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Moss Bank Park

4.5
·499 reviews·, United Kingdom

A large, well-maintained park with diverse attractions including a nature play zone, miniature railway, and beautiful gardens.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekends

Miniature train runs

CrowdMedium
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Hidden gem its as if you have found a secret special place

Moss Bank Park

Best Time

Weekends

Miniature train runs

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A large, well-maintained park with diverse attractions including a nature play zone, miniature railway, and beautiful gardens.

4.5
(499 reviews)

"A firm favourite park with something for everyone, from toddlers to older children."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 The Hive Family Pass

Get a family pass for The Hive for under £10, offering hours of wild fun for kids.

🚂 Weekend Train Rides

Catch the miniature train on weekends for a fun, affordable ride around the park.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Hive

The Hive

Moss Bank Park

A wild adventure zone with marshmallow toasting, water play, and a giant mud kitchen for kids.

Miniature Railway

Miniature Railway

Moss Bank Park

Volunteer-run miniature train rides offering a charming journey through the park.

Walled Garden & Rock Garden

Walled Garden & Rock Garden

Moss Bank Park

Serene garden spaces perfect for a peaceful stroll and a moment of tranquility.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Wild at The Hive

The Hive offers a unique nature-play experience for younger children with marshmallow toasting, water play, and a mud kitchen. It's a fantastic value for families, with day passes available. Instagram+2

Miniature Railway & Gardens

Don't miss the miniature railway, a hit with all ages, especially on weekends. Explore the beautiful walled garden and the tucked-away rock garden for a peaceful escape. InstagramReddit

Best Times

When
Weekends
Why
Miniature train runs
Crowd
Medium
When
Summer mornings
Why
Enjoy The Hive's activities
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🤩 Available TO LET 🤩 🏡 3 Bedrooms | 1 Bathroom | 1 Reception Room 📍 Moss Bank Way, Bolton, BL1 £1200PCM 📞 Contact Amy 01204 659670 (OP 2) #propertytour #lettingsuk #estateagentsuk #ukproperty #rentalproperty #fyp #foryoupage
@harrisonsestateagents
8.6K likes • 383.8K views

🎯 The Hive Family Pass

Get a family pass for The Hive for under £10, offering hours of wild fun for kids. Instagram+1

🚂 Weekend Train Rides

Catch the miniature train on weekends for a fun, affordable ride around the park. Instagram+1

Visit Bolton in 1992. #bolton #greatermanchester #lancashire #1990s #greatbritain #nineties #makebritaingreatagain
@townsofyesteryear
7.8K likes • 205.5K views
🍃THE HIVE AT MOSS BANK PARK🍃 We found our happy place today - The Hive is run by @lancashirewildlifetrust and is a true gem. With everything from marshmallow toasting 🔥to water play 💦, a musical garden 🎵, den building 🏕& huge mud kitchen 🥘, it offers a real wild adventure, a bit like all-day access to a self-led forest school. Plus it’s great value: £5.50 for a day’s access for a family of 2 adul...
hoveandbeyond
31 likes • 2K views

🌳 Explore the Gardens

Don't miss the walled garden and the hidden rock garden for a peaceful escape. Reddit

☕ Dog-Friendly Cafe

The park cafe is dog-friendly and serves hot drinks, snacks, and ice cream. Instagram

🍁🌳🪵The Hive 🪵🌳🍁 Located in Moss Bank Park, the Hive offers a unique space, made up of a series of gardens with natural play equipment. Designed with under seven’s in mind, the Hive encourages young people to make connections with nature through creative play. The Hive Family Day Pass ticket provides access to the site to a family of 6, which includes any combination of adults and children for o...
elsies_expeditions
44 likes • 1.9K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 The Hive Family Pass

Get a family pass for The Hive for under £10, offering hours of wild fun for kids. Instagram+1

🚂 Weekend Train Rides

Catch the miniature train on weekends for a fun, affordable ride around the park. Instagram+1

🌳 Explore the Gardens

Don't miss the walled garden and the hidden rock garden for a peaceful escape. Reddit

☕ Dog-Friendly Cafe

The park cafe is dog-friendly and serves hot drinks, snacks, and ice cream. Instagram

🚗 Use Public Car Park

For football matches, use the public car park to reduce residential parking. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.5
(499 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Moss Bank Park is a highly-rated local gem, praised for its excellent facilities for families, including a fantastic playground and the engaging 'The Hive' nature play area. Visitors appreciate the well-maintained gardens, the charming miniature railway, and the convenient, dog-friendly cafe. It's considered a great value for money, offering plenty to do for free or at a low cost.

"A large park with a large child play area. Well maintained grass where you can relax and enjoy picnics. There is ample amounts of parking.There is a beautiful walled garden as well as the Rock Garden, a nice place to escape to.In summer months there is a model train you can ride that is run by volunteers. There is also a cafe that is dog friendly. There is funfair held at various times. Plenty to do overall to keep everybody happy."

Ian Ellis

"A lovely park within a stones throw of where we live. There is always ample amounts of parking facilities which always helps. There is a beautiful walled garden which my son and I spent a good twenty minutes walking around. Then there is a lovely cafe offering drinks and snacks. Finally there is a huge childrens park as well. It is lovely and clean. In summer there is a train ride that you can also do. Great entertainment for free if you don’t want to spend"

Steven L

"Lovely local park – a family favourite
We come here regularly as a family and absolutely love it. There's plenty of space for walks, and the playground is well-maintained with equipment suitable for kids of all ages. The on-site café is great for grabbing a brew and a snack.

One of the highlights is the miniature railway—just a couple of quid for a ride, and it's run by a passionate local group. There's also a fun children's trail organised by the Woodland Trust (small extra cost), which adds something a bit different.

Lots of parking available and a couple of lovely garden areas to explore. The rock garden is our favourite, though it's a bit tucked away—definitely worth finding!"

Joe Livsley

What People Like

Great for families
The Hive nature play
Miniature railway

What People Dislike

Can get busy

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Moss Bank Park is located in Bolton, BL1 6LU. It's easily accessible by car with ample parking available. Instagram+1 For those using public transport, local bus routes serve the area. Check local transport schedules for the most up-to-date information.

Yes, there is ample parking available at Moss Bank Park, which is a significant plus for visitors. InstagramReddit However, for football matches, it's recommended to use the free public car park to ease congestion on residential streets. Instagram

Absolutely! Moss Bank Park offers plenty of open space and woodland areas perfect for walks. InstagramReddit It's a great spot for a leisurely stroll or a more active walk.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to Moss Bank Park itself is generally free. However, specific attractions within the park, like The Hive and the miniature railway, may have separate admission fees. Instagram+2

As a public park, Moss Bank Park is typically open from dawn till dusk. Specific attractions like The Hive or the miniature railway will have their own operating hours, which are best checked in advance, especially for weekend services. Instagram+1

The Hive offers great value, with family day passes costing around £5 or under £10 for a family of six, making it an affordable option for a day out. Instagram+1

Yes, Moss Bank Park sometimes hosts funfairs and has organized children's trails, such as those by the Woodland Trust. Reddit It's worth checking local listings or the park's social media for upcoming events.

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The Hive is a major draw for younger children, featuring a mud kitchen, water play, den building, and marshmallow toasting. Instagram+3 The main playground also has equipment suitable for toddlers and older kids. Reddit

Yes, Moss Bank Park boasts a large, well-maintained children's playground with equipment suitable for a wide range of ages. InstagramReddit

Indeed! Moss Bank Park features a miniature railway run by volunteers, offering rides, particularly on weekends during the summer months. InstagramReddit+1

Yes, the park has beautiful garden areas, including a walled garden and a rock garden, offering a more tranquil experience. Reddit

Definitely! The park has well-maintained grass areas perfect for relaxing and enjoying picnics. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there is a cafe located within Moss Bank Park that serves hot food, drinks, snacks, sandwiches, cakes, and ice cream. InstagramReddit

Good news for pet owners: the cafe at Moss Bank Park is dog-friendly. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The walled garden and rock garden offer picturesque settings for photography. Reddit The miniature railway also provides charming photo opportunities, especially when in operation. Instagram+1

The Hive's natural play areas and the large playground offer vibrant and fun backdrops for family photos. Instagram+2 The open green spaces are also great for capturing candid family moments.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Moss Bank Park is a fantastic destination for families. The Hive is a must-visit for its nature-based play, including a mud kitchen and water tables. Instagram+3 The large playground caters to various age groups, ensuring all children have fun. Reddit Don't miss the miniature railway for a fun ride, especially on weekends. Instagram+1 The dog-friendly cafe is convenient for snacks and drinks, and the open spaces are perfect for picnics. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Nature Lovers & Garden Enthusiasts

For those who appreciate green spaces, Moss Bank Park offers more than just play areas. Explore the tranquil walled garden and the unique rock garden for a peaceful escape. Reddit The park's open spaces and woodland areas are also ideal for leisurely walks and enjoying the natural surroundings. InstagramReddit

💰 Budget-Conscious Visitors

Moss Bank Park is excellent for budget travelers. Many of its main attractions, like the park grounds, playgrounds, and gardens, are free to access. Reddit The Hive offers incredible value with affordable family passes. Instagram Even the miniature railway is inexpensive, making it a cost-effective way to enjoy the park. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Hive: A Natural Playground

The Hive at Moss Bank Park is a standout attraction, particularly for families with younger children. Described as a 'wild adventure' and akin to 'all-day access to a self-led forest school,' it offers a unique nature-based play experience. Instagram Visitors can enjoy activities like marshmallow toasting, water play, den building, and a large mud kitchen. Instagram+3 It's designed to encourage children to connect with nature through creative play, making it a highly engaging and educational space. The affordability, with family day passes available for under £10, makes it an accessible option for many. Instagram

Exploring Moss Bank Park's Gardens

Beyond the play areas, Moss Bank Park features beautiful garden spaces that offer a more serene experience. The walled garden is a particular highlight, providing a lovely spot for a peaceful walk and reflection. Reddit Complementing this is the rock garden, which, though sometimes described as a bit tucked away, is definitely worth seeking out for its unique charm. Reddit These gardens provide a contrast to the more active zones of the park, offering visitors a chance to appreciate the horticultural aspects and find a quiet moment amidst nature.

The Miniature Railway Experience

A beloved feature of Moss Bank Park is its miniature railway, operated by passionate volunteers. InstagramReddit+1 This charming attraction offers rides that are a hit with both children and adults, providing a delightful way to see more of the park. The railway typically runs on weekends, especially during the summer months, adding a nostalgic and fun element to a visit. Instagram The low cost of a ride makes it an accessible and enjoyable activity for families looking for a bit of extra entertainment.

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