Explore With The Cookes

The Easter half term is officially here, and if you’re looking to keep the kids entertained without breaking the bank, the North West is the place to be. From prehistoric putts to high flying funfairs, we’ve rounded up the best attractions with exclusive offers to make your 2026 break egg-tra special.

If you are looking for the perfect way to burn off some energy and keep the kids entertained over the Easter school holidays, regardless of the unpredictable British weather, the Indoor Funfair at Liverpool’s Exhibition Centre is a must visit.  As a family from Warrington always on the lookout for affordable, local adventures, we recently took the boys (and their varying levels of bravery!) to see if it lived up to the hype and its safe to say that the boys (and us adults) had a blast!

Located right on the Liverpool Waterfront, the UK’s biggest Indoor Funfair is officially back for 2026 at the Exhibition Centre this Easter!  It offers three hours of unlimited rides in a climate controlled environment so whether you’re looking to dodge the April showers or keep the kids entertained during the school holidays, this is the ultimate destination for family thrills.

Following Warrington Wolves on the road is always an adventure, but our latest away day to York had a little extra sparkle.  Not only were we heading to cheer on the Wire against York City Knights, but the fixture also fell on our 12th wedding anniversary, so we turned it into a mini getaway without the boys and it was one of our favourite away trips yet.

York is famous for its snickelways, narrow winding passages that weave through the city’s history and transport you from one street to another.  Along many, you'll find hidden gems and on the most famous snicket of them all, Finkle Street, you'll find Victor J's Bar. 

If you’re planning a York city break and searching for the perfect blend of luxury, comfort, and convenience, The Grand, York is a hotel that consistently tops the list.  It’s known for its history, its elegance, and its reputation as one of the best luxury hotels in York.

If you’ve started looking at flights for the Easter break or a quick spring getaway, you’ve probably noticed the prices are already creeping up.  One way to keep the cost of your trip down to to take advantage of Go City's Spring Promo where you can save money on attractions across the world’s most popular city destinations.

If there’s one thing we love when exploring a new city, it’s finding a spot that blends great food, relaxed vibes, and that little spark of something special.  On our latest trip to York, we discovered exactly that at Zest Brunch Bar.  It's a bright, modern, and seriously tasty addition to the city’s buzzing food scene.  

York is one of the UK’s most enchanting cities, with its cobbled streets, Viking history, and iconic York Minster, the city is a dream for both couples and families.  If you're planning a weekend break in York, hotel prices can quickly climb, especially during peak seasons however it doesn't have to break the bank.  With a few clever tricks, you can enjoy a fantastic weekend in York without overspending.

We recently visited Dino Falls Golf, where we experienced a unique blend of mini golf excitement and prehistoric themed fun that makes it a must visit destination for families, friends, and golf enthusiasts alike.  Here’s a detailed review of our visit, highlighting what makes Dino Falls Golf stand out.

Our sports obsessed household has been counting down the days to the release of the film GOAT, so the excitement levels were already sky high before we even stepped through the doors of Cineworld Warrington.  The boys especially have been buzzing for weeks, anything sport themed instantly becomes the event of the week in our home, so this cinema trip was a proper family outing.

If you’re looking for incredible Chinese food in the North West, then Mr Lau’s Dim Sum Bar and Restaurant in Warrington should be at the top of your list.