If you’re looking for a day out that’s both enjoyable and good for your health, why not explore one of Wigan’s many parks? With plenty of green space and plenty of things to see and do, these parks are ideal for older adults. Here are just a few of our favourites.
Amberswood Local Nature Reserve is open all year round and entry is free. For more information, visit the Wigan Council website.
Mining led directly to Amberswood and Low Hall, but today these places are teeming with wildlife and begging to be explored.
In the centre of Greenheart is a 160 hectare nature reserve called Amberswood. The region includes a Site of Biological Importance as well as a few tiny lakes, ponds, woods, and marshes. There are many varied ecosystems in the area to explore, including marshes, grasslands, wildflower meadows, and forests. Numerous birds, insects, and mammals can be found in this habitat mosaic.
Amberswood has more than 6 km of paths, including a piece of the outstanding Greenheart Jubilee Way. Making it simple to venture out, explore and do some outdoor workouts as well.
The reserve has a network of well-maintained paths that are perfect for gentle strolls or longer walks. There are also several benches dotted around, so you can take a break and enjoy the views.
Mesnes Park, a gem tucked away on the outskirts of Wigan. It has benefited from a £6.1 million Heritage Lottery-funded restoration programme that has returned it to its previous Victorian splendour.
The park has formal gardens, and is perfect for older adults who want to enjoy a day out. There are plenty of benches dotted around the park, so you can take a break and enjoy the scenery while having an ice cream from the parlour.
Mesnes Park is a great place to take a leisurely stroll or have a picnic with friends or family.
Mesnes Park has a beautifully refurbished café pavilion, brand new play area and restored bandstand where music events are hosted throughout the year.
Wigan Flashes Local Nature Reserve is a great place for older adults to enjoy a day out in nature. The reserve is home to a variety of wildlife, including ducks, geese, swans, and other waterfowl. Six bird hide screens are available at Wigan Flashes for enthusiasts.
Around the site, there are 10 km of routes that allow a variety of short to medium-length excursions where you may appreciate the serenity of the countryside. Additionally, there are ongoing events planned on-site, such as Health Walks.
You’ll find eight small wetlands known as “Flashes” that were created by mining subsidence. As part of a reclamation plan that started 40 years ago, native tree species were planted. The industrial environment has changed over time with careful preservation, generating a variety of lovely habitats, including open water, reedbeds, and moss land.
There is a car park available off Poolstock Lane.
Victoria Street (A571) divides the park into two halves. The road has two bowling alleys and a pavilion on one side. On the other side, a playing field with informal sports pitches, a hard standing events area, a play area for children ages 0 to 12, two tennis courts, and an extreme sports facility make up the majority of the park.
The neighbourhood’s informal recreation groups for activities like dog walking or simply relaxing on a park bench often use Alexandra Park. The park holds a number of activities all year round. Check the council website for more information.
With over 35 urban parks and formal gardens, Wigan contains plenty of public spaces for everyone to stretch their legs and enjoy the ambience. There’s plenty to see and enjoy in any outing, so be sure to bring your loved ones to these amazing parks to exercise and get them some much-needed fresh air.