Golden Oak, Delamere Forest

Chester Zoo is a conservation charity and one of the UK's largest zoos, covering 130 acres with over 30,000 animals from more than 500 species. You can explore over 10 indoor habitats, including the UK's largest tropical biodome, and walk through the lemur area to get close to the troop. The Monsoon Forest habitat and award-winning gardens add plenty more to see.

Tip: Book online in advance to save on gate prices, and parking in the zoo car park is free.

Gulliver's World is a theme park in Warrington, loosely based on the world of Lilliput from Gulliver's Travels. It is split into themed areas including Western World, Safari Kingdom, Land of Oz, Smuggler's Wharf and Lost World. Rides such as The Antelope, Desperado Drop and Apache Falls sit alongside play areas, both indoors and outdoors, designed for children between 2 and 13.

Tip: The website says booking tickets early can save money, so check online before you go.

Knowsley Safari is a safari park in Prescot, Merseyside, set in the parkland of Knowsley Hall. The main event is the 5-mile Safari Drive, where you travel in your own vehicle past animals such as African lions, southern white rhinos, Bactrian camels, European bison and olive baboons. There is a bypass around the baboons if you would rather keep them away from your car.

Tip: Book online in advance, as tickets are cheaper that way and online booking is essential.

Peckforton Castle is a Grade I listed Victorian country house built in the style of a medieval castle, designed by Anthony Salvin. It has a gatehouse, a portcullis, a dry moat and large towers, and it stands in woodland in the Peckforton Hills. It now works as a hotel and events venue, and has appeared in films and television productions.

Tip: Check what is on before you go: the castle runs ticketed events and the Land Rover Experience, so contact them to book ahead. All vehicles use the on-site car park.

Beeston Castle is a former royal castle built in the 1220s on a rocky sandstone crag high above the Cheshire Plain. Winding woodland paths lead up the hill to the gatehouse and the summit, where you can look out across eight counties towards the Welsh Mountains.

Tip: There is no indoor seating at the kiosk, only outdoor picnic tables, so plan for the weather. You can use the kiosk without paying castle admission.

Anderton Boat Lift is a Victorian engineering landmark that lifts boats 50 feet between the River Weaver and the Trent and Mersey Canal. Known as the "Cathedral of the Canals", it is a scheduled monument and one of the Seven Wonders of the Waterways.

Tip: Check the Canal & River Trust website for current boat trip times before you go. Online booking is available at present.

Vale Royal Abbey is a former Cistercian abbey turned country house in Whitegate, near Northwich. It was founded in the 13th century by the future Edward I, who planned the largest Cistercian monastery in the country, though money troubles left it much smaller. The Grade II* listed house still contains parts of the medieval abbey, including its refectory and kitchen.

Tip: The abbey also hosts weddings and private events, so check with the team before you go.

Liverpool Cathedral is the largest cathedral and religious building in Britain, and one of the longest in the world. Designed by Giles Gilbert Scott and built between 1904 and 1978, it is a Grade I listed building. Inside, the vast space is made for wandering, with large-scale art installations and family activities alongside daily worship services.

Tip: There is an on-site car park off Upper Duke Street, and you don't need to book, but check opening hours first as parts can close for events.