Gardens and nature in North West

A family guide to North West

Gardens, nature reserves and green spaces for slower family adventures outdoors.

For slower family adventures outdoors, the North West has wetlands, forests and gardens to spare. WWT Martin Mere is a wetland and nature reserve with flamingo and otter spotting, pond dipping, a paddle and play water zone and canoe or guided boat safaris. Moore Nature Reserve is a lovely family walk with lakes, woodland paths, meadows and wetlands, perfect for bug hunting and picnics, and Burton Mere Wetlands is also listed. Children who like to get muddy will enjoy Wild Acres, a nature forest school playground with mud kitchens, forest swings, sandpits, potion stations, tunnels and campfire circles. Friends of Nature Forest School builds confidence and curiosity by making nature the playground. Gardens and estates add variety. Aira Force & Gowbarrow Park has a 65-foot waterfall set within an 18th-century landscape garden. Bruntwood Park is a hidden gem for families, with plane spotting, woodland walks, a pond, a BMX track, archery and pitch and putt golf. Walton Hall and Gardens has gardens and woodland walks alongside its free children's zoo, and Norton Priory has a beautiful walled garden and ruins to wander through. Arley Hall Gardens, Lowther Castle and Dovestone Reservoir are also listed. Gardens, nature reserves and green spaces for slower family adventures outdoors.