'Best' UK theme park is wildly overlooked and tickets are available for just £14
For a brilliant family day out, there's one destination that offers exceptional value whilst keeping youngsters thoroughly entertained. Manchester Evening News lifestyle editor Dianne Bourne ventured to Gulliver's World with her children and discovered this theme park is seriously underrated.
According to Dianne, the Warrington attraction is "arguably one of the best value-for-money family days out in the region". Daily passes start from just £14 per person, available through "secret sales" on Gulliver's official website.
During Dianne's visit on a glorious Sunday at the beginning of school holidays - likely the busiest and most "peak" period possible - day passes were priced at £25 per person, or £16 for afternoon entry, reports the Express.
The top 20 'childish' activities that parents secretly adore
Blackpool Pleasure Beach makes controversial change to its entry policy
She wrote: "Even at £25 per person, I found it to be excellent value, considering the enjoyable full day I spent here with my two children, aged nine and five."
Gulliver's frequently gets overshadowed in the theme park hierarchy, especially given its proximity to the enormous Alton Towers.
Whilst it might not rival adult thrill-seekers' expectations, Gulliver's targets the family demographic specifically, featuring attractions tailored for ages two to 13.
Dianne observed: "I was quite impressed that even during peak times, queue lengths never exceeded thirty minutes for any attraction."
Those who haven't been to this Cheshire theme park in a while will be amazed by the fantastic new additions. The standout feature is The Land of Oz, which was Dianne's family's starting point for their day out.
This magical new area takes its cues from the much-loved Wizard of Oz story and its unforgettable characters.
Dianne said: "Visitors can stroll, or dash as my children did, along a yellow brick road... inevitably humming 'follow the yellow brick road' repeatedly - if you're anything like me."
The first sight that greets guests is the Upside Down House, where you can wander around and marvel at the rather puzzling spectacle of it all, before exiting via a huge slide (adults included) at the end.
Dianne added: "My younger son was particularly fascinated by the twitching limbs of the Wicked Witch pinned beneath the house."
Next to the house is a child-friendly driving experience where little ones think they're in charge - and they'll probably enjoy spotting a munchkin (and other colourful characters) along the forest path.
However, the most striking new attraction in this part of the theme park has to be the Winged Monkeys. These creatures from the classic Wizard of Oz have haunted many a dream over the years.
Yet here at Gulliver's World, visitors can climb aboard one of these spooky creatures as they glide through the air. The brilliant thing about this attraction is that older kids (and grown-ups) can choose to hit a button to flip upside down for an even more thrilling experience, whilst younger ones can simply enjoy the journey as the monkeys bounce up and down.
Dianne revealed: "My nine-year-old dared to try one spin in the monkey before deciding to remain upright for the remainder of the ride, much to my relief."
Following all the thrills of the new Land of Oz, Dianne chose to explore Western World and was delighted to discover just a brief queue for one of the most beloved attractions, Apache Falls.
She explained: "This ride is a bit of a hybrid between a Rapids ride and a log flume, and one thing's for sure - you're going to get wet. Not that my children minded, they absolutely loved it."
Meanwhile, Gully's Cartoon Studios serves as an excellent spot for lunch and features an extra soft play zone inside the restaurant. Dianne noted: "It's these little extras that make a day out like this more manageable for parents, I believe. The soft play provided a distraction for the kids while I queued for our hot food at the takeaway."
There's so much on offer that Dianne and her family couldn't experience all the attractions. She commented: "One of the things I adore about Gulliver's World is its compact layout, making it easy to navigate and ensuring everything feels within reach.
"The park is also visually appealing, boasting plenty of greenery and a large pool at its centre, home to numerous ducks and moorhens that kept the children entertained during our brief ice cream break."
Compared to other family attractions like the Trafford Centre Summer Funfair where Dianne once spent £64 on rides for two children over just two hours, plus an entrance fee of £10.50 for three of them, Gulliver's World (which cost £75 for three) offers incredible value for a full day out.
Dianne stated: "I would highly recommend it for anyone looking to entertain children under 12 during the school summer holidays. If you can be flexible with your dates, keep an eye out for those £14 tickets too."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Daily Mirror
Superdrug shoppers say £6 perfume smells 'exactly like' Tom Ford's £290 version
Superdrug's Cherry Noir is said to be just likeTom Ford's Lost Cherry, which costs £290 for a 50ml bottle. The high street version is a fraction of the price and is said to last all day Superdrug customers are raving about a fragrance that they insist smells 'identical to' a Tom Ford scent. Tom Ford's Lost Cherry retails for £290 for a 50ml bottle, whilst Cherry Noir costs has dropped to £6 and is reported to 'last all day'. Cherry Noir doesn't reveal the breakdown of its fragrance notes online, but features cherry, amber, sandalwood, vanilla, musk and coconut. It's lacking the bitter almond, plum and cinnamon present in Lost Cherry. SWAP WITH NEXT LINE In one of the product images, it boldly states 'af Ford able alternative, get Lost in the Cherry ', making the inspiration crystal clear, reports the Manchester Evening News. 63p-a-day supplement for menopausal women that helps them 'feel like their old selves' Next is selling beauty box with £90 worth of makeup, skincare and more for £20 It's earned an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 on Superdrug. One customer raved: "Amazing! I have had Tom Ford's Lost Cherry, I've had more expensive [alternatives] to Lost Cherry...I came across this and it smells exactly like it! A tiny fraction of the hundreds of pounds you would pay for Tom Ford and a smell that lasts all day, even through a 14hr shift at work. I'm amazed and I'll be buying this over and over again!". Another said: "This is supposed to be an [alternative] for Tom ford lost cherry however I have never smelt that before so can't compare. However I absolutely love this scent, it's definitely got notes of cherry which is a scent I already adore but it's also long lasting which is fantastic as some perfumes only last a couple of hours. It's a decent size bottle for the price too, I am very impressed with this perfume and look forward to trying more of this range." One shopper was let down by a 'medicinal' quality, penning: "Cherry Noir definitely smells very similar to the Lost Cherry fragrance, especially once the perfume has settled on the skin. However, the opening notes of Cherry Noir smell very synthetic and almost medicinal, which initially put me off the scent. Cherry Noir comes in the standard white bottle that all Artiscent fragrances use. The bottle is 50ml, so it's convenient to take along during daily activities or travel. In terms of lasting power, this stayed on my skin for around 6 hours. I wore it to work and could still faintly smell it at the end of the day." Meanwhile another commented: "Perfume for the spring. The freshness of juicy cherries smells sweet and mysterious. Amber and Sandalwood gives a lovely warmth to the scent. It lingers for a long time on the skin and even longer on my clothes. it's a great choice for everyday, This is affordable yet screams luxury from the bottles minimalistic design to the scent." The 'premium' fragrance isn't the sole product at Superdrug drawing comparisons to a high-end alternative. The 100ml £3.50 Fruity Mist Caramel and Pistachio is being likened to Sol de Janeiro's Cheirosa 62 - customers even reckon it's superior. One wrote: "Before trying this mist, I was worried that it would be too sweet, but I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of freshness it gives. Save your money on Sol de Janeiro and buy this, you won't regret." A generous 120g tub of B. Melting Cleansing Balm is a fragrance-free and sensitive skin-friendly way to remove makeup. One customer commented: "Lovely product, skin texture is noticeably softer and smoother directly after use...I would prefer if it had a subtle natural spa smell but then guess that'd make it Elemis and potentially irritable - maybe make 2 versions?" The Elemis balm in question sells for £49 for a 100g tub. There's also Optimum Collagen Day Cream, priced at £15 or £7.50 for members, which has similarly been compared to Elemis with the brand's Pro-Collagen Marine Cream (£95 for 50ml).
Daily Mirror
2 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Strictly star Joe Sugg says 'I feel like a proud dad' as he reacts to surprise new signing
Former Strictly Come Dancing star Joe Sugg - who is dating his former professional dance partner Dianne Buswell - has revealed he's like a proud father as one of his pals signs up for the show Joe Sugg said he is like a proud dad as his friend signed up to Strictly Come Dancing. Joe was a huge hit on his series of the BBC show, which is where he met his now partner Dianne Buswell. Joe and Dianne thrilled viewers with their performances week on week and at the end of the series, despite losing out on the iconic Glitterball trophy, the YouTube star posted a now infamous post that said he had won after falling for Dianne. Years later, the pair are still going strong – and another set of celebrities are getting ready to take to the dancefloor. Joe is still heavily involved in Strictly, supporting Dianne through each competition. It comes after Strictly's Gorka Marquez pulls out of show. Strictly Come Dancing's Ellie Goldstein's passionate plea to bosses – 'Please' Last year, Dianne won the show alongside her celebrity partner Chris McCausland, with Joe cheering from the sidelines. Strictly fans love Joe and he even fronted a Strictly podcast. Now, as a new set of celebrities gear up for the show, Joe has shared his verdict on one contestant. Taking to his stories and sharing the big announcement, he wrote: "I feel like a proud father right now. Go on!" He is, of course, referring to fellow YouTube star George Clarke who is one of the nine stars having already been announced for the programme. George found fame on YouTube, starting his video content as a teenager. From there, he has millions of followers over the course of YouTube, TikTok and Instagram and also hosts The Useless Hotline Podcast, which has also go on tour for a series of live shows across the UK. "Never thought I'd say this… but I'm doing Strictly! Honestly, I've got no idea what I'm doing but I'm excited to get stuck in... and potentially fall over a fair bit," George said of joining the programme. Other stars who have joined the show so far include Gladiators star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, who is also known as Nitro, as well as Love Island star Dani Dyer, and Doctor Who actress Alex Kingston. Former professional footballer Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has also signed up for the new series, alongside EastEnders actress Balvinder Sopal - who plays Suki Panesar-Unwin - on the BBC soap. Drag Race star La Voix, rugby player Chris Robshaw and model and actress Ellie Goldstein, who made history as the first model with Down syndrome to grace the cover of Vogue in 2023, has also signed up.
Daily Mirror
5 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
'I visited a magical family holiday destination with midnight sun and summer Santa visits'
Lapland is famous for Father Christmas, reindeer and snow, but it's also a great place to visit in the summer, as celebrity and TV writer Elizabeth Cotton discovered. When pondering a summer getaway, Lapland likely wouldn't be your initial thought. It's renowned for Santa Claus, reindeer and snowfall, yet possesses its own allure during warmer months, as celebrity and television writer Elizabeth Cotton uncovered. The Manchester Evening News journalist spent seven days soaking up the midnight sun and found it's actually the ideal family retreat. She said: "The Midnight Sun season is an unforgettable experience, and the views are truly magical. It typically lasts from late May to late July, with the sun remaining visible above the horizon for 24 hours a day. "It's certainly not a budget-friendly holiday, but ideal for every type of family. Whether you're super active, interested in local culture, or love the idea of seeing Santa before the Christmas rush, it's a must-do visit." 'I took my family on a trip to Lapland and one moment will stay with me forever' Santa's Lapland cabin is opening for Airbnb bookings and it's pretty magical During summer months, temperatures can climb to a pleasant late 20C, and even during cooler spells, the luminous skyline remains breathtaking. Just a two-hour-and-40-minute flight from Manchester will transport you to Helsinki. This bustling capital acts as Finland's entrance point, offering straightforward connections to even the most isolated northern locations. Elizabeth said: "Finnair offered a wonderful service, where the check-in process was plain sailing, and the journeys to Helsinki and beyond were just as smooth. "Visit Finland looked after me during the trip, and provided a schedule filled to the brim of everything Finland has to offer." Each destination offers its own distinctive appeal, but for an opportunity to encounter Father Christmas himself, Rovaniemi - the capital of Lapland - is the destination to visit. Elizabeth caught the one-hour flight from Helsinki to Rovaniemi Airport. From there, it's merely a swift 15-minute journey to Lapland Hotel Sky Ounasvaara. For a family of two adults and two children under 10, anticipate paying approximately £215 per night during peak season, which is August. Your hotel accommodation will feature a traditional Finnish sauna, ideal for relaxing after an active day and allowing your concerns to melt away. The cost covers breakfast, and Elizabeth declared the porridge was delightful, remarking: "It's far more exciting than it sounds!" She commented: "The hotel felt like sheer luxury, but perhaps the most unique thing of all was the stunning views from the dining room. "The windows showcased a lush forest, and even though it was grey when I arrived, I couldn't have asked for a more perfect start to my trip." Santa's Village Whilst Lapland has more to offer than just Christmas, Elizabeth wished to discover just how festive it can feel in summer. Santa's Village proved the ideal place to begin. The village sat a stone's throw from her hotel and entering Saint Nick's workshop immediately reawakens the pure joy of childhood. She said: "As you walk past presents wrapped and ready for the sleigh, you'll soon come face to face with Father Christmas himself. "He's there every day of the year to meet anyone who steps into his home, and is happy to hear anyone's wishes - young or old. "I must admit, once spotting a cheerful Father Christmas donned in his finest off-duty uniform as he sits in his armchair, the room fell silent as every one of us stared in complete awe, met with murmurings of 'is that really him?'" Even during the peak of summer, the sight of sparkling Christmas lights and the scent of freshly baked gingerbread is sufficient to melt even the most cynical heart. You can also encounter Mrs Claus and question her about how she assists in spreading Christmas joy. As you bid farewell, she presents you with a scroll containing advice on how to share the festive spirit. Following a trip to the post office, where you can dispatch seasonal letters to your family and friends, the Husky Park is an essential experience. Jump onto a sleigh and allow a pack of spirited Huskies to transport you around the park. Entry begins from €50 (£44) for adults and €35 (£30) for children aged four to 12. Just a brief walk away, you can also meet Santa's reindeer, where you get the chance to stroke and feed these magical animals. In Rovaniemi, the population of approximately 12,500 reindeer stands as proof of the age-old tradition of reindeer herding. The indigenous herders exist in perfect balance with their creatures year-round, with countless numbers depending on them for survival. Northern Lapland After you've enjoyed your Christmas celebrations to the fullest, Elizabeth recommends exploring even further northwards. She experienced the joy of lodging at the breathtaking Wilderness Hotel Muotka, situated in Sodankyla. The trek from Rovaniemi requires roughly three hours, and she divided the journey with a stop at Kultamuseo in Tankavaara. This exceptional gold museum stands as the sole establishment of its type worldwide, focusing on the heritage and modern methods of gold panning and mining. Elizabeth said: "After an informative guided tour delving into the history of gold panning, I was given the chance to try my hand at finding my own gold - it's quite a thrill to strike it rich! "One of the highlights of my trip was undoubtedly the midnight cruise on Lake Inari. As the largest lake in Lapland, boasting over 3,000 islands, it's a sight to behold." This represents the ideal method to savour the bright evening skies, possibly clutching a flute of bubbly to celebrate the midnight sun. It's a moment that simply cannot be overlooked whilst exploring Lapland - there's something genuinely enchanting about gliding over the glistening waters, with the sun following in your wake. Culture Activities There's an abundance of choices to match every holiday taste. For the culture, Elizabeth recounted the delight of encountering Irene and Ari Kangasniemi, a delightful married pair living in a comfortable workshop in Saarenkyla, Rovaniemi. She said: "They live in a cosy workshop in Saarenkyla, Rovaniemi, where they welcome visitors to learn about their life, local culture, and how to create Lappish crafts. "They utilise every part of their reindeer for their work, particularly the antlers. Ari focuses on making spectacular chandeliers out of antlers, with some pieces taking up to five years to craft. "They can be seen around various locations - if you stay at the Wilderness Hotels you'll spot them. "Irene then treated us to a glass of homemade blueberry juice - a Finnish speciality - and a slice of delicious spiced cake." Rovaniemi, the pulsing soul of Lapland, serves as a hub for artistic expression, scientific discovery, and cultural immersion. Those eager to explore the area's past and customs will find the Arktikum museum absolutely essential. Starting from £17 for admission, visitors can participate in hands-on displays that offer deeper insight into Finland's fascinating legacy. At Wilderness Hotel Muotka, travellers can unwind in the sauna and, for the more daring, take a dip in the adjacent stream. Elizabeth embraced this Finnish custom for the first time whilst staying there, and called it genuinely an authentic method to immerse oneself in Finnish culture. For an authentic Finnish nature experience, Arctic Sky Lapland offers a memorable journey led by guide Minna Kataja. She guides you through the captivating forest, engaging all your senses. From the sharp crunch underfoot to the harmonious birdsong filling your ears, and the tactile sensation of coarse tree bark, you'll leave in a state of serene tranquillity. For those eager to delve deeper into Finland's rich history, a trip to the Sami Museum and Nature Centre Siida is highly recommended. Here, you can immerse yourself in the Sami culture and its deep historical significance across the country. Admission fees are set at £18 for adults, with family discounts available. This is a perfect outing for holidaymakers who appreciate understanding the local history of their destination or those seeking a break from Finland's active pursuits. Adventurous Activities Active families won't want to miss the E-bike trail provided by the hotel. This offers a fantastic chance to explore the scenic trails of the surrounding area and Urho Kekkonen National Park on an eco-friendly e-bike. Next, head over to River Juutua for a thrilling river rafting adventure. Guides Peeter Veltson, Visa Ruokokoski and Tanja Ohenoja will be thrilled to show you the ropes. As you navigate two major white-water rapids and several smaller streams, don't forget to take in the breathtaking views from your rubber raft. Reindeer Farm For a more personal experience with reindeers, why not visit Tuula's reindeer farm? Just remember to book in advance as it's nestled within a private home. Upon arrival at the farm, you'll be welcomed by Jenni Hakovirta who will introduce you to her herd of reindeer before inviting you into her family home to showcase her collection of Sami handicrafts. During the warm summer months, you'll have the charming chance to meet the young reindeer, still without their impressive antlers. Food and Drink While there's a wealth of activities to keep you busy during your Lapland adventure, it's crucial to make some time to enjoy the local culinary delights. Fresh, seasonal ingredients are abundant in both Rovaniemi and the northern areas. No Finnish adventure would be complete without trying reindeer meat, served in a variety of ways. However, if that doesn't appeal to you, Elizabeth highly recommends the fried salmon, freshly caught from local waters, at Kota Restaurant. This cosy wooden hut features a central fire, providing much-needed warmth amidst the colder weather. For a more relaxed dining experience back in Rovaniemi, do drop into Roka Kitchen and Winebar. It offers an enticing blend of Northern Finnish cuisine with a European twist. More Information Elizabeth was a guest at the following hotels: Lapland Hotel Sky Ounasvaara - for a family of two adults and two children under 10, the cost is approximately £215 per night during peak season (August). The hotel is conveniently located just a 15-minute drive from Rovaniemi airport. The flight duration from Manchester Airport to Helsinki Airport is around two hours and 40 minutes with Finnair. Private transfers can be arranged through Visit Rovaniemi, costing upwards of £78 for a group of six. Round-trip flights per adult in June are estimated to start from £300. From Helsinki, a further flight to Rovaniemi Airport is required, which takes about one hour and 15 minutes with Finnair, costing upwards from £80 per adult for a one-way ticket. Wilderness Hotel Muotka - a two-night stay for two adults and two children aged between four to 14 will set you back upwards of £814 in August. The journey from Rovaniemi to this northern destination takes just under three hours by car. Private transfers can be booked through Visit Rovaniemi, but expect to pay upwards of £500 for the trip. Wilderness Hotel Juutua - for a three-night stay, anticipate paying upwards of £640 per person during peak season. This price includes the Inari Summer package that offers full-board accommodation and airport transfers. Elizabeth returned to Manchester from Ivalo Airport via Helsinki. The flight from Ivalo to Helsinki with Finnair takes just over two hours and costs upwards of £94 per person. Activity Price List Arktikum museum at Rovaniemi - starting from £17, visitors can enjoy interactive and educational exhibits to learn more about Finland. Kultamuseo (Gold Museum) - a guided tour will set you back £9 per person, while gold panning is priced at £20 per person. E-fatbike tour - a three-hour session comes with a price tag of £127 per person. Midnight Sun Cruise by Visit Inari - this two-hour cruise costs £104 per person, with children eligible for a 30% discount. River rafting experience by Luontoloma - this adult and teenager-only experience is priced at £113 per person. Meeting Tuula's reindeer - simply meeting the reindeer costs around £40 per person, but if you wish to learn about Sámi handcrafts as well, it's £58 per person. Sámi Museum and Nature Centre Siida - adult tickets are priced at £18, with family discounts available. Elizabeth journeyed with Finnair and explored Lapland courtesy of Visit Rovaniemi and Lapland North Destinations.
