Frequently asked questions

The site consists of a series of unique garden and outdoor spaces which can be explored from accessible footpaths. Alongside the garden the site boasts many unique interactive features designed with younger children in mind. The Hive is fully enclosed by a perimeter fence which provides a safe haven where little ones can freely roam the natural world and where parents can relax and enjoy the open spaces. Surrounded by hedges, orchards, meadows, and mature woodland the Hive has been designed to create a backdrop that is perfect for games, relaxation and reflection as well as creating vital habitats for the many species of wildlife.

The Hive is located towards the rear of Moss Bank Park, Moss Bank Way, Bolton, BL1 6NB.

There is free parking available within Moss Bank Park. Please be aware however that when the weather is good the car parks can become busy.

There are toilets including disabled and baby changing facilities located within the cafe. There are no toilets in The Hive but the café toilets are only a 5–10-minute walk away.

Families using The Hive are welcome to bring a picnic and there are picnic tables within The Hive and in the wider park. Families are asked to kindly take home their waste from The Hive as there are no litter collection facilities. Alcohol is strictly forbidden onsite and should not be consumed whilst families are using The Hive. Barbeques and fires are not allowed onsite unless they are part of a scheduled activity organised by the Trust.

There is a café onsite, located at the rear of the park near in front entrance of The Hive. The café is easily accessible and serves a range of food and drinks.

The Family Season Pass is aimed at families with primary and preschool children. The pass provides access to the site for 6 people (adults and children combined). The play equipment is not intended for use by older children.

Visitor Family Day Passes are available priced from £6.50 per family unit (up to 6 people – adults and children combined).

For the duration of your time in The Hive it is essential that a responsible adult supervises any children visiting the site at all times. Children must never be left unattended at The Hive.

The site is designed primarily as a self-led experience. There will be a staff and volunteers onsite to support some supplementary activities such as stories and crafts. Natural free play is the premise of the site.

We operate a no dogs policy on site at all times.

There is a no smoking/vaping policy on this site.

There is some limited shelter onsite but the site is designed as an outdoor experience.

The site will be open to the public in all weathers the only exception would be if there was a severe weather warning issued by the met office. The Lancashire Wildlife Trust encourages families to enjoy the outdoors whatever the weather.

The site open from 10am and closes at 3pm. Any visitors on site at 3pm will be asked to kindly leave. Last entry to the site is at 2pm.

The Hive is open every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

The Hive is managed by Lancashire Wildlife Trust, our charitable status means that any income generated is used to improve The Hive, and is invested in the work of the Wildlife Trust locally. Every penny spent with us will be used wisely to improve the site and the natural environment.

Like our other sites, our ventures in Moss Bank Park are dependent on the dedication and commitment of volunteers. We offer a wide range of volunteering opportunities from practical landscaping and gardening to working with families helping with our event delivery. You can find out more about volunteering opportunities here (www.lancswt.org.uk/volunteering-opportunities).

Season ticket holders are entitled to receive a 10% discount in the Moss Bank Park café on the days that they are visiting The Hive. This 10% discount will be applied to the entire bill for the party on the days that they are using The Hive.