Note: Spaceport has now closed for business and Eureka Science and Discovery has taken over the premises. \ Escape the city and journey into space on a visit to Liverpool’s Spaceport science center. Explore the universe via interactive displays, take a ride on Explorer 1, and marvel at the mysteries of the cosmos in the planetarium on a family-friendly day out.
Nestled just north of the English border in Scotland, the Gretna Green Famous Blacksmiths Shop is known for hosting the marriages of couples who had fled England’s restrictive marriage laws during the 1700s and 1800s. The quaint shop remains a wedding venue and draws visitors with its marriage rooms, museum, shop, and restaurant.
Billed as a “modern traditional market,” this culinary hub has become one of the city’s most popular destinations for food lovers and shoppers since opening in 2022. Home to several dozen vendors—including stalls selling hot prepared foods, ingredients, homewares, and other goods—it makes a convenient stop right in the heart of town.
Middleham Castle dates back to the 12th century, when it was built by Lord Robert Fitzrandolph. For many years it was home to the aristocratic Neville family, but it is most famous as the childhood home of King Richard III. The castle remained in royal hands until the 17th century, when it began to fall into ruin.
While there’s not a great deal left of it to see, Minerva’s Shrine in Edgar’s Park remains an important piece of Chester’s Roman history. The remains of the rock-carved shrine to the pagan Roman goddess date back to the second century, when Chester was occupied by the Romans and known to its people as the city of Deva.
Follow the stories of Cheshire’s soldiers from Roman times to the current day at the Cheshire Military Museum. The exhibits offer a walk through time, showcasing the different conflicts around the world that have involved the Cheshire regiment. Must-see displays include a medal collection and a replica World War I trench with a periscope for a peek at “no man’s land.”
Perched on the banks of the River Dee, just outside of Chester city center, Sandy Lane Aqua Park features a playground alongside a variety of fun water features, including jet sprays, sprinklers, geysers, and tipping buckets. This family-friendly destination boasts views of the lush Chester countryside and a grassy picnic area.
The AO Arena is a bustling entertainment hub, hosting more than 130 shows and attracting more than 1.2 million visitors annually. Renowned for its lineup of concerts, sports events, and family-friendly shows, the arena has welcomed legendary acts, including U2, Madonna, and Lady Gaga. Its rich 25-plus-year history makes the arena a cornerstone of Manchester's cultural scene.
