• Added: 30th of August 2008
• Area: Wirral
• Category: Sightseeing and Attractions

Wirral CH43 7PD
0151 653 9332

M1ssy said
Free Free Free
The farm is open every day from 9.30-4.30 and is totally free although donations are welcome.

It holds a very varied collection of animals, it's pathways are easy to get around with prams or wheelchairs and it's a safe environment for children.

There is a play area and a picnic area with a couple of static tractors for the kids to play on. There is also a cafe with reasonably priced food, sweets, drinks and lollies.

The farm also host children's parties which are fantastic. The children are entertained throughout by 'leaders' first outside and then inside for party games. There is also a sit down buffet. You would need to contact them for further details.

Within short walking distance from the farm is Bidston Windmill with great views across Wirral on a clear day.

This place is a little gem!! Well worth a visit.

• Added: 30th of August 2008
• Area: Colwyn Bay
• Category: Sightseeing and Attractions

Colwyn Bay LL28 5UY
01492 532 938

M1ssy said
Up close and personal
I was surprised at how close you can actually get to the animals in this zoo. There is a real feeling of intamcy compared to other zoos that I have been to. Saying that, it is hard work trekking around this zoo. The clue is in the name I guess! It is situated on a hill top so there are some really steep and muddy paths. Some parts where really tricky with the buggy. There is a section about this on the website and they 'estimate that 70% of the exhibits are viewable by wheelchair with a fit and able bodied carer'. Just keep this in mind if you are planning a visit. There is no entrance fee for wheelchair users.

You get given a free map to guide you around although we gave up on this and just wandered and followed the signposts. The kids loved this and there was a real sense of adventure as we mooched about. They loved the Seals and the Bears. You can get really close to the animals which is fantastic. There is also a children's farm section where you can pet goats, rabbits, guinea pigs, etc.

Another favourite was the Jungle Adventureland, a fantastic play area for children of all ages. If your children are going to use the huge slides it would be really useful to have two adults (one for at the top and one for at the bottom) as running up and down the steps with the kids is a killer after the twentieth time!

There are two cafes within the zoo both with reasonably priced food. We ate in the 'Flagstaff Cafe' over looking the penguins, monkeys and spectacular views out to Conwy. The children had kid's meal boxes with crisp, dried fruit, chocolate bar, drink and half of a freshly made roll. There is also a picnic area. If you are going by car, the carpark is really central so you could leave your picnic in the car save lugging it around.

The gift shop is well stocked and has something for all budgets. They accept credit/debit card payments.

I LOVED this zoo as did the kids. It loses a star though due to the access issues :-( Also the cafes don't take payment by debit/credit card which is handy to know in advance.

Prices:
Adult (16+ years)- £8.75
Children (3-15 years inclusive)- £6.40
Family Ticket (2 adults and 2 children)- £27.45
Seniors- £7.60
Students (NUS Card)- £6.40
Under 3- FREE

All in all a great day out but be prepared to work your legs!!

• Added: 30th of August 2008
• Area: Stoke On Trent
• Category: Sightseeing and Attractions

Stoke On Trent ST4 8AY
01782 659 845

M1ssy said
A Great day out!
Although this isn't a huge place, we had a fab day here.

The enterance fee is quite reasonable £6.00 for adults and £4.50 for children with under 3's going free.

We headed straight for the monkey enclosure...which is actually 60 acres of woodland that you enter and wander around. There is a path to follow which is just under a mile long. It is quite steep in places, although this was downhill so not too much of a struggle.

The monkeys just roam about, quite unfussed at mixing with us humans. There is the usual monkey antics but the fun is that it's happening right there at your feet! There are guides dotted about that you can ask questions.
Food isn't allowed into the monkey forest itself, but there is a storage hut with a guide who will look after any bags that you wish to leave until you come out. If your food is in a zipped bag you are allowed to take it in with you.

There are a couple of adventure playgrounds on the site. One for smaller children by the cafe and a larger one with a picnic area. There are also trampolines for children although there is a small charge for a turn on these.

The cafe has ample seating both inside and out. The food is lovely. Just to give you an idea of the price a baked potato with beans and salad was £3.50. A children's meal was roughly £2.99. If you have fussy eaters or are on a tight budget you can always bring your own picnic.

The gift shop is all monkey themed (obviously ;-) )and I found it to be very reasonable. It was well stocked with souveniers to suit all budgets.

All in all a great day out.

If you are too big for the playgrounds I doubt you could make a trip to the monkey forest last the whole day but there are other visitor attractions in the Trentham estate that you may be interested in; Aeriel extreme, the retail village, The Italian gardens. I haven't been but here is the website so you can take a look. http://www.trentham.co.uk/

Trentham Monkey Forest is open every day from March at 10am although best to check their website for seasonal variations.

• Added: 30th of August 2008
• Area: Wirral
• Category: Restaurants

Wirral CH62 3PN

M1ssy said
Great food, family friendly.
There is always a great atmosphere in here which, along with the friendly service, puts you at ease straight away. The staff are friendly and attentive. Service and food preparation is quite quick.

There is a wide selection of food which is priced fairly reasonably considering how nice it is. The desserts are especially delicious!

There is always a wide mix of diners in here: family groups, couples, groups of friends. I think it appeals to most people as it's clean, inexpensive and good food. Whether that be a family brunch or an evening light bite with some cocktails for the girls.

Food is served: Monday-Saturday 11am-11pm and Sunday 11am-10:30pm.