Pennington Flash
Nature Reserve

Welcome to a national treasure!

A legacy of our proud industrial heritage, Pennington Flash is now rightly recognised as a national treasure and a stunning example of nature in recovery.

This beloved Leigh beauty spot is one of eight local sites that make up The Flashes of Wigan and Leigh; the first and only National Nature Reserve (NNR) in the whole of Greater Manchester.

Officially designated an NNR by Natural England in October 2022 in recognition of their remarkable natural beauty and immense ecological importance, these precious wetland habitats were originally and uniquely formed by the ‘flash’ flooding of former coal mining sites.

Collectively they are now home to nationally significant wildlife populations including UK’s most endangered small bird, the wonderful willow tit.

Pennington Flash is a favourite with visitors from far and wide, with stunning natural views, bird hides, trails for walking and cycling, a visitor centre and café, and an exciting adventure playground for families.

Find out more about the Flashes of Wigan and Leigh NNR
a lapwing and a snipe in water
roe deer

Observe the wonder of nature with Leigh Ornithological Society…

Pennington Flash’s tranquil waters and surrounding marshland boast a diverse group of mammals, birds and insects, including no fewer than five RSPB red-listed birds as well as the protected water vole.

More than 230 bird species have been recorded on site, including the black-faced bunting, nightingale, cattle egret, whiskered tern and Leach’s petrel.

Key habitats: Open water, Fen, Reed bed, Scrub, Woodland

The Flash features a number of hides and viewing areas for bird enthusiasts. Leigh Ornithological Society is your local birding group, visit their website to find out more.

Visit Leigh Ornithological Society

The Hide Coffee House and Café

Our lakeside café is the perfect hide-out for nature lovers – serving fresh coffee, breakfast, lunch, cakes and snacks. Dog friendly, with indoor and outdoor seating offering views over the water.

Whether you’re on a family day out, walking your four-legged friend, or looking to escape for some well-earned ‘me time’, you’ll find a warm welcome and a wide range of tempting treats at our wildlife-themed coffee shop.

Open 7 days a week:

  • 1st May – 29th September (inclusive): 9am – 7pm
  • 30th September – 31st October (inclusive): 9am – 6pm
  • 1st November – 28th February (inclusive): 9am – 4pm.

Follow The Hide Coffee House on Facebook and Instagram.

The Hide Coffee House
play area

Family adventure play area

Our accessible and inclusive nature-themed adventure play area boasts a variety of swings, climbing frames and zip lines plus a central toddler ‘lake’ featuring play equipment modelled on swans and boats.

golf course

Golf course

Our 9-hole, 2,739 yard course provides an enjoyable challenge for all abilities, with a mix of par 3, par 4 and par 5 holes. Made up of largely flat parkland interrupted by streams and ponds, it’s a good size on which to practise and work on your game.

Golf at Pennington Flash

Exploring the Flash…

A network of footpaths, cycleways and bridle paths allows visitors to enjoy the breathtaking scenery at their own pace, while we also have regular free group walks you can join – including Nordic Walking.

Horse riding and angling is also permitted in designated areas while sailing and windsurfing are available at Leigh and Lowton Sailing Club.

Visitor information
& parking

For general information and golf admission/enquiries please visit our Visitor Information Point located within The Hide Coffee House.

Opening times:

April to September: 8am-7:30pm

October: 8am-6pm

November to March: 8am-5pm

Tel: 01942 489848

Address: St Helens Road, Leigh, WN7 3PA.

Directions

Signposted from the A580 East Lancs Road. Follow the signs and turn onto the A579 Atherleigh Way then left onto the A572 St Helens Road. The main entrance is situated on St Helens Road opposite Leigh Fire Station.

Please note: Sat Nav users should use the postcode is WN7 3PA.

View Pennington Flash on Google Maps.

Parking

Opening times: 6.30am – 7.30pm

Parking Charge: £2.50 all day pay and display.

Our car park has 300+ spaces and 12 x 7kW electric vehicle chargepoints, installed in collaboration with Charge My Street. These chargepoints can be used through the Fuuse App or by scanning the QR codes on the sockets with your mobile phone.

To improve accessibility, the chargepoints provide live data to a range of roaming providers such as ZapMap, Electroverse, Paua, Bonnet and AllStar EV.

Unlike other public chargepoint operators, Charge My Street allow those without access to off-street parking to charge for a reduced cost while visiting local attractions. As a community benefit society, all profits from shares or subscriptions go towards installing more EV chargepoints in the local area.

All current prices, including subscriptions, can be found on the Charge My Street website and the Fuuse App.

Coach parties

Coach parties and organised groups welcome subject to booking (make a booking enquiry by contacting us on 01942 489848).

Facilities on site:

  • Visitor information point
  • Car parking
  • EV chargepoints
  • Toilets
  • Coffee house and café
  • Play area
  • Picnic areas
  • 9-hole golf course
  • Extensive network of footpaths providing a range of short to medium length walks
  • Six bird hides
  • Nature walks
  • Angling (permitted on the main lake in designated areas)
  • Horse riding (along designated paths)