Mesnes Park

Mesnes Park in Wigan opened in 1878 and was the town’s first municipal park. In recent years the 28 acre park been extensively restored, thanks to a multi-million pound grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Video tour of Mesnes Park

We parked our car on Mesnes Park Terrace at the southern end of the park, close to Wigan town centre. It was a Sunday so parking was free (pay-and-display Monday to Saturday).

Statue of Sir Francis Sharp Powell (conservative politician) at Mesnes Park in Wigan, Greater Manchester.
Statue of Sir Francis Sharp Powell

Shortly after entering the park we came the Powell Monument, erected in 1910 to honour Conservative politician Sir Francis Sharp Powell. Since the end of the Second Word War, residents of the town have rubbed the foot of the statue to bring them luck. The tradition became so popular that a hole developed in the bronze.

Coalbrookdale Fountain at Mesnes Park in Wigan.
Coalbrookdale Fountain

Continuing along the main drive we came across a fantastic fountain. The Coalbrookdale Fountain was included in the original layout of the park but was removed in the 1920s. This replica was installed in 2013 as part of the restoration work.

Dalton Steps, Boer War Memorial and Pavilion at Mesnes Park in Wigan.
Dalton Steps, Boer War Memorial and Pavilion

From here it was just a short walk to the park’s octagonal Pavilion. The two-story listed building currently houses a café. My daughter desperately wanted an ice cream, but as I’d no cash and they didn’t take cards we decided to head for the playgrounds.

There are a handful of play areas at the park, all located on its western side. The first one we came across was an outdoor gym with about five pieces of equipment (leg press, skier, walker etc.). Close by there’s a toddlers’ play area plus a playground for older children.

Outdoor gym and bandstand, Mesnes Park, Wigan.
Outdoor gym and bandstand
Playground at Mesnes Park in Wigan.
Playground
Toddlers' play area at Mesnes Park in Wigan, Greater Manchester.
Toddlers’ play area

The Pulham Rock Feature and waterfall lies at the northern end of the lake. It was originally built by James Pulham & Son, landscape designers from Hertfordshire. However, by the start of the First World War had become overgrown. The recent restoration work has seen it restored to its former glory.

Pulham Rock Feature, Mesnes Park Wigan.
Pulham Rock Feature
Shelter and old man walking in Mesnes Park, Wigan.
Shelter

In conclusion, Mesnes Park is a decent park with something to offer for all ages. A few areas need working on, but overall the park and recent improvements are impressive.

The location of the park is excellent. Wigan town centre and its shops (Galleries Shopping Centre, Grand Arcade etc.) can be reached on foot in around five minutes. Public transport links (Wigan Bus Station, Wigan North Western Train Station, and Wigan Wallgate Train Station) are also nearby.

Cars parked on Mesnes Park Terrace in Wigan.
Parking – Mesnes Park Terrace

Nearby Attractions

Tourist attractions and things to do near Mesnes Park include:

  • AMF Bowling Wigan (0.6 miles) - Ten pin bowling centre in Wigan.
  • Wigan Pier (0.7 miles) - Area made famous by George Orwell. Currently being redeveloped as the Wigan Pier Quarter.

Nearby Shopping

Places to shop near Mesnes Park include:

  • Grand Arcade (0.4 miles) - Shopping centre in Wigan. Stores include Debenhams and Wilko.
  • Robin Park (0.9 miles) - Retail and leisure complex.

Nearby Restaurants

Restaurants and places to eat and drink near Mesnes Park include:

Nearby Hotels

Hotels near Mesnes Park include:

  • Mercure Wigan Oak Hotel (0.4 miles)

Nearby Transport Links

Transport links near Mesnes Park include:

Nearby Train Stations

Train stations near Mesnes Park include:

Map

Map showing location of Mesnes Park.

Map showing location of Mesnes Park

Details

Mesnes Park

Address and postcode
Mesnes Park Terrace
Wigan
Greater Manchester
United Kingdom
WN1 1TU

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