Spanning a large area on the outskirts of Leyland in Lancashire, Worden Park beckons with verdant fields, stunning gardens, and the peaceful hum of nature. Its beautiful parklands and wealth of attractions for all ages make it an invaluable hub for community engagement, social activity, and relaxation.
The park has been recognised multiple times with the Green Flag Award for its exceptional contribution to enhancing the quality of life in the community and its commitment to maintaining high environmental standards.
Features such as a playground, playing fields, cafe, and miniature trains offer a range of recreational activities for visitors of all ages.
Worden Hall
Worden Park was once the grounds of the grand Worden Hall, the ancestral home of the Farington family.
Henry Farington purchased the site in 1534. The first hall here was called Shaw Hall.
In 1837, James Nowell Farington inherited Shaw Hall and decided to enhance the house and estate. The architect Anthony Salvin led a major five-year rebuild and remodelling. The house was renamed Worden Hall. Areas that weren’t rebuilt included the Derby Wing, built in the early 18th century. Around the same time, landscape architect William Nesfield laid out the formal gardens and maze.
In 1941, a fire damaged much of the newer parts of the hall. Only the Derby Wing and outbuildings survived.
Following the disaster, the local council purchased the estate, and the damaged parts of the hall were demolished. It opened as a public park in 1951 for the Festival of Britain celebrations.
In September 2022, after undergoing a transformative £2.8 million refurbishment and new extension, Worden Hall reopened its doors to the public, offering a wealth of new amenities and services.
Worden Hall is now a venue for weddings and events, offering beautifully designed spaces that blend historical charm with modern conveniences. The building also features a cafe, The Folly, making it a comprehensive hub for community activity.
Park Features and Attractions
Visitors can enjoy a range of exciting attractions, including an adventure playground, maze, walled garden, arts centre, and miniature railway.
Football pitches and open fields occupy the centre of the park. These fields and the woods at the park’s southern end are very popular with dog walkers.
Worden Park Maze
One of the park’s most distinctive features is its historic hedge maze. Planted with hornbeam, it is believed to date back to the mid-nineteenth century.
The maze offers free admission, a rarity among such attractions. Both adults and children find great pleasure in trying to locate the labyrinth’s centre. However, the real challenge often lies in finding the way back out!
The maze can be found just west of Worden Hall.
Walled Garden
The Walled Garden lies next to the maze and is another fabulous attraction. It was built in the late eighteenth century as a kitchen garden for the Farington family.
In 2012 the Brothers of Charity Services, a support organisation for people with learning difficulties, began to transform the Walled Garden into an attraction for all to enjoy. Today it is planted with fruit and vegetables and offers opportunities for the community to learn about horticulture. All of the produce grown here can be purchased.
The potting sheds house a collection of animals such as tortoises, rabbits, guinea pigs, and chipmunks, making it a fantastic location for family visits.
Worden Park Miniature Railway
The Worden Park Miniature Railway, operated by the Leyland Society of Model Engineers (LSME), is one of the park’s biggest attractions. The railway features two tracks; one raised and one at ground level. It is a charming attraction for railway enthusiasts and families alike.
Trains generally run on Sundays and bank holidays. While the rides are free, donations are welcome to help with the running costs.
You can find more information about the railway on LSME’s Facebook page. Announcements regarding running times are usually published here.
Playground
The playground is an adventure haven for children. It features a variety of equipment to suit children of all ages, including giant slides, rope bridges, and climbing frames. It’s the perfect place for kids to burn off energy while enjoying the beautiful surroundings.
The play area is enclosed for safety and near the North Lodge entrance.
Worden Arts and Crafts Centre
Worden Arts and Crafts Centre is home to a small community of local craftspeople and artists.
Dogs
Worden Park is a beautiful destination for humans and a paradise for four-legged friends. This dog-friendly park welcomes dogs of all shapes and sizes, making it the ideal spot for dog walkers and outdoor enthusiasts.
With acres of open fields and woodland trails to explore, your furry companion will have plenty of space to stretch their legs and enjoy some off-leash freedom.
The park offers amenities such as bins for disposing of dog litter. The main car park even offers a dog washing area.
Cafe
The Folly is a coffee house and cafe within Worden Hall. After exploring the park, it is a haven for visitors seeking a refreshing cup of coffee, a hearty meal, or a sweet treat.
The Folly has garnered a reputation for excellence. It receives consistently positive customer reviews, praising the quality of food and drink, the friendly service, and its dog-friendly policies.
Whether you settle down inside or dine al fresco in the outdoor seating area, you will surely enjoy a relaxed and enjoyable dining experience.
The Folly’s diverse menu caters to various tastes and dietary needs. Early birds can start their day with a fulfilling breakfast. Lunchtime diners will find a selection of sandwiches, salads, and specials. Vegetarians are well-catered for, and the mouthwatering array of cakes and desserts make The Folly a hit with those with a sweet tooth.
Beverage options are equally varied, with a range of coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and soft drinks.
The Folly is open every day of the week.
Opening Times
The park’s opening hours are generally aligned with daylight hours. The park closes earlier in the winter months when the days are shorter.
As the days lengthen in spring and summer, the park extends its opening hours, often staying open until as late as 10 pm.
Precise opening hours for each day are posted on the noticeboard at the car park.
Sunrise and sunset times in Chorley for today and throughout the year can be found here.
Location of Worden Park – Getting There & Car Park
Worden Park lies south of Leyland town centre and is accessible by car and public transport.
By Car
Worden Park is situated on Worden Lane. It is easily reached from Junction 28 of the M6 motorway. Owners of satellite navigation systems can use the postcode PR25 1DJ to find it.
The main car park is situated close to the junction with Langdale Road and Runshaw College. Parking is free but limited to two hours on weekdays (excluding bank holidays).
The car park closes around dusk, with the exact time posted on the car park noticeboard.
By Train
For those relying on public transport, the nearest train station to Worden Park is Leyland Station. The station is around one mile from the park’s North Lodge entrance. It’s a pleasant walk through the town centre. Alternatively, you can take a local bus or taxi.
By Bus
The 111 bus, from Preston Bus Station to Leyland, stops on Fox Lane, just north of the park. Stops on the route include Leyland Train Station, offering a seamless connection for those arriving by train.
Other Attractions near Leyland
Worden Park is just one of several attractions in and around Leyland. For those interested in exploring more of the area, nearby attractions include the British Commercial Vehicle Museum, Cuerden Valley Park, the Preston England Temple, Astley Hall and Park, and Bygone Times.
The British Commercial Vehicle Museum in Leyland is a must-visit attraction for anyone interested in transportation history. The museum has an extensive collection of vintage trucks, buses, and other vehicles that have been meticulously restored.
Cuerden Valley Park is your perfect destination for an immersive natural experience. This expansive park boasts more than ten miles of paths. It is a haven for wildlife and offers a varied landscape, from woodlands and meadows to tranquil river settings. With a fantastic play area, it’s an excellent place for a family day out.
The Preston England Temple is an impressive architectural sight. Situated in Chorley, the temple itself is only open to church members. Only the grounds and gardens are open to the public. These tranquil gardens, with their vibrant flowers and serene water features, provide an ideal setting for peaceful contemplation.
Astley Hall and Park in Chorley offers a unique blend of history, art, and nature. The historic house, dating back to Elizabethan times, has been transformed into a museum and art gallery, housing a remarkable collection of historical artefacts and works of art. Visitors can tour the intricately decorated rooms and explore exhibits that tell the story of the families who lived there. The surrounding parkland provides ample space for leisurely walks. The park also has an excellent playground.
Bygone Times, a massive antiques and collectables centre in Eccleston, is an intriguing place to explore. The centre sells a vast array of items ranging from antique furniture to retro clothing and memorabilia. Whether you’re an avid collector or just looking for a unique souvenir, Bygone Times is a treasure trove waiting to be explored.
