Sutton Manor Woodland and the Dream Sculpture
A peaceful woodland sanctuary in Saint Helens featuring the striking Dream sculpture, blending art with nature and industrial heritage.
Sutton Manor Woodland in Saint Helens is a serene park featuring lush trails and the striking Dream sculpture, a 20-metre tall white head created by artist Jaume Plensa. Nestled in the former Sutton Manor Colliery grounds, the woodland offers peaceful walks and a unique blend of art and nature, popular with dog walkers and local visitors alike.
A brief summary to Sutton Manor Woodland
- 1 Holbrook Cl, Saint Helens, Sutton, WA9 4BE, GB
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Visit the Dream sculpture at the woodland’s center for a memorable photo opportunity and a moment of reflection.
- Wear sturdy footwear as some woodland paths can be steep and uneven.
- Bring water and snacks since there are no food or drink facilities on site.
- Ideal for dog walkers and nature lovers seeking a tranquil outdoor escape.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Bus
Take local bus services from Saint Helens town center to Sutton, with a journey time of approximately 20-30 minutes. Buses run regularly but check schedules for weekend frequency. Walking from the nearest stop involves uneven woodland paths.
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Car
Driving to Sutton Manor Woodland takes about 15 minutes from central Saint Helens. Parking is available near the woodland entrance and surrounding streets. Note that parking spaces may be limited during busy times.
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Walking
For local visitors, walking from Sutton village center to the woodland is a pleasant 20-30 minute walk over mixed terrain, including some steep and uneven sections. Suitable footwear is recommended.
Sutton Manor Woodland location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Sutton Manor Woodland
A Transformative Landscape Rooted in Industrial Heritage
Sutton Manor Woodland occupies the site of the former Sutton Manor Colliery, a coal mining area that played an important role in the industrial history of Saint Helens. After the colliery's closure, the land was reclaimed and transformed into a green space that invites visitors to explore nature amid the echoes of the past. The woodland’s gently rolling terrain and mature trees create a tranquil environment contrasting with its industrial origins.The Iconic Dream Sculpture: A Symbol of Hope and Future
At the heart of the woodland stands Dream, a monumental sculpture by renowned Catalan artist Jaume Plensa. Rising 20 metres (66 feet) high, this brilliant white head of a young girl with closed eyes evokes a meditative calm and symbolizes hope and the future. Constructed from pre-cast concrete and Spanish dolomite, Dream weighs 373 tonnes and is supported by piles driven 38 metres underground. The sculpture’s serene presence has become a landmark visible to millions traveling on the nearby M62 motorway.Natural Beauty and Recreational Appeal
The woodland offers a network of walking trails suitable for leisurely strolls and dog walking, winding through lush greenery and peaceful glades. While some paths may be steep or uneven, many routes are accessible and well-signposted, especially towards Dream. The area’s natural setting provides a quiet retreat from urban life, with seasonal changes adding to its scenic charm.Visitor Experience and Amenities
Though Sutton Manor Woodland does not feature extensive visitor facilities such as cafes or toilets, it remains a favored spot for locals seeking outdoor recreation and contemplation. Parking is available nearby, and the woodland’s openness allows visitors to enjoy picnics or simply relax on seating areas scattered throughout. The statue and surrounding woods offer ample photographic opportunities, blending art and nature harmoniously.Artistic and Cultural Significance
Dream was commissioned as part of Channel 4’s Big Art Project in 2008 and completed in 2009. It reflects Plensa’s vision of art emerging from the earth, connecting the site’s industrial past with a hopeful future. The sculpture has become a cultural icon for the region, drawing attention to the value of public art in revitalizing post-industrial landscapes.Environmental and Community Impact
Sutton Manor Woodland serves as a green lung for the local community, supporting biodiversity and providing habitat for wildlife. Managed as a natural park, it encourages sustainable enjoyment of outdoor space. The woodland’s quiet ambiance and scenic beauty foster mindfulness and a connection to nature, making it a cherished local asset.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Taylor Park
4.8 km
Discover the natural beauty and tranquility of Taylor Park in Saint Helens, a perfect destination for relaxation and outdoor fun.
The Sankey Viaduct (Nine Arches)
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Warrington Transporter Bridge
8.2 km
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The Golden Gates
8.5 km
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Norton Water Tower
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Eleanor Rigby Gravesite
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Visit the poignant gravesite of Eleanor Rigby, the real-life inspiration behind The Beatles’ haunting song, nestled in historic Woolton churchyard.
12 Arnold Grove
12.9 km
The humble Victorian birthplace of George Harrison, where The Beatles' quiet genius began his extraordinary journey.
10 Admiral Grove
16.0 km
Explore Admiral Grove in Liverpool: A hidden architectural treasure showcasing Victorian elegance amidst serene greenery.
Mere Lane Liverpool
16.2 km
Explore the historical charm of Mere Lane in Liverpool, a captivating landmark that embodies the city's rich cultural heritage and architectural beauty.
Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral
16.3 km
Modernist Catholic cathedral with iconic Crown of Glass lantern, circular design, and masterpiece stained glass by John Piper.
Liverpool Masonic Hall
16.4 km
Experience the grandeur of Liverpool Masonic Hall, a historic gem showcasing the city’s rich Masonic heritage and stunning architectural design.
The Big Pipe
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Explore The Big Pipe, a serene tourist attraction in Skelmersdale, blending history and nature for an unforgettable experience.
Blackburne House
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Lymm Heritage Centre (Legh St)
16.5 km
Explore Lymm Heritage Centre, a captivating museum showcasing the rich history and cultural heritage of Lymm in a welcoming atmosphere.
Mount Pleasant
16.5 km
Explore the heart of Liverpool, a city rich in maritime history, vibrant culture, and the legendary birthplace of The Beatles.
Unmissable attractions to see
Victoria Park Widnes
4.0 km
A historic green sanctuary in Widnes offering botanical beauty, sports, family fun, and peaceful lakeside strolls all year round.
World of Glass
4.5 km
Explore the rich heritage and artistry of glassmaking at St Helens’ immersive World of Glass museum and gallery.
North West Museum of Road Transport
4.9 km
Vintage buses, trams, and forgotten vehicles preserved by devoted volunteers in an authentic 1960s depot.
Spike Island
6.2 km
A serene riverside park in Widnes offering flat walking trails, vibrant wildlife, and a welcoming café in a unique artificial island setting.
Catalyst
6.5 km
Explore chemistry and science hands-on at Catalyst, Widnes’ interactive museum with stunning Mersey views and rich industrial heritage.
Knowsley Safari
6.6 km
Discover a thrilling 5-mile drive-through safari with over 750 animals near Liverpool, perfect for families and wildlife lovers alike.
Gulliver's World Theme Park
7.0 km
A vibrant, family-friendly theme park in Warrington with rides, shows, and historic heritage for children aged 2 to 13.
Wigg Island
7.2 km
A reclaimed industrial island turned vibrant nature reserve offering scenic walks, rich wildlife, and iconic Mersey views in Runcorn.
Moore Nature Reserve
7.7 km
Explore nearly 200 acres of restored natural beauty and diverse wildlife at Moore Nature Reserve in Warrington, a tranquil haven for birdwatchers and nature lovers alike.
River Mersey
8.1 km
The River Mersey: Liverpool’s historic tidal estuary, offering iconic waterfront views, ferry crossings, and a deep connection to the city’s maritime soul.
Norton Priory Museum & Gardens
8.1 km
Explore Europe’s most excavated monastic site with medieval ruins, a stunning Georgian walled garden, and 900 years of rich history in tranquil woodland.
Warrington Museum & Art Gallery
8.8 km
Explore Victorian charm and global treasures in Warrington’s historic museum and art gallery, where culture and community come alive.
Runcorn Hill Park
8.9 km
A historic sandstone quarry turned scenic park offering panoramic views, family-friendly facilities, and a peaceful retreat in Runcorn.
Manchester Ship Canal
9.2 km
A monumental Victorian waterway that transformed Manchester into Britain’s third busiest port, linking industry and ocean trade 40 miles inland.
Walton Hall and Gardens
9.7 km
Historic Walton Hall and Gardens blend Cheshire heritage with family-friendly attractions in a scenic, welcoming parkland setting.
Essential places to dine
Spirit Restaurant & Lounge
10.1 km
Elegant contemporary British dining and versatile event venue set in the tranquil surroundings of Victoria Park, Warrington.
Restaurant Next Door
12.9 km
Intimate modern British dining in a historic 17th-century timber-framed building with seasonal, locally sourced menus and expert wine pairings.
Spire
12.9 km
Modern European dining with seasonal creativity and a plush, welcoming atmosphere in Liverpool’s vibrant Wavertree district.
Gustum Bar & Restaurant
13.1 km
A vibrant grill and Mediterranean restaurant on Liverpool’s Rose Lane, blending bold flavors with warm hospitality in a lively urban setting.
5 Fifty Bistro
13.8 km
A cozy, intimate bistro on Aigburth Road serving refined European-inspired dishes in a warm, welcoming setting.
Belzan
14.0 km
A lively Liverpool bistro blending seasonal British small plates, natural wines, and warm hospitality in a vibrant neighbourhood setting.
Gallimore's Fine Restaurant
16.3 km
Contemporary British dining in Wigan’s historic town centre, offering quality menus in a stylish, welcoming setting.
The Art School Restaurant
16.3 km
Elegant fine dining in a stunning Victorian setting near Hope Street, blending local ingredients with artistic culinary flair.
The Philharmonic Dining Rooms
16.4 km
A Grade I-listed Victorian gem serving classic British fare in one of England's most ornate pubs.
The Quarter
16.4 km
Vibrant Mediterranean dining with fresh Italian flavours in Liverpool’s historic Georgian Quarter, open daily till late.
The Wheel Restaurant
16.4 km
Experience award-winning, student-prepared cuisine in a warm, welcoming setting at Wigan’s unique Wheel Restaurant.
The London Carriage Works
16.5 km
Historic elegance meets refined British cuisine in Liverpool’s boutique Hope Street Hotel dining gem.
Roski Restaurant
16.6 km
An intimate Modern British dining experience in Liverpool, blending MasterChef-winning creativity with seasonal elegance and warm hospitality.
Fat Olive Restaurant
16.7 km
Experience vibrant Mediterranean and British flavors in a welcoming, lively setting at Wigan’s beloved Fat Olive Restaurant.
Chamber 36 City Centre
16.8 km
Discover vibrant Pan-Asian flavors and crafted cocktails in a serene, stylish setting at Liverpool’s Chamber 36 City Centre.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Assortment Boutique Fashion and Home
8.9 km
A charming boutique in Warrington blending unique women's fashion with quirky homewares for a personalized shopping experience.
Penny Lane Emporium
13.1 km
Discover unique vintage treasures and antiques in a warm, nostalgic setting at Liverpool’s Penny Lane Emporium.
Cheshire & Hampton Vintage Emporiums @ Lady heyes (SHOPS)
15.0 km
Explore timeless treasures and vintage charm at Cheshire & Hampton Vintage Emporiums nestled in the heart of Lady Heyes, Frodsham.
Larks
15.2 km
Discover unique vintage fashion, gifts, and homeware in a vibrant, bohemian shop nestled in Liverpool’s iconic Lark Lane.
Number 13
15.2 km
Discover unique gifts and local charm at Number 13, a welcoming boutique on Liverpool’s vibrant Lark Lane.
Lark Lane Gallery
15.2 km
Discover unique gifts and local art in the heart of Liverpool’s bohemian Lark Lane at Lark Lane Gallery.
LFC Official Club Store
16.1 km
Official Liverpool FC merchandise and memorabilia store near Anfield Stadium, celebrating the club’s heritage and passion.
Liverpool Cathedral Shop
16.6 km
Discover unique gifts and spiritual treasures at Liverpool Cathedral Shop, supporting heritage and community within Britain’s largest cathedral.
69A
16.8 km
Discover unique antiques and vintage treasures in Liverpool’s vibrant Renshaw Street at 69A, where history meets style.
Pop Boutique
16.8 km
Explore Pop Boutique in Liverpool for unique vintage clothing treasures that reflect timeless style and local creativity.
The Hippy Hole
16.9 km
Discover handmade tie-dye fashion and bohemian treasures bursting with color and spirit on Liverpool’s vibrant Bold Street.
Shared Earth
16.9 km
Discover unique, sustainable gifts at Shared Earth, Liverpool’s hub for fair trade treasures and ethical craftsmanship.
Utility Gift Store
16.9 km
Quirky gifts and unique designs on Liverpool's Bold Street – your indie haven for Moomin magic, scented candles, and cards that say it best. Dog-friendly delight.
Soho's Liverpool
16.9 km
Uncover the essence of Liverpool's fashion at Soho's, where vintage meets contemporary in a vibrant clothing destination.
Unique Fashion Boutique
16.9 km
Discover exclusive ladies' fashion and accessories in a cozy Liverpool boutique known for personalized style and unique collections.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Bold Street House
8.8 km
A lively cocktail bar and coffee shop in Warrington offering expertly crafted drinks, delicious food, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Little Fifteen
16.2 km
Stylish wine bar and Italian restaurant in Wigan, blending vibrant atmosphere with classic design and a curated wine selection.
The Wiend Bar
16.3 km
Energetic cocktail bar and nightclub in Wigan offering strong drinks, vibrant DJ sets, and a lively atmosphere for late-night socializing.
The Font
16.3 km
A lively Liverpool bar famed for cheap cocktails, homemade burgers, and a welcoming atmosphere since 2001.
The Pen Factory
16.3 km
Industrial-chic bistro bar on Liverpool’s Hope Street with seasonal small plates, lively atmosphere, and a popular beer garden.
Liverpool Arts Bar
16.4 km
A vibrant creative hub in a historic Masonic Hall, blending local art, live performances, and crafted drinks on Liverpool’s iconic Hope Street.
Red Door
16.8 km
A lively cocktail bar on Berry Street offering expertly crafted drinks, vibrant music, and a buzzing rooftop atmosphere in the heart of Liverpool.
The Oracle
16.8 km
Liverpool's secret speakeasy where cocktails meet close-up magic—buzz in for illusions, tarot, and vintage vibes that defy reality.
Berry and Rye
16.8 km
Knock to uncover Liverpool's speakeasy soul: jazz-infused cocktails, whiskey whispers, and Prohibition magic behind Berry Street's black door.
Salt Dog Slim's
16.8 km
Liverpool's dive bar legend: world beers, fiery cocktails, chili dogs, and secret speakeasy vibes on Seel Street.
Bar Bodega
16.9 km
Liverpool's underground disco den: Ibizan house beats in a brick cellar nightclub, pulsing late into the night with cocktails and private party vibes.
MOLOKO
17.0 km
A music-led cocktail bar in the Old Stables with a beer garden, late DJs and an over-25s disco energy for evening socialising.
The Tank Room
17.0 km
Liverpool's ruin bar in a fermentation tank: tank-fresh beers, live music, cocktails, and industrial quirk in Cains Brewery Village.
The Jacaranda
17.0 km
Iconic Liverpool music venue where The Beatles began, blending historic charm with vibrant live performances and a vinyl café.
The Lime Kiln - JD Wetherspoon
17.1 km
Affordable ales and hearty meals in a historic warehouse pub at the pulse of Liverpool's nightlife district—daytime calm meets evening energy.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
The Establishment
5.4 km
A vibrant Widnes nightclub offering lively events, friendly staff, and a spacious venue for unforgettable nights out.
Babylon Retro Bar
9.0 km
Dive into Warrington’s vibrant retro nightlife with classic 80s and 90s tunes at Babylon Retro Bar, your weekend hotspot for music and fun.
Reflex & Babylon
9.0 km
Experience Warrington’s vibrant nightlife at Reflex & Babylon, a lively nightclub and bar blending energetic music with a welcoming atmosphere.
Ibiza Nightclub
16.1 km
Experience Wigan’s vibrant nightlife at Ibiza Nightclub, where music, dance, and unforgettable Saturday nights come alive until dawn.
Pure Nightclub
16.1 km
Experience Wigan’s vibrant nightlife at Pure Nightclub, where energetic beats, stylish vibes, and unforgettable late-night memories come alive every Saturday.
The Blue Angel Nightclub
16.8 km
Liverpool's dingy dive for 60s rock legends, dirt-cheap drinks, and sweaty throwback dances—where The Beatles once rocked and students still rage till dawn.
Pure Nightlounge
16.9 km
Liverpool’s boutique R&B nightspot with VIP booths, tight dancefloor energy and a late-night, fashion-forward vibe.
Cool It
16.9 km
A multi-level, student-friendly nightclub on Seel Street offering loud DJ nights, bargain entry and packed late‑night dancefloors.
Heebie Jeebies
16.9 km
Liverpool's eclectic nightlife heart: multi-level bar, live music basement, courtyard hangs, and anthemic nights until dawn on Seel Street.
EBGBS
16.9 km
Liverpool's gritty basement nightclub where live indie gigs, craft cocktails, and underground vibes fuel epic nights until 4am in the heart of Seel Street.
Ink Bar Liverpool
17.0 km
Liverpool's premier R&B and house nightclub, where stylish cocktails, thumping beats, and luxury vibes fuel unforgettable nights on Wood Street.
BrooklynMixer
17.0 km
Liverpool's original R&B haven on Seel Street: three floors of hip-hop beats, craft cocktails, leather lounges, and private party vibes from dusk till dawn.
Aura
17.0 km
Dive into Liverpool's pulsating beats at Aura Nightclub, where Afrobeats and R&B fuel intimate, high-energy nights in Ropewalks' vibrant core.
Baa Bar Liverpool
17.0 km
Two floors of house and R&B beats, £2 shooters, and courtyard vibes in Liverpool's nightlife epicenter—perfect for students and party-hoppers alike.
Concert Square Bars And Clubs Liverpool
17.1 km
Discover the energetic nightlife of Liverpool at Concert Square Bars and Clubs, where diverse bars and clubs create an unforgettable experience.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Minimalist Designs
For the architecture buff
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Eco-Friendly
- Low Impact
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Mindfulness
- Cultural Heritage
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Photowalk
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly