Haigh Woodland Park Wigan
A vast parkland with adventure playgrounds, woodland trails, mini-golf, and seasonal funfair attractions.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Funfair & miniature railway
Haigh Woodland Park Wigan
Best Time
Funfair & miniature railway
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vast parkland with adventure playgrounds, woodland trails, mini-golf, and seasonal funfair attractions.
"Great park with lots of paths to walk, varied scenery, and a well-built free park with challenges for kids."
🎯 Pack a Picnic!
Save money by bringing your own food; cafes can be pricey.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Lots of walking and exploring, so good footwear is a must!
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.6 · 5,538 reviews
Type
Park
Address
Website
haighwoodlandpark.co.ukHighlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Adventure Playground
Central area
A massive playground with climbing frames, zip wires, and fast swings for all ages.
+2
Woodland Trails
Surrounding parkland
Explore scenic paths through plantations, perfect for walks, cycling, and dog-friendly adventures.
Mini Golf & High Ropes
Near the main facilities
Challenge yourself on the mini-golf courses or soar through the trees on the Go Ape high ropes.
Haigh Hall
Central to the park
The historic hall itself is undergoing restoration but remains a picturesque landmark.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Parking and Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Pack a Picnic!
Save money by bringing your own food; cafes can be pricey.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Lots of walking and exploring, so good footwear is a must!
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
Pooches are welcome on the trails, but keep them on a lead in certain areas.
⏰ Check Ride Schedules
Miniature railway & funfair are seasonal; confirm operating times.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Pack a Picnic!
Save money by bringing your own food; cafes can be pricey.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Lots of walking and exploring, so good footwear is a must!
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
Pooches are welcome on the trails, but keep them on a lead in certain areas.
⏰ Check Ride Schedules
Miniature railway & funfair are seasonal; confirm operating times.
🚗 Pay on Exit
Parking fees are paid when you leave; have card ready.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Haigh Woodland Park offers a wealth of activities, from a large adventure playground and woodland trails to mini-golf and seasonal attractions. Visitors praise the park's natural beauty, dog-friendliness, and value for money with its affordable parking. However, some reviews note that certain attractions, like the miniature railway and gardens, are frequently closed or under maintenance, and food prices can be high.
"I've been coming to this park for several years now and honestly, I feel like it is going a bit downhill. We arrived today and the two main play frames were sectioned off for repair. The funfair had stopped even though all the kids aren't back in school until at least Thursday. The go ape climbing was shut. The little train track is NEVER running when we go. It looks like it's undergoing maintenance but never seen anyone working on it. The duck pond has blue algae in it and doesn't seem like it is being treated. The main gardens with the lovely trees have been shut now for about 2 years. No idea why! The toilets are really smelly and the soap box hasn't been fixed in at least 12 months and you could really do with putting some toilets down near the smaller wooden park as I've been caught out twice there now with my toddler who needed a number 2! Luckily had bags on me for her to do it in!
On a positive note, the cafes / shops are great. There's some woodland you can walk through which is good to explore. There's a range of play equipment suitable for all ages and 2 places you can play mini golf. Plenty of sit down spaces and picnic tables. Parking is cheap and you can spend hours there on a good day. The new flower garden is really lovely. There's a great little bird watching area and the shop on the way in is selling wild bird food for you to put on the tables.
Wigan council need to do a lot better! This is a well used park and would be so much better with access to all areas!"
Kelly Halligan (K)
"Great park, lots of paths to walk with varied scenery leads to canal which you can walk and loop back round to the main park.
Saw horse riders, cyclists, runners.
The free park itself is well built with lots of challenges for the kids.
Behind it was a small forest where the kids where making lean to shelters with the downed trees and branches.
There is a paid high rope section however it's 8+
Also on site whilst visiting was a small amusement park.
There is a square of various shops from chocolate to a pizzeria, deli, cafe and farm shop. The delivery we found to be great value and not too expensive.
There are also ice cream vans dotted around if you are after a sweet treat.
Parking is paid but reasonable at 3.50 for the day.
Altogether it was a nice day out and would return."
Y Gotsan
"Was disappointed to find the miniature train was all blocked off for maintenance, had all year but choose the first week of the summer holidays to do it, so, thought we'd go and look at the hall...nope, not possible as that was enveloped in a huge white screen, ok, so we went to the cafe and was charged £10 for a baked potato!! Parking is not free and you are not allowed to use a blue badge... had a little play area for kids and mini golf and Go Ape, " ornamental " pond was more like black slime and full of lily pads, totally neglected, lots of space for kids but lots of dogs off lead, so be careful, take a picnic too to save yourself some money"
Donna Packer
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Haigh Woodland Park is easily accessible by car, located in Wigan (WN2 1PE). It's about 30-40 minutes from South Manchester.
Yes, the park has wide, surfaced paths through the plantations that are ideal for cycling. It's a popular spot for cyclists of all levels.
Depending on your starting point in Wigan, walking might be an option. The park also has access points from surrounding areas like Swinley and Whelley, and paths leading to the canal.
The nearest major train station is Wigan North Western. From there, you would need to take a bus or taxi to reach the park.
The main paths through the plantations are surfaced and accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs. However, some reviews mention potential issues with blue badge parking access, so it's advisable to confirm current arrangements.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The park itself is free to enter and explore. However, there is a charge for parking, typically around £3.50 for over 90 minutes, paid on exit. +1 Activities like the high ropes course, mini golf, and the funfair have separate charges.
The park grounds are generally open from dawn till dusk. However, specific attractions like the funfair, miniature railway, and cafes will have their own operating hours, which can vary seasonally. It's best to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date information.
It's recommended to book in advance for the high ropes course (Go Ape) as it can get busy, especially during peak times. Mini golf is usually on a first-come, first-served basis, but booking might be advisable during busy periods.
Yes, Haigh Woodland Park is very dog-friendly! Dogs are welcome on the woodland trails and many of the paths. However, they should be kept on a lead in areas with playgrounds or where food is served.
Parking is charged and is typically paid upon exit. The cost is around £3.50 for over 90 minutes, with a system that recognizes your vehicle's registration plate. +1
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
There's a huge adventure playground with climbing frames, zip wires, and swings.
Absolutely! Haigh Woodland Park boasts a large and popular adventure playground that caters to children of various ages, featuring high wooden climbing frames, fast swings, and a zip wire.
Yes, there are two mini-golf courses available at Haigh Woodland Park, offering a fun activity for families and groups.
The Parkrun at Haigh Woodland Park is known for being a challenging trail route. It involves a downhill loop followed by an uphill section, and can be muddy at times. +1
Yes, there are toilets on-site. Some reviews mention a need for more facilities, particularly near the smaller wooden park, and that some amenities like soap dispensers may be out of order.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Haigh Woodland Park offers a variety of food options, including cafes, a pizzeria, a deli, and a farm shop. Ice cream vans are also often dotted around the park. +1 Some visitors have found cafe prices to be on the higher side.
Yes, there are plenty of picnic tables and open green spaces perfect for a picnic. Bringing your own food is a popular and cost-effective option.
Some of the cafes and food establishments at Haigh Woodland Park are dog-friendly, allowing you to enjoy a refreshment with your canine companion.
The cafes typically offer a range of options from light snacks and drinks to more substantial meals like baked potatoes and pizzas.
Yes, local markets sometimes set up stalls selling dog treats, such as at the Halloween-themed market mentioned in one reel.
📸 📸 Photography
The park offers diverse photographic opportunities, from the picturesque Haigh Hall and its gardens to the natural beauty of the woodland trails. The adventure playground and seasonal funfair also provide vibrant shots.
Absolutely. The extensive woodlands, diverse plant life, and opportunities for bird watching make it a great location for nature photographers.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check with the park management or local authorities regarding any restrictions on drone flying before your visit.
The adventure playground, miniature railway (when running), and funfair provide dynamic and fun backdrops for capturing children's enjoyment.
Early mornings or late afternoons often provide the best natural light for photography, creating softer shadows and a more atmospheric feel, especially in the woodlands.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit