Moss Bank Park
🏟 Playground & park · Smithills, Bolton
Moss Bank Park
Large 84-acre Bolton park with multiple children's play areas, tennis courts, bowling greens, cricket and football pitches, woodland and gardens.
🕑 Opening & entry
🌱 Open all year · Free · No booking needed
About Moss Bank Park
Moss Bank Park is one of Bolton's largest parks, covering roughly 34.25 hectares (about 84.6 acres) off the A58 at Moss Bank Way, on the north-western edge of the town. The park is operated by Bolton Council and is open all year. Its grounds consist of open space, woodland, gardens and a wide range of recreation facilities, making it a popular destination for families and sports players alike. According to Bolton Council, the park is home to multiple play areas, giving children plenty of choice, alongside a football pitch, cricket pitch, tennis courts and a bowling green. The park has a notable history: it formerly hosted a small zoo and a tropical butterfly house, and its aviary includes a historic tower originally built as an astronomical observatory by John Horrocks Ainsworth, who died in 1864. Moss Bank Park's quality has been recognised nationally, receiving the Green Flag Standard award, which marks it as meeting a national benchmark for public parks and green spaces. With its mix of play areas, formal gardens and woodland walks, it offers a full day out at no cost. Entry is free.
⭐ What makes this place special
- multiple play areas
- bowling green
- cricket pitch
- football pitch
- tennis courts
- woodland
🏞 Facilities
- Free entry
🧒 Ages & play
- children's play area
📍 Nearby places to play
- Queens Park · approx 1.1 miles · Heaton
- Thomasson Park · approx 1.1 miles · Halliwell
- Rumworth Park · approx 1.9 miles · Rumworth
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❓ Frequently asked questions
Does Moss Bank Park have a playground?
Yes. Bolton Council lists the park as home to multiple play areas for children.
Is Moss Bank Park free?
Yes. It is a free, public park managed by Bolton Council.
How big is the park?
Moss Bank Park covers roughly 34.25 hectares, about 84.6 acres.
What sports facilities are there?
There are tennis courts, a bowling green, a cricket pitch and a football pitch.
Where is Moss Bank Park?
It is off the A58 (Moss Bank Way) in Bolton, postcode BL1 6NB.