What’s Free and What’s New for Families this Summer in Cheshire

Cheshire’s the place for a family day out this summer

Hot on the heels of the opening of the First Light Pavilion at Jodrell Bank, a major new visitor attraction for the UK, Chester Zoo has been named Visitor Attraction of The Year at the VisitEngland Excellence Awards. 

They're just two highlights of Visit Cheshire’s campaign #OurFamilyWelcomesYourFamily, which reveals many more reasons for days out and short breaks in the county, including free and brand new events to enjoy this summer. Here's our pick of the best. 

Travel around the world at Chester Zoo 

Passports ready for inspection. Explore The World in a Day at Chester Zoo, above right, 18 July-11 September, is offering the chance to collect stamps from different destinations on a whirlwind journey from the forests of Madagascar to the national parks of India. Plus, another novel idea that is bound to be a winner with teenagers, the zoo will hold after-hours sessions, Into The Night, with live entertainment and themed food on selected dates in July and August. Go to:

www.chesterzoo.org. 

Explore infinity and beyond at Jodrell Bank 

It's blast off at the new First Light Pavilion at Jodrell Bank, which has now opened its doors to visitors. Inside the futuristic dome is a cutting-edge exhibition about the observatory's ground-breaking contribution to exploring the Universe using radio waves. There's lots of fun weaved into the exhibits, including the chance to ‘drive’ a radio telescope and be showered by virtual meteors. Go to:

www.jodrellbank.net

Make a song and dance of it at Storyhouse Outdoors  

Storyhouse is going al fresco this summer with Storyhouse Outdoors, a packed programme of children's shows, comedy, music and storytelling at the Grosvenor Park Open Air village until 28 August. So, as well as the annual outdoor productions – this year Stig Of The Dump is one of the shows – there'll be even more performances taking place, such as a new immersive experience based on Alice in Wonderland. Go to:

www.storyhouse.com 

Put on a Curious Crown at BeWILDerwood 

The Boggles and Twiggles are planning a Bouncing Boggle Bonanza for youngsters at BeWILDerwood Cheshire until 25 September. The woodland creatures will be telling a brand new tale at the Storytelling Stage and helping little fingers stick together Curious Crowns in the Big Hat tent. Plus, there's a sparkly new Puzzling Park Trail with clues to find in the woods. BeWILDerwood is also offering 15% off advance tickets for admission until 22 July. Go to:

https://cheshire.bewilderwood.co.uk

Follow the fairies at Dunham Massey 

They’ll be sprinkling the magic dust on a new self-guided family trail at Dunham Massey’s Fairy-tale Summer, 23 July-7 September. Jack and the Beanstalk and Little Red Riding Hood will be among the familiar characters inspiring activities from stringed-musical happenings on the lawn to literature-laden children’s stories in the Orangery. Go to:

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dunham-massey

Get lost in a maze at Bolesworth Castle 

Flower power is blooming this season at Bolesworth Castle, which will open its first Summer Aladdin Maze, 20 August-4 September. And movie nights on 19 and 21 August include a screening of Disney’s animated adventure, Encanto. Go to:

https://bolesworth.com/events

Climb an old oak tree at Capesthorne Hall 

Everyone can ascend to new heights at Capesthorne Hall on 19 June. Friendly instructors will be on hand with advice and a special system for Discover Tree Climbing, giving kids from six years old a leg up for a view from the top of the estate’s magnificent old oak. Go to:

www.capesthorne.com

Meet Bing and Flop at Gulliver's World 

See CBeebies favourites Bing and Flop at Gulliver's World in Warrington this summer. The bunny and his carer from BBC's hit animation Bing will be out and about meeting families each day from 16 July. Currently, T-Rex and other dinosaurs are roaming the theme park until 26 June, and throwing some prehistoric shapes at dinosaur-themed discos. Go to:

www.gulliversworldresort.co.uk 

Go eco at West Cheshire Museums 

West Cheshire Museums will host a brand new event Festival of the Future – The Big Sustainability Festival throughout July, aiming to entertain families while encouraging sustainable everyday habits. The itinerary of environmentally-minded events, from circus performances, to clothes swap events and ‘eco ceilidhs’, will take place across Chester’s Grosvenor Museum, Stretton Watermill, Lion Salt Works Museum and Weaver Hall Museum. Go to:

www.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk

Draw a giant at Chester's Grosvenor Museum 

Would-be illustrators should pack their pencil cases and head to Chester’s Grosvenor Museum, the next stop for BFG in Pictures, 23 July-2 October, an exhibition of the work of Quentin Blake, one of the country’s best-loved illustrators. Blake, best known for his collaborations with the author Roald Dahl, has curated a display of many of his illustrations from The BFG, including some early and unknown work. Plus there will be free activities about dreams, giants and the power of the imagination, including film shows. Go to:

https://grosvenormuseum.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk

Savour the flavour of Knutsford 

Knutsford will be throwing a tasty celebration of local culinary culture at its first Food & Drink Festival on 13 August. There’ll be a food market, tastings, live music and more for all the family to sample at venues across the town. Go to:

www.knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk/events/knutsford-food-drink-festival

Rise to the challenges at Bents  

Scaling walls and keeping balance on wonky walks are among the challenges in store for youngsters at the free new Adventure Play Area at Bents Garden & Home. Children’s Storytime sessions are also held here every Thursday morning. Go to:

https://events.bents.co.uk

For more events and ideas about places to stay, go to:

www.visitcheshire.com

Pictured - Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre

Picture by Mark Carline.