For many families, prioritising quality time at Christmas comes before anything else. But finding a festive activity that hits the mark for every family member can be challenging, to say the least. So, what if we told you that you could keep everyone happy without going too far? Here, we’ll share how you can have the perfect family day out – all you need to do is focus on bringing the festive cheer!
Planning a festive day in Cheshire
Whether you’re local to Cheshire or find yourself in the area over the festive period when visiting loved ones, it can be a great place to kick off your festive family time.
It has everything you could want from a festive day out, complete with incredible attractions like Cheshire Oaks and Blue Planet Aquarium. The best part? These neighbouring attractions are just a few minutes’ walk away from each other, so you could spend your morning at one and then move on to the other in the afternoon!
5 things to enjoy at Blue Planet Aquarium
Whether you’re looking for a fun-filled way to fill an entire day or simply want to get out of the cold for a while, Blue Planet Aquarium could be your golden ticket to the perfect Christmas-time activity.
With attractions and exhibits that promise to fascinate the adults just as much as the kids, here are just a few of the top reasons why you should visit us over the festive season:
1. Longest underwater tunnel in the UK
The 71-metre-long underwater tunnel at Blue Planet Aquarium is the gift that keeps on giving. This major attraction, offering a complete underwater view of thousands of marine animals, in the Ocean Exhibit.
You can easily lose track of time while marvelling at the creatures swimming around from different angles, and you can even keep track of how many species you can spot!
2. One of Europe’s largest collections of sharks
We weren’t kidding when we said the underwater tunnel is a continuous gift. It’s also special because it houses one of Europe’s largest shark collections (and the largest collection in the UK), including exciting species like zebra sharks (Stegostoma tigrinum),nurse sharks(Ginglymostoma cirratum) and sand tiger sharks (Carcharias taurus).
Whether you’re a shark enthusiast or not, you’re sure to be impressed by this collection.
3. Huge variety of fish species
Groupers, pufferfish, eels, stingrays, sturgeons – the list of fish species at Blue Planet Aquarium seems to go on forever. Across the impressive 11 exhibits, you can learn about all the fish species, including their different habitats and unique characteristics. From fish that thrive in warmer temperatures to those that prefer cooler climates, prepare to be surprised by just how much variety there is across the different fish species.
4. More than just fish
Even though Blue Planet Aquarium is obviously home to fish, these aren’t the only creatures you’ll find here. Alongside the hundreds of interesting fish species, you can also get up close and personal with a wide variety of reptiles, invertebrates, amphibians and even some birds. Pelicans, chameleons, snakes and geckos are just some of the other creatures you can discover at Blue Planet Aquarium. Thanks to this variety, each family member is sure to find something to keep them entertained.
5. Daily shows and feeds
Blue Planet Aquarium really know how to keep families entertained. Daily shows, live feeding sessions and animal talks are scheduled throughout each day, so in between touring the various exhibits, you can learn more about the spectacular animals. At the Aquatheatre, you can watch divers swimming alongside the animals in the Ocean Exhibit. The full line-up of what’s on can be found here so you can even plan your perfect day.
Christmas at Cheshire Oaks
Just a stone’s throw away from Blue Planet Aquarium is Cheshire Oaks, the shopping village with its very own Christmas spirit that comes alive each and every year.
Christmas at Cheshire Oaks is like no other, even for those who aren’t big fans of shopping. Create magical family memories at the Winter Village, complete with food, live performances and the chance to ride with Santa on the Ferris wheel on the unique Santa in the Sky experience.
On selected dates, festive film screenings will be taking place at the Winter Village. From classics like The Snowman and Miracle On 34th Street to festive favourites like Elf, The Polar Express and The Grinch, it’s the best way to wrap up your family’s Christmas day out with a big red bow.
With an impressive 140 stores, this one-stop Christmas shopping destination is sure to help you find the perfect gifts for everyone. Plus, if you’re short on time, you’ll be glad to know that the shopping village is extending its opening hours for the festive period. You can check the exact opening hours around Christmas here.
If you’re looking to do your family shopping and need a break from the kids—whether to pick out those special gifts or just to keep them entertained while you shop—Blue Planet Aquarium is just around the corner and offers a perfect family escape.
Cheshire offers a great family day out with something to keep everyone entertained over the festive period and beyond. Start planning today and book your tickets to Blue Planet Aquarium online.