Explore the North West

Welcome to our North West travel blog.  From the rugged peaks of the Lake District to the neon lights of Blackpool and the cultural powerhouses of Manchester and Liverpool, this region is our favourite playground.

At Explore with the Cookes, we don’t just list places, we share our family days out, honest reviews, and the best special offers to help you plan your next adventure without breaking the bank.  Whether you’re looking for a rainy day museum review, a hidden gem restaurant, or the latest special offers for a family weekend, you’ve come to the right place.  Dive into our latest blogs and plan your next North West adventure.

Our Guide to Spooky Halloween Light Trails in the North West 2025

The nights are drawing in, the leaves are turning, and there's a distinct chill in the air, all signs that Halloween is almost upon us!  If you're looking for a thrilling yet family-friendly way to celebrate this spooky season, the North West of England is home to some of the best Halloween light trails in the country.

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Our Guide to the Best Pumpkin Picking Patches in the North West 2025

Autumn is officially here, and that means it's time to pull on your wellies, grab a wheelbarrow, and head out on the hunt for the perfect pumpkin! Pumpkin picking has become a beloved tradition, and the North West of England is bursting with amazing farms offering everything from simple patches to full-blown Halloween festivals.

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Summer Fun in the North West: Your Ultimate Summer Holidays Guide!

The summer holidays are here, and the North West of England is bursting with incredible adventures, stunning landscapes, and unforgettable experiences for the whole family.  From thrilling theme parks to tranquil lakes, and vibrant city culture to serene coastal escapes, there's something to ignite every imagination.  Get ready to plan your perfect summer adventures!

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Explore Cheshire on a Budget: Free and Affordable Activities and Days Out - Perfect for Families

Cheshire, with its picturesque countryside, charming towns, and rich history, offers an abundance of incredible experiences that won't break the bank this summer.  From sprawling country parks to fascinating museums, you'll find plenty of free and budget-friendly options to keep the whole family entertained.  Get ready to discover the hidden gems of Cheshire and create unforgettable summer memories!

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Spring into Adventure: Easter Half Term & Weekend Family Fun in Cheshire

The daffodils are blooming, the days are getting longer and the Easter holidays are almost here. Easter half term and the Easter weekend are the perfect opportunity to spend quality time with your family and create lasting memories.  Cheshire is bursting with fantastic days out and activities to keep kids of all ages entertained.  Our ultimate guide is here to help you plan an egg-cellent break!

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Our Recent Days Out & Reviews

We love planning days out and visiting attractions across the North West.  Here you'll find detailed reviews on the places that we have visited along with tips for your visit.  

Halloweenville at Partridge Lakes: A Spooktacular Family Adventure in Warrington

​Are you searching for the perfect Halloween day out that's more spooky than scary?  Look no further than Halloweenville at Partridge Lakes in Warrington!  This immersive, family-friendly event is the ultimate destination for Halloween fun this October.  Formerly known as the Halloween Lakeside Light Trail, the experience has been completely reimagined for 2025 with a brand-new theme that promises a thrilling adventure for all ages.​  We've got all the details on what's new, what to expect, and why this is the must-visit Halloween event in Warrington this October.

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A Fun Afternoon of Team Bonding at Wildshore Delamere!

My work recently took our whole company to enjoy an afternoon of team bonding and fun at Wildshore in Delamere.  It's located among the woodlands and offers a brilliant escape for team building with a wide array of water activities available on the lake.  We started the afternoon with some introductions and team photos and then those going into the water went off to get their wet suits on.

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Our Wild Day Out at BeWILDerwood Cheshire

Looking for a day out that's more about imagination and adventure than screens and queues?  Then a trip to BeWILDerwood Cheshire is exactly what you need! Our family recently spent the day exploring this magical outdoor adventure park, and it was a hit with everyone, from the smallest explorers to the grown-ups who are still just big kids at heart. 

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Restaurant and Food Reviews

If there’s one thing we love as much as travelling, it’s great food.  The North West has officially become the UK’s dining destination of choice in 2026, holding more Michelin stars and "Top 50 Gastropub" awards than any other region outside of London.

We know that a bad meal can ruin a great day out, which is why we’ve dedicated a huge part of our blog to honest, first hand restaurant reviews across the North West.  We look at everything from portion sizes and child friendliness to whether that "Instagrammable" spot actually delivers on flavour.  Don't book your next table until you've read about our latest finds!

Jardim Brazilian Steakhouse: Warrington's Must Try Rodízio Experience

As massive fans of the Rodízio dining concept, we were absolutely buzzing to be invited to the VIP launch event for Jardim Brazilian Steakhouse in Warrington.  Having a premium all you can eat meat experience right on our doorstep is a game changer, and after our visit, we can't wait to return to Warrington's new dining destination!  Located right in the heart of the town centre, Jardim aims to bring the soul of South American dining to Cheshire.  The name Jardim means Garden in Portuguese, reflecting their passion for fresh ingredients and a vibrant, energetic atmosphere. 

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Little India at The Ring O Bells: Warrington's Must-Book Sunday Indian Banquet

Looking for the ultimate Sunday treat in Warrington?  Look no further than Little India at The Ring O Bells.  This unique venue, housed within a traditional, cosy pub on a quaint, cobbled street, now offers an exclusive, once a month Sunday Indian Banquet.  If you crave authentic Indian cuisine combined with exceptional value, this monthly feast is the best curry buffet in Warrington and an absolute must-book.

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The Ultimate Sunday Lunch: Vandal, Warrington, Cheshire

Sunday lunch just got a serious upgrade, we found the perfect spot right here in Warrington, Cheshire!  We ventured to Vandal Bar and Restaurant, located in the Treasury Building next to the Parr Hall, and let me tell you, it was a Sunday feast fit for kings (and queens!).

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Events And Shows (2026)

The North West is the UK’s entertainment powerhouse.  Here is what’s on our radar for the coming months:

Major Festivals & Music

Neighbourhood Weekender (Warrington): May 23–24, 2026. Catch Richard Ashcroft and the Blossoms at Victoria Park.

Foo Fighters at Anfield (Liverpool): 25th & 26th June, 2026. Foot Fighters play Anfield on their Take Cover Tour 2026

Creamfields (Daresbury): August 27–30, 2026. The world's biggest electronic music festival returns to the Cheshire countryside.

Sporting Events 

Warrington Wolves Rugby League (Warrington): Super League is back from 12th February 2026 

The Grand National (Aintree): Our guide to making the most of a day at the races without breaking the bank.

Theatre & Arts

War of the Worlds Live: October 2026. Coming to the Blackpool Opera House and Manchester’s O2 Apollo.

Looking for tickets?  We often find early bird discounts for North West pantomimes and summer festivals.  Check out our blogs below where we will add any new offers.

The Best Christmas Gift Ever: Surprising Charlie with Foo Fighters Tickets!

Christmas morning is always magical, but this year, we pulled off a surprise that made it truly unforgettable.  Our 14 year old son, Charlie, a budding guitarist and music aficionado with impeccable taste (just like his mum!), got the shock of his life when he thought all the presents were opened and then discovered he was going to see the Foo Fighters!

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Special Offers, Deals and Discounts

Keep your eyes peeled for some exciting offers

Join the Adventure 

We are constantly adding new blogs about the amazing places that we visit across the North West along with our top tips, hidden gems and photos from our travels.  Is there a specific spot you’d like us to review next?

Want more live updates? Follow Explore with the Cookes on Instagram and TikTok for daily videos of our adventures.

Explore More of the UK 

Follow our blogs around the UK, for the latest tips and reviews. 

Need Help Planning your Perfect Trip?

Planning holidays is our speciality, without proper planning you risk missing out on visiting incredible places or just not spending your time and money wisely.  Whether you work full time, have children that take up your time or just don't know where to look, we can help!  Our personal travel planner services are designed to turn your average holiday into the trip of a lifetime.  Click the link below to find out more.