Things to do in Cheshire

Chester Zoo

“Where do we start? With our 21,000 animals, in 125 acres of award-winning zoological gardens? With the 1.9 million people who come to visit every year? Or with the many conservation projects we’re involved with, at home and abroad?”

We say:

With our College Gardens development 4.7 miles away, Weaver View 17.6 miles and Winnigton Dale 17.8 miles away, Chester Zoo is an exciting tourist attraction well within reach of home. Entry is free for children aged 2 and under. On quieter days, Adult tickets start at £20 and Children from £15.45. Booking more than 7 days in advance will unlock greater savings. The zoo is located just off the A41 and opens from 10am.

Sure, the Humboldt Penguins, Two-toed sloths or Madagascar PLAY! Area might be your favourite but we like to take in the vast space from the elevated view of the Zoofari monorail. If it was good enough for the Queen during her visit in 2012, its just the ticket for us to get our bearings and decide which wildlife we want to see next.

Visit Chester Zoo

Merseyside Maritime Museum

In their words:

“Merseyside Maritime Museum is in the Royal Albert Dock, Liverpool. It contains a variety of objects associated with the social and commercial history of the port of Liverpool. Highlights include ship models, maritime paintings, colourful posters from the golden age of liners and even some full sized vessels. There is also the major exhibition Titanic and Liverpool: the untold story,”

We say:

Set sail, or at least, drive down the A561 from our Imagine Place development in Speke, or travel under the Mersey via Kingsway Tunnel when arriving from Fender Mews in Upton. Merseyside Maritime Museum is free to visit and is open 10am – 5pm nearly all year round.

The star of the show is the Titanic and Liverpool exhibit where you can discover the untold story of this most famous passenger ship. Set in Liverpool’s stunning and historic dockyard, it’s a great destination to get a sense of history and the role of maritime in Liverpool’s development.

Visit Merseyside Maritime Museum

Quarry Bank Mill

In their words:

“One of Britain's greatest industrial heritage sites, home to a complete industrial community. Explore the mill, stroll through the gardens and visit the Apprentice House to discover the stories of the workers in Styal village.”

We say:

For those looking to make Macclesfield, Congleton or Warrington their home in Cheshire, let this National Trust jewel transport you back to the heart of the industrial revolution.

This attraction is a fascinating glimpse into the working and living conditions of those that drove the country forward. From those that innovated with engineering methods, to the mass production of cotton products, the cotton mill was at the heart of working life in Quarry Bank. The conflict of engineering genius with the state of working and living conditions is captivating. Keep an eye out for seasonal opening hours.

Visit Quarry Bank Mill

Jodrell Bank

“We work to inspire the scientists of the future by engaging them with the scientific research carried out at Jodrell Bank and with the stories of the creation of the Observatory and its ground breaking science.”

We say:

Jodrell Bank is a site to behold, not just from a distance as you cut across the Cheshire countryside but at close quarters too. Less than a 15 minute drive will take you from our Somerford Reach development, to the foot of the 90-metre-high Lovell Telescope. Standing beneath the awe-inspiring construction is bound to make you contemplate life and the galaxies far away. With exhibitions, interactive displays and regular talks with Jodrell’s resident astronomy experts, this experience is sure to delight the kids too.

Visit Jodrell Bank

Blue Planet Aquarium

In their words:

“View Europe’s largest collection of sharks through our captivating 71-metre underwater tunnel – you can even swim with them! That’s right, we offer shark-dive experiences for swimmers of various levels and ages.”

We say:

Discovering sharks up-close and personal is bound to excite kids and parents alike. Experience thousands of marine creatures from around the world, just a short stroll from our local College Gardens development. Watch scuba divers feed the fish from the incredible glass underwater tunnel – an opportune moment to study the fish, sharks and otters from all angles.    

Visit Blue Planet Aquarium