A huge outdoor adventure play park set in a forest in Cheshire has been named the Visitor Attraction of the Year in the county. BeWILDerwood Cheshire is set in 70 acres of woodlands with huge slides, zip wires, adventure playgrounds and a sky maze through the trees.
The multi-million pound attraction was designed as a full day out for the family with storytelling, face-painting and crafting also included in the ticket price. It has won high praise from families on Tripadvisor where it is hailed as "one of the best days out" and a "brilliant and imaginative adventure park".
Now it has been named the Visitor Attraction of the Year at Marketing Cheshire's tourism awards for 2023. It beat off competition from the likes of Chester Zoo, Jodrell Bank and the Ice Cream Farm in the county.
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The outdoor adventure park first opened in April 2021 in woods near Cholmondeley Castle in Cheshire, around an hour's drive from Manchester. It is the second BeWILDerwood to open after the success of the original site in Norfolk.
Children (and adults) get to wander through the woods and play on giant slides, muddled mazes and jungle bridges. There are play areas dotted across the site for younger kids too.
The attraction is based on a magical book series by author Tom Blofeld. Visitors can walk in the footsteps of the curious characters from the books and learn all about them as they venture through the woods.
Marketing Cheshire described the “attention to detail and friendly staff” as the one of the standout features in winning the award.
And reviewers on Tripadvisor have also heaped praise with Jen J saying: "This is one of the best days out I’ve had with the kids. The place is just amazing, so much to do and so relaxed".
Another, Rob C, wrote: “A brilliant and imaginative adventure park, full of wonderful activities. Our 6-year-old had a tremendous day running around, and particularly loved the zip wires and sky maze.
"The staff were fantastic - one took us to an activity at the start of the day and throughout they all went out of their way to help and engage with our son."
The team at BeWILDerwood are over the moon with the win. Author and creator Tom Blofeld said: "We’re absolutely thrilled to have won this award; it means so much to us all. When BeWILDerwood came to Cheshire, we knew competition was high, with so many great attractions nearby.
"So, to have won this award and be recognised as the visitor attraction of the year is just fantastic. We know that with the cost-of-living crisis people are struggling and they want to get the most out of their pennies.
"At BeWILDerwood every single thing is included in the ticket price. So that’s free face painting, free shows, free crafts, free activity sheets, car parking, you name it. Plus, you will spend all day here."
The idea behind the play park is to allow families to enjoy traditional, imaginative, and healthy outdoor play. The unique woodland adventure park is located at Bickley Moss, next to the historic Cholmondeley Castle near Chester and around five miles from Whitchurch.
The attraction is open every day from April 1 from 10am to 5pm. Ticket prices including everything on site except food and drink.
Prices are based on heights, with all under-92cm going free, 92cm - 105cm £19.50 and over 105cm £21.50. 65 years plus price is £13.50 and family tickets are also available.
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