New on Confidential Guides: Family days out near Manchester and Liverpool

Archie’s Atomic is a neon pink roller rink from the local burger and shake supremos. With a giant glitterball and a colour scheme that would make even Barbie wince, it is very on-brand. The American diner goes disco.

Brockholes is the jewel in the crown of Lancashire Wildlife Trust’s nature reserves with royal visits and a fancy floating visitor centre. 

It’s a bit of a drive if you’re travelling from Manchester but it’s worth it. Calypso Cove Waterpark in Barnsley is a fab day out – not only has it got five slides ranging from toddler-friendly to frankly terrifying, but it only costs £12.50 to get in (or less for children under 11.)

The classic vista of the grand 17th century house overlooking the River Derwent is the most famous image of Chatsworth, but this Peak District visitor attraction offers much more than a stately home tour.

Its parkland, gardens, farm, adventure playground, shops, restaurants and places to stay bring more than 600,000 visitors a year to this beautiful corner of Derbyshire. It’s a testament to the size of the estate (35,000 acres) – and its careful management – that you can enjoy a day out at Chatsworth without feeling overwhelmed by crowds.

Dino Falls Adventure Golf is the only landmark kids care about in Manchester. You can’t miss the volcano and huge dinosaurs as you drive past on the M60.

Have you even been to Liverpool if you haven’t crossed the Mersey on a ferry? Mersey Ferries not only cross the Mersey back and forth but also provide tours, entertainment and private hire.

The Museum of Wigan Life brings together objects from the town’s history in a beguiling collection that’ll delight people who like peering in glass cabinets unsure what treasures you’ll find inside.

Oxygen is the 13th UK park from the runaway active play juggernaut. Inside it’s brightly-coloured with trampolines and crawl-throughs almost as soon as you get through the door. Everything is aimed at pleasing youngsters from the sensory play to the toilet humour in the toilets.

It’s the variety of attractions and things to do that make Pavilion Gardens Buxton special. This elegant Victorian park and pavilion has something for all seasons, which is lucky really considering Buxton is known for having a microclimate all of its own due to its high altitude. 

Pennington Flash is Greater Manchester’s only National Nature Reserve. This wetland habitat, formed by flash flooding of former coal mining sites, is home to all sorts of wildlife. With a number of bird hides dotted around, you might even be lucky enough to spot a kingfisher or a willow tit.

You might know this place best as Altrincham Ice Dome. It’s now run by Planet Ice and there’s a bunch of special sessions and deals over Easter including disco skating, learn to skate camps, and 2 for 1 offers.

Head to Walton Hall & Gardens for landscaped grounds, woodland walks, a grand house, and a whole host of fun things to do. The manicured lawns and historical features make it a popular choice for weddings, whilst the alpacas and mini golf make it a good bet for days out with the kids.

This country park in between Rochdale and Oldham is a good place for a game of hide and seek, plus there’s a children’s play area with a slide that stretches right down the hill and an excellent woodland balancing trail. Reward the kids with an ice lolly or a cheese toastie from the cafe if they make it right round.