Need inspiration for day out in North West England

[jb190281]

I fancy a day out this weekend but not sure where.

We live in Cheshire, but dont mind travelling an hour or so to get somewhere. Ive looked on National Trust website, but any other ideas would be great.

[Mosaic]

Levens Hall near carnforth http://www.levenshall.co.uk/
Lovely cafe and shop with farm produce, crazy gardens, house interesting but not maintained to national trust standards
Lancaster castle http://www.lancasterc...ng_times/default.php, have lunch in the Whales Tail cafe http://www.whaletailcafe.co.uk/
Lancaster city museum http://www.lancashire...3815&pageid=13410&e=e

[tastymorsel]

Dalton Zoo is excellent

[VHG]

Have you been to Port Sunlight?

A village built by William Lever for workers at his Lever Brothers factory, started in 1894.

I has over 900 Grade II listed buildings

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Port_Sunlight

http://www.portsunlightvillage.com/

[VHG]

This may have some ideas

http://www.visitcheshire.com/

[jb190281]

thanks for all the ideas, keep them coming!

yes weve been to port sunlight, lovely place and we spent some time at the gallery.

[thugulike]

It's the Skelton Show tomorrow, near Penrith. The best show in Cumbria. There are farm animals, show jumping, dog show, tents with exhibits, Cumberland Wrestling. I'll be there, wouldn't miss it for the world.

[Mosaic]

Cumberland wresting? Hold me back!!! har har

[spudqueen]

Formby - red squirrel reserve and beach
Crosby - beach and Antony Gormleys iron men
Croxteth hall
Beeston Castle
Stapeley Water Gardens
Delamere Forest
LLangollen
Dunham Massey
Shrewsbury
Ironbridge
Hawkstone Park and follies

[jb190281]

anyone been to Speke hall? worth a visit?

[buildersmate]

Yes - been to Speke Hall about a year ago. Small manor house - lots to see - gets very busy inside at peak times. Regular and irritating noise from John Lennon airport all the time (its at the end of the runway, though not visible).
Have you tried the NT industrial cotton mill site to the SE of Manchester? (can't remember its name its in the NT book - I preferred that).

[Trotbot]

The cotton mill is probably Style Mill - happy memories of school trips.

The Bluejohn cavern is interesting as long as you are not claustraphobic

[Mosaic]

That's Styal Mill, Trotbot!

[rachael88]

mc donalds yum yum lol

[jb190281]

thank you all again for your ideas, most definitely ones we'll use in future.

today, we ended up in Erddig, a National Trust property just outside Wrexham. it was ok, seen better, but it was a lovely day out, followed by a lovely pub lunch!!