Here are some of the activities and experiences you can enjoy on your visit to
The Barns at Blackwater Meadow. If you discover a worthy inclusion to this list on your hot tub break, please
let us know and we'll add it so that other visitors can enjoy it too.
Llangollen Boat Trips - LL20 8TA
about 12 Miles
Llangollen Wharf is one of the major attractions in North Wales and is an excellent place to spend the day as a family. The Wharf is situated in the peaceful market town of Llangollen - now part of a World Heritage Site. Horse Drawn Boat Trips are available along the feeder for the main canal and are a unique way to explore the area. Motorised Aqueduct Cruises are also on offer for those who prefer a slightly faster pace. Both trips allow visitors to take in all the magnificent sites of Llangollen Canal.
Shropshire Wildlife Trust - SY3 5FB
about 14 Miles
This is a fantastic attraction in the Shrewsbury area of
Shropshire. Designed to provide children with a fun and educational experience the whole family can learn about wildlife here and the outdoors. There are 38 nature reserves in total and visitors are welcomed and encouraged to enjoy the area by taking part in walks, talks and regular events. Check out their website for the latest events such as Apple Day and Wildlife through the Seasons.
Pen-Y-Ffrith Bird Garden - LL11 3AB
about 18 Miles
Pen-Y-Ffrith Bird Garden is an 18 acre site, filled with glorious woodland, dramatic gardens, streams, ponds and a 3 acre lake. As the seasons change so do the delights of the park. During springtime the bluebell woods are spectacular while in the summer the bog garden is a favourite attraction with some unusual displays of flora and fauna. In the autumn a walk through the ravine with its flowing waterfalls in not to be missed. There are also several yearly events to enjoy including the Bat walk in September.
Powis Castle and Gardens - SY21 8RF
about 20 Miles
This National Trust site is one of the finest in Wales. The stunning castle was once a medieval fortress and has been remodelled several times over the last 400 years. The Great Hall is home to some amazing collections of paintings as well as sculptures and tapestries. The gardens are world famous with stunning areas of French and Italian style as well as a gorgeous orangery. Children's activities can be enjoyed during school holidays and on special occasions such as Halloween and Christmas.
Hoo Farm Animal Kingdom - TF6 6DJ
about 21 Miles
Locally renowned for the Sheep Steeple chasing and daily goat races this is a really unique family attraction that the kids will love. You can really get hands on with the farm animals with the animal handling sessions and you can have a go at teaching the parrots to talk! The crazy craft cabin will keep even the most creative entertained with pottery and painting amongst other things. When you are in need of a rest head for the The Hungry Shepherd Tea Room where you can enjoy a bite to eat and children can burn even more energy in the indoor play area.
Wepre Country Park - CH5 4HL
about 22 Miles
Wepre Country Park is home to one of the largest play areas in Wales and is perfect for a fun family day out during the summer months. The site has miles of attractive woodland to be explored and cycling and nature trails are very popular ways to see the best of the area. The grounds of the historic estate also have beautiful gardens with stunning floral displays and there is plenty of open space for children to play. An annual events programme ensures that seasonal activities take place regularly including spooky Halloween Walks, Christmas Carol Singing and Ranger led events. There is also a visitor's centre with a small shop.
Blue Planet Aquarium - CH65 9LF
about 24 Miles
Fantastic attraction in the Cheshire region suited to family days out as well as school and corporate visits. The "Jawsome" sharks are a sight to behold and new for 2010 is the Tarantula Tower. You can save time and money by bookings online and at the moment they are offering a discount of £2.00 per person when you book this way. Winner of the Visit Chester and Cheshire Best Tourism Experience of the Year - you can be assured of a fun and educational day out. Look out for special events throughout the year including Boo! Planet Halloween and Otter Month.
Go Ape Cheshire - WA16 6RW
about 24 Miles
Out of all of the Go Ape! courses the one in Cheshire is the most spread out and it takes staff ten minutes to patrol the site on bike - which gives a good indication of the size of this place. If you're looking for an adventurous and memorable day out then Go Ape is highly recommended. Trek through the treetops, swing between the trees and enjoy zip wire rides all as part of your experience. This attraction opens every day from the end of March to end October and is open on weekends in November. Go Ape Cheshire is closed every Tuesday except school holidays.
Wonderland - ME10 4PB
about 24 Miles
This award winning theme park in Shropshire has something for everyone. Children will delight at the amazing array of rides and activities. Described on their own website as a "fairytale adventure" there is a nursery rhyme and fairytale characters theme running throughout the park. One inside the park you can enjoy unlimited free rides and there's an indoor soft play area for the younger ones and for when the weather is not on your side. Another popular aspect of this attraction is the nature trail. Check out their website for the latest events and admission costs. This company also owns Jungleland - another great attraction just 4 miles from Wonderland.
The Edge Adventure Activity Centre - SK17 8PW
about 24 Miles
The Edge Adventure Activity Centre is the place to go if you are looking to have a day out with a difference. Ideal for active families with older kids and teenagers, the centre offers a range of thrilling activities including High Rope Courses, Trekking, Clay Pigeon Shooting, Mountain Boarding and Off Road Karting. You can enjoy just one or try a few of the available activities during a day at the centre. The centre also offers fun packed birthday parties and corporate events.
Greenfield Valley Heritage Park - CH8 7GH
about 29 Miles
Greenfield Valley Heritage Park in Flintshire has something for everyone including a museum, gardens, play area, small petting farm and visitors centre. The beautiful areas of woodland around the site are abundant with wildlife and ideal for walking, cycling and nature trails. A family ticket is just £10.50 so this is the ideal outing if you are on a tight budget. Seasonal tickets are also available from just £28.00 for a family of 4 and allow unlimited entry.
St Winefride's Well - CH8 7PN
about 29 Miles
St Winefride's Well in Flintshire is described at one of the 7 wonders of Wales and is shrouded in mystery and intrigue. Legend has it that the well first erupted at the spot where Caradog cut off the nuns head with his sword. The shrine was then erected in her memory in the first decade of the sixteenth century and remains one of the holiest places in Wales. The stunning temple and well attract visitors from all over the world. Water can be drawn from the spring basin within the crypt and is thought to be lucky.
Gulliver's World Theme Park - WA5 9YZ
about 36 Miles
This is a very popular theme park with three different locations. The theme park in Warrington contains not only the theme park but also Gullivers Splash Zone and Gullivers Star Studios. The Solash Zone is a fully heated indoor water play factory fun for all ages which will appeal on rainy days. Throughout the year there are seasonal events too such as the Halloween and Fireworks event taking place from 23rd to 31st October. You can book online to save time and secure your tickets during busy periods. Over 50% of the rides are actually under cover so you don't need to worry about the British weather spoiling the fun.
British Wildlife Rescue Centre - TN8 7AR
about 36 Miles
This is a really unique opportunity to see the fantastic work going on at this centre. The purpose of the British Wildlife Rescue Centre is to treat and care for injured wildlife which cannot be released into the wild. Many of the animals are brought to the centre by members of the public or the RSPCA. Visit their website to see the picture gallery and to find out how to help if this is something which interests you. There are also regular fundraising events such as the Sponsered Leg Wax.
The Seaquarium - LL30 1BL
about 38 Miles
The Seaquarium in Rhyl is a fantastic choice for a family day trip offering the chance to meet strange and exotic marine life from all around the world. The sea animals here come from the depths of the Amazon, Pacific & Indian Oceans as well as from around UK shores. Slimy Eels, scary Sharks and creepy Piranhas are all there to be seen as well as beautiful and elegant Rays. The site also has a café and a gift shop where children can pick up a souvenir. A ticket for a family of 4 is just £27.00
North of England
Scotland
East of England
Heart of England
South of England
South West of England
Wales
