A small village in Wigan is having its moment in the spotlight.
Haigh was named Greater Manchester's 'most desirable' rural haven by the Daily Telegraph, just months after it was dubbed the region's 'poshest' village. The list was compiled from research by estate agents Savills, who say demand for quaint, rural village locations is soaring - pushing up prices in the process.
Visitors flock to the area's quaint pubs and stunning surroundings, as well as the village's historic buildings. Most will know Haigh for it's beautiful country park, home to the magnificent Haigh Hall. But locals told the Manchester Evening News that there was much more to smile about in the area.
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Sharon and Carl Connolly manage The Balcarres Arms, the pub in the heart of the village. They said their favourite aspect is the community, and it's long and fascinating history.
The pair turned their hand to helping their community when they were forced to shut their pub during lockdown. Their walls now boast a host of community awards for their efforts, which saw them provide over 300 food parcels, 330 Christmas Eve boxes, and 440 gifts for children throughout the pandemic.
"The people here are lovely," Carl told the MEN. "The pub has become a community. That's our favourite thing about living here. We all work together."
But the pub also has a fascinating history - their cellars used to be prison cells from around 1800, and there is even an old underground tunnel leading to the church across the road. Carl said he could talk for hours about the pub's 'haunted' past - a history they take advantage of by holding 'Psychic nights' for customers.
When they make it out the pub, Carl and Sharon love to visit Haigh Hall, which lies just around the corner from them.
Another resident, who chose not to be named, said she also felt 'very lucky' living so close to the country park. She has two sons, who have moved back to Haigh to start their own families, and commended the community feel of the village.
"To have sons, granddaughters, and daughters-in-law all within walking distance is fantastic," she said. "My parents are buried here, I've just been to the cemetery. It's a good community."
But traffic complaints have blighted the area recently - something that this resident was only too aware of.
"That's my only complaint, the speed of these cars," she said. "Cars come around the corner, in front of the church, and then just speed. It's horrendous."
Further down the main road through the village, Harry and Anne Whitworth were out for a morning walk. The couple live around the corner in neighbouring Aspull and enjoy walks in Haigh, especially in the country park.
"Aspull is a bit less built up, there's more wide open space," Anne told the M.E.N. "It's nicer!"
The pair met at the pub Harry's parents used to own in Aspull, and have been there ever since. They said they love the country park, but try to stay away from it on weekends and during summer holidays, as it gets busy.
Barbara and David Dyer don't live in Haigh, but regularly make the trip to the country park with their grandchildren. Barbara said it's a 'great day out' - and has fond family memories there.
"We do like the park," she said. "I used to come here with my daughter - and now I come here with her children, my grandchildren."
Evelyn, 7, and Wilfred, 5, both agreed they enjoyed days out at the park - especially the bubblegum ice cream they were treated to at the end of their visit.
Haigh's community feel clearly stuck out for residents, many of whom had several generations in the area. And perhaps unsurprisingly, the country park was frequently cited as the area's best-loved site.
Often referred to as 'the jewel in Wigan's crown', it encompasses 250 acres of park and woodland surrounding the historic Haigh Hall. The free adventure playground is among the highlights, with climbing, a treehouse and interactive play features.
Families tell us they like it because there is something for all ages, with climbing frames and ropes to challenge the older ones, and smaller equipment such as swings and seesaws for younger ones.
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