Blakemere Village
ENTRY
Free
WHERE
Northwich
What it’s like
Free entry village with a mini railway, Segway forest rides, falconry and archery, plus a playground for the ones too small for any of it.
There's no admission charge here, which changes the maths on a day out. You pay for what you actually do, so a Segway ride through the forest or a go on the low ropes course sits alongside a free playground and a wander round the woodland walk that costs nothing at all. It means you can let a toddler loose on the free stuff while a ten-year-old queues for the axe throwing, and nobody's out of pocket for the parts that don't interest them.
The miniature railway is the obvious one to save for last, but the falconry experiences and archery are the bits that get talked about in the car home. There's also crazy golf, air rifles and craft workshops if you want to fill an afternoon rather than an hour, and cycling for anyone who fancies covering more ground. It adds up to a proper full day if you're doing more than two or three activities, less if you're sticking to the free playground and a walk.
Food-wise there are five places to eat, from a pizzeria to a micropub, so you're not tied to one overpriced café by the entrance. Parking's free and there's a car park right by the entrance with disabled bays at the top. The historic courtyard has cobbles that get uneven in spots, and the field events can have less stable ground underfoot, so a wheelchair or a buggy with small wheels will want to take it steady in those areas. Two wheelchairs are kept on site for anyone who needs one, first come first served.
It's open daily except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day, with shorter winter hours in January. Cuddington train station is close by if you fancy leaving the car at home.
Facilities
Need to know
- Parking
- Free parking on site
- Food
- Five bars and eateries including restaurant, coffee shop, pizzeria and micropub
- Wheelchairs
- Two wheelchairs available for use on first come first served basis
- Getting there by bus or train
- Cuddington train station nearby
- Entry itself is free, but the railway, Segway rides, archery and falconry are all paid extras
- January opening hours are shorter, 11am to 4pm instead of 10 to 5
- The old cobbled courtyard and field event areas have uneven ground in places
- Two wheelchairs are available on site but it's first come first served
- Cuddington train station is close by if you don't fancy the free car park
Plan your visit
How much does it cost to get in?
Getting into the village is free. You pay separately for things like the railway, Segway rides, archery or falconry.
Do we need to book anything?
There's nothing in their site to suggest you need to book ahead, so it looks like you can turn up and pick activities on the day.
What are the opening hours?
10am to 5pm February through December, and a shorter 11am to 4pm in January. Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day.
Is there parking?
Yes, free parking on site, right by the entrance, with disabled bays sign-posted at the top car park.
Is it OK for wheelchairs and buggies?
Mostly, with two wheelchairs available on a first come first served basis and three accessible toilets on site. The old cobbled courtyard and some field event areas are uneven, so those bits need a bit of care.
What's there to eat?
Five places altogether, including a restaurant, coffee shop, pizzeria and a micropub, plus food stalls when there's an event on.
Is there anything for really young kids?
There's a free playground for anyone too small for the archery or axe throwing, and the woodland walk is an easy one to do with a pushchair.
Can we bring the dog?
It's dog friendly, so yes.
How long should we plan to stay?
If you're just doing the free playground and a walk, an hour or two covers it. Add in a few paid activities and it stretches into a full day.
Do they do birthday parties?
Birthday parties are listed among what's on offer here.
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