Summer holidays are a wonderful time for families to reconnect, explore, and create lasting memories. However, keeping the kids entertained without breaking the bank can be a challenge. Fortunately, the North West of England offers a plethora of budget-friendly activities that will keep the whole family happy. Here’s a roundup of some fantastic ideas for cheap family days out for the family in the North West of England over the summer holidays.
1. Explore National Parks and Nature Reserves
The North West is blessed with an abundance of natural beauty. Take a hike in the Lake District, where you can explore scenic spots like Windermere, Coniston Water, and Grizedale Forest. Alternatively, enjoy a picnic in the Peak District, visiting places like Dovedale or Kinder Scout. Delamere Forest in Cheshire is another great location for families, offering walking trails, adventure play areas, and wildlife spotting.
One of our all-time favourite nature reserves is Wigan Flash Nature Reserve. It’s a great place to take the dogs for a long summer stroll and a perfect cheap day out for the whole family in the heart of the North West of England.
2. Visit Museums and Galleries
Many museums and galleries in the North West offer free admission, making them perfect for a cost-effective day out. The Museum of Liverpool provides fascinating insights into the city’s maritime history, while the Science and Industry Museum in Manchester offers interactive exhibits that captivate children’s imaginations.
For older children, and even younger ones – The Manchester Museum is a hard one to beat. It has recently undergone a huge renovation and we are excited to check it out this summer. The Walker Art Gallery in Liverpool and the Whitworth in Manchester are also great for a cultural day out.
3. Beach Days
The North West coastline is dotted with beautiful beaches that are perfect for a family day out. Build sandcastles in Blackpool, where you can also enjoy the iconic promenade and free outdoor events. Morecambe Bay offers expansive sands and stunning views, while Formby Beach near Liverpool is famous for its sand dunes and red squirrel reserve.
4. Local Festivals and Events
Throughout the summer, many towns and villages in the North West host local festivals, fairs, and community events that are often free or very inexpensive to attend. Check local listings for events like the Liverpool International Music Festival, the Manchester International Festival, or the Kendal Calling Music Festival. These events provide a great opportunity to experience local culture and enjoy family-friendly entertainment.
5. Woodland Walks and Forest Fun
Forests and woodlands are great places for kids to explore and let off some steam. The Forestry Commission manages numerous woodlands with free entry, such as Gisburn Forest in Lancashire, which offers cycling trails and picnic areas. Grizedale Forest in the Lake District is also fantastic for woodland walks, sculptures, and adventure playgrounds.
We recently visited The Crocky Trail in Cheshire. I cannot recommend this place enough. It was a great place for the kid to blow off some steam (a review will follow soon).
6. Urban Parks and Playgrounds
Urban parks can be a treasure trove of fun activities. Heaton Park in Manchester offers wide-open spaces for picnics, playgrounds, a boating lake, and even a petting farm. Sefton Park in Liverpool is another great spot with beautiful gardens, a playground, and frequent free events and activities throughout the summer. Williamson Park in Lancaster, with its stunning views and butterfly house, is also worth a visit.
7. Historical Sites and Castles
The North West is rich in history, and many historical sites offer affordable entry fees, with some being completely free. Visit iconic landmarks like Beeston Castle in Cheshire, which offers stunning views and family trails. Lancaster Castle, with its fascinating history and guided tours, is another great option. Explore the ruins of Furness Abbey near Barrow-in-Furness, where children can learn about medieval life.
8. Farm Visits and Animal Encounters
Visiting a local farm can be an educational and fun experience for kids. Many farms across the North West allow visitors to meet the animals, learn about farming, and even pick their own fruit and vegetables. These visits are usually very affordable, and some, like the Tatton Park Farm in Cheshire and Smithills Open Farm in Bolton, offer reasonably priced entry.
Lancaster Park and Animal Farm is local to us. It is a favourite with the local children and, as you can easily spend a whole day there exploring the grounds, it’s a fantastic cheap family day out in the North West of England!
9. Cycling Adventures
Cycling is a fantastic way to explore the countryside and enjoy some family exercise. Many areas have dedicated cycling paths that are safe for families. The Tissington Trail in the Peak District is a popular option that provides beautiful scenery and a fun day out. The Preston Guild Wheel is a 21-mile circular route around the city, perfect for a family ride. In the Lake District, try the family-friendly cycle paths around Grizedale Forest.
10. DIY Treasure Hunts and Geocaching
Create your own treasure hunt in your local area or join in on the global adventure of geocaching. Geocaching involves using GPS to find hidden “caches” placed by other participants. It’s a great way to explore new areas and adds an element of excitement to a family walk.
Try geocaching in Lyme Park in Cheshire or along the West Pennine Moors for a mix of adventure and beautiful views.
With a bit of planning and a sense of adventure, the summer holidays can be filled with exciting and affordable activities. The North West of England offers a huge range of options that cater to all interests and ages ensuring that your family can enjoy a memorable summer without a ridiculous price tag.
The best way to keep the cost down on your summer adventures is to take a picnic, pack a flask, grab your walking shoes, and get ready to explore the best of what the North West has to offer!
