Chester
Chester Zoo · Photo: David Dixon
Give the zoo the whole day: it is huge, and there is plenty under cover if showers pass through. If legs allow, finish with a short stretch of Chester's ancient walls to see the Eastgate Clock.
Zoo · 10:00–16:00 (6h)
Pick up a map and plan around the habitats your children most want to see; lunch at the zoo.
One of the UK's largest zoos, set in 125-plus acres just north of Chester, with big habitats for elephants, big cats and an Islands zone. Plan a full day and expect plenty of walking.
Photo: David Dixon
Landmark · 16:30–17:15 (45m)
A short loop on the walls to the Eastgate Clock; skip if everyone is tired.
The most complete Roman and medieval city walls in Britain form a roughly two-mile loop around central Chester, passing the Eastgate Clock and the Roman Gardens. Free to walk and easy to do in sections with children.
Photo: John S Turner
North WestLiverpool Pier Head
Two free waterfront museums cover the city's story and its seafaring past, all within a few minutes' walk. In the afternoon, take the famous ferry for a loop on the river and a good look at the skyline.
Museum of Liverpool → Merseyside Maritime Museum → Mersey Ferry Explorer Cruise
North WestSilverdale / Morecambe
Start on level paths through a big reedbed reserve, peering from hides for otters, deer and wading birds. After lunch, swap binoculars for swings at a seafront park in Morecambe.
RSPB Leighton Moss → Happy Mount Park
North WestBowness-on-Windermere
A compact day in Bowness that works in any weather: storybook scenes for younger children, a museum full of historic boats, and a 45-minute cruise around Windermere's islands.
The World of Beatrix Potter → Windermere Jetty Museum → Windermere Lake Cruises
