There are lots of local places that have some great history behind them and Mesnes Park (pronounced Mains Park) in Wigan is one of those places.

The park has recently undergone a huge refurbishment to put it back into the shape it was in at its heyday with the formal gardens all neatly laid out in front of the entrance lodge, which is of course a listed building.

At the highest point of the park is the elegant pavilion which nowadays features a very nice ice cream parlour for the hungry and tired visitors. The double flight of steps leading up to the pavilion have been repaired and the missing urns replaced.

A small lake and waterfall provide a nice backdrop to the bandstand which is now used throughout the year for various events.

A focal point in the park has been the newly refurbished cast iron Fountain – the original fountain was designed and manufactured by Coalbrookdale of Ironbridge and was in place from 1878 to 1921 when it was removed due to its state at that time. Historical photographs and written descriptions have allowed the fountain to be re-created and it now makes for a very impressive place to stop and enjoy your ice cream!

Ask any Wiganer about the park and they will tell you to rub the ‘lucky foot’ of the Sir Francis Sharpe Powell monument. Over the years so many people did this a hole appeared in his shoe!

However, it is good to know that Sir Francis’s shoes are now once again together in one piece having been re-bronzed.

It's a great place to come and visit, a haven of relaxation during the day, a nice little place to get away from it all for just a short time anyway.