Explore Haigh Woodland Park with free rides on the land train for one day only

The land train at Haigh Woodland Park is set to be officially opened - and people are being invited to ride it for free.

The attraction has already carried more than 5,000 visitors across the park since its return in July.

Now, for one day only, people are being given the chance to experience it for free on Friday.

Coun Chris Ready, Wigan Council’s cabinet portfolio holder for communities and neighbourhoods, said: “We’ve had such positive feedback from the land train so far, from residents who remember the original land train as well as the younger generations enjoying it for the first time.

“I was first on the train 50 years ago and it’s really close to my heart, so to see the reaction from the public has been tremendous.

“We hope the open day on Friday will encourage even more visitors on the train and to the park.”

The land train operates from the turning circle near the visitor centre to the Plantation Gates and back again.

Visitors can hop off at the Plantation Gates to visit the newly refurbished grade II*-listed buildings and immersive experience in the North Lodge.

All ages and well-behaved dogs are welcome on board.

Haigh Hall and the surrounding woodland park is undergoing a multi-million pound restoration programme, funded by Wigan Council, National Lottery Heritage Fund and Levelling Up Funding.

Work is progressing across the site at the Bothy Yard, which is being transformed into an outdoor event and volunteer space.

Planning permission was granted earlier this year for the hall to be transformed into gallery space, an education hub, flexible events space, café and restaurant, and a rooftop bar.

Exterior work was completed in summer 2025, with interior renovations and overall completion expected by 2028.

The free rides are available from 11am on Friday. Booking is required at HaighLandTrain.eventbrite.co.uk