Family Fun at Haigh Woodland Park
Haigh Woodland Park, located less than an hour's drive from Liverpool, is emerging as one of the North West's premier family-friendly destinations. The 250-acre park, built around the historic Haigh Hall, offers a wide range of attractions including a large adventure play area, high ropes course, 18-hole golf, crazy golf, foot golf, and a model railway. The Courtyard features a cafe, bakery, farm shop, ice cream parlour, chocolate shop, florist, and a bar and brewery, providing ample food and drink options for visitors.
Accessibility and History
Easily reachable from the M6 (J27) and M61 (J6), the park is popular among walkers for its beautiful trails and woodland, with access to the Leeds Liverpool canal. It also hosts Wigan's 5km Parkrun every Saturday at 9am. The Grade II* listed Haigh Hall and its grounds have undergone a multi-million-pound restoration, with the newly restored Plantation Gates and Lodges now open to the public.
New Attractions and Events
The Plantation Gates and Lodges, officially opened on July 4, 2026, now house a visitor information space and an immersive art installation. Visitors can experience an eight-minute light show that brings Haigh's history, landscape, and community memories to life. Wigan Council has also announced the return of the main railway, which has been out of use for over 20 years, to transport visitors from the main park to the Plantation Gates, with plans for a coffee stall and other facilities along the route.
Summer Events Calendar
Haigh Woodland Park has a packed summer events schedule, including live music at Haigh Live 2026: Grassroots Edition on July 11, artisan markets on July 19, mindfulness days, history tours, nature walks, and street food traders at "Foodie Friday" on July 31. The Haigh Food and Drink Festival takes place on August 8-9. These events offer something for everyone, making Haigh a versatile destination for families.
