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Trains & Railways

Haigh Model Railway

📍 Wigan, North West

★4.3(6 Google reviews)💰FreeđŸ‘ļAll ages

Wigan & District Model Engineering Society's 530-metre miniature railway in Haigh Woodland Park. Running since 1949 with rideable live steam locomotives on select days. Free park entry, small charge for rides.

✓ Live steam trains✓ Volunteer run✓ Scenic woodland✓ Check before visiting✓ Train enthusiasts✓ Free park entry
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★★★★★Featured review by penny sung

Haigh Hall Miniature Railway (HHMR) is a 15 in (381 mm) gauge miniature railway, situated in the grounds of Haigh Country Park in Haigh, Greater Manchester, England. The railway officially re-opened on 20 April 2014, but it had run trains under a new operator since late July 2013, running shuttle services between two stations; Haigh Hall North and Haigh Hall South. The full 1 mile (1.6 km) circuit was re-opened in early 2014. The railway first opened in 1986 under different operators; it runs over the same general track layout, but some alterations have been made over time. HHMR's two resident locomotives are Helen and Rachel, they have been a part of the railway for some time. The Railway recently took delivery of two new locomotives from the Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway; The Cub (otherwise known as John) and KD-1. KD-1 is a long term restoration project, but The Cub is on loan to Haigh Hall for a general overhaul and running in. KD-1 was previously known as the Rapido Railcar. It is under a fast-track overhaul to a fully operational locomotive. It was once part of a four-car unit, the three other carriages are beyond repair, so they are being stripped of parts in order to make KD-1 serviceable as a locomotive. What is left of the other vehicles will be used as flat wagons for the railway's permanent-way train. The railway runs passenger services 11am - 4 pm Saturdays, Sundays, Bank Holidays and school holidays. Tickets cost ÂŖ1 for all ages and free for under 2 year olds.

🏆 Family Action Verdict

Best for families with train-enthusiast children aged 3 and up who will genuinely appreciate live steam engines. The volunteer crew are friendly and knowledgeable. The 25-minute walk from parking is manageable for school-age children and a real consideration with toddlers in tow.

â„šī¸ What to Know Before You Go

💡Check the railway's website or social media on the day before making the walk from the car park
⏰The surfaced main drive from Haigh Hall is the recommended pram and wheelchair route
đŸŽŸī¸Rides cost a small amount — bring cash as volunteers may not take card
🚗Pair with the wider Haigh Country Park trails and woodland for a longer family day

đŸ’Ŧ What Families Are Saying

View all reviews →
4.3
★★★★★

6 Google reviews

Friendly staff and great experience60%
Children love the trains25%
Unreliable opening notices15%
P

penny sung

4 years ago

★★★★★

“Haigh Hall Miniature Railway (HHMR) is a 15 in (381 mm) gauge miniature railway, situated in the grounds of Haigh Country Park in Haigh, Greater Manchester, England. The railway officially re-opened on 20 April 2014, but it had run trains under a new operator since late July 2013, running shuttle services between two stations; Haigh Hall North and Haigh Hall South. The full 1 mile (1.6 km) circuit was re-opened in early 2014. The railway first opened in 1986 under different operators; it runs over the same general track layout, but some alterations have been made over time. HHMR's two resident locomotives are Helen and Rachel, they have been a part of the railway for some time. The Railway recently took delivery of two new locomotives from the Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway; The Cub (otherwise known as John) and KD-1. KD-1 is a long term restoration project, but The Cub is on loan to Haigh Hall for a general overhaul and running in. KD-1 was previously known as the Rapido Railcar. It is under a fast-track overhaul to a fully operational locomotive. It was once part of a four-car unit, the three other carriages are beyond repair, so they are being stripped of parts in order to make KD-1 serviceable as a locomotive. What is left of the other vehicles will be used as flat wagons for the railway's permanent-way train. The railway runs passenger services 11am - 4 pm Saturdays, Sundays, Bank Holidays and school holidays. Tickets cost ÂŖ1 for all ages and free for under 2 year olds.”

K

Kitkat S

a year ago

★★★★★

“Nice little steam engines, kids loved it and the staff are very friendly. Thankyou 😀🚂”

E

Eoj Repooc

a year ago

★★★★★

“Grate little experience”

R

Raymond Cheung

a year ago

★★★★★

“Nice people”

Reviews from Google

Overview

The miniature railway at Haigh Woodland Park has run since 1949 and features 3.5-inch and 5-inch gauge live steam locomotives on a 530-metre circuit. The railway operates on Wednesdays, Sundays, bank holidays, and school holidays, run by volunteers. The walk from Haigh Hall car park to the railway takes around 25 minutes — longer with a pushchair. Families combining the railway with the wider Haigh Country Park get good value from the trip.

🕐 Opening Hours

Monday11:00 – 16:00

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