Family travel: Five great days out in the North West

I've put together a list of the best days out in the North West as chosen by my children. They of course consider themselves experts at picking where to go as their main objective at all times is fun.

 Manchester

Manchester city centre is an amazing place to spend the day with children. It's bursting with culture and offers a huge variety of things to do. We always go to Manchester on the train as it makes the journey more exciting. Each day out in Manchester is different. We visit museums, art galleries or theatre shows. There's a wide range of shopping on offer -- from street markets to Harvey Nichols and everything in between. There's always something completely new to get involved with and do. When spending the day here, we always check out the Visit Manchester website. It gives up to date information on what's on.

Tatton Park

Tatton Park is huge and has everything needed to keep even the most difficult to please children happy all day. Not only is there more than 1,000 acres of parkland to walk and cycle around, but sailing, horse-riding and fishing. There's a great adventure playground and a chance to absorb a bit of history in the mansion house. They've an inspirational fruit and vegetable garden which is a must for all aspiring green fingered experts. My kids' favourite part is the farm as it's so interactive with lots of opportunity to get involved with grooming and feeding the animals. It's the ideal place to spend a sunny day.

Formby

Formby is a brilliant and cheap day out. My children love it. It's the perfect place to take a picnic, kite, football, frisbee and dog. There are huge pine forests to explore, a chance to spot rare red squirrels and beautiful beach to play on. It's even possible to see prehistoric footprints on the beach thought to be up to 7,000 years old.

The Albert Dock, Liverpool

The Albert Dock is another fab day out. This one is best saved for a rainy day asso much of what's to do is indoors. There are two great free museums Merseyside Maritime Museum and International Slavery Museum. My daughter's absolute favourite is the Tate Art Gallery which also has free entry. She just loves to dance on the light up disco dancing floor which is only available until June 13. We reckon it's well worth squeezing in time to visit before it goes.

Blackpool

Blackpool is probably the most nostalgic North West day out. When I was a child many days out were to Blackpool and it would appear my children like it just as much. There's stacks to do, although be warned in my opinion it can end up an expensive option. My children are unable to go to Blackpool without going to the Pleasure Beach, taking tram rides, spending time in the Blackpool Tower with its circus, play areas and the walk of faith. This is a terrifying  walkway of two inch thick glass at the top Blackpool Tower with a clear view of the 380ft drop below. I still can't bring myself to walk over it. It is also essential to leave time to eat fish and chips and take a traditional donkey ride down on the beach. That's not forgetting the candy-floss and Blackpool rock for the journey home.

Have a lovely time!  has some great suggestions for days out in the North West, all of which are reviewed by parents.

What would be your recommendation for a fabulous day out in the North West? We'd love to hear where your kids' favourite days out are.