Walton Hall, Gardens and Games

In Brief.

Walton Hall is a Victorian era country house, now owned and run by Warrington District Council. Set in extensive gounds that include lawns, wooded areas and formal gardens, it is possible to visit here for a wander. However, this is largely a municipal park with attached hall, and the target audience certainly includes pre-teens, with a play area, crazy golf and a zoo among the attractions. The hall seems largely to be used for functions.

Walton Hall

What's Here?

Although there is a country house, Walton Hall is primarily visited for its ground, and its grounds are primarily visited by families with kids.

The grounds are reasonably extensive, including a wooded area and some formal gardens that were quite colourful in our July visit.  These are not as grand or as manicured as at some custom gardens (such as Harrow Carr) or country houses (such as Brodsworth Hall), but they are pleasant enough (and free). 

The formal gardens.

For the younger generation, there is a substantial play area, a large area of lawn for picnics or ad hoc games, a children's zoo, a well maintained pitch and putt course and modern crazy/adventure golf. Combined with a cafe, this provides a decent day trip in the summer holidays, even though the secret is well-and-truly out, so there will be a queue for the ice cream van.

Practicalities.

Distance from Manchester Town Hall: 22 miles

Drive Time: 40 mins

Price: Free entry. 

Parking: There is inexpensive on site parking.

Food and Drink: There are ice cream vans and a coffee shop.

Retail Therapy: This is also an opportunity to escape from the shops.

Child Friendly: There is certainly a family destination, with play areas, crazy golf and a mini-zoo.

Toilets: Yes.

Do it justice in: 2 hours.

Inside-Outside: 10:90.

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