... As we didn't want to travel too far, our options were pretty limited and a quick search on Google gave us Lakemore's details so we went for it!
*** WHERE IS IT? ***
The park itself is based in Haslington, near Crewe. It is far enough out of the town centre to be classed as being in ... Read review
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1-4 of 4 reviews of Lakemore Country Park, Cheshire
Lakemore - Good family fun!
Advantages: Petting zoo, nice surroundings, good food Disadvantages: No Wallabies!
...you need it is:
Lakemore Country Park
Lane Ends Farm,
Clay Lane,
Haslington,
Crewe
Tel: 01270 253556
*** OVERALL VERDICT ***
When we first looked at going to the park, all the advertisements we saw stated that there were Wallabies on site. To cut a long story short, there weren’t and haven’t been for over four years. However, the fun we had showing the animals to Jake and ... ...alone. I would recommend Lakemore wholeheartedly to anyone wanting to spend a few hours in a nice setting, but not wishing to spend a fortune. We were there for about three hours and enjoyed it immensely. Jake’s knowledge of animals has improved and he is now able to point all the farm animals out to me in his books so I guess it was educational as well as fun.
Our little boy has reached the age (2) where he is interested in everything so we decided to take him out for a trip to see some real animals, in the hope that he would equate the animal with the pictures he is so fond of looking at. Living in Cheshire, we thought about Chester Zoo but decided that that was a day out best left until he is old enough to appreciate it... We plumped instead to take him to a local country park where they have a petting zoo and play area for young children. As we didn't want to travel too far, our options were pretty limited and a quick search on Google gave us Lakemore's details so we went for it!
*** WHERE IS IT? ***
The park itself is based in Haslington, near Crewe. It is far enough out of the town centre to be classed as being in the countryside (in fact, if you stand outside the gates, you can see nothing but rolling countryside.. the view is fab!). It covers 36 acres of land, and over 10 acres of that is divided into nature trails and also houses five lakes.
*** WHAT IS THERE TO DO? ***
We went to the park having no real preconceptions about what it would be like and we were, on the whole, pleasantly suprised. Firstly we walked around the aviary (which is situated around one of the lakes). There were lovebirds, canaries, parrots (and they are just the species I know of lol). As you are following a nature trail at this stage, there are also wild rabbits running about and you see a great many squirrels!
We then moved on to another part of the park which had a selection of farm animals and rare breeds. There are peacocks (not a favourite with Jake as they are suprisingly loud when you are up close!), pigs, donkeys, sheep, Shetland ponies, pygmy goats and llamas. You can feed all the animals (except where there is a sign saying please do not feed) and we were able to buy feed bags for £1 from the cafe. I would say that, bar the Llamas (who spat at us when we tried to go near them!), all the animals were used to human contact. Jake loved the pygmy goats as they were small enough not to be threatening to him, and they were friendly enough for him to pet them too.
*** FACILITIES ***
There is a cafe on site, so no need to take a packed lunch (however if you would prefer to, there is a picnic area). Food is reasonably priced and very tasty. We had a beef sandwich (for Hawkimus), a cheese and ham ciabatta (me) and a kids meal for Jake. Everything was lovely and the cafe's decor (it's designed to be like an old farmhouse) set the atmosphere perfectly.
There are indoor and outdoor play areas for children and a crazy golf course which is free once you have paid your entry charge. Everywhere was clean and I can honestly say that during our visit, we saw no litter around the park. The staff were incredibly friendly and helpful and really made us feel at home.
For fishing fans, you are able to fish in the lakes and there is a gift shop on site (although I cannot comment on its quality as it was closed when we visited).
*** OTHER STUFF *** Dogs are allowed in the park so you can take you four legged friend with you if you so wish! Apparently, the park is accessible to those in wheelchairs.. my only comment about this is that we found it too difficult to push Jake’s buggy along some of the gravel paths so I am not 100% confident of promoting the park to those with limited mobility.
Prices are as follows: £3.50 – Adult admission £2.50 – Child admission (over 3 years old) Children under 3 get free admission
The park is open all year round (except the usual Christmas and New Year holidays) and is open between the hours of 10am and 5.30pm (with the last admission at 4.30pm).
The address, should you need it is: Lakemore Country Park Lane Ends Farm, Clay Lane, Haslington, Crewe Tel: 01270 253556
*** OVERALL VERDICT ***
When we first looked at going to the park, all the advertisements we saw stated that there were Wallabies on site. To cut a long story short, there weren’t and haven’t been for over four years. However, the fun we had showing the animals to Jake and being able to feed and touch some of them was more than worth the entry fee alone. I would recommend Lakemore wholeheartedly to anyone wanting to spend a few hours in a nice setting, but not wishing to spend a fortune. We were there for about three hours and enjoyed it immensely. Jake’s knowledge of animals has improved and he is now able to point all the farm animals out to me in his books so I guess it was educational as well as fun.
Advantages: Avoid the crowds Disadvantages: not well sign posted
...update on yesterdays review on Lakemore Country Park.
Entry was £3 for adult. Child free.
Free car parking.
Charming small cafe. Indoor and outdoor seating. Views over small lake. Reasonable prices £2.75 for a hot beef bap. Very delicious. Menu includes sandwiches, (hot and cold) and soup. Also childrens lunch box.
Baby Changing facilities. Very clean toilets. Well kept. Not sure if toilets have disabled facilities but all are on the ground floor.
... ...that says Lakemore fisheries. Go down Clay Road, pass the bed and breakfast on right, pass the fisheries on right, keep going and the next thing on your right is the Lakemore Country Park.
Suitable for toddlers, pre-schoolers, up to the age of six. Perfect for birthday parties. ...
harveygeorge2 04.05.2008
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Lakemore Country Park, Cheshire
Advantages: Won't break the bank, lots to do for everyone, great fun Disadvantages: none
...4 and Leon 2), to Lakemore Country park in Crewe, following Ben's school trip there. He talked about it none stop, so we thought we'd give it a try. There is a huge wooden adventure park as soon as you enter, and the kids played on this for a good hour while we sat on the picnic benches provided and enjoyed a coffee - very relaxing! We then explored the grounds and the various animals on site having purchased animal feed. Leon was reluctant to pet ... ...the day progressed. Then children then spent an hour or two in the huge play barn, which is very well equipped with bouncy castles, wendy houses, slides, pedal tractors and other toys. We also lunched on our own packed lunches here, though the food on sale was very reasonable priced. We then played crazy golf (at no additional cost), and finished our visit with another trip to see the animals and say goodbye. This attraction is everything you could ...
trix333 06.04.2008
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Lakemore Country Park, Cheshire
Advantages: very peaceful Disadvantages: needs more visitors to keep it going
A perfect place to spend the day playing in peaceful surroundings. My sixteen month old boy loved it and was able to be at one with the animals.
Llamas, goats, sheep, pigs, chickens, ducks, peacocks and donkeys and beautiful birds. Rare and special breeds and all were friendly and happy and content. So too seemed the staff and lunch was prepared beautifully. We dined outside overlooking a beautiful lake and felt that we had discovered one of Cheshires ... ...After lunch we explored the barn play area. Wendy house with cooker and fridge, huge sandpit, fire-engine, slides, etc. etc. What joy for a toddler and a mother. We then took a turn around the lake, more pigs and chickens and then somebody was worn out and needed carrying home!
Please go, but only let your special friends know. ...
harveygeorge 03.05.2008 (02.05.2008)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: somewhat helpful Review of Lakemore Country Park, Cheshire