Haigh Woodland Park has become a regional hotspot for tourism since major investment was completed in 2016.
Almost half a million people have visited the 250 acre woodland park this year alone.
Following £3.6 million investment from Wigan Council, Haigh Woodland Park has become a real hub of activity offering something for everyone to enjoy all year round.
In 2016 the council entered into a lease of Haigh Hall with a hotel operator. Since the hall has been leased the council has been able to invest back into the park which has contributed to many improvements including the play area, high ropes, the redevelopment of the stables, new visitor centre and adventure golf.
These attractions have brought a new range of activity to Haigh and seen it become one of the most visited destinations in the Greater Manchester area.
National Play Day saw a record for the most visits in one day with 14,000 visiting on 1st August and Pumpkin Pickin’ – Spooky Saturday saw visitors venture to Haigh, not only from the Greater Manchester area but from miles around.
Haigh’s conservation Pigs played a big part in Haigh’s success again this year. Not only do their piglets continue to provide joy to all visitors, in May they joined volunteers in digging out invasive Balsam plants which, if left unattended, could do some serious damage to the plant life in the park.
There’s plenty going on for foodies too in Kitchen Courtyard, the first to open its doors at Haigh, Artisan bakery All You Kneed sits alongside, Two Left Feet Tap and Brewery, AM Flowers, Cook and Foragers, Luisco Chocolate, Holdens ice-cream and Courtyard Café as well as pop up monthly food markets.
It’s not just record visitors that Haigh can boast this year. The Woodland Park has also been awarded North West Borough in Bloom – Neighbourhood Park Award, Visit England – Visitor Attraction Quality Assurance Standard and a 2018 certificate of excellence by Trip Advisor.
Peter Burt, Managing Director of Inspiring healthy lifestyles said: “Haigh Woodland Park has welcomed near to half a million visitors this year with a record number of children, parents and carers enjoying the new attractions and beautiful surroundings. We look forward to seeing residents and those from further afield making the most of the great outdoors over the rest of 2018 and into the new year.”
Councillor Jim Moodie, cabinet member for leisure at Wigan Council, said: “It is wonderful to see after investment in the park, not only the residence of Wigan and Greater Manchester enjoying the great outdoors and beautiful sights of the park, but others traveling to Haigh from much further afield. Kitchen Courtyard has provided a wonderful space for small businesses to flourish in natural surroundings.”
