Beacon Country Park

Beacon Country Park

Having previously visited when F was a toddler and made it no further than the play area next to the car park, I was keen to finally see the Gruffalo sculpture I'd heard several people talk about. So post lockdown, once the toilets had reopened, some fresh air and a walk in the woods with a couple of F's school friends sounded very appealing.

Owned and run by West Lancashire Borough Council, Beacon Country Park is their 'flagship site'. It covers over 300 acres, in Upholland, between Wigan and Skelmersdale.

There are three reasonable sized car parks, accessed from Beacon Lane/Mill Lane. Toilets are available at the golf centre car park, which is also the car park closest to the play area.

There is an enclosed pirate themed play area for younger children next to the golf club, and then two further play areas on the field behind the car park, one with classic playground equipment for younger children and one that is suitable for more adventurous older children.

Further away from the car park, there are wide open spaces in which to burn off energy running around, and forest areas where you can build dens, spot sculptures (including the renowned Gruffalo), and generally explore to your hearts content.

Picnic benches are scattered around the site, but we chose to take picnic blankets so we could all sit together, socially distanced of course, and found a spot with a lovely view over the surrounding countryside.

At present, there is a mini beast trail around one half of the site. Trail maps are available to print off online or pick up from the visitor centre. They're free but you'll need to take your own pencil. It's also worth noting that although many of the paths around the park are pram friendly (if a bit bumpy in places), the mini beast trail as a whole is not suitable for prams, notably the second half, so I'd recommend a baby carrier instead.

We spent around four hours there today, doing the trail, having a picnic and playing on the smaller play areas before the younger children in our party were absolutely shattered, having walked roughly two miles, not to mention running around the play area. With plenty more of the park still to explore we'll definitely be back.


https://www.westlancs.gov.uk/leisure-recreation/parks-and-countryside/parks-and-countryside-sites/beacon-country-park-up-holland.aspx



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