It’s a fab day out in the sunshine, with £3 train rides that get you to a secret woodland play area with slides and swings
Hop on board the £3 miniature railway at High Legh(Image: MEN)
For families looking for something fun and reasonably cheap to do on these sunny days we’re currently enjoying, there’s a brilliant miniature railway not far from Manchester that takes you to a secret woodland play area.
High Legh Miniature Railway is based next to High Legh Garden Centre near Knutsford in Cheshire. It first opened in 2009, but was extended in 2021 with a half km track weaving through an adorable little woodland next to the garden centre buildings.
And best of all for those with younger kids to entertain is that you can jump off the train at a “station” in the woods where there’s a brilliant secret clearing with a play area and picnic tables – just for those who’ve been on the train ride. There are also lots of “hidden treasures” to spot along the route, like cute animal ornaments and pictures in the trees.
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The miniature railway is staffed entirely by volunteers, and costs just £3 to go on the ride. If you keep hold of your tickets on the day, additional rides become just £1 a go.
High Legh Miniature Railway is perfect for a sunny day(Image: MEN)
You can ride around for the full loop, or about half way round the journey the train will stop to let guests get off at the brilliant little play area in the woods. Here you’ll find swings and slides suitable for toddlers and older kids, as well as a play boat where kids can pretend to be pirates, and lots of woodland puzzles to try.
It’s a great little spot where you could also head for a picnic too – with colourful picnic tables providing some seating in the play area.
The High Legh Miniature Railway website describes the history of the site, saying: “First opened in 2009, extended in 2011, then extended again in 2021, this half a kilometer circular track takes in the beautiful natural surroundings with lots of hidden treasures to try and spot along the way! There is the option to hop off at the children’s play and picnic area, before then catching the train back to the station.
The cute secret woodland play area that you can only access on the train ride(Image: MEN)
“The trains and track are built and maintained completely by volunteers who put in 1000’s of hours to ensure a wonderful experience for both young and old!” Described a “fun for the whole family” there are different trains that take to the tracks – one with carriages to sit inside, while there’s also an open air sit on train too which take turns around the track.
The website adds; “Whether you’re young or old, this is sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face!”
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For those making a day of it, there’s also the huge High Legh Garden Centre right next to the railway. Inside here you’ll find an array of boutiques, not just for gardeneres, also with home interiors, clothing and kids toys among the selections.
High Legh Garden Centre(Image: MEN)
There’s also a large aquarium area too where you can buy a range of fish, as well as simply look at the beautiful creature swimming around.
And for those in need of refreshment, there’s a really vast cafe area inside too. It’s recently been refurbished with plush new leather booth seating areas inside, while there’s also an array of outdoor seating too where you get to take in all the colourful sights of the main garden centre and its blooms.
The cafe serves up an array of cakes as well as a full hot menu daily.
The cafe inside High Legh Garden Centre – with views of all the lovely plants(Image: MEN)
How to get there
High Legh Miniature Railway and High Legh Garden Centre are at Halliwells Brow, High Legh, Cheshire, WA16 0QW. High Legh is a village between Lymm and Knutsford, not far from Junction 20 of the M6.
The miniature railway is open Wednesday to Sunday from 10.30am to 4pm.
The garden centre is open every day of the week from 9am to 5pm, with late nights on Thursdays to 7pm, while Sunday hours are 10am to 4pm.
Picnic benches at the woodland play area if you’re riding on the Miniature railway(Image: MEN)
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