Forest walk park, adventure center and free petting zoo just a short drive away

An award-winning park with a free zoo and plenty of activities is about half an hour’s drive from Liverpool.

Walton Hall and Gardens, in Warrington, is the former home and gardens of Lord and Lady Daresbury. Now the sprawling park boasts adventure golf, a petting zoo, cafe and high ropes adventure centre.

Warrington Borough Council bought Walton Hall and Gardens in 1941 during the Second World War, opening the hall to officers and troops. The council then opened the gardens to the public in 1945. It is now one of the most popular attractions in the region, with around 330,000 visitors a year.

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In addition to acres of green space, the free children’s zoo has a wide range of animals. The zoo started life in the early 1960s and has been home to many animals over the decades – now there are three alpacas, rescue donkeys, rabbits, pot-bellied pigs, Herdwick sheep, African pygmy goats, guinea pigs and an eclectic mix of birds, including peacocks.

Families can also see red squirrels playing in purpose-built pens and cages as part of a nationwide breeding program. After a picnic on the grounds, families can also enjoy a walk in the woods or fun on the playground.

Other outdoor activities including adventure golf, bowling and Jungle Parc with more than 60 different activities with six different levels of difficulty. Jungle Parc costs £15 for two hours.

Walton Hall and Gardens recently received another Travelers’ Choice award from Tripadvisor, placing the property among people’s favourites. The award celebrates businesses that have consistently received excellent reviews on Tripadvisor, placing these winners among the top 10% of all Tripadvisor listings globally.

Leader of Warrington Borough Council, Cllr Russ Bowden, said: “I am delighted to hear that Walton Hall and Gardens continues to be a favorite tourist destination in Warrington. The quality and quantity of reviews the property receives on Tripadvisor is a testament to the difficulty. the estate team’s work to ensure Walton continues to be the jewel in Warrington’s crown and remains a popular destination for visitors for many years to come.”

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