Once the excitement of Christmas has died a death, mince pies have been scoffed, tipples drank, arguments had and you’ve been couped up for about a week, the idea of a Boxing Day walk is pretty enticing. We’re lucky to have so much gorgeous surrounding countryside here in greater Manchester to gasp a breath of fresh air and give our bodies a much-needed move around – but not too much exertion, it’s still Twixmas, after all.
Let’s be honest, when you hear ‘country house built in the 1800s for an earl‘, your first thought probably isn’t Wigan… but nestled amongst a huge expanse of woodland and countryside in the Greater Manchester town is Haigh Hall and Woodland Park, perfect for a crisp Boxing Day walk with the family, or friends, if you’re sick of relatives. There’s plenty to like about Haigh Hall and its surrounding woodland, and even during renovation times on the hall itself, the grounds are enough to get you springing out of bed on Boxing Day (even if it’s only at about 2pm) for a brisk, or very very casual, walk.
The great thing about Haigh Hall and Woodland is that it’s pretty flat. This doesn’t correlate to boring, because if you’re one of the spritely ones that’s after a challenge, the grounds expand over 250 acres, so you can really go to town on a cheeky run or heart-pumping walk. For those of us who’d prefer to keep heavy breathing to a minimum, with a winter warmer in hand, ease into the outside world with a stroll around the wonderful woodland, take the kids to the huge Adventure Play Zone located in easy proximity to the main path, and enjoy the surroundings.
Explore the Walled Gardens, read about the heritage and architecture of the impressive buildings that you’ll find around the area, and even spot some festive deer as they pop up a fair bit at quieter times! So, grab a cuppa, pop your woollies on and get out there with friends or family, and breath in that sweet sweet oxygen, that’ll probably actually freeze you from the inside, so maybe don’t do that…
In previous years, the car parks have opened on Boxing Day for free, with toilets open from 9am. Shops and cafes including Graze Cafe, Luisco Chocolate, Alexanders Coffee Shop, and Two Left Feet have also been open, serving Boxing Day food and drink – this has not been confirmed for 2024, so keep an eye on the Haigh Woodland Park Facebook page.
You can find several walking routes here, which vary in length, difficulty and accessibility depending on your needs.
📍 Haigh Woodland Park, Wigan, WN2 1PE.