Delamere Forest — Local services in Delamere and Oakmere

Went last night to Forestlive Madness concert. Was meant to see them there in 2005 but had been rushed into hospital 2 days prior and in for 2 months, so it's been a bucket list thing to do really.

Being disabled and using a scooter I had already contacted the organisers to find out about disabled access. After showing my Access card I was given a carers ticket free to accompany me. We also had allocated designated accessible parking which was only permitted to those with permits sent out, a hanger from the car mirror.

Copious amounts of stewards all the way from the road, guiding to accessible parking, separate entrance for accessible which we were given a pass for upon arrival stating how many in our party. Obviously to deter trying to sneak others in with us quicker than their own queues.

This queue could have done with one or two of the plentiful stewards as not everybody had the access pass issued upon arrival. Bags checked, always a good sign.

Wristbands had been sent with the mirror hanger to show entitlement to the accessible viewing platforms for wheelchair/scooter users.

Grass level was largest then two scafolded raised platforms with grip mats on the grass to assist traction. Each level had TWO accessible portaloo's. Never in my life have I been impressed with a portaloo, until yesterday.

The flush handle/joy stick sent a massive whoosh of deep blue flush that would have moved anything left.

Toilet roll and hand washing foam. Obviously didn't expect water to be plumbed in. But never see anything previously to clean hands with. Wonderful.

Slightly disappointed in duration of Madnesses set. Just short of 90 minutes. I guess they are getting on abit now though and with the heat it takes it out of them.

Leaving the arena was again made easier by the stewards directing everyone with illuminated batons.

Unfortunately this is when things went little pear shaped. Not sure of the reason but nobody in their cars moved for around 20 minutes, all gridlocked with not a single inch moved. 🤔 Don't know if someone wasn't at their right pist or what because after 20 minutes of not moving whatsoever, batons starting moving and within minutes we had cleared the carpark. Onto the main road with no traffic issues at all.

I'd only call that a blip, a learning curve, not a major issue. One the whole the standard of care and assistance given towards myself and others requiring additional help was amazing. They certainly did all they could to make it possible for us to attend with ease.

However, point to note, this is not controlled by Forestlive so I'm not deducting stars for it. There were a handful of catering vans right at the top of the embankment. I wasn't able to get up to them but had taken items anyway. These were permitted. Glad I had as my OH went to see their offerings and at finding out that Burger and chips was £12 we had lost any appetite we might have had. I don't mind paying a bit extra but will...

THIS IS A REVIEW FOR THE LIGHTS EXPERIENCE The walk was a pleasant one, my four year old managed to walk-through the entire trail so the review for the trail would be far higher than the experience for the lights.

We were a group of two adults two children (12, 4) and after visiting the lanterns at Chester Zoo in previous years, we thought this would be a nice change. The experience was nice but it was very busy which surprised me. The marshmallow hut is a fantastic idea...but don't charge people extra for them given the price of the ticket! Also try having "normal" marshmallows for the kids who might not want vanilla or salted caramel flavoured ones. Again, the fire pits are a great idea but maybe not executed as well as it could have been - the instruction was to throw used sticks into the fire. Great idea. Until the remaining sugar on the stick starts burning and popping then the fires spitting...

The overall experience wasn't too bad, the light displays I'd say though were minimal. The experience for me was ruined when the trail finished and you made your way to the end. The food/fairground. This is why my review is as low as it is. The prices were EXTORTIONATE for the food. It wasn't of great quality either. Hot dog and burger stand - but they don't sell standard hot dogs. Currywurst was on offer but I don't think many kids would eat them so I wasted £16 on two standard sized sausages in oversize buns. Macaroni cheese - can't go wrong there surely!? It was not great, really bland no flavour or seasoning at all - another £8 down the drain. It was at this point I decided to stop throwing money down the drain and come away. The only chips available were smothered in cheese or sauce and again I'm not entirely sure many kids eat that kinda thing?

Overall disappointed with the experience, would not recommend and won't be revisiting- the only reason this isn't a 1 star review is because the trail and forest...

It’s been a while since I was last at Delamere Forest and to be honest, I’d forgotten how tranquil and beautiful the place is.

But first, the negative points. Once I got to the visitors centre I made my way to the cafe on site and was served by the most cheerless soul on her shift. I wanted to make conversation, she didn’t. So I didn’t leave the cafe with a feeling of “thank you for your custom” kind of mood. ☹️ 2/5 I will give that.

Now the positives: plenty of benches to sit at in the picnic area, I would like to have seen some seats or benches at some points around the trails. Just to be able to sit off and enjoy the view. I’m certain the trails get customers who may be elderly and although they like to walk, might need a seat every now and then. (That would be a nice touch and make it a rustic seat from the many solid tree limbs and trunk that were strewn about the place 🤔.

I had not been to Delamere Forest for 11 years and I had come over on the train to experience a bit of open space and woodlands. I asked the girl at the visitor centre to advise which would be the best trail. As I wanted to see the lake and go through the forest, she recommended the “Red Trail” so armed with a pocket sized map from the shop (£2) I set off.

I consider myself not to be stupid or thick but after several attempts and asking other regular users and staff to find the red trail, I gave up. Instead my journey was spent going in circles it seemed 🤷🏻‍♂️🤦🏻‍♂️.

Nevertheless, I enjoyed the time I spent and although I couldn’t stay long enough for the Christmas night lights, I will be...