Gulliver’s eyes expansion in Warrington

Gulliver’s World, which owns and operates four theme parks across the country, has submitted an application for a 15-acre expansion into woodland next to its Warrington site, under the Gulliver’s Glade brand.  

The Gulliver’s Glade brand has been created “to lead the next steps into the holiday accommodation market and compete with established holiday brands such as Centreparcs”, according to the project’s planning consultancy County Planning. 

The current Gulliver’s World is located north of Warrington, off Shackleton Close between Old Hall, Westbrook and Callands.

The expansion plans are split into two main parts: a woodland retreat comprising 79 wooden chalets, built off site and delivered to the park, and a woodland activity zone featuring a spa and pet resort. 

The woodland activity zone would give access to a series of nature trails connected to the nearby Sankey Valley Park and Woodland Trust land. 

The application also proposes 151 car parking spaces to be used by guests and staff, and a 3,200 sq ft staff headquarters building. 

Gulliver’s estimates that the expansion would generate an additional £1.2m for the local economy each year. 

The group operates four theme park resorts in Warrington, Rotherham, Milton Keynes and Matlock Bath, attracting a total of over a million visitors each year. 

Similar expansion plans have already been approved at the group’s Rotherham site. 

The Warrington park opened in 1989 and includes rides, soft play centres, a water park and activity areas, together with a 58-suite hotel.