GULLIVER’s World is one of Warrington’s most popular attractions, ordinarily welcoming thousands of visitors to the town every year.

But only metres away from the children’s theme park sits a little-known historic lodge.

Many residents will be familiar with Bewsey Old Hall, the former stately home which dates back to the late 16th and was latterly converted into apartments.

But far fewer will be aware of Bewsey New Hall, which borders Gulliver’s World car park and the portion of the park which will be converted into a Centre Parcs-style resort.

The half-timbered manor house was constructed as a replacement for Bewsey Old Hall at the behest of the 4th Baron Lilford in the 1860s.

But Lady Lilford disliked the now listed building so much that she refused to live in it.

It was largely demolished in the 1940s, and all that remains is a fragment of the west wing which now stands vacant and boarded up.