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10 Scenic Places to Discover in and Around Warrington this Autumn

10 Scenic Places to Discover in and Around Warrington this Autumn

Nestled between Manchester and Liverpool in the heart of northern Cheshire you'll find Warrington. It's a bustling town known for its busy high street, great restaurants and a vibrant cultural scene. But you may be less familiar with some of the Warrington area's wonderful green spaces. We've compiled this list of scenic places in and around Warrington for you to explore this autumn.

Lymm Dam

Lymm Dam is situated on the edge of the beautiful village of Lymm, not far from Warrington.  It was made in the 1800s by Lord Lever and it consists of an upper dam surrounded by countryside and a lower dam in the picturesque village of Lymm.

This beauty spot is the perfect place to visit for a nice leisurely walk around the picturesque lake.  It’s ideal for dog walking and nature spotting and a great place to visit in the autumn when the trees turn into sumptuous autumnal colours.

Perfect for families with properly laid pathways, and the walk can be extended to include the canal and disused railway.  It’s also a short walk into the village for that all important beverage or bite to eat after your stroll.

There is plenty of free parking available and picnic benches if you’re wanting to take your own food.

Lymm Dam, Hollybank House Lymm Road, Warrington, WA13 0UG

Woolston Park

A 54-acre designer park, just off Hillock Lane, Woolston, the park has received awards for its layout. Of recent, the original linear design, created along the banks of Spital Brook, has given way to include 3 modern and safe play areas, a larger pond that has attracted more wildlife and new boardwalks to the pond, built to facilitate wheelchair use.

The park is a breath of fresh air for its regular dog-walkers, picnickers, joggers, cyclists and playing children. The open meadow, wetlands, grasslands, woodland walks and hidden gardens are definitely worth a visit and if the weather is dry why not take a picnic.

Woolston Park, Somerset Way, Warrington, WA1 4LN

Walton Hall & Gardens

Walton Hall and Gardens estate has a very rich cultural heritage and history. Warrington Borough Council bought Walton Hall and Gardens in 1941 during World War II, opening the hall to officers and troops.

It’s the former home of Lord and Lady Daresbury and is set within acres of tranquil and idyllic parkland which can be enjoyed all year round.  This Autumn enjoy taking a walk in the woodland and experience the beautiful colours of the trees with hues of red, orange and gold.

Other facilities include a Children’s zoo, playground, adventure golf, pitch ‘n’ putt and Heritage Café.

Walton Hall Gardens Walton Lea Road, Higher Walton, WA4 6SN

Grappenhall Heys Walled Garden

A wonderful hidden gem near Warrington where you can enjoy a nice walk around this walled garden and woodland.  It’s extremely peaceful, well maintained and consists of a fully working kitchen garden and an ornamental pleasure garden with 3 ponds. It’s perfect to walk around with your furry friends and also has a café serving local produce and a great selection of homemade cakes. (Dogs are allowed outside).

Grappenhall Heys Walled Garden, Witherwin Avenue, Grappenhall, Warrington, WA4 3DS

Sankey Valley Park

Sankey Valley Park is a public park and covers over 1½ miles between Sankey Bridges in the south and Callands in the north. The valley follows the course of Sankey Brook and the now disused Sankey Canal. The park is enjoyed by walkers, cyclists and anglers and the central section of the park is family orientated with children's play features, a maze and lawned areas. Bewsey Old Hall sits on the edge of the central section of the park. The Trans Pennine Trail passes around 500 yards (460 m) from the southern tip of the park.

You will find lots of wildlife, fauna and nocturnal inhabitants including foxes, owls, mice, hedgehogs and bats. More rarely seen species such as stoats and weasels, treecreepers, kingfishers, water voles and reed bunting have all been spotted in the park.

It’s a lovely place for a family walk and you can take a stroll along the canal bank or have a longer walk and include the wooded area.  It’s a great place for dog walkers!
Sankey Valley Park, Hayscastle Cl, Warrington, WA5 9UR

Culcheth Linear Park

The Linear Park was created from the disused cutting that once carried the Lowton - Manchester branch line of the local railway network.  It’s a lovely place to visit with lots of interesting trees and wild flowers.  The wide, flat area of what was the station yard is now a popular picnic area and favourite haunt of the village's dog walkers with woodland walks.

There are several side-paths feeding off to other parts of the village and plenty of benches carved from felled trees dotted along the length of the park, ranging from small two or three seaters up to large 'works of art' size wood sculptures.

Culcheth Linear Park, Wigshaw Lane, Warrington, WA3 4AB

Paddington Meadows

One of the few remaining waterside meadows in Warrington, Paddington Meadows also contains some of the oldest examples of hawthorn hedge boundaries in Cheshire.  Explore 30 hectares of meadow grassland and enjoy the beautiful variety of wildlife, from birds such as Lapwings, Skylark, Kestrel, Sparrow Hawk, and Goldeneye Ducks to mammals such as badger, Fox and even the occasional Seal has been spotted in the River Mersey. Enjoy the quiet walks around the footpaths throughout the site, ideal for dog walking and families, perhaps stop for a picnic on one of the historic grassland meadows.

Paddington Meadows, Paddington Bank, Kingsway North, WA1 3NE (Also accessible via Larkfield Avenue)

Appleton Dingle

Appleton Dingle is one of the few remaining areas of ancient semi-natural woodland. It is a fantastic place to have a leisurely walk any time of the year to see the wild flowers, woodpeckers, nuthatches, warblers and other types of birds. Other water and woodland wildlife can be seen in the area, including moths, butterflies, foxes and four types of bat depending on the time of year.  Don’t forget your wellies as it can be quite muddy in the autumn and winter months.

The Dingle, Warrington, WA4 3HL

Risley Moss Local Nature Reserve

A site of special scientific interest and a designated local nature reserve with a Green Flag Award.

The area has large areas of mature woodland to explore, comprising mainly of oak, ash and hazel. Fungi and many species of wildflower, including red campion and foxglove are abundant along the trail edge as well as in meadow areas that act as a haven for butterflies, bees and other insects.

As many as 60 species of breeding birds and 50 visiting species can be observed on the moss in a good year, from the Mossland Hide, the Woodland Hide or the Observation.

On the ground, adders, slow worms and lizards hunt for prey whilst at the decked observation ponds newts, frogs, toads and dragonflies can be spotted.

Dotted close to the footpaths, around the reserve are many wooden sculptures created by artists and local people. The main path up from the car park to the visitor centre is quite steep, but there is a gentler access route from near the main gates. 

Risley Moss Local Nature Reserve, Birchwood, Warrington, WA3 6QS

Rixton Clay Pits Local Nature Reserve

Once a brick quarry, this is now a special area for conservation mostly because Great Crested newts breed here.  The area has lovely woodland and meadow walks and is a Site of Special Scientific Interest because of the rich mix of wild plants.  It covers around 80 acres and is a wildlife haven with well maintained paths which take you to ponds, quiet corners, bridges and board walks enabling visitors to have access to the reserve.  Look out for viewing platforms and information boards throughout the conservation area pointing out the wildlife and plants you may see on your visit.  Walks start from the Visitor Centre where you can also pick up leaflets about the reserve.  The trailed walks are signposted and it’s perfect for a refreshing autumnal family walk.

Rixton Claypits, Warrington. WA3 6EB

Product Information

  1. Lymm Dam Nature Reserve

    Lymm

    Lymm Dam is an area of great beauty and tranquillity. Its woodlands and meadows are teeming with wildlife

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    Lymm Dam. Photo Credit: Matt Harrop
    Lymm Dam Nature Reserve
    Lymm Dam. Photo Credit: Matt Harrop
    Lymm Dam Nature Reserve

    Lymm Dam is an area of great beauty and tranquillity. Its woodlands and meadows are teeming with wildlife and the site's history gives it a unique character.

    Whether you enjoy horse riding, angling, bird watching, walking or just relaxing in beautiful surroundings, Lymm Dam makes a great place for a day out.

    Contact Details:

    Lymm, Cheshire, WA13 9NJ

    Tel:

    01925 758195

    Website

    Web Site

  2. Woolston Park

    Warrington

    Covering 56 acres, it was created from neglected farmland to provide a valuable refuge for people and wildlife amongst the rapidly expanding local community.

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    Photo Credit: Jon Davies
    Woolston Park
    woolston park
    woolston park
    Photo Credit: Jon Davies
    Woolston Park
    woolston park
    woolston park

    There’s plenty to do at Woolston Park whether it’s discovering wildlife, using the sports facilities and play areas or making it a base to explore the wider countryside.

    Woolston Park covers 56 acres and was officially opened in 1977. It was created from neglected farmland to provide a valuable refuge for people and wildlife amongst the rapidly expanding local community.

    Spittle Brook forms the backbone of the park; its steep banks are the result of engineering works carried out to reduce the threat of flooding to local housing.

    Thousands of tonnes of soil were bulldozed and shaped to create the park. The wildfowl pond was excavated and trees planted to form the woodlands we see today. Stands of willow provide a link with the area's agricultural past, when vegetables were grown on the peaty soils of Woolston Moss. Farmers carried their produce to market in wicker baskets made from willow grown on the wetter parts of the farm, with many areas along Spittle Brook being used as willow beds.

    A range of leaflets, displays and information about the park is available from the Ranger Centre. Toilet facilities are also located here.

    Contact Details:

    off Somerset Way, Woolston, Warrington, Cheshire, WA1 4LN

    Tel:

    0161 777 9726

    Website

    Web Site

  3. Walton Hall & Gardens

    Warrington

    Set within acres of tranquil and idyllic parkland is Walton Hall and Gardens – the former home of Lord and Lady Daresbury.

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    Walton Hall & Gardens, Warrington
    Conservatories restoration at Walton Hall & Gardens
    Conservatories at Walton Hall & Gardens
    Walton Hall & Gardens
    Walton Hall & Gardens
    Walton Hall & Gardens, Warrington
    Conservatories restoration at Walton Hall & Gardens
    Conservatories at Walton Hall & Gardens
    Walton Hall & Gardens
    Walton Hall & Gardens

    Set within acres of tranquil and idyllic parkland is Walton Hall and Gardens – the former home of Lord and Lady Daresbury. Lovingly restored and refurbished, the Elizabethan hall boasts unique antique furniture, Victorian paintings and high gilded ceilings.

    There’s also the restored glasshouses which are filled with botanical displays and the Children's Zoo, which is free to enter and home to a range of wildlife.

    Whether you’re visiting the zoo, taking a resident alpaca for a walk, exploring the beautifully maintained gardens, playing a round of adventure golf or a full 18 holes at Walton Hall Golf Course, or tackling the high ropes course, there really is something for the whole family to enjoy.

    After a day of excitement, you can relax with a coffee in the Heritage Café, which offers a range of fresh, delicious and locally sourced food and deli products. It’s the perfect place to unwind – and dogs are welcome too! 

    Walton is home to the annual Disability Awareness Day – the world's largest 'not for profit', voluntary-led disability exhibition. It’s held every year in a huge, tented village within the grounds and attracts over 22,000 visits with over 200 exhibitors.

    Walton Hall and Gardens is also one of Cheshire’s premier destinations and a picture-perfect setting for weddings – it’s the perfect place to say ‘I do’. Whether you choose a small intimate gathering or want to throw a huge party no one will forget, the team will adapt to your requirements and help you to make those very special memories.

    Set within acres of tranquil and idyllic parkland, Walton Hall and Gardens is Warrington’s jewel in the crown. Whether you’re visiting the children’s zoo and taking a resident alpaca for a walk, exploring the beautifully maintained gardens, playing a round of adventure golf or relaxing with a coffee in the Heritage Café, It’s the ideal family destination with something for everyone. And, with the estate’s beautifully restored conservatories shining once more, you can enjoy a fascinating insight into Warrington’s heritage.

    Dogs are welcome too! Located in the heritage courtyard within the beautiful grounds of Walton Hall and Gardens, we're a welcoming, family and dog friendly café offering a range of fresh, delicious and locally sourced food and deli products.

    Contact Details:

    Walton Lea Road, Higher Walton, Warrington, Cheshire, WA4 6SN

    Tel:

    01925 262908

    Website

    Web Site

  4. Grappenhall Heys Walled Garden

    Warrington

    Grappenhall Heys Walled Garden was built in the 1830s by Thomas Parr. It comprises of a kitchen garden, pleasure ground and renovated Victorian glasshouses.

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    Grappenhall Heys Walled Garden founded by Thomas Parr
    Glasshouses at Grappenhall Heys Walled Garden
    Glasshouse Fountain Room at Grappenhall Heys Walled Garden
    Pleasure Garden at Grappenhall Heys Walled Garden
    Grappenhall Heys Walled Garden founded by Thomas Parr
    Glasshouses at Grappenhall Heys Walled Garden
    Glasshouse Fountain Room at Grappenhall Heys Walled Garden
    Pleasure Garden at Grappenhall Heys Walled Garden

    Please note the Walled Garden will be open to visitors as follows:

    Tuesday-Friday - 1-4pm

    Saturday-Sunday - 10-4pm

    Mondays - Closed

    Grappenhall Heys Estate in South Warrington was founded by Thomas Parr. By 1830, he had purchased land over a number of years and constructed a new house with a formal pleasure garden, parkland and a walled garden. The kitchen garden produced fruit, vegetables and exotic flowers throughout the year, assisted by a range of glasshouses built along the sunniest elevation. The ornamental pleasure garden includes herbaceous borders, three ponds and attracts local wildlife. In its heyday, this part of the gardens was used by the Parr family for recreational purposes. The Parr family resided at Grappenhall for three generations until they relocated to Herefordshire. Sadly, the family home decayed and in the 1970s was demolished with parts of the estate sold off for development. Despite a turbulent period with decades of neglection, the walled garden survived and has undergone a period of renovation assisted by various groups including English partnership, Warrington Organic and  Wildlife Gardening Society, the Friends of Grappenhall Heys Walled Garden, Grappenhall and Thelwall parish council and numerous volunteers. Today, the secret garden is back to its former glory and in 2014, work to reinstate the decaying glass houses was completed with finance gained from the Heritage Lottery Fund. The gardens and the glasshouses are now used as a community resource serving as a venue for family events, exhibitions and education.

    The Fountain Room Cafe is open from 10am-5pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Enjoy a range of paninis, sandwiches, homemade cakes, ice cream and more!  The venue includes: - Refurbished Victorian Glasshouses - Walled Kitchen Garden - Pleasure Garden - Historical Interpretation boards on site - Events programme - School programmes - Seasonal Fruit & Vegetable Sales - Refreshments (Sundays only or by prior arrangement) - Toilets - Baby changing facilities - Local wildlife

    Contact Details:

    Witherwin Avenue, Grappenhall Heys, Warrington, Cheshire, WA4 3DS

    Tel:

    01925 213638

    Website

    Web Site

  5. Sankey Valley Park

    Warrington

    This extensive, lush green corridor of woodlands, grasslands and water features is of immense value both for wildlife and recreation.

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    The historic 15 mile Sankey Valley follows the course of England's oldest canal, linking St. Helens with Warrington through to Widnes by footpath and cycleway.

    Today this extensive, lush green corridor of woodlands, grasslands and water features is of immense value both for wildlife and recreation. Walkers and cyclists can follow the Trans Pennine Trail or explore the footpath network.

    The central section of the park is family orientated with children's play features, a maze and lawned areas. Whether you enjoy walking, birdwatching, angling, cycling or just want to relax in beautiful surroundings the park has something to offer.

    Contact Details:

    Bewsey Farm Close, Bewsey Old Hall, Warrington, Cheshire, WA5 9PB

    Tel:

    01925 571836
  6. Culcheth Linear Country Park

    Warrington

    Enjoy miles of public footpaths and routes.

    Add Culcheth Linear Country Park to your Itinerary

    Culcheth Linear Country Park. Photo Credit: Richard Cooke
    SORRY NO IMAGE AVAILABLE
    Culcheth Linear Country Park. Photo Credit: Richard Cooke
    SORRY NO IMAGE AVAILABLE

    There are many miles of public footpaths throughout the Culcheth and Croft countryside. The park is linked to six major public footpath routes. If you would like to find out more about the country footpaths in the area why not join one of the guided walks - pick up a self guided walks leaflet from the Ranger Cabin, or speak to the Ranger who is always happy to help.

    Contact Details:

    Wigshaw Lane, Culcheth, Warrington, Cheshire, WA3 4AB

    Tel:

    01925 765064
  7. The Dingle

    Warrington

    The Dingle. Photo Credit: Ian Greig

    Contact Details:

    Lumb Brook Road, Appleton, Warrington, Cheshire, WA4 3HL
  8. Risley Moss Nature Trail

    Warrington

    Whatever the time of year there is always something different to see and do at Risley Moss.

    Add Risley Moss Nature Trail to your Itinerary

    Whatever the time of year there is always something different to see and do at Risley Moss.

    Explore the Reserve on pathways suitable for prams and wheelchairs, winding through woodland and meadows. Sit and enjoy the sights and sounds of nature or join in a Ranger led event.

    Climb the Observation Tower for a panoramic view of the mosslands at tree top height, or spend a few minutes watching wildlife from the Woodland Hide – in winter you may see twenty or more different bird species.

    Stop for a moment to watch butterflies and insects feeding in the meadows; or look into the underwater world of the ponds.

    A huge wooden newt, carved beech pillars and grass covered Mother earth are just some of the inspiring natural sculptures created by artists and local people – you’ll find them dotted around the Reserve close to the main paths.

    Contact Details:

    Ordnance Avenue, Birchwood, Warrington, Cheshire, WA3 6QX

    Tel:

    01925 824339

    Website

    Web Site

  9. A Toad at Rixton Clay Pits

    Contact Details:

    Manchester Road, Rixton, Warrington, Cheshire, WA3 6EB

Itinerary Distances

FromToDistance * (metric)
Lymm Dam Nature Reserve (53.38244,-2.49004)Woolston Park (53.40109,-2.5429)3.67
Woolston Park (53.40109,-2.5429)Walton Hall & Gardens (53.36147,-2.60209)5.32
Walton Hall & Gardens (53.36147,-2.60209)Grappenhall Heys Walled Garden (53.36417,-2.55499)2.83
Grappenhall Heys Walled Garden (53.36417,-2.55499)Sankey Valley Park (53.40073,-2.61809)5.26
Sankey Valley Park (53.40073,-2.61809)Culcheth Linear Country Park (53.44878,-2.53297)7
Culcheth Linear Country Park (53.44878,-2.53297)Risley Moss Nature Trail (53.42412,-2.50652)2.93
Total Distance *27 miles
Estimated Journey Time52 minutes

* Approximate distance by road

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