THINGS TO DO IN CHESHIRE
With the Roman-inspired city of Chester just 15-minutes away, Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet a similar distance and The Wirral, otherwise known as The Paradise Peninsula, available in the other direction for striking natural beauty and day trips to the seaside - there’s plenty of options for things to do during your stay at Craxton Wood Hotel & Spa.
Chester Zoo
Arguably the most appealing family-friendly attraction in the area and a must on any itinerary list when staying near Chester, Chester Zoo is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious zoos and animal conservation centres in the world.
Significant investment in recent years has seen the zoo expand to accommodate plenty of exciting new park areas, with over 20,000 animals and 128 acres of zoological gardens to explore. Up to 80 animals are available to observe in their bespoke habitats, with everything from lions, tigers, penguins and chimpanzees viewable alongside reticulated pythons and giant otters.
Open from the end of April to the end of December each year, find free parking access if driving or let us arrange a pickup and drop off taxi service to the attraction just 15 minutes from our hotel doors.
Blue Planet Aquarium
If you prefer most of your creatures to be in the water as opposed to on land, then Blue Planet Aquarium is nearby as another leading North West attraction available on your doorstep when during a break to Craxton Wood.
Situated on the same site as Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet (only a short drive from the hotel) - combine a day of shopping, dining and cinema viewing with a variety of exciting water-based exhibits.
View recreated freshwater rivers and aquariums in the Northern Streams as you walk past an assortment of fish in their natural habitat, before travelling the world to the Amazon rainforest, Lake Malawi and more, as you spy dramatic reconstructions of real-life locations each inhabited by thousands of varied species of fish, cichlids, frogs and crocodiles unique to each region.
The highlight of the tour is undoubtedly the incredible Ocean Exhibit – an underwater tunnel harbouring some of the most spectacular creatures from the Caribbean reef. This four-million litre tropical display includes vibrant fish, stingrays and…sharks (!) all from a safe distance!
The Wirral
One of the most scenic peninsulas in England, spend the day in a region where everyone from the outdoor adventurer to local history enthusiasts can feel at home.
There’s plenty of calm, sandy beaches on the coast, perfect when visiting in the summer months, while coastal pathways connecting each are ideal if you’re into walking or cycling among some of the most picturesque sports to be found in the North West.
Lush country parks include Birkenhead Park (an inspiration for New York’s Central Park!), where family-friendly farm attractions and woodland walks make for a pleasant day out. Similarly, Ness Botanic Gardens, Burton Mere and Williamson Art Gallery are also within reach as top attractions among its many visitors.
