DESPITE a rainy weather forecast for the first of three bank holiday weekends we will get to enjoy in May, many families will still be pulling on the waterproofs and wellies and getting out for some much-needed fresh air with the kids.
Warrington does not fall short of beautiful outdoor spaces to spend an afternoon, so we have compiled a list of the top seven in the area according to TripAdvisor that you can visit this bank holiday.
In no particular order…
Walton Hall and Gardens
Something for everyone, Walton Hall and Gardens has all the best ingredients for a great day out.
Combine the picturesque landscapes with adventure trails, pitch ‘n’ putt a mini zoo and even a children’s steam train and you have something that caters for all.
One recent reviewer said: “Back in my hometown of Warrington again and always visit Walton Hall Gardens, such a lovely place any time of year, great to see the wildlife venturing out after the winter, plenty of squirrels, ducks and birds.”
There is also an option to book a walk the alpacas’ that live in the grounds.
Another reviewer said: “We visited today to take a walk with the alpaca's and wow what an experience. It is amazing to walk with these beautiful animals.”
The spectacle that is Walton Hall is also worth a visit and there is a café for a hot brew to warm the cockles while we wait for summer to rear its head.
Lymm Dam
The inspiration of many local artists, Lymm Dam is a perfect place to visit with the kids or take the dog for a stroll this bank holiday weekend.
Built back in 1824 for the original use of connecting the A56 road from Warrington to Stockport, the Dam was effectively a bypass.
But now it is a beautiful attraction with a woodland walkway that follows the dam downstream into Lymm village.
One reviewer said: “Great for a pleasant walk any season of the year and only a short walk from pubs and eateries in the quaint old village of Lymm would recommend.”
A perfect place to set up the rods and go fishing, another reviewer said: “I can highly recommend Lymm Dam if you are an angler, as it is one of only a few places in and around Warrington that still does day ticket fishing.
“The dam itself is well stocked with several species of fish.”
Grappenhall Heys Walled Garden
This historic gem in Grappenhall is a favourite for locals and was the grounds to an estate built in the 1830’s by Warrington banker, Thomas Parr.
While the house was demolished in 1975 the four acres of walled garden remained and is now split into the ‘please garden’ and the ‘kitchen garden’, both separated by a wall.
The kitchen garden features glass houses which are used to grow plants, vegetables and fruits including potatoes, onions, beans, butternut squash, celeriac, apples – to name a few.
The pleasure garden includes three ponds and is a great place for a pleasant stroll.
A recent reviewer said: “Very unique, peaceful and beautiful.
“Well maintained garden with opportunity to see many fruit trees and sole unique specimens.
“Some wildlife on site - kids can feed the ducks and big fish swimming in the ponds. It's also historical with a story to tell. Hidden gem with a genuine feel to it - there are not many places like this.”
Bluebell Cottage Gardens
A popular place to have a walk and purchase some plants too, Bluebell Cottage Garden was rated highly on TripAdvisor.
Centred around the picturesque Bluebell Cottage, this place has gardens, a wildflower meadow and bluebell woods to enjoy and a few hours is recommended to fully experience the grounds.
One reviewer said: “A lovely tranquil nursery and gardens in a beautiful rural setting. The people working there were really friendly and helpful.”
While another said: “Visited as RHS members - what a lovely place.
“From the warm welcome from the owner to the time we left clutching an armful of purchases it was wonderful. The garden takes a bit of finding but is well worth it.
“The garden is a haven of tranquillity, buzzing with insects and alive with butterflies. The gardens are not formal so you can wander as you please.”
Sankey Valley Park
This country park is a great place to visit with the valley running alongside Sankey brook and Sankey canal.
The west side of the park is host to Bewsey Old Hall and there are play areas and wildlife throughout.
One reviewer said: “Beautiful place to spend some time with the family outdoors, lovely views, lovely places to sit and watch the world go by.”
Another reviewer said: “It’s a beautiful park around. Full of greenery and love the swans and ducks in river. It’s a beautiful place to take kids.”
Spud Wood
Bordered by Bridgewater Canal, Spud Wood is a relatively new woodland area located on a former potato field.
It’s a perfect spot for a stroll or a family picnic and is just on the outskirts of town in Lymm.
One reviewer said: “This is a great place for a family walk. It is an easy walk, mostly flat. There are some great rope swings dotted around which the kids loved. Would be great for bikes as lots of mud ramps etc.”
Another reviewer said: “Lovely walk, lots of different paths to follow through the woods and it's also next to the canal. Theres a few picnic benches and seats around the woods and also a small car park here too.”
Paddington Meadows
The beautiful land now known as Paddington Meadows was donated to Warrington Borough Council in 1995.
This site is an integral part of the town’s heritage being the last remaining waterside grassland in Warrington.
One reviewer said: “Paddington Meadows is a nature reserve along the banks of the River Mersey.
“It is very big but because of the lack of facilities mostly used by locals.
“The footpaths are maintained, and the riverbanks are litter free, but there is nowhere to sit. It is nice to amble along the river on a sunny day.”
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