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Twenty of the top tourist attractions in Cheshire work together to help visitors enjoy the best that the County can offer, Anderton Boat Lift, Arley Hall and Gardens, Beeston Castle, Blakemere Shopping Experience, Boat Museum, Bridgemere Garden World, Catalyst, Cheshire Oaks, Chester Zoo, Go Ape!, Gulliver's World, Hack Green Secret Bunker, Jodrell Bank, Ness Botanic Gardens, Norton Priory Museum and Gardens, Sunlight Vision Museum, Port Sunlight, Redhouse Farm Shop, Salt Museum, Stapeley Water Gardens, Tatton Park |
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Group and Education Information 2006 This provides an overview of the facilities for groups offered by our members. For fuller information including access and special needs provisions, please contact them direct using the telephone, e-mail and web facilities shown. It is always wise to check information with the attractions concerned before you arrange a visit. Anderton Boat Lift and British Waterways  Take a trip to remember through the world's first boat lift and see first hand how the lift operates. Typical visit 3+ hours. Lift Lane, Northwich, Cheshire, CW9 6FW. Open Wed - Sun, 10.30 - 15.30, Thurs 2nd Feb to Fri 31st Mar (no trip boat). From Sun 1st Apr, seven days a week opening, with trip boat, 10.00 - 17.00 until 29th Sep. Follow signs from Northwich town centre or J10 M56. Pre booked rates for groups of 12+ Adults £4.75, Child £3.25, Concession £4.00. Price includes entrance to exhibition and boat trip through the lift. Also children's play area, maze, cafe and shop. Adjacent to country park. Contact booking line 01606 786777, FAX 01606 872903 www.andertonboatlift.co.ukArley Hall and Gardens  Voted one of the top 50 gardens in Europe. Typical visit 2-3 hours. Near Northwich, Cheshire CW9 6NA. 'An oasis of calm in a busy world'..The stunning award winning gardens, described as 'a plantsman's paradise', never cease to amaze with many unique features and the oldest herbaceous border in England. The Grove, a less formal area of the gardens, contains collections of rhododendrons, azaleas and exotic trees and bulbs. Arley Hall, rebuilt in the 1840's in the Victorian Jacobean style has magnificent plasterwork, panelling and dramatic architecture. Grade I cruck barn and delightful family chapel. Excellent plant nursery, gift shop and Tudor Barn Restaurant offering delicious refreshments. HHA member. Fam visits welcome. Gardens, grounds & chapel: Open 1 April - 1 Oct and Oct weekends from 12 noon. (Special openings for groups by appointment with extended hours on request). Group rates (15+): Gardens £4.50, OAP £4.00, Hall extra. Events include 27-28 May Arley Horse Trials & Country Fair; 24-25 June Arley Garden Festival and 2 - 10 December Christmas Floral Extravaganza! 01565 777353, fax 01565 777465. email: enquiries@arleyhallandgardens.com. www.arleyhallandgardens.com Contact: Caroline Fearon, for Calendar of Events and group bookings. Beeston Castle  The mighty 'Castle of the Rock'. Typical visit: 1.5 hours. Chapel Lane, Beeston, Tarporley, Cheshire, CW6 9TX. 11 miles SE of Chester on minor road off A49 or A41. Tel 01829 260464. www.english-heritage.org.uk/beestoncastle Open daily 10.00-18.00 Apr to Sept; Thur - Mon 10.00-16.00 Oct to March. Closed 24-26 Dec & 1 Jan. Prices: Adult £4.00; Concession £3.00; Child £2.00; 15% discount for groups of 11+. With its majestic position atop the sheer rocky crag dominating the Cheshire plain, Beeston Castle offers those brave enough to assail its summit, splendid views over 8 counties - from the Pennines in the east to the mountains of Wales in the west. NEW for 2006. Groups can now pre book a guided tour of this fascinating site. Please telephone the site team on 01829 260464 for details Free parking, toilets, gift shop and exhibition.Blakemere Shopping Experience  A great site for convenient, relaxed shopping. Typical visit 3 - 4 hours. Chester Road, Sandiway, Northwich, Cheshire, CW8 2EB. Open 10.00 - 17.00 daily including Bank Holidays. Please phone for special Christmas opening times. A49/A556 Junction. Tel 01606 883261, FAX 01606 301495. www.blakemere-shoppingexperience.com Free admission to site. 30 craft shops share the cobbled stable courtyard and centre, alongside Gardenland Nursery, Cheshire Waterlife Aquatic and Falconry Centre and the Paddocks Restaurant featuring homemade fare on both a self service and pre-booked waitress service basis for groups. We can organise half and full day itineraries for groups at a set price including refreshments, tours, demonstrations and visits to other local attractions. Include in your itinerary a tour of our Falconry Centre's extensive aviaries, followed by a Birds of Prey flying display performed specifically for your group. Or you could enjoy a tour of our new Blakemere Brewery crafting traditional cask ales; sample a selection of their ales at the end of your tour. The 'Craft Cottage', opening Easter 2006, is home to unique handcrafted products made by local craftsmen. Live entertainment in the courtyard every Bank Holiday weekend and every Sunday from the 19th November 2006 up to Christmas. For further details contact Janet Barnes on 01606 883261.Boat Museum  Experience life afloat and learn how canals shaped Britain's heritage. Typical visit 3 hours +. South Pier Road, Ellesmere Port, CH65 4FW. Tel 0151 355 5017. FAX 0151 355 4079. Open daily : April - October 10.00 - 17.00. November - March 11.00 - 16.00 Closed Christmas Day and Boxing Day. J9, M53. bookings@thewaterwaystrust.org www.boatmuseum.org.uk Largest collection of historic narrow boats and barges. Step back in time to view domestic life from 1840 - 1950. New galleries now open. Twelve indoor exhibitions, working engines boat trips. Children's activities in the school holidays Group rates for 10+. Adult £4.95, OAP £3.75. Children £3.25 Boat Trip £1. Shop, cafe, boat trips and free car park. Contact Hayley Parsonage.Bridgemere Garden World  A unique shopping experience combining gardens and Europe's largest selection of plants for home and garden. Almost a village in itself! Typical visit 4 hours. M6, J15 & 16. A51 South. Nantwich, Cheshire CW5 7QB Open daily 09.00 - 18.00 winter, until 19.00 summer (except 25 & 26 December). Free admission. 01270 521100. FAX 01270 520215 info@bridgemere.co.uk www.bridgemere.co.uk Unusual gifts, branded leisure wear and everything for the gardener. Christmas decorations (some exclusive) in the thousands, arrive late September until Christmas Eve! Coffee shop and restaurant. Events throughout the year. Special pre-booked events include full / half day guided tours of the gardens, with lunch or tea. Bridgemere and Wedgwood day of contrasts. Seasonal Flower Workshops, Christmas shopping days and lunches. Wonderful Father Christmas. Prebookable, special waitress service group menus in the restaurant. Contact Rosalind Harrington.Catalyst  UK's only Science Centre with chemistry as its main theme. Typical visit 3 hours. Mersey Road, Widnes, Cheshire WA8 ODF. Open 10.00 Tuesdays - Fridays and Bank Holiday Mondays. 11.00 weekends. M62 J7, M56 J12. Minutes from Runcorn Bridge. Tel 0151 420 1121, FAX 0151 495 2030. www.catalyst.org.uk Interactive hands-on exhibits and historical displays which recreate the past and bring new technology to life. New hi tech Discovery Lab, state of the art Virtual Theatre and World of Opportunities careers gallery. Three exhibition galleries. 30m glass lift to fourth floor observatory. Shop, cafe and free car parking.Full disabled access. Pre booked group rates (10 or more) adults £4.45; children (5 -16) £3.15; concessions £3.55. For pre-booked groups we can also organise guided tours @ £30, tailored talks/workshops @£35 or evening openings by special arrangement. Contact Meryl Jameson. Chester Zoo  The Big Day Out, Chester Zoo is the UK's number one charity zoo with over one million visitors a year. Open 10.00 daily except Christmas Day and Boxing Day. If you want to organise and enjoy a great day out without being herded around, Chester Zoo's for you. With peak and off peak rates for group visits of 15+ there is a discounted price for everyone. New for 2006: Visit our spectacular Elephants of the Asian Forest breeding centre including our two baby elephants and why not enjoy an 90 minute Zoo tour exclusive to groups.For more information on visiting, prices and booking a group visit, please contact the Groups Coordinator Julie Benn on 0870 720 1507, email j.benn@chesterzoo.org or visit our website www.chesterzoo.org/groups Events Coordinator Jane Lawson 01244 650 209 events@chesterzoo.org Education Visits Mark Powleson 01244 650 205 m.powleson@chesterzoo.org Go Ape!  High Wire Forest Adventure New for 2006! Delamere Forest Park, Linmere Visitor Centre, Northwich, Cheshire, CW8 2JD Tel: 0870 220 4793 Go Ape and tackle a high wire forest adventure course of challenging rope bridges, Tarzan swings and zip slides up to 35 feet above the forest floor! Ideal for friends, families and corporate groups, Go Ape! provides approx. 3 hours of fun, laughter and adventure up in the trees, as well as an exciting way to explore and enjoy the forest. Min. age 10yrs. Min. height 1.4m. Max. weight 130 kg (20.5 stone). Under 18's must be accompanied by a participating adult. One adult can supervise two under 16 yr olds (plus an additional three 16-17 yr olds). Pre-booking essential is essential to avoid disappointment. Book online or call 0870 220 4793 (£1 booking fee on telephone bookings) Entrance prices Gorillas (18yrs+) £20.00, Baboons (10-17yrs) £15.00.10% discount for schools and Scout groups. www.goape.co.uk info@goape.co.uk Opening dates: 24th March (TBC) - 29th October (check website for opening date), Nov weekends only. Directions: Situated approximately 10 miles from the outskirts of Chester and close to the M56. The Forest Park and Visitor Centre are well signposted from the A54, A556, and B5152Gulliver's World  Inspired theme park totally dedicated to families with children aged 2 - 13. Warrington WA5 9YZ. Typical visit time - all day. Over 50 rides and attractions which are all included within the entry price! It's a world of wonder and fantasy. From the tumbling and juggling fun of Circus World, mosey on down to High Noon in Western World, walk with dinosaurs in the prehistoric Lost World, feel your knees tremble in Count's Castle and shiver your timbers in Smugglers' Wharf! Be courageous in Adventure World and splash around in Water World. All the family can discover a world of fun together. Open - generally - Easter to the end of August, September weekends, autumn half-term and Christmas. There's a complete calendar - with opening times - on www.gulliversfun.co.uk or call 01925 444888. Group information 01925 230088. Special group prices for parties of 20 or more vary by season. Special group catering packages. Special events though the year. Ask for detail of the Christmas activities. Special dates/prices for uniformed youth groups www.gulliversfun.co.uk info_world@gulliversfun.co.ukDirections. M62 J 8 or 9 and follow the signs to our door. From M6, exit at J21A on to the M62 towards Liverpool and then M62 J9. Hack Green Secret Nuclear Bunker  Cheshire's nuclear war secret emergency headquarters preserved. Typical Visit 2 hours+. PO Box 127, Nantwich, Cheshire CW5 8AQ. Open 10.30 daily from 20th March to October 31st. Closed December, but can open by special arrangement. Other times and weekend opening from 11.00. M6, J16. Off A530 close to Nantwich. Tel 01270 629219. FAX 01270 629218. coldwar@hackgreen.co.uk www.hackgreen.co.uk Group rates (10 or more) Adults £6.00 OAP/Student £5.90, Children (to 16) £4.00. Special Curator's evening tours (pre-booked) to begin 5.30 - 7.30pm for minimum of 20 adults (or £150): £7.50 adults, £5.50 children. Two cinemas, military vehicle display, working radar. Full catering facilities. Contact - Rod SiebertJodrell Bank Science Centre  Lower Withington, near Macclesfield, Cheshire SK 11 9DL Typical visit 2 hours+. Take a walk around part of the unique Lovell Radio Telescope on the Observational Pathway. Try a Journey to Mars or tour the Solar System in our 3D theatre. See the changing seasons in our 35 acre Arboretum with National Collections of Malus and Sorbus. Environmental Discovery Centre and small exhibition area. Have morning coffee, afternoon tea or lunch in our Space Cafe. Talks and guided walks available to groups on request. Open from 10.30 to 17.30 daily from Mid March to end of October. Nov to Mid March Tuesday to Friday 10.30 to 15.00, Saturday and Sunday 11.00 to 16.00. Admission £1.00 per person. Entrance to the 3D theatre £1.00 per person. www.manchester.ac.uk/jodrellbank/viscen or email jodrell.visitor.centre@manchester.ac.uk or call Linda or Pauline on 01477 571339 for further information.Ness Botanic Gardens  Loveliest of learning gardens' with a wealth of plant life to delight horticulturalists, garden lovers and scientists alike. Typical visit up to 2 hours. Ness, Neston, South Wirral CH64 4AY. Open 09.30 daily. M53 (J4), follow signs, or M56 (J 16) then A5117, follow signs. Tel 0151 353 0123, FAX 0151 353 1004. nessgdns@liv.ac.uk www.nessgardens.org.uk 62 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens overlooking the Dee Estuary. The Rhododendrons, Azaleas and Laburnum Arch are justly famous and the water, herb and rock gardens are always a pleasure to visit. Plant nursery, gift shop and cosy tearoom. New Visitor Centre (right) welcomes you. Adults £5.00, Concessions and disabled visitors £4.50. Children under 18 are free when accompanied by an adult. Special rates and tours for groups. Contact Alison Cliffe. Norton Priory Museum & Gardens  Multi-award winning museum and gardens. Typical visit 2 hours to full day. Tudor Road, Manor Park, Runcorn, Cheshire, WA7 1SX.Open 12.00 daily, M56, J11 - follow Warrington, Tel 01928 569895, FAX 01928 589743 info@nortonpriory.org www.nortonpriory.org Group rates (10+) £3.00 (Max 60)*. This multi-faceted site features highly regarded historic priory remains and a related museum, beautiful woodland gardens including a medieval herb garden (as created and shown on BBC 2's Hidden Gardens series), great walks, contemporary art & special exhibitions. Also see our delightful 2.5-acre Walled Garden with fresh, home grown site produce available. Relax and reflect upon a great day out in our Refectory cafe afterwards. Group hosts. Optional free tours. Contact Gill Allison. * from 1st April 2006 Port Sunlight - Sunlight Vision  Heritage Centre, 95 Greendale Road, Port Sunlight, Wirral, CH62 4XE. Typical visit - up to half a day. Founded in 1888. Port Sunlight is one of Britain's finest model villages, boasting over 900 Grade II listed buildings, one of the best war memorials outside of London (left), award winning landscapes and numerous attractions. Heritage Centre Open 10.00 - 16.00 daily.Brand new for summer 2006 'Sunlight Vision' museum will provide a compelling glimpse into the fascinating social history of Port Sunlight. The exhibition will be a lively mix of memorabilia, graphic displays and state-of-the-art technology. Pre-booked guided village tours will be available for groups and an exciting new learning programme for schools and colleges. 'Sunlight Vision', managed by the Port Sunlight Village Trust will replace the existing Heritage Centre. Sunlight Vision Open:10.00 - 16.00 daily (opening July/August 06) Please contact us for latest admission charges/Christmas closing information. For group/educational bookings please call 0151 644 4800 or email info@portsunlightvillage.com learning@portsunlightvillage.com www.portsunlightvillage.com Redhouse Farm  A taste of Cheshire with some surprises! Typical visit to 3hrs. Redhouse Lane, Dunham Massey, Altrincham, Cheshire WA14 5 RL. Enjoy locally produced seasonal foods and treats in our plentiful and award winning farm shop. The culinary pleasures continue in our acclaimed Tearooms. Our wholesome family fun includes the incredible summer Maize Maze, The Beast, rides and courtyard activities. Or why not brave the Hallowe'en 'Spooktacular' (left) Šif you dare! Open: Farm Shop and Farm Tearooms open every day. Shop: Mon - Sat 09.00 - 17.30,Sun 10.00 - 16.00. Farm Tearooms Mon - Sat 09.30 - 16.00, Sun 10.00 - 15.00. Giant Maize Maze Sat 8 Jul - Sun 3 Sep.. Hallowe'en Spooktacular weekends 14-15 Oct and Hallo'week Sat 21 Oct - Sun 31. 12.00 - 20.00. Because of the seasons, we suggest you check Maize Maze opening times on web or by telephone.Shop / Tea Room Tel 0161 941 3480, Maze/Hallowe'en mobile 07766 770069 info@redhousefarm.co.uk www redhousefarm co.uk Directions M56 J7/8 to A56 Dunham Rd signed National Trust Dunham Massey Hall & Gardens, Bear R to School Lane, passing Dunham Church. Redhouse Lane is next on L. Salt Museum  The Museum tells the unique story of mid-Cheshire and the salt industry that has shaped the landscape and life of the area. Typical visit 2 hours. 162 London Rd, Northwich CW9 8AB. Tel: 01606 41331. FAX 01606 350240 For groups we can include a 20 minute film about the surprising effects of salt extraction in the area as well as coffee and a chance to look around the galleries and browse in the shop. 2 new special galleries. Admission prices: Pre-booked groups £1.80 per person, Special events: exciting programme of temporary exhibitions and events throughout the year, please see website or telephone for details. Open: Tuesday to Friday 10.00 - 17.00, Saturday and Sunday 14.00 - 17.00. Also open Bank Holiday Mondays and Mondays in August 10.00- 17.00. Closed 24-26th and New Year's Day. Access: Fully accessible. Only 30 minutes from Chester, Manchester and Liverpool. The museum is well signposted from the A556 (junction 19 M6). Adult: £2.50, child: £1.20, 2 adults and 2 children: £6.00. Concessions: £2.00. Special rates for school sessions please telephone for details. For group bookings please contact Community & Education Officer, Tom Hughes, Tel 01606 41331 tom.hughes@cheshire.gov.ukwww.saltmuseum.org.uk Stapeley Water Gardens  World's largest Water Garden Centre. At the Garden Centre, there are fabulous selections of plants, gifts, pets, fish, water gardening and much more! You can take a relaxing stroll around the striking display pools and marvel at the National Collection of Water Lilies, which are in bloom from mid June to mid September. Stapeley Water Gardens, London Road, Stapeley, Nantwich, Cheshire CW5 7LH. M6, J16. Free admission to the garden centre. Open: 09.00 weekdays, 10.00 weekends. Closed Christmas Day. Garden and Angling Centre closed Easter Sunday - 16th April 2006. Tel 01270 623868, info@stapeleywg.com www.stapeleywg.com The Palms Tropical Oasis has its own zoo collection of exotic animals and plants, including the endangered Cotton-Top Tamarins and Toucans. See the Tunnel of Underwater Life with Black-tipped Reef Sharks. Enjoy the Italian Restaurant and Garden, cafe and gift shop. The Palms (groups of 15 or more) Adults £3.95, OAPs £3.55 and children (aged 3 - 15) £2.35. Tel 01270 628628 (The Palms)FAX 01270 624919 Water Gardens 01270 623868 Tatton Park  Tatton Park welcomes groups to four different attractions in the 1000 acre estate. Groups benefit from the following -* Savings on entry to attractions * Free park entry for coaches * Restaurant voucher for the coach driver * Lunch and high tea packages with the Stables Restaurant * Guide books for sale at a discounted rate * Free familiarisation visit for the group organiser * Access to a range of added-value options including special offers in the shops * Itineraries can be offered for your visit Different tours are available at each attraction - Mansion - themed tours include Putting the House to Bed, Hidden Treasures or Costumed Butler and Housekeeper tours Old Hall - themed tours include The Landscape, Open Fire Cooking, How Light has Changed our Lives, The Way We Were, Remember the Wash Day and Our Daily Bread. From 2008 the Old Hall is exclusively open for Groups and guides to this fascinating building are free for general tours. Gardens - guides highlight the plants from around the world and the Japanese Garden (the best of its kind in Europe) and the Walled Kitchen Garden which is an ongoing restoration project growing fruit and vegetables using traditional skills and processes Farm - relive Tatton during WW2 from a Land Girl's perspective Parkland - full or half day tours of the estate teaching about deer management and tracking, also environmental tours covering Tatton's rich wildlife and vegetation Prices 1 attraction £3.20 (child £1.60) 2 attractions £5.00 (child £2.75) Call 01625 374428 to make a booking and for more information or click on www.tattonpark.org.uk | |||
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   Email Favourite Days Out In Cheshire |
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