It’s the summer holidays!
No homework, plenty of free time and the opportunity to go and visit some of the best playgrounds that the North West has to offer.
Here are some of our favourite playgrounds in the North West, all of which are only an hour's drive too. Parents, we’ve got you too! All of our options feature either a great café, coffee shop or pub nearby for much needed refreshment after play time.
Let’s go explore!
Wythenshawe Park, Manchester
Recently renovated, the park now features a wide range of play activities for a wide age range. Situated in the heart of Wythenshawe Park, the play area is big enough to spend a morning or afternoon playing. There’s a café situated a 60 second walk in the courtyard, and for older children there’s a pump track and cycling opportunities around the park. For those who want to explore more, Giblane Wood to the east of the park is a great place for a shaded walk. Parking is available on site, and you can also visit Wythenshawe on the Metroline where Moor Road or Wythenshawe Park is the nearest stop.
Bramall Hall and Park
A hidden gem in south Stockport, the Bramall Hall playground features some great equipment to allow children to explore. The playground is situated in the middle of the wider Bramhall Park. During the summer holidays there’s a Nevill T Bear’s Beast and Bug Trail on most days.
More information can be found here.
There’s a café situated in the stables, which serves hot and cold drinks and light bites.
BeWILDerwood, Cheshire
Ticketed.
Open daily from 10am – 5pm, BeWILDerwood Cheshire is great if you want a whole day of play in a purpose built play area. There’s a wide range of play options consisting of the Sky Maze and Mish Mash Maze and BeWILDweville, a themed treehouse village in the sky. There’s also food available on site, or you can bring your own food on site should you want.
Jodrell Bank
Ticketed.
Jodrell Bank has recently been in the news due to it facing an axe in its funding. Read more here.
There’s never been a better time to go and support it. There’s an amazing Discovery Centre and café on site and there’s a newly installed play area with themed constellation play units situated within the glade.
Jodrell Bank is only accessible via car, but there’s ample free parking on site.
More information can be found here.
Chorlton Water Park
Chorlton Water Park is situated in the south of Manchester and if we’re being honest, it’s worth a visit just for the Tibetan Kitchen which is located in the car park. The playground and the water park are a close second however.
Whilst the play area is compact, it’s located in a sprawling area. Barlow Tip is next to the water park, and a short walk along the River Mersey will take you to Sale Water Park. You could spend a full day exploring the nature and green heart of south Manchester.
There’s great public transport access to Chorlton Water Park, the nearest stop on the Metrolink is Barlow Moor Road or Sale Water Park.
