Moss Bank Park

Moss Bank Park is one of the most popular public parks in Bolton with a wide range of attractions for families to enjoy.

Animal World is a small zoo that appeals mainly to young children. It features birds, goats, rabbits, guinea pigs, and other farm animals. The attraction was once free but in April 2011 a small charge was introduced. The butterfly house also closed around the same time.

The park also boasts a large children’s play area with swings, climbing frames, slides, and a sand pit. A miniature railway jointly operated by Bolton Council and Moss Bank Model Railway Society runs at weekends and holidays. A small fare is charged.

Moss Bank Park also boasts a small fairground with a rollercoaster, bouncy castle, trampolines, fun house, carousels, and crazy golf (fees apply). The park also hosts a number of popular annual events including a kite flying festival and Christmas fair.

Other facilities include free public tennis courts, a bowling green, 2 car parks, public toilets, and a small kiosk selling ice cream, hot dogs, burgers, and drinks. The large café was destroyed by fire in July 2009.

Attractions nearby include Smithills Hall, Smithills Open Farm, and Barrow Bridge.

Reviews / Comments / Additional Information

AWCA Project

Animal World update

Animal World, Moss Bank Park, BL1 6NQ Bolton, United Kingdom

The Animal World Conservation Action Project is being run by a group of local volunteers, in conjunction with Bolton Council, in response to the proposed closure of Animal World at Moss Bank Park. Our group formed in March, however we have just had the go ahead to start fundraising and building up a volunteer programme in order to start regenerating in Animal World itself.
However we can't carry out the necessary work there ...unless we can raise enough money and have volunteers who are able to help us.
We need all the help we can get and if you are able to spare any of your time, or help in any other way please email or phone us.
Our short term goal is to restore and maintain Animal World. So far, we have successfully collaborated with the council to retain the zoo license and ensure that the butterflies return for spring 2012.
In the longer term we are striving to create a 'not for profit' vibrant community hub; a unique conservation centre and exciting educational facility with a butterfly house that concentrates solely on British butterflies and moths. A one of a kind in the UK. Such a facility will engage our youngsters, teaching them to understand and treasure our wildlife and the important role it plays in their present and future. Giving them opportunity to experience the ecology and biology of these incredible animals.
Volunteer meetings are the first Monday of each month at the old butterfly house on Moss Bank Park at 8pm
Email
awcaproject@hotmail.co.uk
Phone
07845 869 248

amy wilson

I have been to this park many times on a weekend with my family and it is a very good place to go as it is free and there is loads to do. There is usually kids rides there too on a weekend or during the holidays which you will have to pay extra for. My 5 year old son loves the Animal World and Butterfly House and we go in there every time we visit the park. They also have a large grassed area for football and very good children's play area with swings and slide etc which keeps the kids entertained for a few hours.

Editor

I'm pretty sure that I read somewhere that the farmers' market has relocated to Bolton town centre.

FRANK T

It used to have a good farmers' market but not any more. Where has it gone?