By Parkdean Resorts on 16/09/2019
From the lively seaside town of Blackpool to the natural splendour of the Lake District when it comes to planning things to do in the North West, you’ll certainly be spoilt for choice. Whether you’re keen outdoor explorers or prefer a slower pace on your holiday, the region has something to offer for families of all shapes and sizes. Read on to discover our favourite family days out in the North West and start planning your next getaway.
1. Lake District Wildlife Park
- Where is the Lake District Wildlife Park? Bassenthwaite, Cumbria, CA12 4RD
- What are the opening times? The park is open between 10am and 5pm from March to October and between 10am and 4pm from November to February.
- How much does it cost? An adult’s ticket costs £9.95, a child’s ticket costs £7.95 and under 3s go free. Head to their website to find out more.
- Where can I stay nearby? All three of our Lake District Holiday Parks are approximately an hour’s drive from the wildlife park.
Nothing quite compares to a family holiday in the Lake District and you can expect to find a multitude of brilliant attractions to cater to both adults and kids alike. For animal lovers, a trip to the Lake District Wildlife Park is an absolute must. Featuring the spectacular Skiddaw Mountain as its backdrop and just a ten minute drive from the bustling market town of Keswick, the park is positioned right in the heart of the Lakes. Home to over 100 species of wild and domestic animals, you can expect to see everything from red pandas to boa constrictors, with daily keeper talks and feedings along the way.
For an additional charge, you can experience even more – whether it’s walking an alpaca or meeting the meerkats, getting up close and personal with their favourite animal is bound to put a smile on the kids’ faces! Make sure to check out the brand new animal themed outdoor adventure playground too when they need to blow off some steam.
2. Blackpool Pleasure Beach
- Where is Blackpool Pleasure Beach? Blackpool, Lancashire, FY4 1EZ
- What are the opening times? Opening times vary throughout the year and the attraction is closed during the winter months. See full opening and closure information via their website.
- How much does it cost? You can save a considerable amount by booking your wristband online and even more by doing it a week or more in advance. Find out more here.
- Where can I stay nearby? Blackpool Pleasure Beach is under an hour’s drive from all of our holiday parks in Lancashire.
Calling all thrill seekers, a holiday in the North West wouldn’t be the same without a visit to the iconic Blackpool Pleasure Beach - and with 125 rides and attractions, prepare yourself for a full day of adrenaline-fuelled fun. Brand new for 2019 is the UK’s first double launch rollercoaster, Icon, accelerating from 0-80kmph in just 2.25 seconds – it’s not for the faint-hearted! Other favourites include the park’s biggest and fastest ride, The Big One, or take the plunge on the Ice Blast, a vertical descending ride with views from the top spanning across Blackpool.
High speed rides aren’t for everyone, and the Pleasure Beach has something to offer for the whole family. The Wallace & Gromit Thrill-O-Matic will be a huge hit with the kids, a slow moving ride through themed scenes from the much-loved franchise. Pay a visit to the adjacent Nickelodeon Land and enjoy even more family fun - with 12 more rides and character meet and greets, your little ones will be kept entertained for hours. If you’re visiting during October Half Term, make sure to get involved in some spooktacular Halloween events too!
Video sourced from Blackpool Pleasure Beach
3. Yorkshire Dales National Park
- Where is the Yorkshire Dales National Park? North Yorkshire, DL8 3EL
- How much does it cost? Access to the park is free but additional activities and events may be chargeable. For more details, head to their website.
- Where can I stay nearby? The Yorkshire Dales are under an hour’s driving distance from all of our Lancashire and Lake District Holiday Parks – the closest is Todber Valley which is approximately half an hour away.
Rolling green hills, wild heathery moorlands and rugged limestone pavements – the Yorkshire Dales National Park undoubtedly boasts some of the most picturesque scenery in the country. With spectacular landscapes spanning across three counties, you’ll find an abundance of family activities in the Dales to keep you occupied. Take in the magnificent views via a bike ride or venture out on foot to one of the many lakes or waterfalls. Discover hidden caves at the Forbidden Corner and get lost in a world of tunnels and labyrinths or if you’re feeling adventurous, why not try your hand at climbing or abseiling?
The Yorkshire Dales provide plenty of things to do with kids, whether it be a visit to one of the farms or a trip to the nearby Lightwater Valley Theme Park. Hesketh Farm Park has been highly rated on TripAdvisor and the children will love feeding the animals, playing in the giant sandpit and exploring the maze!
Yorkshire Dales National Park
4. The World of Beatrix Potter
- Where is The World of Beatrix Potter? Bowness-on-Windermere, Cumbria, LA23 3BX
- What are the opening times? The attraction is open every day from 10am with last entry being 5:30pm.
- How much does it cost? An adult’s ticket costs £7.95, a child’s ticket costs £3.95 and under 2s go free. Find out more about admission via their website.
- Where can I stay nearby? The World of Beatrix Potter is just a five minute walk from Fallbarrow Holiday Park and is within driving distance of all of our Lake District and Lancashire Holiday Parks.
Take a trip down memory lane with some of your favourite childhood characters at The World of Beatrix Potter. This self-guided tour takes you on a journey through exhibitions and gardens featuring 3D scenes from the well-known children’s stories. Pay a visit to Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle’s kitchen and be welcomed by the smell of freshly laundered clothes or take a stroll through Jemima Puddle-Duck’s woodland glade before stopping off at Mr. McGregor’s greenhouse.
Keep a lookout for special events which run throughout the year, several of which you can get involved in this October Half Term, including garden trails with Jeremy Fisher and Peter Rabbit tea parties. Finish off your day with a well-deserved treat in the tea room, serving locally produced food and even an afternoon tea for two if you really want to indulge.
Video sourced from The World of Beatrix Potter
5. Lancaster Castle
- Where is Lancaster Castle? Lancaster, Lancashire, LA1 1YQ
- What are the opening times? The castle is open every day from 9:30am until 5pm.
- How much does it cost? An adult’s ticket costs £8 and a child’s ticket costs £6.50. Head to their website to find out more information on entry prices.
- Where can I stay nearby? Our closest park to Lancaster Castle is Regent Bay Holiday Park which is only 15 minutes away, however all of our holiday parks in Lancashire and the Lake District are within driving distance.
Enriched in medieval history and dating back almost 1000 years, a family day out to Lancaster Castle is an unmissable experience if you’re planning on sampling some of Lancashire’s fantastic attractions. Occupying a city centre hilltop and located on the site of three Roman forts, the castle has witnessed several noteworthy historical scenes including executions and witch trials. Up until 2011, the castle operated as a prison and the Crown Court within is still in use to this day. You can even step inside one of the cells and experience first-hand what life was really like for the prisoners.
Visits to Lancaster Castle are by guided tour only so you can expect to learn a lot whilst you explore and to keep the kids entertained, activity backpacks and books are available on entry. They’ll love trying to spot all of the castle bears throughout the tour!
Image courtesy of Lancaster Castle
Have we missed any of your favourite days out in the North West from our list? Let us know via our Facebook page!