This stately home is now a free zoo and playground perfect for half term | UK | News
Smack bang between Manchester and Liverpool, Walton Hall and Gardens in Warrington offers a great day out for families.
Once the home of Lord and Lady Daresbury, this expansive park now boasts a free children’s zoo, ropes adventure centre, café and adventure golf.
The estate was bought by Warrington Borough Council during World War II in 1941, initially serving as a haven for officers and troops before opening to the public in 1945.
Open daily from 10.30am to 4.15pm, the zoo is home to a number of animals including alpacas, rescue donkeys, pot-bellied pigs and peacocks.
It also plays a crucial role in a national breeding programme aimed at preserving native red squirrels, which visitors can see in specially designed enclosures.
The park features a fully accessible playground, revamped in 2017 with equipment such as a commando anthill climber, tree top towers play unit and a wheelchair-accessible roundabout.
Visitors can also enjoy a scenic train ride through the woods and around the hall on weekends, school holidays and bank holidays, weather permitting.
For those seeking more adrenaline-fuelled fun, Jungle Parc offers over 60 high rope activities for both children and adults.Tickets for two-hour sessions are priced at £15 for adults and juniors and should be booked in advance, reports the Liverpool Echo.
The 18 hole putting green is another family-friendly attraction, catering to various ages and skill levels, with tickets available from just £4.
Nestled in The Stables yard, the heritage café offers a range of beverages, meals and deli items including bacon rolls, toasties and barista-crafted coffees. Open daily from 9am to 4pm, the café features both indoor and outdoor seating and they’re dog friendly.
Parking at Walton Hall and Gardens is managed through a pay and display system. From Monday to Friday, the daily charge is £3.50, while on Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays, the fee rises to £4.50.
