Top 5 Attractions in West Lancashire
As you know MyBump2Baby has newly launched it’s very own MyBump2Baby Lancashire section of our website and app. Today we are delighted to share our guest post from the fantastic Nicola who blogs over at Mummy to Dex.
Top 5 Attractions in West Lancashire
Welcome to West Lancashire, an historic borough with so many family friendly attractions, you could spend months here and not get bored. Whether you’re a wildlife lover, a historic building aficionado or just a lover of being outdoors, West Lancashire has got something for the whole family. It was hard to narrow it down the top 5 attractions in West Lancashire, but these 5 family days out are definitely some of the best!
Our Favourite Attractions in West Lancashire;
Rufford Old Hall| West Lancashire
Located in the historic village of Rufford, Rufford Old Hall is a 500 year old fine Tudor building which used to be home to the Heskeths up until the mid-1700s.
While Dad is exploring the fine architecture of the Grade II listed building, Mum and the kids can tackle the large grounds, including a one mile nature trail, perfect for kids who love to spy butterflies and dragonflies.
When Dad gets bored of the Hall, why not take part in one of the garden games on the lawn- chess or croquet, or explore the woods and build a den? There’s so much to do at Rufford Old Hall and it’s a fantastic day out for the whole family.
There’s an on-site tearoom offering a comprehensive children’s menu, but if you’re trying to save money, you’re more than welcome to bring a picnic and enjoy your sandwiches and snacks in the sunshine.
Free entry for National Trust members, adult ticket prices with gift aid cost £10.50 and under fives go free. Check website for opening times as these can vary depending on the day of the week and season.
Martin Mere Wetlands Centre| West Lancashire
If you have bird mad children, then Martin Mere Wetlands Centre is a must visit when you’re in the local area. Located on the West Lancashire Coastal Plains, Martin Mere, which was once England’s largest body of fresh water, has played host to over 280 species of bird on its wetlands, and every Autumn it welcomes 30,000 pink footed geese, as they make their journey from Iceland south for the winter.
There’s so much more to see and do at Martin Mere, whether you’re a bird lover or not. Kids love the outdoor play area, the boating trips across the wetlands and there’s even toddler story time on a Thursday morning for the littlest members of our family.
Open all year round, seven days a week, prices for entry start from £7.
Windmill Animal Farm| West Lancashire
If you’re looking for a family attraction that will keep you busy for the full day, then look no further than Windmill Animal Farm, based just outside of Burscough.
Offering indoor soft play, a light railway, outdoor play areas, access to a huge range of farm animals, cute furry pets and a lovely cafe with coffee and cake to die for, Windmill Animal Farm keeps our energetic toddler busy for hours on end.
There’s an array of farming events throughout the year including pumpkin picking in October and the lambing season in March – two events not to be missed.
Open seven days a week, entry starts from £7.50 with discounted family tickets and half price weekday tickets available.
Mere Sands Woods| West Lancashire
Located just down the road from Rufford Old Hall, Mere Sands Woods named as such as this location was the shoreline of the now drained Martin Mere.
Within the reserve are lakes, sandy wet meadows, forest, six bird hides and several walking path routes which are accessible for both wheelchairs and prams.
As well as using the bird hides to look out for magnificent kingfishers, woodpeckers and sparrows, you can also see foxes, squirrels, deer and water voles around the reserve.
Truly a nature lovers paradise, Mere Sands Woods is like Martin Mere Wetland’s Centre cooler, younger brother. A really relaxing place to be at one with nature, and a serene location to spend a few hours with the kids, learning about insects, birds and mammals.
Entry into Mere Sands Woods is free, however it costs £2 to park your car for the day.
Farmer Ted’s| West Lancashire
The ultimate family friendly farm in the North West and a must visit destination for any child. Farmer Ted’s always has so much going on for children and adults alike. Located between Formby and Ormskirk on Flatman’s Lane, there’s a world of things to do when you arrive such as meeting farm animals, go karting, exploring the adventure maze, archery, watching birds of prey and an indoor and outdoor play area.
Check out the website for seasonal activities including Easter egg hunts in March/April, pumpkin carving in October and gingerbread decorating in December.
Prices start from £4.75 with prices going up slightly on the weekend. Open all year around except for January and two weeks in November
Nicola who blogs over at Mummy to Dex lives in a small village in rural West Lancashire with her husband, two year old spirited toddler, Dexter and newborn baby, Felix.
Carla is the founder of MyBump2Baby. Carla has a huge passion for linking together small businesses and growing families. Carla’s humorous, non-filtered honesty has won the hearts of thousands of parents throughout the UK.
She has previously written for the Metro and made appearances on BBC News, BBC 5 live, LBC etc. Carla is a finalist for Blogger of the Year award with Simply Ladies inc. Carla is also the host of the popular Fifty Shades of Motherhood podcast and The MyBump2Baby Expert podcast.
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