Leigh, Greater Manchester
Astley Green was one of the many pits on the edge of Chat Moss, and it is the one that survived, because its steam winding engine was too remarkable to demolish. The 3,300 horsepower twin tandem compound engine is still here in its engine house, under a 98 foot headgear that is now Lancashire's only surviving one, both scheduled and listed.
It is run entirely by volunteers and is free, with a small charge for the narrow gauge railway and its restored locomotives. Around the site are a replica miner's cottage, a collection of static engines and Fred Dibnah's homemade headgear, which will mean nothing to the children and a great deal to whoever is driving. The Pit Whistle Tea Rooms do drinks and light snacks.
What it costs: No charge to visit the museum; a small charge applies to the narrow gauge railway. Open Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, 1pm to 5pm. The museum runs on donations.
A bonfire and fireworks night under the old colliery headgear at Astley Green, run by the volunteers who keep the museum going. Tickets from £8.80. There is no parking on site, no sparklers and no dogs, and heritage rides are cash only.
A ride on the museum's little railway, then Santa in the replica miner's cottage and a small gift for each child, with a chance to write him a letter. The carriages are open, so dress for December. Small, cheap and run by volunteers.
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A big lake with easy flat paths, bird hides and a decent play area. Free, close, and a good one for scooters and a picnic.
Fifty-odd acres of Leigh parkland with an inclusive playground, free disc golf through the woods and enough open grass to empty any child. Toilets open at weekends only, courtesy of the volunteers.
Leigh's town park, handed to the corporation by local brewers in 1920 and still doing the job: play areas, tennis courts, bowling greens, a bandstand, flower gardens and a community cafe called Caffeina.
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