Those visiting Haydock for a day at the races are ideally located to explore the wealth of incredible attractions in the area. Being close to the metropolis of Manchester certainly means there’s no lack of choice for things to do.
For anyone wondering what to do near Manchester, we’ve scoured the area around Haydock to find the best family-friendly attractions, from historic country halls to thrilling theme parks.
Gulliver’s World Theme Park
The perfect theme park for children, Gulliver’s World is a fantastical adventure through a lost world of dinosaurs, rollercoasters and fun-filled rides suitable for all ages. From pirate ships to roller coasters, and go-karts to log flumes, it’s a day out they won’t forget in a hurry!
Unlike most theme parks which have limited options for younger children, Gulliver’s World is suited for families with children aged 2 to 13. There’s over 80 rides and attractions, not to mention a great range of dining options perfect for kids and adults alike.
Dunham Massey Hall & Gardens
The stately home of English aristocracy for generations, today Dunham Massey is a popular tourist attraction for those looking to get back to nature. The expansive woodland and impressive gardens are a joy to explore at any time of year. Explore 300 acres of ancient parkland, admire the stunning history of the 18th century house, and see if you can spot some of the resident deer at Dunham Massey.
Knowsley Safari Park
A wildlife experience like no other, Knowsley gets you up close and personal with exotic wild animals. Be amazed by the pride of magnificent lions, rhinos, camels, zebras and of course the mischievous baboons through five miles of safari enclosures. There’s plenty to see on foot too, including wolves, amur tigers, giraffes, birds of prey and the much-anticipated sea lion displays. It’s the perfect day out for animal lovers.
Pennington Flash Local Nature Reserve
Get back to nature at Pennington Flash, a vast expanse of lakes and country park where diverse ecosystems are home to a wide variety of mammal, bird and insect species. There have been over 230 species of birds recorded within the park, making it a haven for avian enthusiasts. Take a walk around the lake and see how many birds you can spot, or bring a picnic and head to the play area.
A day out in Manchester
Manchester is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city with a unique history. If you’re visiting Haydock for the races, why not make a city break of it and head into Manchester? The city boomed during the industrial revolution, when its myriad textile factories earned it the nickname of “The Hive”.
Today those factories have largely been converted into modern offices, flats, clubs, bars and shops, giving the city a gritty urban vibe. Wander around the Northern Quarter to uncover the hippest independent boutiques, cafes and restaurants, or go up-market and explore Spinningfields, Deansgate or King Street.
If you’re visiting with children, make a beeline for the Museum of Science and Industry, which tells the story of the industrial revolution and how it changed the face of Manchester and the rest of the world.