As my family and I entered the gates of Gulliver’s World, I was hoping for a more fortunate adventure than its namesake.
Thankfully, I can report I wasn’t shipwrecked or abandoned, but I do share some sympathy for author Johnathan Swift’s character when he is tied down by the lilliputians - however that would be a comment on my parenting skills rather than anything the theme park did.
In fact, the Warrington-based playground filled with rides for children aged between two and 12 is perfect for your little one’s first glimpse at the world of rollercoasters. And since it is just down the M62, it is one of the closest theme parks to the city centre.
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New rides and fan favourites
This season Gulliver's World has launched two new rides - the rollercoaster Grand Prix Racer and "thrilling" Overdrive in their Gulliver's Gears zone to mark 45 years of trading. The area of the park still needs some finishing touches, but there was already a queue of excited children ready to take on the Grand Prix Racer. There is also a Gears themed play frame and mini car track.
While it is for kids from the age of two years, like all theme parks, it has height restrictions so measure your toddlers before going to ensure they can go on certain rides so you know which ones to big up on the journey there and which ones to avoid. While some might want to use it as a ‘learning opportunity’ other parents know there is nothing worse than a disappointed child who can’t ride the rollercoaster because they are not tall enough.
But if your child is yet to have that growth spurt, there is still plenty to do even if an older sibling gets to ride The Wriggler. Many attractions have mini playgrounds next to them with tunnel slides and climbing frames providing a great distraction, we had one child who was over 90cm and one that was just under so it was a big deal to have an alternative for our smallest companion for the day.
There is a wide selection of rides and some that I could easily picture myself coming back to year after year and watching my son grow tall enough for each ride. From merry go rounds to pirate ships, there is something for every level of adventurer.
We loved the pirate ship in Smugglers Wharf and The Wriggler caterpillar rollercoaster in Gully's Cartoon Studios and my three-year-old had a love/hate experience with the Alpine Log Flume, but we were so happy he was able to go on 'proper' rides and feel very grown up. We didn't go on the Antelope rollercoaster as the kids were too small, but I can confirm from previous visits, it is the real deal for hardcore mini theme park fans.
Food
And I can not praise the amount of seating for parents enough. A good old bench is often jokingly said to be my favourite ride, but having plenty of seating areas for picnics, to stop and tie a shoelace or even just catch your bearings and regroup is welcomed and appreciated as a thoughtful design for families.
I’ll admit there are parts of the park that look like they need a bit of love, but that should be thought of with the understanding you can only make improvements one at a time. There were a lot of empty buildings and the food offering is limited but there is a Costa, snacks stalls and we ate at Gully's Grill, serving burgers, chips and chicken nuggets and it was good. It cost just under £30 for the four of us to have a meal and a drink and you don't have to as you can bring in your own food, something not all theme parks allow.
But the fact that the owners are willing to invest in new rides and try new things is encouraging. It suggests to me that they are invested very much in the future of Gulliver’s World and keeping it as fresh and modern as they possibly can so that we can keep a wonderful place for our tiny thrill-seekers right on Merseyside’s doorstep. And as costs creep up, that is no easy feat.
What about the cost?
Resort director Craig Clews joined Gulliver’s World last year after years at Blackpool Pleasure Beach and Crealy Theme Park and Resort in Devon. When I met him at the start of the day he told me about the jump in energy costs, wages and the money being spent behind the scenes to mitigate this and increase the park’s longevity. Such as app-controlled heating in the hotel rooms so the heating can be lowered after a guest checks out to cut the increasing bills.
And he was keen to stress they have not wanted to pass the cost on to the families who come through the gates. Mr Clews explained ticket prices went up by £1 last year, but with the deepening financial situation across the country, Gulliver’s World ticket prices have been frozen this year.
And when you compare it to other family days out, it is extremely competitive. Tickets are £23 each, children under 90cm go free and senior tickets are £21, but if you go after 2pm, tickets are £14.50. And Mr Clews said they are always looking at discounts and working with companies like Wowcher to help families save more.
And add to this free parking and the fact that you can take a picnic in with you, it really does feel like Gulliver's World is thinking about the families that come every year.
The verdict
My son was heartbroken when it was time to leave, he cried and cried as we headed to the car. I asked him what his favourite ride was and he simply couldn’t choose, he said “all of them”. It is a great day out and its long history in the area means it is a rite of passage for many in Merseyside and we can't wait to go back.
And what better sign that you have had an amazing family day out than two little ones in the back of the car falling asleep on the way home?
For full ticket information, ride height restrictions and more visit https://www.gulliversworldresort.co.uk/
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