NW Attractions | Leisure | Homepage - Prestwich and Whitefield Guide

ARLEY HALL AND GARDENS
Arley, Northwich. Details 01565 777284.
ARROWE COUNTRY PARK
Arrowe Park Road, Upton, Wirral. Details 0151 678 4200.
ASHTON MEMORIAL, WILLIAMSON PARK & BUTTERFLY HOUSE
The Ashton Memorial, an Edwardian folly, is set within 54 acres of beaufiful parkland with enchanting walks and play areas, tropical butterfly house, mini-beasts, bird enclosure and small mammal section will fascinate all the family. Pavilion cafe and gift shop packed with all kinds of exciting gift ideas. Open daily, except christmas day, boxing day and new years day. Williamson Park, Lancaster. Telephone: 01524 33318.

BARTON GRANGE GARDEN CENTRE
All our Garden Centres aim to provide you with the best gardening products and a wide and varied range of giftware. Our attention to detail, together with high standards of customer care set us apart from our competitors. Barton, Preston, Lancashire. Telephone: 01772 864242.
BLACKBURN MUSEUM & ART GALLERY
An arts and crafts-style Listed building displaying the largest icon collection outside London's Victoria and Albert Museum. Britain's 2nd largest collection of Japanese woodcut prints, numerous watercolours and oil paintings, ceramics and the outstanding Hart collection of coins, books, medieval manuscripts and prints displayed in special low light conditions. The only permanent gallery of Indian and Pakistani culture in the North West. Museum Street, Blackburn, Lancashire. Telephone: 01254 667130.
BLACK KNIGHTS PARACHUTE CENTRE (DROP ZONE)
If you choose to do a parachute jump for charity, or just fulfilling your ambition, our Drop Zone has the experience to support you and the attitude to help you achieve new heights. Opening Times: Open 08:00-20:00 Sat, Sun and Bank Hols Mon-Fri by prior arrangement, phone for prices and further details. Hillam Lane, Cockerham. Telephone: 01772 717624.
BLACKPOOL - BIG BLUE HOTEL
Opened in May 2003, adjacent to the famous Pleasure Beach on Ocean Boulevard. Standard, Executive rooms available, Family suites have their own children's area complete with bunk beds, televisions and DVD to main room. Well furnished and bright, floor length window which overlooked the south shore. The bathroom was of an extremely high standard.
BLACKPOOL ILLUMINATIONS
Blackpool's annual razzle dazzle spectacular sees this seaside city of fun still buzzing with laughter long after other resorts have gone into winter hibernation. Promenade, Blackpool. Telephone: 01253 478222.
BLACKPOOL PLEASURE BEACH ARENA
Tel 0870 444 5566. TOWER BALLROOM, Blackpool. Live music and dancing to the sounds of the Wurlitzer Organ throughout the day Monday to Saturday. Ring 01253 292029. TOWER LOUNGE, Blackpool. Shamrock Man and Friends perform an Irish sing-a-long, Monday to Thursday lunchtimes and Wednesday evening.
BLUE PLANET AQUARIUM
State-of-the-art complex of 35 exhibits, five themed areas including the main attraction, the Caribbean Reef. The Underwater Adventure" is a viewing tunnel, and at 230ft long it is said to be one of the longest in the world. mere Port in Cheshire, just off junction 10 off the M53. Follow the brown tourist information signs for Cheshire Oaks. Tel 0151 357 8800.
BOTANY BAY
Canal Mill, Botany Brow, Chorley. A shopping arcade of specialist shops providing hand crafted and antique gifts. Art exhibitions, an antique amusement arcade, automobilia museums and a themed indoor playcentre for children aged 12 and under. Open daily from 10am to 6pm. Phone 01257 261220.
BOWLAND WILD BOAR PARK
Wild bears, cattle, llama, wellabys, red squirrels and pet lambs - some of the animals can be fed. Beautiful wooded countryside, cafe and picnic area. Chipping, Preston, Lancashire. Telephone: 01995 615554.
BYGONE TIMES
Grove Mill, The Green, Eccleston, Lancashire. A converted mill housing three distinct warehouses of fine furniture with objects from yesteryear including antiques, collectables, curios, porcelain and crystal. Open daily 10am to 6pm and Wednesday 10am to 8pm. Admission �1.50 for adults and 50p for children during the week and �2 for adults and 75p for children at weekends.

CAMELOT THEME PARK
The amazing Magical Kingdom of Camelot features five fun-filled lands packed with exhilarating rides, fabulous shows and enthralling attractions. Home to Merlin, King Arthur and his brave knights, Charnock Richards, Chorley. Tel: 01257 455000.
CATALYST
Museum of the Chemical Industry, Mersey Road, Widnes. Open Tuesday to Friday, 10am to 5pm, Saturday and Sunday 11am to 5pm. Tel 0151 420 1121.
CHESTER ZOO
Open from 10am daily. Tel 01244 380280.
CORGI HERITAGE CENTRE
York Street, Heywood, Rochdale. A collection of Corgi model vehicles. Open Monday to Friday (closed Tuesday) 9am to 5.30pm and Saturday 9am to 5pm. Phone 01706 365812. <<p>DAVENHAM ANTIQUES CENTRE AND TEA ROOM
London Road, Davenham, Northwich, Cheshire. An array of antique dealers specialising in quality furniture, collectables, pictures and silver. Open Monday to Saturday (closed Wednesday) 10am to 5pm and Sunday 11am to 5pm. Phone 01606 44350.

EAST LANCASHIRE RAILWAY
Bury. Details 0161-764 7790.
EMPRESS BALLROOM
Blackpool. Details 01253 763134.

GREATER MANCHESTER POLICE MUSEUM
Newton Street, Manchester. A Victorian police station built in 1879. Features include the development of policing from Peel to the present day and a collection of police uniforms from around the world. Open Tuesday and other days by appointment, 10.30 to 3.30pm. Phone 0161 856 3287.
GULLIVERS WORLD
Over 60 attractions, split into seven different themed areas. Open daily throughout June, July and August and on selected days in September and October. December sees the Christmas specials. From the M62 take the exit at Junction 9 and follow the signposts. Tel: 01925 444888.
GUYS COURT
Canal-side hamlet of thatched roofed buildings, eating Establishment and pizzeria. Nestling next to the atmospheric Owd Nell�s Tavern, Guy�s Lodge and School House Square with its clutch of craft shops. St. Michael's Road, Bilsborrow, Near Garstang. Tel: 01995 640010.

HACK GREEN SECRET NUCLEAR BUNKER
Off the A530 Whitchurch road, Nantwich. Discover the secret world of nuclear government by entering the massive blast doors into the 35,000 sq ft complex where you will be transported into the chilling world of the Cold War. The tour includes many audio visuals and the Soviet Spy Mouse Trail. Open daily all year round from 11am. Tel 01270 629219.
HALL'ITH'WOOD
Family home dating back to 1483, but its particular claim to fame is that the famous Samuel Crompton created his invention in the house. There is a painting in the house which depicts him at work in 1779 on his Spinning Mule.
HAWORTH ART GALLERY (TIFFANY GLASS)
An Edwardian house set in a park with internationally renowned Gallery houses the finest collection of Tiffany Art Glass on permanent display. Excellent collection of 19th Century oil paintings. The gallery has undergone major refurbishment and now has enhanced display, education and workshop facilities and improved access including a lift, enlarged shop and cafe. Haworth Park, Manchester Road, Accrington, Lancashire. Telephone: 01254 233782.

JODRELL BANK SCIENCE CENTRE, PLANETARIUM & ARBORETUM
Macclesfield, Cheshire. A creepy crawly tent featuring stars of the insect and animal world and a galaxy of astronomical themes featuring a grove of yew trees. Open Tuesday to Sunday from 10.30am to 5.30pm. Admission �4.60 for adults and �2.30 for children, concessions �3.30. Family tickets priced at �13.50. Tel 01477 571339.

KEIGHLEY & WORTH VALLEY RAILWAY
Delightfully restored 5-mile branch line which runs from Keighley up the Worth Valley to Haworth and Oxenhope. Steam train services operate every weekend throughout the year and daily in summer. Gas-lit stations, a fleet of steam locomotives, museum of rail travel. Location used for classic 1970 film The Railway Children. The Railway Station, Haworth, Keighley. Tel: 01535 645214.
KNOWSLEY SAFARI PARK
Travelling around the park inthe comfort of your own car, the weather is of no concern and with the sight of wild animals at every bend in the road guarantees a high 'wow' factor for young and old. The range of animals is impressive, lions, rhinos, zebras, elephants, tigers, to name just a few. Prescot, Merseyside Tel: 0151 430 9009.

LANCASHIRE AERO CLUB
Liverpool Road, Eccles. A busy aerodrome with flying facilities including lessons for light aircraft and helicopters. Joyrides are usually available at weekends with monthly special weekend events highlighting different aspects of aviation sports. Open all year from 9am to dusk. Phone 0161 787 7326.
LANCASTER CASTLE
See where the Lancashire witches were tried, convicted and condemded to death. Visit the dungeons, Drop Room and Hanging Corner and see the shire hall displays heraldic shields. Tours operate at 30-minute intervals between 10.30am and 4pm, although court may be in session, please call to check. Shire Hall, Castle Parade, Lancaster. Telephone: 01524 64998.
LION SALT WORKS
Ollershaw Lane, Marston, Cheshire. Ring 01606 41823. An example of a pre-Roman industry producing white salt from wild brine established in 1842. Features include a timber-framed manager's office, horizontal steam engine, nodding donkey brine pump and 1900 pitch roofed salt van on its original private siding. Open all year, daily, 1.30pm-4.30pm.
LITTLE MORETON HALL
A34, four miles South of Congleton. A National Trust property, the Hall is the most outstanding timber framed moated house in Britain. Discover a secret room behind a sliding panel and enjoy a tour of the Great Hall and Parlour with its rare wall paintings. Recognise scenes from Moll Flanders which was filmed here and visit the gift shop. Contact venue for details of opening times and admission prices. Phone 01260 272018.
LOUIS TUSSAUDS WAXWORKS
Central Promenade, Blackpool. Optional Anatomy Exhibition and the chilling Chamber of Horrors for adults. Open daily from 10am. Phone 01253 625953
THE LOWRY
Salford. For all events ring 0161 8762000.

MANCHESTER UNITED MUSEUM & TOUR
The Manchester United Experience is sure to leave every football fan leaving Old Trafford with a that great "Theatre of Dreams" unique feeling! Visit the trophy room, interact with the Man-U-Net and see the roll of honour. The tour takes you down the 'tunnel' seeing the pitch from players the view. And don't for the megastore!
MCARTHUR GLEN DESIGNER OUTLET VILLAGE
Cheshire Oaks, Junction 10, M53, Ellesmere Port. A variety of shops offering designer labels. Open seven days a week, Monday Tuesday Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 10am to 6pm, Thursday, 10am to 8pm and Sunday 11am to 5pm. Tel 0151 348 5600.
MARTIN MERE WILDFOWL AND WETLAND TRUST
Burscough. Open daily 9.30am to 5.30pm. Details 01704 895181.
THE MUSEUM OF HATTING
Wellington Mill, Wellington Road South, Stockport. Tel 0161 355 7770. David Shilling and Fred Dibnah have opened a stunning display of hats through the centuries featuring top hats, baseball caps and some of the hottest contemporary fashions. Open Mon to Sat 10am-5pm and Sun from 11am to 5pm. Admission adults �3.95, children �2.50 or family tickets �11.

NORTON PRIORY
Tudor Road, Runcorn. Details 01928 569895.

THE OLD GRAMMAR SCHOOL TRUST
Established by endowment from Queen Elizabeth I in 1572 and completed in 1874 features include marvellous oak beams and a local history and reference library and much more. Open all year. Boarshaw Road, Middleton. Tel: 0161-643 7442 or 0161-643 2693.
OSWALDTWISTLE MILLS
Collier Street, Accrington. An Aladdin's Cave of crafts, gifts and fabric. Learn about the history of the mill and its owners, the Hargreaves family in the Textile Time Tunnel. Children can enjoy the adventure playground and rides and visit the wildfowl reserve. Open daily 9am to 5pm, Sunday 11am to 5pm with a late night opening on Thursday to 8pm. Phone 01254 871025.
OULTON PARK
Driving activities such as the Racing Experience, accompanied laps in an Audi TT then unaccompanied laps in a single seater racing car. qualified instructor by your side you will learn braking points, how to clip the apexes and the skill of where to accelerate out of the corner. After you�ve gained your confidence it�s time for our instructors to show you how it�s done as you sit in the passenger seat.

PANKHURST CENTRE
Nelson Street, Chorlton-on-Medlock, Manchester. Two Georgian houses where the Women's Social and Political Union was formed in 1903, craft workshops, exhibition space and meeting rooms all part of the Suffrage Movement. Open Monday to Friday 10am to 4pm. Phone 0161 273 5673.

ROYAL ARMOURIES MUSEUM
Armouries Drive, Leeds. Tel 0113 220 1940. Wide range of guns and other weapons of war to look at and displays, including birds of prey. 0pen from 10am-5pm. Admission is now free.

SOUTHPORT PLEASURE LAND
5th most visited Amusement Park in the UK, with more than 60 rides and attractions including five roller coasters, the Traumatizer is the UK's tallest, fastest suspended looping coaster and new for 2002 is Space Shot to name but a few. The place for thrill-seeker. Marine Drive, Southport. Tel: 08702 200 204.
SALT MILLS
Built by Titus Salt first opened in 1853 as a very grand textile mill. There are shops selling clothes, music, books, jewellery and art. A great day out for all the family. Salts Mill, Shipley, Saltaire, West Yorkshire Tel 01274 531185.
THE SALT MUSEUM
London Road, Northwich, Cheshire. Discover the tale of Cheshire's oldest industry with a tour around the Museum. Open Tuesday to Friday 10am to 5pm and Saturday and Sunday 2-5pm. Phone 01606 41331.
SAMLESBURY HALL
Worth a visit if only for its historical interest alone, not to mention displays of antiques and collectors' items. Craft, art and other exhibitions in many rooms. Weddings and other special events are held on Saturdays. Off junction 31 on the M6, along the A59 and A677, towards Blackburn. Tel: 01254 812010.
STAPELEY WATER GARDENS
London Road, Stapeley, near Nantwich, Cheshire. Wander around the gardens and view the Palms Tropical Oasis. Open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm, Saturday 10am to 5pm and Sunday 11am to 5pm. Admission to Oasis �3.65 for adults, �2.85 for OAPs and �1.85 for children. Tel 01270 623868.
STOCKLEYS SWEETS VISITOR CENTRE
Oswaldtwistle Mills, Collier Street, Accrington. See cinder toffee, sweets and caramels being made and walk down Treacle Row stocking up on all your favourite sweets. Open daily 10am to 5pm and Sunday 11am to 5pm. Phone 01257 232807.
STOCKPORT AIR RAID
Experience daily life of 1940s war-torn Britain by wandering around reconstructed tunnels. Open Monday to Saturday 11am to 5pm and Sunday 1-5pm. 61 Chestergate, Stockport. Tel 0161 474 1940.

TATE GALLERY
Albert Dock, Liverpool. Details 0151 702 7400.
TATTON PARK
Knutsford, Cheshire. Explore the grandeur of the terraced Italian garden and fine glass fernery to the famous Japanese garden built in 1910 as well as touring the mansion and farm. Park open daily from 10am top 7pm. Gardens open Tuesday to Sunday from 10.30am to 5pm, Mansion and Farm open Tuesday to Sunday from 12 noon to 4pm. Admission to park �3.50 per car. Admission to garden and mansion �3 for adults and �2 for children. Family tickets �8. Admission to farm for adults �2.50 and �1.50 for children. Family ticket �8. Tel 534400.
TURTON TOWER
A distinctive English country house located on the edge of the popular walking area of the West Pennine Moors, Turton Tower has evolved over five centuries. Originally built by the Orrell family to defend their land. After falling into decline during the Georgian era, the house was rescued by the Kay family who restored and extended the house, taking it into the Victorian period. Chapeltown Road, Turton. Telephone: 01204 852203
TOWNELEY HALL MUSEUM
Elegant landscaped grounds are home to an aquarium, a children's pets corner, a War Memorial, and plenty of picnicking areas. the art gallery has some 1500 oil paintings, sculptures, watercolours and illustrations in the collection. Towneley Hall,Towneley Park, Burnley. Tel: 01282 424213

URBIS
Urbis is a new kind of museum, set in a shimmering, glass building rising high above Manchester. State-of-the-art interactive displays and exhibits. Four cascading themed floors of fascinating, intriguing and entertaining exhibits. Cathedral Gardens, Manchester. TEL: 0161 907 9099

WHALLEY ABBEY
14th century Cistercian Abbey ruins set in beatutiful countryside beside the River Calder, with mini woodland trail and riverside path. Within the ancient walls, amoungst the tall trees, beside the modern fishponds, the visitor can attain a sense of stillness and renewal. Exhibition Centre, Gift shop, Coffee Shop. Guided tours for groups (booking essential). Whalley, Clitheroe. Telephone: 01254 828400.
WINFIELDS OF HASLINGDEN
Big Mill Shopping at its very best! Footwear, Sports & Designer wear, Fashion Homewares, luggage - Winfields has the answer and all at discount prices you won't believe. With over 100,000 pairs of footwear and up to 75% off high street prices, Winfields is truly a unique shopping day out for all the family. Hazel Mill, Blackburn Road, Haslingden, Rossendale. Telephone: 01706 831952.
WINTER GARDENS AND OPERA HOUSE
Church Street, Blackpool.
WORDEN PARK
Ancient manor house, once the home of the Southworth family. Woodland walks, formal gardens, a sunken lawn, ornate fountains, alpine rock garden, domed ice house, walled garden and a recreated 18th century parterre, miniature railway. A677 Preston to Blackburn road. Tel: 01772 421109
THE WORLD OF GLASS
Chalon Way East, St Helens, Merseyside. The World of Glass explores the story of glassmaking from its discovery by ancient civilisations to the modern multi-use material we know today. State of the art effects shows visitors how one material has changed the world and how it is utilised in modern society in technology. Visitors can explore the underground maze of tunnels showing the oldest glass making tank furnace in the world. Open seven days from 10am to 5pm. Admission �5 for adults, �3.60 for children, �15 for a family ticket for two adults and two children or �10 for one parent and two children.
WORSLEY DELPH
Built in 1759, Worsley Delph is an underground canal system, that stretches over 50 miles -- as far as Farnworth. The labyrinth of passages is the reason why Worsley has applied for World Heritage Status. A passenger service started in 1769, where people could buy tickets from the Packet House - a Tudoresque timbered building. By 1781 there was a daily service running from Worsley to Manchester. Worsley, Salford.