the public Sundays May - August only. www.wildlifetrust.org.uk
	North Wirral Country Park	Leasowe Narrow park long north Wirral coast. Small visitor centre in lighthouse. 0151 678 5488 www.wirral.gov.uk
	Paddington Meadows	Warrington Nature reserve. www.warrington.gov.uk
	Pickerings Pasture Local Nature Reserve	Halton Wildflower meadows, wildlife and views over Mersey. Good for family walks and picnics. Visitor centre. http://www2.halton.gov.uk
	Risley Moss Local Nature Reserve	Birchwood Nature reserve with an observation tower with great view. Picnic spots. Ponds. Visitor centre. www.warrington.gov.uk
	Rivacre Valley Country Park	Ellesmere Port Woodlands with wild flowers & bluebells in spring. Brook with kingfishers. Picnic in meadow. Visitor centre. Special events. 0151 357 1991 www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk
	Rixton Claypits Local Nature Reserve	Rixton Nature reserve with ponds and woodland. www.warrington.gov.uk
Rocher Vale	Medlock Valley, Ashton under Lyne Riverbanks, woodland, heathland and rocky outcrops. Great picnic spot. 0161 330 9613 www.tameside.gov.uk/countryside/medlock
Royden Park and Thurstaston Common	Thurstaston Heath and woodland. Visitor Centre in Royden Park. Walled nature garden. 0151 677 7594 www.wirral.gov.uk
Runcorn Hill	Runcorn Nature reserve with woods, orienteering trails, heathland, tennis courts, bowling, putting greens. Visitor centre. www.visithalton.com
The Salt Line Walk	Congleton Cycle and walk way along disused railway line. 01270 768 835 rangerservice@cheshireeast.gov.uk Salt Line Borrow Pit Meadows
Sandstone Trail	Frodsham to Whitchurch Walk with good views along the sandstone ridge above the Cheshire plains. www.sandstonetrail.co.uk
Sankey Valley Park	Warrington Long park following canal. Maze and children's play features. Wildlife. Part of Trans Pennine Trail. www.warrington.gov.uk
Seaforth Nature Reserve	Crosby Excellent for birdwatchers. Entry by permit only. Permits available from Seaforth Nature Reserve, Port of Liverpool. 0151 9203769
Shakerley Mere	Shakerely Lake with good even path suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs. Picnic areas. Day fishing permits. 01270 764773 www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk
Stanney Woods Local Nature Reserve	Little Stanney Ancient woodland of oak and silver birch. Walking trail. Woodpeckers, jays & fungi. Special events and practical conservation tasks. 0151 357 1991 www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk
Stryt Las	Between Rhos and Johnstown, near Wrexham SSSI wetland area with extensive pathways, a large lake and three small ponds. Organised pond dips. Children's adventure playground including Norris the Newt! 01978 822780 countryparks@wrexham.gov.uk www.wrexham.gov.uk
Tegg's Nose Country Park	Macclesfield Tremendous views across the Cheshire Plain. Old gritstone quarry. Waymarked Tegg's Trail around the park. Drystone walls. 01625 614279 teggs@cheshireeast.gov.uk www.cheshireeast.gov.uk
Timbersbrook Picnic Area	Congleton Wooded and open grassy areas on site of a former dyeing and bleaching works. Mill pool. Nearby steep climb to the top of The Cloud for views over the Cheshire plain and back towards Bosley Minn. 01260 297237 rangerservice@cheshireeast.gov.uk www.cheshireeast.gov.uk
Trans Pennine Trail	Across North of England. Walking and cycling route from Mersey to Humber. Follows canals and old railway lines. Includes a number of nature reserves. 01226 772574 info@transpenninetrail.org.uk www.transpenninetrail.org.uk
Ty Mawr Country Park	Cefn Mawr By Dee, great views, walks to the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Cefn Viaduct. Kids farm with rare breeds, donkeys, ponies, goats, ducks and geese. 01978 822780 countryparks@wrexham.gov.uk www.wrexham.gov.uk
Weaver Parkway	Winsford Walkway along the historic Weaver Navigation, reclaimed from former industrial land. Britain's only underground salt mine. Butterflies plus goldfinches. 01606 593133 weaverparkway@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk
Wepre Country Park	Connah's Quay Large outdoor play area with bark chippings on floor. Walk through a wooded valley with railway sleepers to walk on through the boggy bits; can be very muddy. Loads of streams water falls squirrels. Ewloe Castle in the middle. 01244 814931 www.flintshire.gov.uk
Wirral Country Park	Thurstaston Country & coastal walks, cycle rides, bird watching, nature trail. Beach. Visitor Centre with nature info. Family activities, picnic and BBQ sites. Cafe. 0151 648 4371 www.wirral.gov.uk/er
Wooley Copse	Etherow Valley, Tameside Small woodland areas with striking large big beech trees. Picnic area by river and nearby pond. Access to Lymefield Visitor Centre via Tameside Trail. 01457 765780 www.tameside.gov.uk/countryside/etherow
Yarrow Valley Country Park	Chorley Nature trail and paths for cycling and horse-riding. Ponds wiht lots of wildlife, angling and canoeing. Visitor centre. Picnic areas 01257 279538 www.chorley.gov.uk

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