The Cheshire borough of Warrington has been named the seventh best place to raise a family in England, according to a new study. The research, conducted by outdoor play equipment specialist outdoortoys, assessed factors including safety, childcare costs, school performance, and access to outdoor space.
In Warrington, the average monthly childcare cost is £1,096, and around 81% of schools are rated outstanding or good. The area also boasts 20 child-friendly attractions per 100,000 people and 810 square metres of green space per person, making it an attractive option for families.
Among the family-friendly attractions highlighted are Walton Hall and Gardens, which features play areas, adventure golf, a children's zoo, and a land train. The borough also has award-winning farms such as Kenyon Hall Farm, as well as Apple Jacks Adventure Farm and Gulliver's World theme park.
Sheffield topped the list due to its extensive outdoor space, followed by Milton Keynes and Swindon. At the opposite end, Manchester ranked last, with a crime rate of 145 incidents per 1,000 people significantly affecting its score. Alex Price of outdoortoys noted that access to outdoor play spaces supports children's confidence and independence.
