Holyhead

Fabulous ferries and forts

Most of us think of Holyhead as a place we pass through on the way to Ireland, but the area has plenty to offer those who want to stay a little longer

Early settlers

arts exhibitions, performances, workshops and film screenings. There is also a library in the old market hall. This determination to use and embrace the town’s older buildings is reflected throughout Holyhead: the Maritime Museum is inside what is which is rich in claimed to be Wales’s oldest lifeboat house. ancient features and The area is home to several lighthouses, links to a proud past, and the main one at South Stack is open to will continue to thrive. the public. The area is also home to an RSPB reserve, and people come from far and wide in the hope of spotting a puffin on the cliffs. Settlements in With changes afoot for the town, it’s a the area date from good time to stop and see what else there is prehistoric times, to offer before getting on board a ferry. with circular huts, burial chambers and standing stones having been found here in higher concentration Historic remains near Holyhead include Soldier’s Point than anywhere else in Britain. The town

Holyhead is perched on Holy Island, centre is built around St Cybi’s Church, connected to Anglesey by road and rail which was in turn built inside a three-walled bridges and used by passengers and freight Roman fort – the fourth “wall” being the sea. as the launch point for journeys to Ireland. The Romans had a strong presence in At the beginning of last year, Holyhead was Holyhead, and also built a watchtower on top the UK’s second biggest roll-on, roll-off ferry of Mynydd y Twr (Holyhead Mountain). The port, behind only Dover for the number town’s name in Welsh, Caergybi, is related of vessels that came and went every day. to this fort, and the original form of the

Most of the town’s residents are name is thought to be at least a thousand employed by one of the big ferry companies or at the port and DID YOU KNOW? years old. Other forms it has been known by over the years include harbour facilities. But that may be Holyhead Cor Gybi (seat of Cybi), Castrum set to change, with Brexit having a breakwater Cuby (the fortified military camp huge impact on trade with Ireland is the longest of Cybi) and Gorffwysfa Gybi – by January this year, freight traffic in the UK (Cybi’s resting place). The English from Ireland had already halved. form has only been around since

The town has other industries though. the 14th century. This title honours the At one time, the local aluminium plant religious and holy nature of the place, and the was a huge employer, while new retail island it sits on, and has the same meaning developments have also created jobs. One when translated as Penzance in Cornwall. of the port’s main jetties is still popular with cruise ships that dock to meet up Modern attractions with coaches touring Anglesey and further Holyhead boasts its own arts centre, the into Wales. Whatever the future holds for Ucheldre Centre, which is housed in the Holyhead, one thing is certain: the town, chapel of an old convent and holds regular

The old lifeboat station – now a bistro – at Newry beach in Holyhead

THINGS TO SEE AND DO

Holyhead Maritime Museum

Newry Beach, Holyhead LL65 1YD www.holyheadmaritimemuseum.co.uk

The Ucheldre Centre

Millbank, Holyhead LL65 1TE www.ucheldre.org

RSPB South Stack Visitor Centre

South Stack Road, Holyhead LL65 1YH www.rspb.org.uk

Explore open gardens

Explore some of the area’s finest gardens thanks to the National Open Garden Scheme.

Cwm Farm, Welshpool, 2nd May A five-acre garden with panoramic views of the Corndon and Roundton Hills. Featuring herbaceous beds, an apple orchard and pond. Noon-5pm.

Llysdinam, Newbridge-on-Wye, 23rd

May Noted for its magnificent display of rhododendrons and azaleas, the gardens also include large herbaceous and shrub borders and a water garden. 2pm-5pm.

DID YOU KNOW? NGS gives visitors access to 3,600 private gardens in England and Wales

Llwyn Madoc, Llanwrtyd Wells,

31st May A terraced garden in a wooded valley overlooking a lake, with a rose garden, kitchen garden and small orchard. 1.30pm-5.30pm.

Tickets cost £5 for adults; children free. To book and for more details, visit www.ngs.org.uk.

Back at Aberystwyth Arts Centre

Rumours of Fleetwood

Mac, 4th June A unique opportunity for fans to rediscover the songs of Fleetwood Mac. 8pm. Tickets £26.50

Al Murray, 29th June

The Pub Landlord is back. 7.30pm. Tickets £27.50. www.aberystwythartscentre.co.uk

Mind, body and soul at Bleddfa

Talk to writers, performers and artists during the Conversations series of events, which take place on the third Thursday of each month via Zoom from the Bleddfa Centre, Knighton. For more information about the centre’s reopening plans, including the Big Skill Midsummer Crafts Festival on 19th and 20th June, visit www. bleddfacentre.org.

Weaving at Caffi Clywedog

Create your own piece of woven art at Caffi Clywedog in Llanidloes. The course will be held outdoors and all equipment and materials are provided. Choose from a half-day on 6th May, full day on 5th May or weekend on 2nd and 3rd June. www.radiatearts.co.uk

ON YOUR BIKE!

Gritfest, the UK’s premier gravel race, returns on 19th and 20th June. The multi-stage event with timed special stages takes place around the Cambrian mountains and is open to all off-road bikes. Entry costs £110 and includes camping across the full weekend. www.gritfest.co.uk

Become a nature detective!

Discover what creatures call your garden home on an exciting day of wildlife exploring with the Centre for Alternative Technology in Machynlleth. The Nature Detective events run on 22nd and 29th May and 5th and 26th June. Tickets cost £35 for adults and £20 for children. www.cat.org.uk

Catch up with classical music

Bach & The Romantics, an online recital of Bach transcriptions performed by pianist Jayson Gillham and brought to you by Hay Music, is available to watch online until 16th June. Tickets cost £7.50 per receiving device. For more information and tickets, visit www.haymusic.org.

WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF

3RD-13TH MAY

•3rd May, Willow Weaving,

Denmark Farm Conservation

Centre, Lampeter A one-day traditional willow weaving workshop that will show you how to use a variety of natural willows to make a posy basket. All tools and materials provided. 10am-4.30pm. £55, plus £7.50 for materials. www.denmarkfarm.org.uk

•7th-9th May, Stargazing

Weekend, Dark Sky Wales,

Staylittle Reach for the stars with two days of astronomical tuition and observation. The workshop is designed for all levels of experience, with the aim of getting you more accustomed to astronomy, the night sky and taking your own images. £479-£559, including accommodation for four adults. www.darkskywalestraining services.co.uk

•12th May,

Macramé Wall Hanging Workshop, Ca Clywedog,

Llanidloes Enjoy a relaxing workshop with expert guidance and tuition by Alice Thomas amid the beautiful surroundings of Llyn Clywedog. This wall hanging will give you the opportunity to try a range of techniques while creating an organic and unique woven picture to take home. All materials and tools are provided. 10.30am-4.30pm. £65. www.radiatearts.co.uk

•13th May, Introduction to

Bushcraft, Nannerth Fawr,

Rhayader Delve into the world of bushcraft in the Wye Valley on this one-day foundation course. Learn safe knife-handling skills, try your hand at lighting a fi re using several methods, make some rustic bread for lunch, discover shelter-building techniques and examine navigating using the sun. Adults £45, children £35. www.wilderness-project. org/bushcraft-skills

WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF

17TH MAY-5TH JUNE

•17th-18th May,

Introduction to Stone Carving, Ca Clywedog, Llanidloes

Learn the process of stone carving in the inspirational surroundings of Llyn Clywedog. This two-day course, run by Glenn Morris, includes a brief introduction to stone carving and an overview of tools and techniques. Materials and tools are provided. £150. www.radiatearts.co.uk

•22nd-23rd May, Mid Wales

Tour Camping, Hay-on-Wye

Join Roam Free Adventures and discover the true capabilities of your 4x4 in a stunning, unforgettable location. Join the group in Hay-on-Wye then head north into the countryside, covering some serious mileage before arriving at your friendly campsite. £200 per vehicle (with two occupants). www.roamfreeadventures.co.uk

•30th-31st May,

Ceredigion Garden & Craft Festival, Square Field, Aberaeron

Organised by Ceredigion & District Growers Association, this is the premier event of its type in west Wales, with over 70 stalls selling plants, crafts and food. 10am-5pm. Free entry. www.ceredigiongrowers.co.uk

•5th June,

Dyfi Ultra, Aberdovey

Are you ready to take on an 80km ultra marathon with a total height gain of 3,000m, along coast, trail, mountain, river and forest? Taking in a total of 15 peaks, including the summit of Cadair Idris, this challenging, stunning route is one of Britain’s most beautiful and least-travelled ultras. Entry costs from £70. www.weswimrun.org

•5th June, Brecon Beacons Peak to Peak Under the guide of a qualifi ed mountain leader, you’ll spend the day exploring the Brecon Beacons, summiting several peaks en route. £45. www.outdooramore.co.uk

Hay Festival goes online for 2021

Hay Festival returns for its 34th edition from 26th May to 6th June, bringing writers and readers together online in hundreds of free, interactive live broadcasts.

There will be an inspiring array of conversations, debates, workshops and performances, kicking off with the inaugural Opening Night Gala on 26th May, when writers will join performers for an evening of literary fun and inspiration.

More than 200 acclaimed writers, global policymakers, historians, poets, pioneers and innovators will take part in events over the 11 days. A programme for schools will also take place online from 24th to 28th May.

For the full programme, visit www.hayfestival.com.

A festival of ideas

The world’s largest ideas and music festival, HowTheLightGetsIn, returns on 29th May bringing warmth, light, discussion and dance through 70 events featuring over 100 speakers.

It’s usually held in Hay-on-Wye, but this year’s festival will take place online and ticket holders will be able to sign in to explore a virtual festival field and stream events. Tickets cost £28. Visit www.

howthelightgets

in.org for more.

Some of the area’s finest craftmakers and artisan foodies will show their wares at Crefft Cymru, Llanfyllyn, on 29th and 30th May. The fair, held at Llanfyllyn’s workhouse Y Dolydd, will give you the chance to meet a range of artists, producers and entertainers at a fun day for the family. The fair is open from 10am and entry is free. www.crefftcymru.com

Discover the art of bookbinding

Learn a variety of simple bookbinding techniques with Carole King at Make It In Wales, Cardigan, on 26th June.

The course will guide you through the process of making concertina books, pamphlets with ribbons and beads, a book with a simple button closure and another with stab-stitch bindings. All materials are provided.

The course costs £49 per person and is suitable for ages 12 and over. For more information, visit www.makeitinwales.co.uk.

CRAFTS AT THE WORKHOUSE Run through the heart of Wales

REWILD YOUR DAD FOR FATHER’S DAY!

Children can spend the day in the wood at Denmark Farm Conservation Centre in Lampeter on 20th June, learning bushcraft with their dads. The course costs £50 for one child and dad. www.denmarkfarm.org.uk e Howum, a 30-mile ultra marathon to the source of the River Severn, takes place on 19th June. Starting from Llanidloes, the route takes in the Sarn, Glyndwr’s Way, Severn Way and Wye Valley Walk before heading towards the Clywedog reservoir. www. pegasusultrarunning.com.

Wheels of change in Llandrindod

The National Cycle Museum in Llandrindod Wells reopens on 18th May. The museum contains a vast array of models, from an 1818 hobby horse to the latest designs. The museum is open 10am to 4pm Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and 10am to 2pm on Saturdays. www.cyclemuseum.org.uk

Take a walk at Powis Castle

Enjoy a picnic, take a leisurely stroll or meet friends for socially distanced fun in the beautiful gardens of Powis Castle, which reopened on 29th March.

The gardens are spectacular towards the end of spring, with rhododendrons and azaleas blooming throughout the Wilderness, the castle’s formal woodland. See the wisteria draping over the Aviary Terrace and discover hundreds of roses, DID YOU from climbers and KNOW? bushes to species and hybrids, The National Trust hopes to plant from June. The gardens are open every day 20 million trees by 2030 from 10am. Tickets must be booked in advance. Visit www.nationaltrust.org. uk/powis-castle-and-garden.

Operatic gala online

Mid Wales Opera is sharing a digital version of last summer’s Gala Concert online. The concert featuring works by Verdi, Mozart, Johann Strauss II, Lehar and others, with superb performances by Fflur Wyn (soprano) and Robyn Lyn Evans (tenor), is available to watch free of charge at www.midwalesopera.co.uk.

Take on the Severn Challenge

The Severn Challenge – a 218-mile ultra that takes you from Llanidloes to Bristol – returns on 20th to 24th May.

The race is split into five stages, with each one being a complete race in its own right. Complete all five and you get all five medals. The first stage, the Hafren Ultra, takes place on 20th May. It starts at Rhyd y Benwch and at 26 miles long is one of the shorter sections of the challenge. For more, visit www.ultrarunningltd.co.uk.

SURVEY LIFE IN YOUR GARDEN

You can help the Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust by recording birds in your garden. Simply record the species you see within 500m of a set point, fill in the form and return it. Visit www. montwt.co.uk/MWT-Garden-Bird-Survey.

WORLD CINEMA IN ABERYSTWYTH

You can now enjoy cutting-edge cinema from the comfort of your own home, thanks to a series of fi lms brought to you by Aberystwyth Arts Centre and YourScreen. All fi lms are available until 23rd May and cost £9.99. For more information, visit www.aberystwythartscentre.co.uk.

WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF

12TH-25TH JUNE

•12th June,

Secret Life of Birds Experience Day, Centre for Alternative Technology, Machynlleth

Become more familiar with a number of Britain’s favourite bird species and explore ways to help them thrive. You’ll explore everything from bird language and habitats to how you can support birds and other wildlife in your garden. 9.30am-5pm. Adults £60, children £30. www.cat.org.uk

•13th June,

Hurdley Hall Open Garden, Churchstoke

With 18 acres of coronation meadows, woodland and orchard, this garden boasts stunning meadow fl owers and roses in June. 11am-5pm. Adults £6, children free. www.ngs.org.uk

•19th June, Moth

Night Experience, Centre for Alternative Technology, Machynlleth

CAT’s visitor centre and surrounding woodland are home to an amazing number of moth species and several active bat roosts – an excellent recipe for a night of nature! 8pm-midnight. Adults £15, children £5. www.cat.org.uk

•23rd-24th June, Zero Carbon

Britain: Live Online, Centre for Alternative Technology,

Machynlleth An interactive online course o ering an indepth look at CAT’s fl agship research project, Zero Carbon Britain. Connect with others working and studying in the fi eld and explore the radical changes needed to rise to the climate challenge. £50-£74. Free places are available to support those who would be otherwise unable to attend. www.cat.org.uk

•25th June, Appliqué Purse,

Make It In Wales, Cardigan

Create a patchwork purse with textile artist Harriett Chapman. Under her expert guidance you’ll select and piece together fabrics, cut out the pattern and create a unique metal framed purse. Materials provided. 10am4pm. £68. www.makeit inwales.co.uk

WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF

7TH-20TH MAY

•7th, 8th & 22nd May

and 5th, 12th & 19th June,

racing at Oulton Park Club Bike Racing takes place on 7th and 8th May with the BMCRC-MRO 2021 Championships, followed by MG Car Club Racing on 22nd May and MSVR Club Car Championships 5th June. The BARC Club Car Championships will be held on 12th June followed by the BRSCC Club Car Championships on 19th June. For further information, including whether spectators will be allowed, visit www.oultonpark.co.uk.

•17th May, Carden Park Hotel, Carden The luxury spa, hotel and restaurants reopen, followed by larger events including weddings on 21st June. For prices and activities visit www.cardenpark.co.uk.

•17th May, The Cornerhouse, Chester The City Road bar reopens on 17th May, followed by the return of its weekly Sunday quiz on 23rd May at the new earlier time of 7.30pm. The venue will gradually reintroduce live music – check Facebook or www. cornerhousechester.com for the latest listings. The bar is open from noon every day.

•17th May, Brewhouse & Kitchen, Chester The Brewhouse is taking indoor bookings from 17th May. Check online for information about gin and beer masterclasses, which cost from £25 per person. www. brewhouseandkitchen.com

•20th May, Tabley House, Knutsford The tearooms at Tabley House reopen, giving you the chance for refreshment while admiring the beautiful blooms outside. The tearooms will be open to the public from 20th May. Visit www.tableyhouse.co.uk for opening hours.

Theatre shows at Storyhouse Chester

Summer season, 29th May-

30th August The Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre is open once more this summer – you can catch children’s classic The Jungle Book on afternoons from 29th May and The Merry Wives Of Windsor evenings from 4th June. Visit www.

grosvenorparkopenairtheatre.

co.uk. Moonlight Flicks also runs from May halfterm at various venues. See www.moonlightflicks.co.uk.

The Greatest Play In The History

Of The World, 26th-30th May A universal love story celebrating the human race in all its glorious messiness, confusion and joy. Starring Julie Hesmondhalgh (Coronation Street, Broadchurch), The Greatest Play is full of exquisite observation and heartbreaking beauty. 2.30pm & 7.30pm. Tickets from £23.50.

Russell Kane: The Fast and The

Curious, 12th June Russell’s RS Turbo laugh engine will motor through love, family and life – once again proving that the fast and the curious among us see more stuff and get more done. 8pm. Tickets £21.50.

www.storyhouse.com

Meet your heroes at Parr Hall

An Audience with Liverpool Legends, 7th

May John Aldridge, Ronnie Whelan and Steve McMahon on stage hosted by Jed Stone. 7.30pm. Tickets from £30.

Sounds Familiar Music

Quiz, 11th June You don’t need to know the answers to have a good time! parrhall.

culturewarrington.org

Culinary delights at Chester Market

Throughout May and June, visit Chester Market to enjoy many eateries offering flavours of the world – there’s indoor seating and outdoor dining options. Keep an eye out for late-night hospitality events starting soon.

Monday to Thursday, 8am to 5pm; Friday and Saturday, 8am to 8pm. www.chester.market

Storytellers on stage at the Pyramid

Highlights at the Pyramid Arts Centre, Warrington, include An Evening With Nick Butter (12th June) and comedians Daliso Chaponda (19th June) and Mark Watson (20th June).

pyramid.culturewarrington.org

Summer season at Rode Hall

Rode Hall in Scholar Green is open from 12th May. The gardens and courtyard kitchen are open Wednesdays and bank holiday Mondays from 11am to 5pm, while the house is open Wednesdays and bank holiday Mondays from noon to 4pm. www.rodehall.co.uk

Royal Cheshire Show update

The canine and equine competitions for this year’s Royal Cheshire Show will take place behind closed doors from 21st to 23rd June. The main show will now take place on 31st July when you’ll be able to celebrate all that’s great about the countryside.

www.royalcheshireshow.org

SPARK YOUR CREATIVE SIDE

If you’re looking to learn a new skill, Mojo Creative Workshops in Lymm may have the answer. Learn how to use a punch needle on 8th May (£45) and how to machine sew on 22nd May (£33). There’s also a children’s sewing club on 6th June (£15). Other craft-based workshops include crochet and knitting. For full details, visit www.mojo-lymm.co.uk.

Magical woodland adventures

BeWILDerwood, a brand-new treehouse adventure next to Cholmondeley Castle, is open throughout May and June allowing families to enjoy a fun-fi lled active day out. ink of the biggest wonky wooden play structures and treehouses you can imagine, high up in the trees. A huge, muddled maze to get lost in, wobbly zip wires and giant slippery slides – all located in an enchanted woodland. e park is open from 10am to 5pm on weekends and bank holidays in May, and every day in June. Admission prices are based on height: free under 92cm, £17.50 92cm-105cm and £19.50 over 105cm. cheshire.bewilderwood.co.uk

DID YOU KNOW? BeWILDerwood is inspired by the books by Tom Blofeld

Alexander’s is back on song

Garden wonders at Arley

Strong Enough – Cher Tribute, 5th June

Celebrate the queen of pop and rock at a socially distanced, outdoor show. 7pm. Tickets from £14.

The Stones, 19th June An authentic tribute to the Rolling Stones. 7pm. Tickets £15.40.

Big 30th Birthday Tribute Festival, 26th June

A day of entertainment with Ultimate Madnezz, Faith (George Michael), Bootleg Boss and more. 2pm. Tickets £27.50. www.alexanderslive.com

Adventurous visitors to Arley Hall & Gardens, Northwich, can Discover Tree Climbing on 12th June from 10am. On 26th and 27th June, Arley Garden Festival celebrates all things garden-related. www.

arleyhallandgardens.com

BLAKEMERE VILLAGE

Little ones can follow a Superhero & Princess trail every weekend at Blakemere Village, Northwich until June and daily during half-term. On 6th June, the Blakemere Foodie Fest has food and drink stalls, while there’s inflatable fun with Funtopia on 19th June. www.

blakemerevillage.com

Cheshire Fest 2021

Cheshire Fest returns to Cheadle Hulme from 30th April to 3rd May. Bongo’s Bingo launches the festival on the Friday, followed by Best Of British on the Saturday and Decades Of Dancing on the Sunday. Scouting For Girls will headline the main stage on Saturday. Tickets from £1. For the full line-up visit www.cheshirefest.co.uk.

All the fun of the fair

Castle Park Live is an imaginative festival in Castle Park, Frodsham, on 26th June. Harking back to the days of Frodsham Carnival, the event promises nostalgic experiences with live bands, circus productions, outdoor theatre, a vintage fairground and more. www.castleparklive.co.uk

Spooked in Chester

Be guided on a ghostly tour of Chester every Friday and Saturday in May and June. You’ll hear spine-chilling tales of ghosts, ghouls and things that go bump in the night.

Tours depart at 7.30pm. Adults £10, concessions £9 or £25 for families. www.

chester ghosttour. co.uk

Mary Ann Cameron

Back on the river

ChesterBoat is back on the River Dee offering half-hour city cruises. From 17th May you can also join a two-hour Iron Bridge Cruise and Fish & Chip Fridays. When restrictions are further lifted, private charters and Party Nights will restart. Half hour cruises run from 11am to 5pm. Adults from £7, children £2.50. www.

chesterboat. co.uk

WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF

27TH MAY-30TH JUNE

•27th May,

Catalyst Science Discovery Centre, Widnes

The interactive discovery centre reopens its doors, with lots to see and do. There are additional Covid measures in place. The building and equipment have been sanitised – but not the experience! Sessions 9.30am1.30pm or 1.30pm-5pm. Adults £7.95, children and concessions £5.95, families of four £21.95, families of fi ve £23.95, under-threes free. www.catalyst.org.uk

•3rd June, The Chester

History Sunset 10k Run,

Chester This running tour of Chester allows you to visit many signifi cant city sites, and also takes you to many historic landmarks along the River Dee. 6pm. Entry £20. See @ToursAroundChester on Facebook for further details.

•5th June,

Ring Making, Cheshire School of Jewellery, Nantwich

Create a ring band, adding texture or stamping a design or letters. You can practise on copper fi rst so if there’s time you can take away a fi nished copper sample ring as well as one sterling silver ring. Tea and co ee included. 11am4pm. £50. Booking essential. www.cheshireschool of jewellery.co.uk

•Throughout May and June,

Cholmondeley Castle Gardens

Wander the meadows, Temple Water Garden, the Folly and Lavinia Walk. There is also a new café with a fresh menu including picnics, and Cholmondeley’s own co ee. £4-£8.50, annual pass £30. www.cholmondeleycastle.com

WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF

MAY AND JUNE

•Blue Planet Aquarium, Chester Discover the wonders of the deep at Blue Planet Aquarium at Cheshire Oaks. Home to more than 100 living displays, as well as one of Europe’s largest collections of sharks, the aquarium o ers plenty of marine life to marvel at. 10am-5pm. Adults £17.10, children £12.15 online. For more information and to book visit www.blueplanetaquarium.com.

•Delamere Forest Let o steam in the forest as three walking and two cycle trails at Delamere Forest are open during May and June. Bring a picnic to enjoy along the trails as picnic areas are also open. Car parking from £1, members park for free. www.forestryengland. uk/delamere-forest

•Marbury Country Park, Northwich Enjoy a walk along the mere with views over the water to the church at Great Budworth, or explore the arboretum and community orchard. Children can enjoy the play area near the picnic area. 9am-8pm. Free entry, parking charges apply.

•Stretton

Water Mill, Stretton

Step back in time to visit a historic working corn mill in beautiful rural Cheshire. Open weekends in May and June and bank holiday Monday. 1pm-5pm. Adults £3.50, children £1.80. Admission includes a guided tour of the mill.

•Walton

Hall & Gardens, Warrington

The grounds are now open, allowing you to visit the formal gardens, orchard and pond, as well as the children’s zoo, play areas and café. 10.30am-5pm. Car parking Monday to Friday £3, Saturday to Sunday £4 – prepay via the Ringo app. For a listing of summer events, visit www.waltonhallgardens.co.uk.

Beeston Castle adventures

Head over to Beeston Castle in Tarporley this May and June for a medieval adventure for the whole family. The Castle of the Rock is famous for its spectacular views, which take in eight counties on a clear day. From its lookout point at the top of a mighty crag, you can see from the Pennines all the way to the Welsh mountains. Visit the castle and woodlands; there are refreshments available in the café. The castle is open from 10am to 5pm. Adults £9, children £5.40, families £23.40, members free. Advance booking is required – visit www.english-heritage.org.uk.

DID YOU KNOW? Beeston Castle was built in the 1220s on the site of an Iron Age hillfort

Steam down the river with Danny Cruises

Enjoy a trip on the historic Daniel Adamson, or Danny, a 1903 steam ship based on the River Weaver. Leisurely river cruises take place from 7th May to 27th June with tickets from £30. Special events include a gin cruise on 6th June, which cost £45 per person, and vodka and rum cruises on 25th and 26th June, which offer an introduction to Russia and the Caribbean’s native alcoholic beverages and costs from £42. For more information, visit www.thedanny.co.uk.

ALICE AT NORTON PRIORY

The gardens at Norton Priory Museum & Grounds are open on selected days during May and June. On 5th June you can also see Alice’s Quest For Wonderland, a play for adults exploring the facts behind Lewis Carroll’s classic tale. Booking essential.

www.nortonpriory.org

Comedy double at the Lyceum

Stewart Lee brings a double bill of two new 60-minute sets to Crewe Lyceum on 1st June. Tornado examines Stewart’s position in the comedy marketplace after Netflix incorrectly lists his show, while Snowflake questions his worth in a society demolishing the liberal values he has been keen to espouse. Tickets £28. www.crewelyceum.co.uk

Live Room highlights WET AND WILD FUN

Music is returning to the Live Rooms Chester, starting with The South on 24th June, an impressive nine-piece band featuring former members of The Beautiful South. On 25th June see tribute band The Rex, a band of five close friends in it for the love of live music, then Black Parade take the stage on 26th June. Tickets from £5. www.

theliverooms.com

Head to Manley Mere in Frodsham for an adventurefilled day this May and June. The Adventure Trail is an obstacle course like no other, suitable for all ages. In the water, Cheshire Aquapark is a Wipeoutstyle assault course featuring giant trampolines, balancing beams, climbing walls and blast bags. Open-water swimming, water sports, fishing and kayak hire are also available. For opening times and prices visit www.manleymere.co.uk.

Gulliver’s World roars into life

Enjoy a massive selection of rides and attractions at Gulliver’s World in Warrington from 12th

April to 14th May.

Lampo and Milday from 44 Cats will appear each day, and look out for the dinosaurs in The Lost World. Tickets from £19. www.gulliversworldresort.co.uk

Wildlife walks at Dunham Massey

The gardens and deer park at Dunham Massey are open throughout May and June, with indoor areas reopening from 17th May. Visitors must book in advance, especially at busier times. Adults from £8, children £4, members free. www.nationaltrust.org.uk

WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF

MAY AND JUNE

Fun outdoors at Tatton Park

•The Ice Cream Farm, Tattenhall Visit the Ice Cream Farm, which has lots of activities for the whole family, from the adventure playground to crazy golf and the animal farm. Delicious ice creams and shakes are also available at the drivethough. Free entry, charges apply for some attractions. Passes must be pre-booked. www.theicecreamfarm.co.uk

•Jodrell

Bank Discovery Centre, Macclesfi eld

See the amazing Lovell Telescope up close and marvel at the science exhibitions and talks on all things spacerelated across the 35-acre site. Children’s playground and café also open. From 10am. Adults £8.50, concessions £7.50, children £6.50, under-fours free, families of three £22, families of four £27, families of fi ve £33. www.jodrellbank.net

•Lyme Park, Stockport Discover a season of change at Lyme as the estate is bursting with new life. With over 1,400 acres of parkland, there’s so much to explore including the house, gardens and deer park. 9.30am-4.30pm. Adults £8, children £4, families £20, National Trust members free. Booking recommended. www. nationaltrust.org.uk/lyme

•Quarry Bank Mill, Wilmslow At one of Britain’s greatest industrial heritage sites you can experience the di erent worlds of the owners and workers, who lived and worked here side by side. Follow the River Bollin on a spring walk and explore the southern woods. The estate is open 8.30am-8pm. Adults £5, children £2.50, families £25, members free. Booking recommended. www.nationaltrust.org. uk/quarry-bank

Percy the Park Keeper: The Secret

Path, 2nd April-13th June A trail in the gardens inspired by Nick Butterworth’s children’s book The Secret Path. Can you help Percy © Nick Butterworth with his garden jobs and then follow the secret paths to track down his

Discover what the Romans did for us

Let a Roman soldier take you on a tour of Chester and guide you through the city’s Roman heritage. Gain a insight into life as it was in Roman Britain and see sights including the amphitheatre and remains hidden away in shop basements. Tours cost from £8.50 (under-12s £4). www.romantoursuk.com

Midsummer fun in Chester

Chester’s Midsummer Watch is one of Britain’s oldest festivals, dating back more than 500 years. Taking place every June, the parade through the streets of Chester features giant statues that entertain young and old. The event is free. See the website for timings.

www.mid summer watch.co.uk

animal friends? 10am-6pm. Adults £8, children £6, National Trust members free. Trail sheets are £1 per child (including members). Booking essential.

The Luna Drive-in Cinema,

1st-19th May Enjoy a classic movie on the big screen from the socially distanced setting of your own car. Shows from 1pm. Tickets from £37.50 for a standard-size car.

RunThrough 10K, 8th May &

19th June This fast, undulating, closed-road 10km race, which takes place on the second weekend of every month, is a perfect opportunity to get a personal best. 9am start. Entry £21. www.tattonpark.org.uk

SPRING EVENTS AT CAPESTHORNE HALL

Discover Tree Climbing, 9th

May & 27th June Ascend into the canopy of a magnificent oak, guided by friendly instructors using a safe climbing system. For anyone age six and above. 10am-5pm. Tickets £18.

Peter & His Rabbit Friends,

23rd May Experience immersive storytelling, panto, singing, dancing and fun games led by your favourite characters. Join in the craft area and take your wonderful creations home with you. Ideal for three- to eightyear-olds. 9.30am-12.30pm & 1.30pm-4.30pm. Adults £10, children £15, familes £39.

Cheshire Classic Car & Motorcycle Show, 30th-31st

May A fantastic day out for all the family. 10am-4pm. Adults £8.50, children £3.50.

www.capesthorne.com

Learn new skills at Chester Zoo

Get an introduction to hormones and genetics and how they’re used in conservation research at Chester Zoo’s Junior Members Skills Course from 8th to 22nd May. It’s perfect for 12- to 15-yearolds who want an insight into science and conservation.

The course takes place on consecutive Saturdays and costs £36. www.chesterzoo.org

A DAY AT THE RACES

Live racing at Chester Racecourse resumes on 25th June with Clogau Ladies’ Evening, followed by the Summer Festival with seven races on the card on 26th June. Gates open at 4.30pm on the 25th and 11.30am on the 26th. Tickets from £10. www.

chesterraces.com

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