Haigh Woodland Park is one of the northwest’s best parks offering so many activities for all ages. It’s perfect for families looking for a day out, couples who just want a nice walk and sport enthusiasts who enjoy playing golf, football and climbing. This was our first visit to the park and after spending 4 hours exploring, I’m not sure we managed to see everything we will definitely be going back!
Adventure Play at Haigh Woodland Park
The park has several adventure play areas broken down into a large play zone and a smaller obstacle course play area.
There is so much to offer for smaller and older kids aged between 3 – 12 years. From mini zip-wires, to climbing frames, large slides, a rope bridge and lots of great swing equipment. There’s also a great electronic game which gets the kids running around the ‘hit’ zones!
The adventure play area also has a sandpit with a wooden climbing frame and sand diggers, our two both loved playing with those. It might be an idea to bring spare clothes in the future as they were both covered in sand!
The play area is incredibly safe, there are Covid safe marshals who ensure that everyone sanitises their hands, and food and hot drinks are not allowed in the play area to prevent litter. Water bottles are allowed and there are plenty of places to eat snacks outside of the playzone.
Fun fair rides for all the family
Next to the adventure play zone there is a small fun fair ride area. This was closed during our visit due to Covid restrictions, but it will be opening from the 12th April 2021. Rides vary in price and are more for smaller children aged 10 and under.
Mini obstacle course for children
This is located about 10 minutes from the main playground, towards the woodland walk and Haigh Woodland Hotel. On entry there’s a lovely sign which teaches children to do their names in sign language, a nice touch that we’ve never seen before! The obstacle course takes about 10 minutes to complete and little ones aged 5 and under will need supervision across some of the areas, but our 8 and 5 year old went around it several times with no problems.
Adventure golf at Haigh Woodland Park
There is an 18 hole adventure golf course, we played and it was great fun. The course is suitable for all abilities and there are some challenging holes with tunnels, waterfalls and you get to travel across the water on a viking boat on one of the holes.
Walk in sessions are available but we pre-booked our session by phoning the Visitor Centre on 01942 828280. Under 3s are free when accompanied by a paying adult and family tickets are £16. Visit the website for further information on prices.
Crazy golf in the heart of Haigh Woodland Park
The friends of Haigh Woodland Park built and manage an 18 hole crazy golf course opposite the High Ropes adventure course in the heart of Haigh Woodland Park. Each hole has been carefully crafted by the volunteers of the group and many of the holes take on a Haigh theme.
Income from the course is reinvested by the group into projects that benefit Haigh Woodland Park and its visitors including events and educational schemes.
The course is open between Easter and October – 11am to 4pm weekends during term time, and daily during school holidays. A round of Crazy Golf costs £1 per player. Bookings can be made on the website.
Footgolf at Haigh Woodland Park
Footgolf combines both golf and football! This game follows the rules of golf but your feet do all the work! Restrictions are in place so check the website for further details. Prices are £5.50 for under 16s and £6.60 for adults for 9 holes. Bookings can be made online. We didn’t manage to book but this looked great fun especially for football fans!
High Ropes at Haigh Woodland County Park
This is a popular attraction and an ariel adventure for all the family. The course has a series of low ropes to get you started, then if you dare you can move onto the higher ropes. There is also a few other challenging adventures along the way. Prices range from £7 to £21 depending on which course you take. Bookings can be made 28 days in advance. You can book your adventure online or phone 01942 828280 for further enquiries. We didn’t try this but the course looked quite spectacular!
Woodland walks for all the family
There are lots of woodlands to explore throughout the park with great broken trees, perfect for tree climbing and building dens.
If you are looking for a more peaceful walk head towards the Walker Garden. This is a beautiful, peaceful green area with a number of benches and lovely views, perfect to sit and watch the world go by!
Miniature Railways at Haigh Woodland Park
There are two miniature railways, operated by the Wigan and District Model Engineering Society and supported entirely by visitor donations, this popular attraction has been in service since the 1950s.
The track is 1/3 mile long and members of the society run steam and diesel outline engines on the track. Rides are free, but you might like to make a donation to the Society for the continued maintenance of the facility.
The Miniature Railway operates in the summer months on Sundays, Wednesdays and Bank Holidays between 1.00pm and 4.00pm.
15” Miniature Railway at Haigh Woodland Park
This railway runs along ¾ mile of track meandering through picturesque woodland alongside small lakes and pathways. Carriages are pulled either by the railway’s trusty diesel locomotives.
The train normally operates every weekend throughout the year, Bank Holidays and is open every day during most school holidays. 11.00am to 4.00pm. It costs £1 per ride and you can find out further information by calling the Visitors Centre on 01942 828280.
Picnic areas at Haigh Woodland Park
This is one of the best parks we have been to for visible, designated picnic areas. All situated in easy to find locations near play areas. There are also lots of benches and grassy areas throughout the park if you’d prefer to take a picnic blanket.
Food and drink options at Haigh Woodland Park
There are lots of food and drink options within Haigh Woodland Park. On approach to the play zone there is a food court set in a lovely, cobbled courtyard which has a selection of cafes and restaurants serving everything from tea, coffees, sandwiches, pizzas, cakes and lots more! There’s also a lovely farm shop selling local produce and a delicious chocolate shop – we kept the children away from going in there!
Dotted around the park we also spotted several ice cream vans selling ice creams and drinks. You certainly don’t need to worry about going hungry on your visit as there are plenty of options.
Toilet facilities are good and clean
Toilets are situated next to the Visitors Centre and next to the Kitchen Courtyard. Both toilets had Covid marshals allowing one family in at a time. Be prepared to queue during busy times!
Getting to Haigh Woodland Park
Haigh Woodland Park is within easy reach of both the M6 (Junction 27) and the M61 (Junction 6). From Stockport it took us about 40 minutes’ drive and was very easy to find. It’s well sign posted off the motorway junction.
Parking costs £3 for the day.
