Paths and trees in Rivington Terraced Gardens, Lancashire

Where to go · Lancashire

Forest bathing at Lever Park and Rivington Terraced Gardens

Lord Leverhulme's gift to the public below Rivington Pike: woods, reservoir paths and overgrown terraced gardens.

Lever Park covers about 155 hectares between Horwich and Rivington Reservoir, given to the public by Lord Leverhulme in 1902 and now owned by United Utilities. It is a mix of woods, trails and waterside walks, with a replica of Liverpool Castle by the reservoir. Above it, the Rivington Terraced Gardens are the remains of Leverhulme's hillside garden, laid out partly by Thomas Mawson, and now half reclaimed by trees.

Great House Barn is the busiest car park, with a café, information centre and toilets, and Go Ape is nearby. For the Terraced Gardens, Lower House car park on Sheep House Lane is the closest. The lower woods by the reservoir are the gentle option; the gardens climb steeply towards the Pike on stepped paths. It is very popular at weekends, so a weekday or a misty autumn morning gives you the woods and the old garden paths to yourself.

Practical

Managed by
United Utilities, with Rivington Heritage Trust for the Terraced Gardens
Parking
Free car parks at Lever Park Avenue, Great House Barn, Rivington Hall and Lower House (donation requested)
Terrain
Woodland and reservoir paths; steep, stepped paths in the Terraced Gardens
Nearest station
Blackrod, about 2 miles
Facilities
Toilets and information centre at Great House Barn; cafés including Great House Barn and Fika
Opening and entry
Open access, free
Official page
rivingtonterracedgardens.org.uk

Last updated 4 November 2026. Paths, parking and access can change, so check before you visit. Spotted something out of date? Please let us know.

Guides nearby

Three guides within 15 miles of Lever Park and Rivington Terraced Gardens

More woodlands in Lancashire

All venues in Lancashire
Woodland on Beacon Fell, LancashireBeacon Fell Country ParkSmall fell on the edge of Bowland, wrapped in conifers, with carved sculptures on the pathsPath through Boilton Wood, near Preston, LancashireBoilton Wood and BrockholesAncient woodland above the Ribble near Preston, with spring bluebells and a surfaced pathPath through trees in Cuerden Valley Park, LancashireCuerden Valley ParkWoodland, meadow and parkland along the River Lostock, between Preston and Chorley

Photos: Beacon Fell Country Park, Steve Daniels (CC BY-SA 2.0); Boilton Wood and Brockholes, Bill Boaden (CC BY-SA 2.0); Cuerden Valley Park, Ann Cook (CC BY-SA 2.0).