Alvanley Cliff

Sharp limestone escarpment rises dramatically from the Cheshire Plain, offering one of the finest viewpoints in the county. Alvanley Cliff sits just outside Frodsham and rewards the modest climb with sweeping views across the Mersey estuary towards Liverpool and the Welsh hills beyond. The woodland paths are well-maintained, though proper walking boots are sensible given the rocky terrain.

Families with older children will love the adventure of scrambling up to the cliff edge, while walkers can extend their visit by following the Sandstone Trail that passes right through here. The beech and oak woods are lovely in autumn, when the leaves turn and the views become even more spectacular through the bare branches.

Allow a couple of hours to explore properly - there are several viewpoints to discover and the paths can be steep in places. Early morning visits are cracking, with mist often rolling across the plain below. It's free to access year-round, though parking can be limited near the main entrance.

The cliff makes an excellent day out from any of the nearby holiday parks, particularly Delamere Forest sites which are less than four miles away. After working up an appetite on the rocks, Frodsham's pubs are well worth the short drive down the hill.