Frequently asked questions

Planning a visit to Into the Wild? You'll find answers to our most frequently asked questions below.

Visiting Into the Wild

  • Into the Wild is a woodland adventure venue in Ashley, Cheshire, near Altrincham.

    Address: Into the Wild, Ashley Mill Lane, Ashley, Altrincham, Cheshire.

    Into the Wild is only accessible on foot, with no direct vehicle access. Check our Plan Your Visit page before travelling for parking information and walking directions to the woodland.

    What3Words: ///bumpy.trendy.water

  • Into the wild is open Saturday and Sunday 9 to 4.30pm. And during the school holidays.

    We also have a self service coffee machine which can be used 7 days a week but is only for a quick stop off.. not to use our facilities.

    Please check the relevant page or our social media channels for the latest opening hours before setting off.

  • You do not necessarily need to book simply to visit the woodland, However, Wild Play sessions, bushcraft workshops, seasonal and organised events require advance booking.

    If you want to use Wild Play, you need a booking online If tickets are unavailable for your preferred date, the session is full.

    If you are passing through you can just grab a pizza and a drink with no entry fee. We dont allow picnics for people who havent booked wild play we are family run and cant afford to let people use facilities dump picnic waste and leave without making a purchase.. so picnics are prohibited unless wild play has been booked.

  • Yes. You can visit the woodland without booking Wild Play, subject to the venue's access arrangements and any event specific restrictions.

    You can enjoy the natural surroundings and use the self-serve coffee station, which is available mon to fri 5am until 7pm Other facilities, including the Coffee Shack, wood fired pizza and play areas, have their own opening hours. Generally 9 to 4.30 sat sun and during school hols.

    If you use the venue's seating or other facilities, please support the site by purchasing food or drink where applicable.

  • Yes. Into the Wild offers experiences for adults and children, from outdoor play and woodland exploration to bushcraft workshops, food and drink, and private events.

    Adults can enjoy a coffee, spend time outdoors or use the woodland as a change of scenery. Some activities have age restrictions or require advance booking, so check the details of your chosen experience before visiting.

  • Yes, Wi-Fi is available at Into the Wild. However this is to be used only in emergencies… we would prefer you connect to nature not Wifi we wont give wifi info unless we deem the situation warrants it.

  • If you have booked Wild Play please see parking instruction for this. If you have booked anything else for example a music night or a film night.. ensure you look at our other walking routes to get to us and expect an email nearer the time of the event to give you ALL the info you require.

Location, parking and walking routes

  • There is no vehicle access or parking directly at Into the Wild, so all visitors must follow the designated parking arrangements and walk to the venue.

    On advertised days, Wild Play customers can park at Bowdon Church School, Grange Road, Bowdon, Altrincham, Cheshire, WA14 3EX.

    Please check our Plan Your Visit page before travelling for the latest parking arrangements and walking directions, as these may change.

    If using the school car park, vehicles must be removed before the gates close at 5pm. Please do not park on Ashley Mill Lane or block access to neighbouring properties.

  • The walk from Bowdon Church School to Into the Wild takes approximately 15–20 minutes. The route includes natural paths that can be muddy and uneven, so comfortable footwear is recommended.

    Please plan your route before setting off. Open the walking route on Komoot or download the Komoot app so you can follow the directions on your phone. You can also save our what3words location to help you find us.

    Lost? Don't worry, it happens! Check your phone's walking directions and look out for the footpath signs at each turn. Please check our Plan Your Visit page before travelling for the latest parking arrangements.

  • There is no direct vehicle access to the venue. Visitors should use the designated parking arrangements and follow the walking directions.

    Please do not stop on Ashley Mill Lane or obstruct the private track, farm access or neighbouring properties.

  • Pushchair suitability depends on the route, weather and type of pushchair. Some sections may be uneven, muddy or difficult to navigate.

    A baby or child carrier is recommended, particularly for younger children. Please review the walking route before setting off.

  • Access can be challenging because the venue is reached on foot via outdoor paths and uneven terrain. There is no parking directly at the woodland site.

Wild Play and children's activities

  • Wild Play is our outdoor children's play area set within the Cheshire woodland. It gives children space to explore, play and enjoy an active day outdoors.

    Activities include zip lines, climbing frames, boat swings, pedal go-karts, crazy golf, tree nets, sand pits, diggers, a games room, a sensory room and activities in our tipi.

  • Wild Play generally opens from 9am to 4:30pm on weekends and during advertised school holiday sessions.

    Please check the online booking calendar for available dates and times. Opening arrangements may change for seasonal activities, special events and other circumstances.

    • Children aged 2-14: £11 per person.

    • Visitors aged 15 and over: £5 per person.

    • Children under 2: free, with no ticket required.

    Please check the booking page for current prices and ticket conditions before purchasing.

  • Yes. Adults and children aged 2 and over require tickets to access Wild Play. Children under 2 can enter free without a ticket, according to the current booking information.

    Please select the correct ticket types when booking for your group.

  • Wild Play tickets include all-day play on your booked date. You can arrive at any time during the advertised opening hours for your session, generally between 9am and 4:30pm.

    Please allow around 15-20 minutes to walk to the venue and plan your journey accordingly.

  • We recommend booking online in advance. If tickets are unavailable for your preferred date, the session may be fully booked, and walk-ins cannot be accepted.

  • Wild Play offers activities for children of different ages, with a variety of outdoor play features.

    Children must be supervised by their accompanying adults. Parents and carers should assess whether each activity is suitable for their child's age, confidence and ability, and follow any displayed safety restrictions.

  • Yes, picnics are welcome for visitors who have purchased a Wild Play ticket, subject to the current booking conditions.

    Food and drink are also available on site during service hours.

Wild Season Pass FAQ

  • The Wild Season Pass is ideal for regular visitors who want to save money while enjoying Wild Play throughout the season, including weekends and school holidays.

  • Adult passes (aged 16+) cost £25, and child passes (aged 2+) cost £55. Children under 2 go free.

  • The pass is valid for one year from the date of purchase and covers access to the Wild Play area only. Other activities, workshops and experiences are not included.

  • No. The pass is non-transferable, and adults and children cannot be swapped. A photo of your family will be taken on your first visit and used to check your pass on future visits.

  • No. Seasonal events will be additional charge. Food and drink from the Coffee Shack or Wood Fired Pizza are not included in the pass and must be purchased separately.

Food, drink and facilities

  • Yes. Our food and drink options include self-serve coffee mon to fri for folk passsing through. The Coffee Shack and wood-fired pizza Sat and Sun 9 to 4.30pm and school hols.. We don’t do gluten free Pizza or dairy free cheese. We do offer oat milk for coffee though. Pizza wise its marinara for those who wish to have a vegan option.

  • Yes. Our self-serve coffee station is available for passers through the woods Mon to Fri 5am to 7pm

    This means you can stop by for a coffee outside the usual opening hours of the Coffee Shack and other facilities. Please follow the instructions displayed at the station when preparing your drink.

  • The Coffee Shack generally operates Saturday to Sunday, from approximately 9am to 4:30pm. Hours may vary during school holidays, seasonal events and other special occasions.

    For the latest information, check our website or social media before visiting.

  • Wood-fired pizza is generally served weekends, half term and seasonal events, with service usually starting at 11am and finishing around 4pm.

    Availability may vary depending on the day, season and demand. Please check the latest updates if you are planning your visit around lunch.

  • Our wood-fired pizzas are made fresh to order and cannot be pre-ordered. Availability depends on the day's service hours and stock.

  • We do not currently offer gluten-free pizza. nor do we offer gluten free food offerings.

  • Our food offering includes pizzas, drinks, snacks and other items, and the suitability of each option depends on the specific allergy.

    Please contact us before your visit if you have an allergy or dietary requirement. Do not assume that a dish is safe to eat without checking the ingredients and potential cross-contamination risks.

  • Visitors with a Wild Play ticket may bring a picnic, subject to the current booking conditions. Own food may also be permitted for certain booked parties.

    If you are visiting without Wild Play or attending a private event, please check the relevant conditions and support the venue by purchasing food or drink where applicable.

    Bringing a picnic without purchase of wild play is not allowed

  • Yes. Into the Wild has a licensed bar serving a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks during applicable service hours.

    Alcohol is served subject to the venue's licence and applicable age restrictions. Please check event-specific information for bar availability.

  • Yes, toilet facilities are available on site.

    As Into the Wild is a woodland venue, facilities are more rustic than those at a conventional indoor attraction. Please plan your visit accordingly.

  • The venue has lighting, but walking routes to and from Into the Wild are not fully lit.

    If you are visiting early in the morning, late in the evening or for an evening event, we recommend bringing a torch and checking the arrival and departure instructions.

Dogs, accessibility and what to bring

  • Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome in appropriate areas of the venue. Please keep dogs under control and clean up after them.

    Dogs may not be permitted at every activity or event, including bushcraft workshops. Restrictions may also apply in busy children's play areas and during certain events, so please check before bringing your dog.

  • We recommend comfortable outdoor clothing and sturdy footwear suitable for woodland paths and uneven ground.

    Paths can become muddy or slippery after rain, so waterproof clothing and suitable shoes are sensible choices. For evening visits, bring extra layers and a torch.

  • Into the Wild is an outdoor woodland venue, so visitors should be prepared for changeable weather.

    Rain does not automatically mean an event will be cancelled. However, activities or the venue may close during high winds or severe weather if conditions are unsafe.

    Please check our official channels for updates before travelling.

  • Families with younger children are welcome, and children under 2 can access Wild Play free of charge without a ticket.

    However, the venue is reached on foot and includes outdoor paths and uneven terrain. A baby carrier may be more practical than a pushchair.

    Please consider your child's needs and check the walking route before visiting.

Bushcraft workshops and birthday parties

  • We offer hands on bushcraft workshops where you can learn practical outdoor skills and explore the woodland. Visit our Bushcraft Workshops page to see our current workshops, upcoming dates and booking information.

  • Yes. Bushcraft workshops should be booked in advance.

    Check the listing for the date, start time, age suitability, what to bring and any additional requirements. Spaces may be limited.

  • No. Dogs are not permitted at bushcraft workshops. Please make suitable arrangements before attending.

  • Yes. Into the Wild offers children's bushcraft birthday parties, giving children the opportunity to enjoy outdoor activities in a woodland environment.

    Activities can include fire lighting, animal tracking and marshmallow toasting. Parties typically last around two hours, with exact activities and arrangements confirmed through the booking information.

    Please book through the designated party booking page and review the terms before reserving.

  • Food is not automatically included in the Wild Party booking.

    Pizza may be ordered on the day, or you may be able to bring your own food in accordance with the party conditions. Check the current party information for details about refreshments and additional costs.

  • Wild Play admission is not included as standard with a Wild Party in the Woods booking.

    The party arrangements may allow limited post-party access for a specified number of people. Check the terms of your booking to confirm who is eligible and what access is included.

  • Yes, you’re welcome to bring a birthday cake and your own decorations to make the celebration extra special.

    However, we don’t allow balloons as we want to protect the woodland and its wildlife. Please keep decorations nature-friendly and help us leave the woods just as we found them.

  • Sorry, there’s no vehicle access to Into the Wild, so all party guests and accompanying adults must walk from the designated car park to the woodland.

    We recommend meeting your group at the car park around 30 minutes before the party starts. This gives you time to exchange gifts, put everything back in your car and then walk to Into the Wild together as a group. Please travel light and make sure everyone knows the walking route before setting off.

  • Yes. Once your party is booked, every guest attending must complete our Guest Form before the party. This ensures we have all the details we need ahead of your visit.

Private hire, celebrations and group visits

  • Yes. Private hire may be available depending on your requirements, the date and the space you would like to use.

    Options may include the Safari Tent, woodland areas and venue facilities for celebrations or organised gatherings. Depending on the booking, facilities may include seating, food and drink options, Wild Play or bushcraft experiences.

    Please contact us with your preferred date, group size and event requirements so we can advise on suitable options and availability.

  • The Safari Tent is available for parties for children aged over 2 years old. It isn’t suitable for children under 2, but little ones can still enjoy a Wild Play party instead. Please contact us for more information about availability and booking options.

  • We welcome enquiries from groups. If you are planning a large visit, please contact us in advance so we can advise on the best arrangements.

    For organised celebrations or events requiring exclusive use of a space, private hire may be more suitable than a general visit.

  • For general visits, there’s no need to reserve a table, as we have a range of seating areas available. If you’d like exclusive use of a space or are planning a celebration that requires a dedicated area, please enquire about private hire.

  • Please check the published prices for your chosen activity and the relevant booking terms. If you are organising a larger group or private event, contact us to discuss the available arrangements.

Bookings, cancellations and seasonal events

  • If you cannot select tickets for your preferred date, the session may be fully booked. We cannot accept walk-ins for a fully booked Wild Play session.

    Please choose another available date or check our official channels for updates. Although Into the Wild is open every day, not every activity runs daily.

  • Wild Play bookings are non-refundable, except where the venue has to close, for example because of severe weather warnings.

    Please read the terms and conditions displayed during booking. If you believe your booking has been affected by a closure, contact us using the details provided in your confirmation.

  • We may close during high winds or other unsafe weather conditions. Any closure will be communicated through our official channels where possible.

    Rain alone does not necessarily mean an event will be cancelled. If a closure affects your booking, follow the instructions provided by the venue.

  • Into the Wild hosts seasonal activities and special events throughout the year, which may include Easter, Halloween experiences and Christmas activities.

    Dates, ticket availability, age restrictions and what's included vary by event. Follow our social media channels and check the What's On section of our website for announcements and booking details.

  • Check our website and follow Into the Wild on social media for updates about workshops, seasonal events, family activities and special opening times.

Still have a question?

If you haven't found the information you're looking for, please contact us.

You can also explore our Plan Your Visit, Wild Play, Bushcraft Workshops, Birthday Parties, Private Hire and What's On pages to find more information about visiting Into the Wild. Plan your visit, check the walking route and enjoy a little time in the woods.

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