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Free places to go in Cheshire
Ideas for places to take children for free
 

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Kidsguide tip
Don't forget the obvious free places to go: parks, libraries, museums, country parks and natural attractions.
There are lots of free family activities organised in school holidays at local museums, sports facilities etc. Keep an eye on Kidsguide's what's on? section for details.

basic listings

Alexandra Park

Hoole
Large grassy areas. Kids' play area. Tennis courts, pitch and putt.
01244 320811
www.chestercc.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@cheshire.gov.uk
www.northwichcommunitywoodlands.org.uk

Astbury Mere County Park

Congleton
Good views from Astbury Mere Country Park to Congleton Edge and Mow Cop. Visitor Centre.
01260 297237
astbury@cheshire.gov.uk
www.cheshire.gov.uk/countryside/

Blacon Adventure Playground

Blacon
Large enclosed site includes adventure play structures, a city farm, environmental play areas and a large indoor playbarn.
01244 371129 
e.irwin@chestercc.gov.uk
www.chestercc.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 534115
brereton@cheshire.gov.uk
www.cheshire.gov.uk/countryside/

Caldy Valley Nature Park

Caldy Valley
Caldy Nature Park is a small area of wetland, woodland and meadows close to Chester City centre.
01244 881048
oultona@cheshire.gov.uk
www.cheshire.gov.uk/countryside/

Cheshire County Council

Cheshire Countryside Explorer
Free leaflet detailing country parks picnic areas, walking trails, cycle rides.
0151 327 2084
countryside@cheshire.gov.uk

Cheshire Ice Cream Farm

Tattenhall
It's free to go in, see cows being milked (call for milking times) and see rare breed animals and birds of prey.  Indoor play barn. Cafe. Ice cream.
01829 770995
cfic@btconnect.com
www.cheshirefarmicecream.co.uk

Christleton Pond and Play Area

Christleton
Feed the ducks on pond then play in the play area just the other side of the parking spaces.

Delamere Forest Park

Delamere
Extensive woods with walking trails, picnic spots, lakes.
01606 889792
www.forestry.gov.uk/northwestengland 

The Dingle

Chester
A pleasant walk in the middle of Chester.... Start at the bottom of Greenway Street Handbridge. Small park with some swings and slide. Then walk towards the Grosvenor Bridge, under it and do a loop of the Dingle woods loads of squirrels, fallen logs and streams etc. Look for the house called Nowhere on route (which inspired a Beatle who was walking the same route). Only 1 mile long so great fun for little ones.

Dodleston

Dodleston
Circular path is good for bicycles and  tricycles. Grassy area for ball games.

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

EPIC Leisure Centre

Ellesmere Port
Free swim sessions at certain times in during school holidays (call for details).

0151 355 6432

Farndon Picnic Area

Farndon
Farndon Picnic Area is an attractive spot on the bank of the River Dee.

01244 881048
oultona@cheshire.gov.uk
www.cheshire.gov.uk/countryside/

Grosvenor Park

Chester
In city centre near river. Large grassy area, small kids' play area, beautiful flowerbeds. Ride on the miniature railway (small charge). Good to combine with feeding ducks at the Groves (below).
01244 402477
www.chestercc.gov.uk

The Groves

Chester
Walk along the river, feed the ducks , watch the boats. Listen to the band on the bandstand on Sundays. Ice cream stands. Good to combine with Grosvenor Park (above).
01244 402477
www.chestercc.gov.uk

Haslington Play Barn

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 593133
weaverparkway@cheshire.gov.uk
www.cheshire.gov.uk/countryside/

Libraries

Good choice on wet day. Many do free story time for the under-5s.
libraries Cheshire
libraries Halton
libraries Warrington

McArthurGlen Outlet Village

Cheshire Oaks
In the designer outlet complex there is a small toddler play area. By the food hall there is a larger, covered play area better for older kids.
0151 3485604
www.mcarthurglen.com

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
rivacre@cheshire.gov.uk
www.cheshire.gov.uk/countryside/

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
rivacre@cheshire.gov.uk
www.cheshire.gov.uk/countryside

Sandy Lane Aqua Park

Boughton, Chester
New aqua park by River Dee in Sandy lane Boughton. 14 feature spray facility for kids to run around in and get wet. Pressure pads produce showers of water. Refreshment kiosk. Accessible for wheelchairs. Free!
Open weekends and and holidays in the summer.
www.chester.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
rivacre@cheshire.gov.uk
www.cheshire.gov.uk/countryside/

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@cheshire.gov.uk
www.cheshire.gov.uk/countryside/

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
astbury@cheshire.gov.uk
www.cheshire.gov.uk/countryside/

Upton Park

Upton by Chester
Large grassy area. Kids play area with swings, climbing frame etc. Conveniently next to Wealstone Lane library.

Water Tower Gardens

Chester
Tennis, play area. Can combine with walk along canal.
01244 402477
www.chestercc.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 59133
weaverparkway@cheshire.gov.uk
www.cheshire.gov.uk/countryside/

Westminster Park

Lache Lane, Chester
Large grassy areas, kids play area. Pitch and putt, football, cricket, tennis, croquet, bowls as well as the popular 9 hole golf course.
www.chestercc.gov.uk

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