Warrington area

The Trafford Centre is not far away and there's a great Legoland there with lovely rides, a 3D film and lots of fun things to do for hours, also the Chill Factore is nearby, if skiing or snowboarding is of any interest. Plenty of lovely places to visit like Arley Hall and gardens (near Stockton Heath), which has Stockley Farm for youngsters - tractors rides, animals etc., or Dunham Massey with gardens, deer, loads of room to run round. Hope you have a great time.

Thank you Carol thats very helpful.

We don`t live in Lancashire anymore, but when we did, for some reason we always got lost if we went anywhere near Warrington on our travels! Consequently, although it`s probably a very nice place, Warrington`s always been a dirty word around our house! Sorry, lol!

We went to dunham Massey which was lovely , the sun shone and the house and gardens were lovely. The tea room is wonderful. So we joined the NT and now look forward to many more trips.

On a lighter note we went to Knutsford as I had heard it had lovely shops but DH had his 'Oh No not dress shops' look one so I spared him - must do some internet shopping this pm.

Glad you liked Dunham Massey susie - it's lovely in spring. I went there a couple of months ago, as they have a winter garden - beautiful.

My DH proposed to me in February, 21 years ago, in Dunham Massey Park. It's a beautiful setting throughout the seasons. It's worth going on the website to see if there are any special events. Must also mention Norton Priory at Runcorn - well it's only a few miles out of Warrington. The grounds around the excavated remains of the priory are fascinating and so peaceful. The museum is excellent and there's also a working walled garden. I've lived in the Warrington area for many years now and it disproves the old adage that 'it's grim up north'.

Lovely Rosiebee. Yes, there are some beautiful parts of Cheshire that people aren't aware of.

Good to see so many fans of Dunham Massey. I could never tire of that garden. Any time is good, but in the summer they have the most wonderful collection of hydrangeas - well worth seeing. I also adore Tatton Park with its great variety of gardens including fruit and vegetables. I always mean to go at apple blossom time but usually forget. I should add that Dunham and Tatton have very good NT restaurants.

I think Tatton will be our next when we are next visiting Step son et al cant wait for our next NT visit probably Belton Hall Grantham as that is nearest to us.

Arley Hall has a nice restaurant too - it's in the barn. The buildings are fabulous, and the gardens gorgeous - it's an interesting place because there are so many cottages dotted about the land, too. Stockley Farm is in its grounds, which is great for children - tractor rides, petting animals etc.

Styal Mill is one of the NT's top attractions and, during term time, is full of school groups. My friend and I latched onto one of these (unobtrusively) and found it most informative. My GD and half-GS loved it too. The apprentice house shows how the children who worked there lived - it was a more benign system than most were in the 19th Century, but still harsh compared with the cushy existence of our GC. The Trust has rediscovered the old Mill House garden and is reinstating much of the old planting, including the orchard where they are trying to establish old varieties. I like to go there every season to see the progress they have made. The Mill kitchen makes a large restaurant although I was disappointed when they got rid of the old deal tables and put in character-free modern ones. I like to go to the shop on the run-up to Christmas.

The Mill House garden is coming along a treat - they discovered the original path and restored it and from there found all sorts of interesting plant. I really like their shop - I collect cups from there, and have bought lots of old style toys for my grandchildren, made from things like shuttles.

I've taken DGD to Walton Hall in the past and she loves it there. Plenty of space for children to run around, play area,mini zoo,pitch and putt. There's also a small cafe in the grounds, or a really nice pub only a few minutes away. One small gripe - the car park is a bit pricey if you don't intend staying for long.