Окрестности

In the mood to buy something? Shopaholics will not want to miss a trip to the into Trafford Centre in Manchester, 12 miles east of the hotel. Browse almost 300 stores, from high-street shops to designer boutiques, then stop for a bite to eat in Europe's largest food mall, modelled on a 1930s ocean liner. Movie fans can catch the latest 3D blockbuster releases at the centre's vast multiplex cinema.

Fans of the Fab Four will want to make a pilgrimage to Liverpool's Albert Dock, 25 miles from the hotel, to visit the dynamic exhibits at the Beatles Story. Relive the days of Beatlemania through 4D films, rare photos and memorabilia, and an informative audio tour. The museum is less than 10 minutes' walk from the Liverpool ONE complex, where you can browse dozens of shops or take in a movie.

Check out Leigh Indoor Sports Centre, two minutes' walk from the hotel. Swim in the 25-metre indoor pool, or try your hand at badminton, table tennis or basketball. For a more leisurely outing, walk 15 minutes to Pennington Flash Country Park nature reserve and explore its network of walking trails and cycle paths. Don't forget your binoculars – the 70-hectare lake is renowned for its bird life.

Take your kids to see their favourite animals at Knowsley Safari Park, 15 miles west of the hotel. You'll meet tigers, lions and baboons as you roam the spacious grounds. Younger children will also enjoy a day at Gulliver's World Theme Park in Warrington, nine miles from the hotel, where dozens of fun, small-scale rides have been designed especially for kids between the ages of two and 13.

• Blue Planet Aquarium