From the majestic manor house of Haigh Hall to the wonderful wildlife at Pennington Flash the borough of Wigan is very much green at heart.
Take for example the Plantations of Haigh Hall. Regarded as one of the great glories of the region, the Plantations were laid out in the 1860’s and typify the wealth of wondrous wildlife, fauna and flora to be discovered within the borough.
One third of all designated sites of natural importance within the county can be found in Wigan and the borough has no fewer than 22 parcels of ancient woodlands and seventeen managed parks.
The Douglas Valley is a particular favourite with visitors. Stretching from Crooke Village through the township of Gathurst and on to Appley Bridge and the village of Parbold, the valley provides a wealth of opportunities for walking or simply sitting at one of the canal side inns.
Throughout the year there are a programme of events and activities including leisurely walks, nature watches, children's events and family fun days for your enjoyment.
Alkrington Woods Nature Reserve
Once part of the Alkrington Hall estate, this area of mature woodland provides...
Moorside Grange Hotel & Spa
Spectacular views of the moors above Higher Disley are one of the attractions...
Haigh Hall and Country Park
Once the home of Earls and Lords, Haigh Hall is surrounded by 250 acres of park and woodland, with magnificent views across the Douglas Valley to the Welsh Hills.
The Leeds - Liverpool Canal
This is the longest canal in Britain. The Leeds and Liverpool Canal is 127 miles long and, via its connection with the Aire & Calder at Leeds, offers a coast-to-coast route across the north of England.
Pennington Flash
Pennington Flash Country Park is a 200 hectare country park located near Leigh.
Three Sisters Recreation Area
The Three Sisters Recreation Area offers a boating lake and pleasant nature trails which cater for walkers, cyclists and horse riders.
The Wigan Flashes
Wigan Flashes are a group of eight shallow wetlands, formed originally as a result of mining subsidence, which extends south from near Wigan’s town centre. Over time, the industrial landscape has evolved in to a mixture of open water, reedbed, mossland, willow carr and fenland.
