Best Nature and Parks (RV, National, Dog, etc) in Leigh

"Calderstones is filled with such a vast number of little pleasantries and surprises that you just can’t help but love it. Their Reader Café offers books for customers to read while eating, there are plenty of open spaces upon which to kick back and enjoy a beer, while the Storybarn - an interactive story-centre aimed at getting children to embrace a love of reading - is nothing short of inspired. There’s a model railway, too."

"Historic Calderstones Park is set in 126-acres of lush woodland, offering the perfect expanse of green and leafy goodness, including the 1000 year-old, Allerton Oak tree. Enjoy exploring the beautiful Japanese and Old English botanical gardens, and while you’re visiting, you can grab a coffee, snacks and ice cream from recently re-opened Reader Café between 12pm-5pm. Further details here"

"Calderstones Park is one of the best parks for a family afternoon in Liverpool. The 94-acre green area is home to a lake, miniature railway, Japanese gardens and a one-thousand year old oak tree. There is also a cafe and ice cream parlour for when those little legs get tired!"

"Named after Mr. Fletcher Moss (who donated the park’s grounds to the city), these Botanical Gardens are part plant showcase, part wildlife habitat, and part recreational facility. The plant life here is renowned for its beauty, and contains several unusual varieties. Some of the older specimens have grown there since the foundation of the park a full century ago."

"Fletcher Moss Park is a wide network of paths around the area around the Gardens, through Stenner Woods, round Millgate Fields, and along the river Mersey. Much of the area is a Local Nature reserve and there is a variety of wildlife to see and vistas to enjoy. At first, finding your way around can be a little confusing, and a map of the area might help."

"Location: Intu Trafford Centre, Barton Square Bridge, Stretford, Manchester M17 8AS. Sea Life Manchester is one of the country’s top-rated aquariums and is home to thousands of fish as well as sharks, stingrays, and spider crabs. Meanwhile, two giant green sea turtles (Cammy and Ernie) are a major attraction too."

"While the country house at Hare Hill Hall is privately owned, the garden is cared for by the National Trust. The star here is the walled garden, a blaze of colour in early-summer when the rhododendrons and azaleas burst into flower. There are also uncommon varieties of poppy, iris, lupin, phlox and echinacea."

"Set on Lancaster Canal, Haslam Park is a beautiful Edwardian park in Ashton. The park's two main entrances feature Grade II listed gates and make the park particularly special. Since 2006, the northern part of the park has become Haslam Park Nature Reserve and that, along with the sensory gardens, lime tree avenue and old drinking fountain, mean that this park should not be missed."

"Head to the top of this Gothic church for unbelievable views of the city, all for free. Churches can be rather chilly so this gives you that movie moment where a jacket is offered to the chillier of the pair, opening up the possibility of a kiss."

"Anglican Cathedral is the largest cathedral in England, but its Catholic Metropolitan counterpart is just as impressive. Apart from that, museums, galleries and stunning parks guarantee a fantastic experience."

"Within Preston city centre, you'll find the Preston Cenotaph. The Cenotaph is a stunning Grade I listed structure, standing proud in recognition of the men who lost their lives in WWI. Designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott, the Cenotaph was restored in 2013 and is an important part of Preston's heritage."

"The Cenotaph stands proudly in Market Square, dedicated to solders from both World Wars. This is certainly something to remember and what better way to do so than eternalising it in your wedding photos?"

"If you’re looking for a cake shop that can make the most incredible, enchanting cakes you could possibly imagine, then you’re going to want to check out Liverpool Cake Company. Wedding cakes, novelty cakes, celebration cakes, vintage cakes, Christening cakes, you name the cake and they can make it any way you want it!. One such example of their skills can be seen when you first go to their website; you’ll find a photo slideshow of creations such as a selection of adorable Disney character cupcake toppers, a VW Wedding Bus cake, and even a cake that looks like a spellbook from Harry Potter!"

"About: Cute, kitsch and cosy - Hey Little Cupcake is a super-sweet cupcakery and tea room serving Manchester's finest selection of freshly baked Cupcakes, Cakepops and Brownies. Treats can either be ordered to take-away or enjoyed in the cafe's cosy in or outdoor seating areas. The mini bite-sized cupcakes are perfect for a spontaneous treat."

"This week we launch the Easter Collection… here’s a sneak peak of what’s to come. #HeyLittleCupcake#Easter#Cupcakepic.twitter.com/YS1ZL46gEi. — Hey Little Cupcake!"

"As the name suggests, their small cupcakes are really delicious. Like New York’s famous cupcakes. They create a work of art."

"The Academy Restaurant is a hidden gem for tourists in Liverpool. The staff prepare amazing British and European food in mouth-watering flavours. They also serve a nice selection of wine and beer."

"Housed in the former Home for Destitute Children (circa 1888), this beautifully appointed restaurant pays homage to the building’s more recent role as an art school, with commissioned works by former students covering the walls. The cooking from chef-owner Paul Askew is every bit as artful, involving robust and often challenging flavours and including vegan, vegetarian and pescatarian menus. Serving up modern European cuisine, you can expect to find, menai mackerel with summer vegetables, confit leg of duck with roast orange puree and salted caramel and dark chocolate lemon drizzle cake."

"The Art School delivers upmarket, regionally-inspired cooking from local legend, Paul Askew. Opening in late 2014, this fancy contemporary British restaurant is a place for that special occasion."

"Set in the iconic Midland Hotel, the cosy booths, stylish décor and relaxed atmosphere of The French by Simon Rogan makes for an opulent date night. Worthy of any special occasion, quality food is at the heart of this operation with meticulously crafted tasting menus. The French’s absent Michelin star is well documented, but the infamous missing star isn’t all bad - diners can experience Michelin standard food without the waiting lists and price tag."

"Regularly lauded as a potential Michelin star winner, The French is a destination restaurant for all. Adam’s Great British Menu-winning dessert Golden Empire is a must-try, alongside four, six or nine course tasting menus. A treat for any fine dining enthusiasts, The French showcases everything that is great about northern produce and cooking."

"Adam Reid at The French is one of the city's top fine dining restaurants, boasting an array of awards from 4AA Rosettes to multiple inclusions in The Good Food Guide. The chef, a Manchester native, likes to put a twist on modern British food across a choice of four, six or nine courses."