Walton Park combines green open space, sports facilities and two children's play areas with a working miniature railway run by volunteers — making it a fantastic free family destination in Trafford. 

Walton Park | Parks in Sale

What to expect at Walton Park

• Open parkland with grassed areas, flowerbeds, shrubs and mature trees
• Play area for under 5s
• Play area for under 14s
• Miniature railway — runs most Sundays (weather and engine availability permitting)
• Full-size football pitch
• Tennis courts
• Bowling green and bowling club house
• Canalside setting adjacent to the Bridgewater Canal
• Walton Perk — a fully licensed narrowboat café moored on the adjacent canal (open daily except Mondays)
• Car park and toilet facilities on site
• Green Flag Award holder
• Active Friends group and seasonal community events

Walton Park in Sale

Walton Park is a 12.5-acre community park situated in a pleasant residential area of Sale, Trafford, adjacent to the Bridgewater Canal. The land was formerly open space before the park was laid out in 1938 and opened to the public in 1939. In 1953 Coronation gates were erected at the Walton Road entrance to mark the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. Today it is a much-loved local green space, holding the prestigious Green Flag Award and maintained with the active support of the Friends of Walton Park.

The miniature railway

One of Walton Park's most distinctive and beloved features is its working miniature railway, run entirely by volunteers of the Sale Area Model Engineering Society. The quarter-mile track — accommodating locomotives of 3½-inch and 5-inch gauge — was constructed after the society was granted a lease of land in the park by Sale Council in 1972, with the track completed in 1977 and officially opened by the Mayor of Sale in September 1979. The railway operates on Sundays throughout the year (weather and engine availability permitting), with the only exception being when Christmas Day falls on a Sunday. Rides cost just 30p for both children and adults. The society welcomes new members — enquire at the clubhouse within the track area on any Sunday afternoon, or visit waltonparktrains.co.uk.

Sports and play facilities

Walton Park is well equipped for active visits, with a full-size football pitch, tennis courts and a bowling green with associated club house. Two separate children's play areas cater for different age groups — a dedicated under 5s area and a larger under 14s play area — and an ice cream van can often be found in the park during warmer months.

Walton Perk and the canalside

The park's setting alongside the Bridgewater Canal adds a particularly attractive dimension to any visit. The Walton Perk — a fully licensed narrowboat café — moors on the adjacent canal and is open daily except Mondays, serving hot and cold drinks, homemade cakes and bacon sandwiches. The towpath also provides a lovely extension to any walk through the park, with passing canal boats a regular sight.

Community events

The Friends of Walton Park organise a programme of seasonal community events in the park throughout the year, including an Easter Sunday Fun Day with fairground rides, the miniature railway and an Easter egg hunt. Follow the Friends of Walton Park on Facebook to keep up to date with the latest events and activities.

Important information

• Opening times: Open daily — dawn to dusk
• Address: Walton Park, Walton Road, Sale, M33 4AT
• Admission: Free. Miniature railway rides 30p per person
• Parking: On-road parking on Walton Road; further parking at the back of the rowing club on Raglan Road
• Facilities: Toilets, car park, children's play areas, sports facilities, canalside café boat
• Accessibility: For detailed accessibility information visit accessable.co.uk

Find out more: Trafford Council — Walton Park

Photo credit: Friends of Walton Park