The North West of England is home to some of the most beautiful parts of the UK so we don’t blame you for considering a day out with your family there. The hardest thing will be deciding exactly where to go! To give you a hand, we’ve chosen ten of our favourite days out in the North West for families
We've got everything from museums to water parks to the chance to get up close to animals - you're bound to find something to suit your family.
1. Great British Rail Sale
Instead of travelling in the car for your next day out, you can hop on a train for a stress-free journey with the kids. You can save up to 50% off fares on over one million rail tickets as the government and rail industry launch the first-of-its-kind Great British Rail Sale.
If you're travelling between Monday 25 April and Friday 27 May 2022, you can choo choo choose an adventure with a cheap train ticket. We're talking Standard Class or First Class, where available. But hurry, you only have until Monday 2 May to snap up one of these deals.
Days out in the North West
LEGOLAND, Manchester
There are over nine brilliant attractions inside LEGOLAND Discovery Centre. You can watch movies in 4D where you'll feel the rain, wind and snow, build and race your own LEGO car plus become of Merlin's apprentices and learn to fly. There are also dedicated toddler play areas for little ones under five with extra-large soft bricks to enable your children to safely build their own giant creation.
Price: Online tickets: £17.50 for an adult, £16.95 for children, under 3's go free.
Chester Zoo, Chester
A trip to the zoo is always popular and Chester's one is believed to be the most visited in the UK. There are over 70 different animals to visit including aardvarks, black rhinos, giraffes, jaguars and much more. You can also stop by the beautiful botanical gardens which play a vital role in helping local wildlife.
Price: Online tickets: £29.08 for an adult, £22.72 for children, under 2's go free.
Sandcastle Waterpark, Blackpool
Say hello to the UK’s largest Indoor Waterpark which is home to more than 18 slides and attractions in a tropical 84-degree climate. Who needs Spain, eh? Located on Blackpool's famous Promenade, between the Typhoon Lagoon, Fort Riptide and HMS Thunder Splash, your child won't know what to do with themselves.
Price: Online tickets: £22 for an 11 years+, £18 for 8-10 years, £12 for 3-7 years, under 3's go free.
National Football Museum, Manchester
If you've got a little footie fan, they'll be delighted with a trip to the National Football Museum in Manchester. Throughout the impressive four-floor museum, there are interactive objects, games and displays for all ages.
Price: Online tickets: £10.50 for an adult, £5.50 for children, under 5's go free.
Blue Planet Aquarium, Cheshire
A captivating underwater world awaits at Blue Planet Aquarium. There are more than 100 living displays on offer including one of Europe’s largest collections of sharks. Discover the exotic freshwater fish of South America in the Flooded Forest and wander through the 71m long Underwater Shark Tunnel as a kaleidoscope of sharks and fish swim over your head.
Price: Online tickets: £20.75 for 13 years+, £15.75 for 12 years and under, children under 3 feet go free.
The World of Beatrix Potter, Lake District
Beatrix Potter's books are timeless whatever your age and this attraction brings her popular stories to life with an outdoor Peter Rabbit Garden, theatre, character-themed cafe and more.
Price: Online tickets: £8.20 for an adult, £4.20 for children, under 3's go free.
Imagine That, Liverpool
This science and discovery centre for children offers a three hour guided journey through four different zones which include the Imagination Village where little ones can get stuck into some serious role-play and the Slime Factory where your child will love creating the gooiest slime and bubbliest bath bombs, ready to take home.
Price: Peak online tickets: £7.95 for an adult, £14.95 for children, £12.95 for under 3's, under 1's go free.
BeWILDerwood Cheshire
One of our favourite days out in the North West, go wild in Cheshire at this very cool woodland which is packed full of family fun. Based on the magical books by Tom Blofeld, you'll spend hours exploring wonky treehouses, whizzing down slides, zipping along extra-long zip wires plus the chance to join in with storytelling, den building and crafts.
Price: Online tickets: £13.50 for 65 years+, £21.50 for over 105cm, £19.50 for 92-105cm, children under 92cm go free.
Chill Factore, Manchester
Generally suitable for older children four years and over, Chill Factore is home to the longest real snow slope in the UK. Sledging, sliding, ski lessons and private tuition are all on offer and you can ride the slope in a large single or double inflatable rubber ring or tackle twists and turns of the ice slide.
Price: Online tickets: £20 for a one hour pass.
Southport Pleasureland, Southport
For thrills and spills, head to Southport Pleasureland which will keep every member of your tribe entertained. Rides include the log fume, Matterhorn and Submarine while there are lots of classic theme park experiences and stalls like hook a duck, firing range and basketball. There's even a miniature railway to hop onto for £4 return per person.
Price: Peak online tickets: £26.50 for a rider, £9 for a non-rider.