Parkers Animal Sanctuary

The leafy paths of Delamere Forest (five minutes’ drive) are a handy spot for exercising yourselves (and any accompanying dogs), and you can also pedal along traffic-free bike tracks, go romping through the treetops at Go Ape Delamere (10 minutes) and help your kids follow the Gruffalo sculpture trail. At Marbury Country Park (20 minutes), take peaceful walks along the lime-tree avenue or have a dip in the outdoor swimming pool on warmer days. If you need more ideas to keep youngsters amused, book in advance for raptor flying displays at Vale Royal Falconry Centre, where the kids might like to meet and feed the eagle owls, or head to Cheshire Falconry (both 10 minutes) for a day of activities including handling the birds, trying archery and riding a Segway through woodland. Merseybeat fans can make the trip into Liverpool (about an hour) to join a Beatles Magical Mystery Tour of places once important to John, Paul, George and Ringo. Alternatively, enjoy a beer (or two) and live music in The Cavern pub, and take a selfie alongside the statue of The Beatles on the Pier Head.