A VISITOR attraction has seen a 12 per cent rise in visitors as it continues to grow in popularity.
The Haigh estate welcomed more than 275,000 visitors between April and July 2026, marking a 12 per cent increase compared to the same period last year.
The surge follows recent improvements to the estate, including the restoration of the Plantation Gates and Lodges, which reopened to the public in July.
Chris Ready, councillor and cabinet portfolio holder for communities at Wigan Council, said: "The progress we've seen across the estate over the last year has been remarkable.
"More and more people are discovering and exploring this jewel in the crown of our borough and the businesses here on site are benefitting too.
"With the Food Festival weekend, the opening of Plantation Gates and the Lodges and of course the return of the land train, this has been a great year at Haigh and it's only set to get better."
The restored Plantation Gates and Lodges, now allowing visitors to see inside the Lodges for the first time, welcomed more than 1,900 visitors in July and August.
The renovation project was funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Visitors have praised the immersive experience in the North Lodge, with one describing it as "very informative and creative" and another saying they were "blown away by what has been achieved."
The Grade II* listed lodges have undergone extensive repairs, including new Burlington Blue slate roofs, restored chimneys, and new sash windows.
The Plantation Gates Lodges are open to the public on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 10am to 2pm, including during school holidays.
Upcoming events at the Haigh Woodland Park include Foodie Friday nights, the free weekly 5K Parkrun, artisan markets, and nature walks exploring the species of fungi on the estate.
Turning to October, visitors can go pumpkin picking on Saturday, October 24 and Thursday, October 29, or take part in a thrilling zombie run on Monday, October 26.
Celebrate Oktoberfest, in partnership with Haigh Foodie Fridays, on October 30 and attend a family-friendly Monster Mash on Halloween itself, Saturday, October 31.
For more information, visit www.haighwoodlandpark.co.uk.
Share