Bubbles World of Play
Billed as the UK's biggest soft play. A long drive for soft play, but it's the one that turns a rainy day into an actual event, and the seafront is right there.
Royden Park
Wirral, Merseyside
Royden Park is the wooded end of West Wirral near Frankby: woodland and heathland walks, a lake, a walled garden and a visitor centre with a cafe. It is the sort of place you walk round rather than do, which suits a toddler on a scooter or a seven-year-old who wants to find a stick.
The draw for children is the miniature railway. The Wirral Model Engineering Society runs two lines here, a raised track and a ground-level track with steam and diesel engines, on most Sundays and bank holidays from about 1pm to 3.30pm. It depends on weather and volunteers, so check their Facebook page before promising anyone a train ride.
Entry is free and parking is paid. Rangers run an events programme through the year, and fishing on the lake is by permit only.
What it costs: Park entry is free; car parking is paid. The miniature railway fare is not published.
Know before you go
- The Wirral Model Engineering Society runs its miniature railways on most Sundays and bank holidays, roughly 1 to 3.30pm, weather and volunteers permitting. Their Facebook page is where they post changes.
- The park is open dawn till dusk all year. Aim for a Sunday: woods in the morning, picnic, then the trains after 1pm.
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