Days Out In the North West
Showing posts with label Days Out In the North West. Show all posts

16 Light Trails In The North West To Enjoy Christmas 2024

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Updated - December 2024 

We love a light trail and this year there are so many to choose from in the North West and surrounding areas. Over the years we have done a few but they have become so popular that this year we already have three booked in and hopefully will book a few more over the next few weeks. As you can imagine tickets sell fast for these events so take a look below for some inspiration on which trail to choose and don't hang about, grab your tickets before it's too late. 

light trail


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60+ Things to Do in Liverpool This Month (December 2024) - Your Ultimate Guide for a Day Out or Weekend Getaway

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If you are looking to spend a day in Liverpool or how to spend a weekend in Liverpool then this What's On Guide will help you. With 60+ things to do in Liverpool this month there is plenty to keep you busy whether you are spending it with the family, friends, your partner or on your own. Liverpool is my favourite city as it has so much to offer and there is something for everyone. 
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Halloween Light Trails In The North West

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Last Update Sept 2024 
Over the years light trails at Christmas time have become so popular however we are now seeing light trails for Halloween too. I love a light trail so any excuse to visit one is fine by me. There are a few popping up in the North West already and I'll make sure I update if any others get announced too.

lights in the trees

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Halloween Lakeside Light Trail Review

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Last Update Sept 2024 

Disclosure - We were invited to enjoy the trail for the purpose of this post. All thoughts, opinions and photographs are our own.

Last year we visited our very first Halloween Light Trail. We have done lots of light trails at Christmas time but we had never done a spooky one before. I remember how curious we were as we had no idea what to expect, we just knew to wrap up warm and prepared for a spooky walk. Last week I saw an announcement that the Halloween Lakeside Light Trail is back for 2024 and we could not wait to visit. If you are a fan of all things spooky you will love the family friendly trail and if you are looking for something a little scarier you can visit their Terror Trail, that's new for 2024. 

a view of the spooky looking lake at the Halloween Lakeside Trail



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9 Inflatable and Trampoline Parks Close To Liverpool

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Indoor inflatable play centres and trampoline parks are perfect for children who enjoy lots of bouncing fun. Not only are they ideal for rainy days but they can also give children the chance to burn off any excess energy especially if they have been stuck indoors due to bad weather. There are plenty of inflatable and trampoline parks to choose from and I have found 9 of the best close to Liverpool.

air unlimited


Where Can I Find A Trampoline Park In Liverpool?

Air Unlimited, Unit 4, Compass East, Speke, Liverpool, L24 1YH
Air Unlimited has something Amazing for everybody. Whether you like to bounce, slide, run or jump. It is adrenaline fuelled fun for the whole family! Air Unlimited's Urban Indoor Playgrounds are Located in Liverpool and Burnley, hosting plenty of activities, offers, events and Air-Mazing times!

Prices start at £11.95

Air Unlimited grip socks must be worn and cost £2.50

Open times vary depending on the day of the week but do start as early as 9:30am

Party bookings are available and prices start at £120 (for 10 children)

Find out more by visiting Air Unlimited or read our review 

Flip Out, liverpool


Flip Out, Unit V6 Topham Drive, Aintree Racecourse Retail & Business Park, Aintree, Liverpool, L9 5AL 
Flip Out, Liverpool is not just a trampoline park, it is so much more. Flip Out is home to a 65ft donut slide, total wipeout, cyber towers, drop slide, stunt boxes, a huge interconnected trampoline arena and lots more.

The arena is split in to different sections. There are steps down away from the trampolines which lead you in to an area that has a play structure, donut slide, and climbing frame. It's a great addition to the trampolines and the boys spent a lot of time there, climbing and sliding. 

Prices start at £5 depending on age and session booked

Flip Out socks must be worn and cost £2

All spectators must purchase a spectator ticket for £1

Open times vary depending on the day of the week but do start as early as 9:30am

Party bookings are available and prices start at £22 per person (for a minimum of 10 children)

Find out more by visiting Flip Out or read our review

Ninja warrior, Liverpool


Ninja Warrior UK (Liverpool), Unit L3, New Mersey Retail, Liverpool L24 8QB
Ninja Warrior UK Adventure Park is a supervised activity and fitness venue inspired by ITV’s hit programme Ninja Warrior UK! You can climb, balance, jump and swing across different obstacles using and developing your Ninja skills, plus they also have the famous Warped Wall for every aspiring Ninja to conquer. 

In addition to the fixed Ninja obstacles, they also have a huge inflatable, Mount Sasuke to clamber up, and the Mini Ninjas soft play. A great place for supervised family activities and for keeping fit.

Prices start at £3.50 depending on age and session booked

Ninja Warrior socks must be worn and cost £2

Open times vary depending on the day of the week but do start as early as 9am

Party bookings are available and prices start at £10 per person (for a minimum of 10 children)

Find out more by visiting Ninja Warrior or read our review

jump inc, liverpool


Jump Inc, Unit C-F, Hunts Cross Shopping Centre, Triumph Way, Speke Hall Rd, L24 9GB
Jump Inc Liverpool is a brand new, indoor activity playground with interconnecting trampolines, the UK’s 3rd Robokeeper, laser tag, reaction walls, 5 a side footy cage and loads more, located at Huntscross Shopping Centre. Huge inflatables, battle hoops,  wipeout, a travelator, a two-storey assault course,  plus six state-of-the-art party rooms!

Prices start at £7.50 depending on age and session booked

Jump Inc socks must be worn and cost £2.50

Open times vary depending on the day of the week but do start as early as 9am

Party bookings are available and prices start at £15.95 per person (for a minimum of 10 children)

Find out more by visiting Jump Inc

bounce house, liverpool


Bounce House, Units 1 & 2 Glacier Buildings, Harrington Road, Brunswick Business Park, L3 4BH (For Sat Nav: L3 4ED)
Bounce House is packed with high slides, assault course, jump bags, trampolines and so much MORE! They have something to keep everyone entertained whatever the age. Located only 1 mile from Liverpool’s City Centre.

Prices start at £12 depending on age and session booked

Open times vary depending on the day of the week but do start 10am

Party bookings are available and prices start at £18 per person (for a minimum of 10 children)

Find out more by visiting Bounce House

air nation


AirNation, Lowe Street, Saint Helens, Merseyside, WA10 2QS
You've all been on a bouncy castle before ...okay but, have you ever been on a bouncy castle the size of a small planet??? Well here it is, a custom designed bouncy area tweaked for one thing, and one thing alone: MASSES OF FUN. With more activities than you can shake a stick at, you won't know where to start.

Prices start at £6.49 depending on age and session booked

Open times vary depending on the day of the week but do start 9am

Party bookings are available and prices start at £13 per person (for a minimum of 12 children)

Find out more by visiting AirNation

velocity, widnes


Velocity, Unit 1, Easter Park, Bennetts Lane, Shell Green, Widnes, Cheshire, WA8 0GW
Velocity Widnes is the best place to have fun! Home to the biggest indoor inflatable in the UK you can enjoy whatever your age or ability. The huge inflatable area features two extreme drop slides, a giant slide into the UK’s largest ball pool, a gladiator arena with podiums to battle from, high climbing wall and lots more. There is also a dedicated arena for under 4s that includes its own slide and ball pool.

Prices start at £6 depending on age and session booked

Open times vary depending on the day of the week but do start 10am

Party bookings are available and prices start at £15.50 per person (for a minimum of 10 children)

Find out more by visiting Velocity

inflation parks, wirral


Inflation Parks, St Mary's College (St. George's Road Entrance), Wallasey, CH45 3LN
Jump to it at the Wirral’s first and only inflatable theme park in St Mary’s College in the heart of Wallasey Village. The huge interconnected inflatable arena is packed with an assault course, climbing wall, maze, death slides and more.

Prices start at £7.50 depending on age and session booked

Open times vary depending on the day of the week but do start 9am

Find out more by visiting Inflation Parks

sector 8, Liverpool


Sector 8, UNIT 2 Broad Lane L11 1AD
Sector8 is Liverpool’s best place to have a Awesome time. Plus it’s great exercise disguised with fun! Great adrenaline -filled fun that you and your friends will sure to love! Sector 8 has a fabulous indoor inflatable theme park, with all your fun filled inflatable activities joined together under one roof to enjoy whatever your age or ability. The huge inflatable arena features a huge ball pool, inflatable climbing wall, lots of mega slides, plus lots more exciting features.and lots more.

Prices start at £7.50 depending on age and session booked

Open times vary depending on the day of the week so check before booking.

Party bookings are available and prices start at £13.50 per person (for a minimum of 10 children)

Find out more by visiting Sector 8

Have you been to any inflatable or trampoline parks yet? Which was your favourite?

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                                  Michelle
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Julia Donaldson Zog Trail at Delamere Forest

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New for 2023 at Delamere Forest is the Julia Donaldson Zog trail. The Zog trail is based on the popular Julia Donaldson children’s picture book Zog. We have done a few of the Julia Donaldson trails at Delamere over the years and they are very popular and lots of fun. 

zog trail board


What To Expect At The Zog Trail, Delamere Forest, CW8 2HZ
The first thing to point out is that the Zog trail is a completely different route to previous trails. If you have done the Gruffalo trail and the Superworm trail then you may be pleased to know this trail takes you in the opposite direction. Starting at the new and revamped Delamere Cafe and Visitor Centre the trail takes you on a path through the car park and up through the forest. 

There is a trail pack to purchase from the visitor centre for £4. You do not need to purchase the pack to enjoy the trail however it does contain a craft bag to colour in, dragon wings to decorate and wear, Zog glasses, stickers, trail leaflet, pencil and crayon.  

zog trail board


Once you are on the trail there are opportunities for you to interact with the activity boards. Here you have to do mini challenges such as flap your wings like a bird, or talk about what you smell. Here you can then use the golden star stickers every time you do the activity. You can also use your Zog glasses to find a hidden word on each board then rearrange the letters to spell out a word!

boy wearing glasses


Along the trail there are many opportunities for you to go off the beaten track and explore the woods. There are lots of open spaces with logs to walk across, bugs to find and dens to be made. 

The trail takes approximately 40 to 60 minutes however this will depend on how fast or slow you take it. If you head into the woods, enjoy a picnic and do the activities it could easily fill 2-3 hours. 

zog trail activity board

zog trail activity board


Whilst there is no cost for the Zog Trail, Delamere Forest is part of Forestry England and therefore there are car parking charges applicable. There are a few car parks around the forest however the purpose built car park next to the visitor centre and cafe is huge and I would recommend it.

The new visitor centre and cafe was built during 2020 and is a huge improvement on the old centre. There is a huge toilet block, cafe with indoor and outdoor seating and visitor centre. There is a wide range of hot and cold meals, snacks, cakes and ice cream. 

You can also access a range of walking trails close to the visitor centre. If you fancy heading up in to the trees you can also visit the Go Ape Tree top Challenge

zog trail activity board


We have visited Delamere Forest many times over the years and it was once home to the Gruffalo Trail and The Gruffalo Orienteering Trail. However the Gruffalo statue is now in need of repair and restoration due to weather damage and wear and tear. The Gruffalo statue has now been removed and I do hope it will return one day.

You can join in with the Zog trail at the following

Alice Holt
Bedgebury Pinetum
Beechenhurst
Cannock Chase
Cardinham Woods
Dalby Forest
Delamere Forest
Fineshade Wood
Gisburn Forest
Grizedale Forest
Guisborough Forest
Haldon Forest Park
Hamsterley Forest
Haughmond Hill
Hicks Lodge
High Lodge
Jeskyns
Kielder Forest
Moors Valley Country Park
Salcey Forest
Sherwood Pines
Thames Chase
Wendover Woods
Westonbirt Arboretum
Whinlatter Forset
Wyre

You can find out more information about the trails here.

zog trail activity board



Have you visited any of the Julia Donaldson trails? Let us know.

Michelle

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What To Expect When Visiting Gulliver's World, Warrington

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Disclosure - This post was last updated July 2023 

When we talk of theme parks we always think of Alton Towers or Blackpool Pleasure Beach as they are probably the closest to us. We always seem to forget Gulliver's World which is a shame as it's only less than 30 minutes away from us and it's a great park with lots of rides for all ages including a brand new land Gulliver's Gears and two brand new rides Grand Prix Racers and Overdrive. The theme park is reasonably priced and would make a perfect day out this Summer.

Welcome sign at Gulliver's World

Gulliver's World, Warrington, Cheshire, WA5 9YZ
Gulliver's World is easily accessible by car, train, bike and unlike most theme parks parking is free. Gulliver's World boasts more than 25 rides in 9 different themed lands with almost half the rides suitable for families with children under 90cm when riding with an adult. As well as family rides there are a few perfect for thrill seekers too. Gulliver's World also has lots of themed play areas which are perfect for little ones to pass the time if they don't want to go on certain rides.

boy looking at map

Entering The Park
Tickets can be booked online and if so you will receive a discount on your admission price. Tickets are priced as adults and children, senior, children under 90cm are free and then there is a concession rate too. 

To receive the best price you are advised to book at least 2 days in advance. 

Gulliver's Gears land

Grand Prix racers ride
The Rides
Like I said earlier most of the rides at Gulliver's World are suitable for younger children and up. There are a small selection of thrill rides which is good if you are visiting with siblings, family or friends of different ages. There is something for everyone and makes for a lovely family day out. 

Although it's not actually a circle when entering the park if you can imagine entering the park at the top of the circle and you can choose to go clockwise or anti clockwise. You will see everything this way. We always go clockwise and it ensures we see all the attractions and rides. 

The themed areas begin with Wonderland to the left as you enter the park. Here you can enjoy Veteran Cars and The Mad Hatter's Tea Party. There is also a play area and a maze too. 

Continuing clockwise you will reach Western World. Here there is another huge play area themed around the wild west. A water ride call Apache Falls, a drop tower ride called Desperado Drop and Billy Bob's Bi Planes. 

Next you will reach Gully's Cartoon Studios. The Wriggler, Gully's Grand Prix and Ellie's Animal Merry Go Round are all situated in Gully's Cartoon Studios and suitable for younger guests.

Smugglers Wharf was one of our favourites areas as it features the parks wooden rollercoaster, The Antelope. You can also head to Smugglers Boating School to drive your own boat, hop on board the pirate ship or the spinning pirate ship Pirates Cove. There is also a play area here too. 

Lilliput Land has old school rides such as the carousel and dodgems. It also has a walk through haunted house. 

Gulliver's Gears in the newest land and is themed around race cars. Both rides Grand Prix Racers and Overdrive are not suited for those under 100cm for Grand Prix Racers and under 120cm for Overdrive. A nice land with old fashioned pedal cars mixed in and a play area too.

Discovery World has the classic ride The Log Flume and also a Tractor themed ride. 

The Lost World is theme around Dinosaurs. As you walk you may spot dinosaurs hidden amongst the trees and bushes. Flight of the Pteranodon, Hatchery and Dino Safari Tours are perfect for dinosaur fans and if you want to grab some great views of the theme park head to the Sky Tours Observation Tower.

Last you will head in to Safari Kingdom which is home to water slide Togo Tower, Adventure Canyon, Temple Raider, Jeep Safari and Tree Top Swings. Here there is also another play area and also a mini golf course which is included in your admission.

44 cats characters

Entertainment
There is plenty of entertainment at Gulliver's World. Make sure you check out the entertainment timetable online or at the park so you don't miss out. This is just a sample of what type of entertainment is on offer.

10:00 am - Rise and Shine Concert (Magical Main Stage)
11:00 am - Gilly Tot's Bubble Fun (Magical Main Stage)
11:30 am - Meet Elmer (Magical Main Stage )
1:00 pm - Buddy's Pirate Adventure (The Starlight Theatre )
2:00 pm - Gulliver's Royal Crowning (Lilliput Castle )
2:30 pm - Meet the Clangers! (The Starlight Theatre)
3:00 pm - Glittermixers Character Concert (The Starlight Theatre)
3:30 pm - Meet Elmer (Magical Main Stage )
5:00 pm - See You Soon Show (Magical Main Stage)

adult meal at Gulliver's World

child meal at Gulliver's World

Food and Drink
Gully's Grill at Gully's Cartoon Studios serves burgers, hotdogs and fries. There is space to eat inside or out and there is also a large indoor soft play area for children. 

Costa Coffee situated in Lilliput land offering hot and cold drinks and a selection of snacks. 

Big G Diner at the entrance has a variety of savoury snacks and some festive specials!

Diamond Lil's at Western World serves up hot dogs, pizzas and selected festive favourites.

There is also lots of places to buy drinks, sweet treats and ice cream throughout the theme park.

Swings at Gulliver's


Special Events
Throughout the year Gulliver's World offers visitors to enjoy a whole range of special events or discounted entry days or weekends. We have visited on many of the special events over the years including Grandparents weekend, Food donation weekend where admission was hugely discounted if you brought a food bank donation and our favourite, Christmas at Gulliver's.

There is still lots to enjoy for the rest of year so if you are looking for something extra special then check out these events. 

Come and See Elmer at Gulliver's World
23rd Jul-4th Sep 2023

Fireworks Finale
2nd September 2023

Jamboree Weekend
16th-17th September 2023

Grandparents' Weekend
30th Sep-1st Oct 2023

Fright Fiesta
14th Oct-3rd Nov 2023

Fireworks Spectacular
5th November 2023

Christmas at Gulliver's

Staying Over
You can now extend your Gulliver's World fun by enjoying a stay at Gulliver’s Hotel and Lodgings. There is a selection of contemporary hotel suites, glamping tents, lodges, dens and cabins to choose from.

Gulliver's World is surrounded by woodlands and adjacent to Sankey Valley Park, providing you with a peaceful and relaxing environment.

Gulliver's World Theme Park is within walking distance of the accommodation, making it an ideal base for a family short break.

For more information on Gulliver's World, openings and to book visit Gulliver's World, Warrington.

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- If you enjoyed this post leave us a comment.

-  Like us on FacebookTwitter or Instagram and follow us on our adventures.

- If you have visited any of the attractions mentioned in this post share photos with us on our socials. 

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- If you would like to work with us please visit on Work With Us page for more details

Michelle
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Top 9 Things To Do At Coral Island, Blackpool

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This post was last updated July 2023 by Michelle 

Visiting Blackpool is something we have been doing as a family for years. It's one of our favourite places to visit when we head to Blackpool. Parking is close by so our day usually starts and ends at Coral Island as there is so much to see and do and it's the perfect place to visit on a family day out in Blackpool. Unfortunately we don't always get the weather we would like in England so it's nice to know that no matter what the weather we can be entertained and keep the kids busy too.

Boy pretending to be a pirate
Coral Island, Central Promenade, Blackpool, FY1 5DW
Coral Island is the largest free admission attraction in Blackpool featuring games, rides, restaurants, camel derby, Over 18 casino games and family prize bingo. They also offer Kids Eat Free - All Day Every Day in all of their restaurants. It's east to reach we usually just head towards the Blackpool Tower and you can't miss it. If you are planning a visit to Blackpool then here's are top things to do at Coral Island

boy playing on penny aracde
boy playing on penny aracde
boy playing on penny aracde
2p Machines
There is a large range of machines at Coral Island but little J's favourites were the 2p machines. We gave him a tub full of 2p's and he really enjoyed watching his two pence make its way down the machine. He got so excited when his 2p knocked a load off the edge

ticket machines at the Arcade


Try To Win Tickets
Most of the machines at Coral Island offer you the chance to win tickets. If you are lucky enough to win tickets you can feed them all in to the ticket eater and collect your voucher for the amount of tickets you have won. Pop to the prize shop and swap your ticket voucher for some goodies.

Camel Derby
This game is called so many different names, Arabian Derby, Donkey Derby or Camel Derby as it is called in Coral Island. The game is simple you get 3 balls and you have to roll the balls into the holes to get points. Each hole is worth either 1, 2 or 3 points. Your camel will move the amount spaces depending on which hole your ball rolls in too. If you are the first to finish you win a prize. When we played all 19 spaces were full. We had 15 games between us but didn't manage a win. The staff member on the game let little J choose a prize for trying which was really lovely of him.

Prize Bingo
This is my favourite game. Pop in £1 and you will get 100 credits. Each board costs 10 credits and the screen has 6 boards to play. if you want to play all boards this will cost you 60p. It is really easy to play as the numbers will mark off automatically for you so perfect for all the family. The number of players taking part determine the size of the prize available. For the games we played the winner got 150 points. We won a few times and where able to redeem our points for a Toy Story Forky Teddy. Little J was thrilled.

Play On The Arcade Machines
There are so many arcade games to choose from at Coral Island. Both John and little J love playing on the games and this VR game caught their eye. 

boy on ride in arcade
Coral Island, Blackpool
Coral Island, Blackpool
Take A Ride
There are two rides to enjoy at Coral Island, the Ghost Train and The Pirate Flyer. Little J did not want to ride the Ghost train however he loved The Pirate Flyer. The ride takes you high in the air above Coral Island giving you great views of everything there is to do. If you sit in the front of the pirate flyer you get a pretend gun so you can shoot those down below. 

Coral Island, Blackpool
Coral Island, Blackpool
Let Zoltar Read Your Fortune
I was so excited when I saw the Zoltar machine and for those that have seen the Tom Hanks movie BIG you will know why. The Zoltar machine speaks your fortune and then will pop out a card so you can read it yourself. Our fortune told us to choose our friends carefully and happiness is in our future.
Restaurant at Coral island
Restaurant at Coral island
Restaurant at Coral island
Enjoy A Choice Of Food and Kids Eat Free
There are a few dining options at Coral Island and all offer Kids Eat Free. We dined at The Buccaneer and the food was delicious. There was a large range of starters, mains and desserts with the children having their own menu.

Starters included garlic bread, nachos and garlic mushrooms. Mains included burgers, curry and chicken, and desserts included a choice of ice cream type desserts and cakes.

There is an option to dine inside or outside on decking overlooking the amusements. Inside there are large TV screens and a bar area.

Kids Eat Free All Day Every Day at Coral Island. There is no vouchers required all you need to do is order and adults meal and a child's meal will be given free of charge.

Have Fun
Coral island, Blackpool
Make sure you plan lots of time to spend here as you will need it with the amount of things to see and do. I can promise you that you will have lots of fun at Coral Island.

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Michelle
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