10 Nature & Parks in Cheshire That You Shouldn't Miss

Birds of Prey ( Owls, Hawks and Falcons )experiences in a lovely Cheshire setting.

Gauntlet, Eagle & Vulture park is the largest bird of prey park in the Northwest of England. With over 120 birds of prey, ranging from the smallest owls to the worlds largest eagle and Vultures it really is a haven for animal lovers. Gauntlet has two daily shows at 12.30 and 3 during the months March-Oct and during the winter months weekends only. As well as our two daily displays we have vulture feeding and meet & greet. We have a large children's play area with plenty of room for picnics. We are on the same site as Fryers garden centre and you can leave at anytime and come back for our displays. For those wishing to get closer we have bird of prey experiences which are run 7 days a week throughout the year. This gives people the opportunity to handle and fly the birds.

We're the UK's number one charity zoo, with over 21,000 animals and 500 different species, including some of the most endangered species on the planet. With 1.9 million visitors every year, the zoo is an all-year round, full-day visitor attraction for everyone. We're open daily from 10am, except for Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Car parking is free and on site. Facilities for disabled visitors, including self-drive electric scooters and wheelchairs.

Norton Priory is the most excavated monastic site in Europe. Boasting the priory ruins, 12th century undercroft (which is the last fully surviving part of the priory itself) and an 18th century Walled Garden, it is located within an oasis of 42 acres of tranquil woodland and wildflower meadows. The museum includes two exhibition galleries which explore the site's history, including the archaeological digs which took place in the 1970s and 1980s. Thousands of artefacts from Norton’s 900 year history are on display, including the internationally significant 14th century statue of St. Christopher, which features in Lucy M. Boston's classic children's book, 'The Children of Green Knowe'. Please note that as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are currently opening on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only at this time. We advise booking in advance via our website, or calling prior to visiting during our opening hours.

PLEASE NOTE THAT ALTHOUGH THE GARDENS ARE OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK, THE HALL IS ONLY OPEN TO THE PUBLIC ON TUESDAYS, SUNDAYS AND BANK HOLIDAYS. Arley is a place of enormous character, charm and interest. Visitors are frequently struck by the warm and intimate atmosphere and the feeling that Arley is a much-cherished family home. The Gardens, which are amongst the finest in Britain, are outstanding for their vitality, variety and historical interest and are particularly celebrated for the magnificent double herbaceous border. The Hall is an impressive example of a Victorian country house built in the Elizabethan style.

The Rowlinson family have lived at Abbeywood since 1987, during which time they have made many improvements and additions to the gardens. The year starts in February with many varieties of Galanthus in Jane's Garden, followed by other Spring favourites, Erythroniums and Trilliums, to name but a few of her rare plants. The Main Garden is divided into separate areas. The formal layout gives way to naturalistic planting within. Early May starts with Tulips followed by Alliums and Camassia. Seasonal interest continues until around mid September - weather depending. The Christopher Lloyd inspired Exotic Garden, designed around the remnants of the old vegetable garden, is filled with Dahlias, Cannas, Banana and other tender perennials. These continue until the first frosts. The Young Arboretum is planted with rare evergreen and deciduous trees for year round interest. A 2km, wildlife walk incorporates the existing and new woodland on the 45 acre grounds.