Having moved to Liverpool last August, I didn't really know what kind of things were to do around the area. Now I've been here a few months, I have realised some of the great places to visit in the North West and thought I'd share them to make day's out easier to plan.
Chester Zoo
I've been here so many times in the past from when I was much younger and travelled over with my parents. I'd say this is the best zoo that I've ever visited, as it has so much to see and do and you wouldn't get bored spending the whole day here. I think one of the great things about Chester Zoo is that it's suitable for all ages, whether you wanted to take the kids out or fancied an adult day spotting some animals. There is a large food area so you don't have to worry when you get peckish during the day.
The zoo has both indoor and outdoor enclosures which is great in case you get caught in the rather wet weather that the North West is unfortunately prone to. There is also a monorail that runs throughout the park and gives you a unique view of the enclosures, and will give you a welcome sit down if you have been there all day, but you can still see the animals rather than having to be stuck on a bench.
Knowsley Safari Park
Another animal based one here but it lets you see the animals in a different situation. You get to drive through the park which in itself is one big enclosure so you can see the animals when they come up close to your car. There are also a few parts you can walk to see including giraffes, elephants, meerkats and sea lions. They have a few different sections to the park, as some of the animals are seperated from other such as the lions in one and monkeys in another.
One point to make with regards to the monkeys is that you can either take the safe route and drive along the fence just outside the enclosure, or actually head into the enclosure and get a much more personal view to say the least. Be warned, if you value windscreen wipers or anything else that can easily pulled off the outside of your car, it might be worth sticking to the 'safe' route. Lets just say my car came out of the monkey enclosure a few parts lighter! If you want to see what its like around the park and the mischevious monkeys, have a look at my post here.
Liverpool Albert Dock
The docks area has a number of different things you can look around to keep you busy including multiple museums, little shops and even The Wheel of Liverpool which gives you great views across the city.
For a start the Museum of Liverpool has at least 10 different galleries that showcase a variety of historical and cultural parts of Liverpool. I went here recently and spent a good two hours going round the different exhibitions. Don't worry if you think there is nothing here for the kids, as they have a Little Liverpool area which lets you take them in for some hands on sessions to play around and learn about Liverpool. They have a decent sized cafe so don't worry if you go over a meal time.
The Maritime Museum, located 5 minutes from the Museum of Liverpool, includes exhibitions for The Border Agency, Slavery and Shipping history including the Titanic. Again there is plenty to see at this museum, and it includes a shop and a cafe. Both of these museums are free to visit but you can make donations if you feel you want to.
The Beatles Story is unique museum to visit and showcases the history of The Beatles and how they rose to fame. If you like The Beatles then this would be a great thing to look around. You do have to pay to visit, however if you are looking to dive into anything and everything The Beatles, it would be worth it.
Museum of Science & Industry, Manchester
I remember going here with school a few years ago and really enjoyed. I was interested in science at school and this museum provided a great extension to what I had been learning about. I think it's something that would be suitable for all ages and gives you a chance to learn about new things, and another bonus is that it's free. The museum has numerous displays including transport, power, communications, computing and more, which gives a good selection of topics to keep you interested.
I would say that there is plenty to keep you busy all day if you wanted to look around everything that's there, which would of course include a pit stop at the restaurant or cafe.
Blackpool
This is a great place to visit if you want plenty of things to do as you could easily spend a weekend here so you don't have to worry about running out of things to see and do. The Blackpool Tower is packed with attractions that you could spend a while looking around in itself. These include a circus, ballroom, dungeon as well as the Tower Eye, which has a 4D cinema and panoramic views across the beach.
You will no doubt of heard of the Pleasure Beach, which is an amusement park with loads of roller coasters and rides. It will be quite an experience being able to go on the big rides with a great view across the beach. It's suitable for all ages with rides to suit everyone's taste which makes it an ideal family attraction.
Fancy something a bit different to whizzing round on a roller coaster, then head to Madame Tussaud's and check out the wax figures of celebrities. It's a great opportunity to see some of the amazing wax works without having to travel down to London.
Even if you fancy something a bit more chilled out to do, then wandering along the sea front and onto the pier to enjoy the scenery. There are always some amusements on the pier of you do get tempted.
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