NW England - Widnes

[fairkatrina]

Right, my friends and I have recently got good degrees from good unis, and while we are struggling (very, very hard) to find someone to actually employ us we were wondering what there is to do in the NW region that is relatively cheap (as we are very, *very* poor). We can drive, so distance is not much of a problem, the only limiting factor is fuel prices. We live in Widnes, between Liverpool and Manchester, and are bored of window shopping in both cities, and Warrington! Does anyone know of anything entertaining in the local area? or any twee little country places we can potter round (we have done Frodsham, Delamere, Hatchmere and Blakemere). Thanks! x

[spudqueen]

You're not that far from the Wirral so you could go along to Eastham Country Park (there's a couple of good pubs down there aswell), come off at junction 5 on the M53 and follow the signs. Parkgate is also nice for a stroll along the front (no sea any longer but that's part of the attraction). There's also the Wirral Country Way, if you go to Willaston you can see the old station and signal box which have been preserved. Again go to junction 5 of the M53 but turn left at the roundabout and right at the lights to Hooton. Follow the road to Willaston and you can also get to Parkgate that way. Then there are the small towns of Heswall, Hoylake and West Kirkby which are worth a stroll around. And don't forget that you're not too far from Chester where apart from window shopping you can walk along the City walls. Going the other way Lymm is a lovely little place, then there is Altrincham, Hale and Knutsford, all great for window shopping. Slightly further afield you can go to Southport and also Formby to see the red squirrels at the red squirrel reserve. In Liverpool there is Croxteth Hall which you can go in for a small fee, there is also a walled garden and a farm. Have you been up Helsby Head - fantastic views on a great day. Good luck in your travels.