Set along the leafy banks of the River Bollin the park links the nearby town centre with the Cheshire countryside
As we edge closer to summer and with warmer weather and conditions hopefully on the horizon, spending time outside will become much more appealing. In early spring we’ve been treated to beautiful daffodils bursting through the ground, the trees coming into blossom and lush greenery covering our landscapes.
We can expect more of the same as the next May Bank Holiday approaches and it’s not too soon to start planning a day out, excursions and family activities. If we’re blessed by the weather gods, there’s a Cheshire spot just a few miles from the boundary with Stockport that’s ripe for exploring.
The Carrs in Wilmslow is a huge 71-acre park with a network of paths following the route of the River Bollin. It meanders all the way to Quarry Bank Mill and then to Styal Country Park, meaning there are plenty of walking options and places to explore.
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The word ‘Carrs’ comes from the Old Norse word ‘Kjarr’ meaning ‘meadow recovered from bog’ or ‘waterlogged woodland’ nodding to the original state and subsequent use of the area. It first started to take shape as a park in 1925 when Henry Boddington, of Boddingtons Brewery gave playing fields to the public. Then in 1935 Wilmslow Urban District Council bought the land adjacent and established The Carrs Park.
For families there’s a great deal of facilities and attractions at the park. This includes two children’s playgrounds – one modern and one wooden featuring a zip wire, obstacle features and swings and slides. There’s also a multi-use football area, outdoor gym equipment, courts, and skateboard ramp.
More widely, and for everyone to enjoy are the plentiful riverside and woodland walks, open grassland and number of spots to have a picnic. Within walking distance of Wilmslow, it’s an easy spot to access if you want to explore the Cheshire town during a visit too.
Just beyond the playground you’ll come across the route map which shows you various different paths to take but also the types of wildlife you might encounter should you plan to walk all the way to Styal Country Park.
Wildlife in the Carrs to be on the lookout for includes Grey Herons, Pipistrelle Bats, Kingfishers, and Brown Trout. Also within the Carrs, and of historical interest is the ruined St Olaf’s chapel, which was built in Victorian times by the Boddington family.
For those wanting to take a picnic in the park there are designated picnic areas with tables for use – and some of these are right by the river where there’s a chance to paddle in the shallower water.
Cheshire East Council has published some guidance about holding gatherings in the park and picnics – and if you’re holding an organised event for more than 20 people you will need to fill in a form via the council’s website.
For those wanting a good stroll, the park is a good starting point to Styal Country Park and the wider Dean Valley. Equally, you can just do a short riverside loop with points marked out to spot the aforementioned wildlife species.
After a walk and if you finish up at the end by the modern playground there’s a hut run by Tiger Coffee and Ice Cream which serves hot drinks, cakes, snacks and ice cream tubs.
There’s also the ice cream van selling classic Mr Whippy soft-mix ice cream with the classic Flake and raspberry sauce, as well as an assortment of other treats. You can also venture into Wilmslow where there’s a strong roster of cafes and coffee spots.
The Carrs Park, Wilmslow, Chancel Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 4AA. There are two car parks at either end, and the one at Parish Hall is limited to 60 spaces, but has toilets and baby changing facilities.
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