The pub was originally constructed in 1663 and boasts a varied history
A cosy pub situated near a popular trail has been hailed as perfect for dogwalkers and hikers(Image: Jackson’s Boat)
It’s safe to say we’re now in Autumn territory. The weather is temperamental at best, Bake Off is back on our screens, and the lure of a roast dinner all of a sudden makes perfect sense.
There’s something about heading out on a walk-then-pub trip that hits the spot at this time of the year. Whether it’s the changing colour of the trees, the crisp freshness of the morning, or just a sense of needing to unwind after a jam-packed summer, but it ticks all of the boxes.
Built in the 1970s by the M60, Sale Water Park is a step into an abundance of nature and countryside without even having to leave Greater Manchester. On a bright morning, you’ll see open swimmers and paddleboarders enjoying the lake whilst grey herons and moorhens bask in their natural habitat in the near-distance.
The 152-acre parkland offers a number of different walks through grassy meadows, which you can do at your own pace whether you go for a short way round to just admire the lake, or head further to explore the vast outdoors.
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Autumnal colours at Sale Water Park(Image: InYourArea)
The park is also a starting route for many taking on the 12-mile to and back from Urmston as part of the Trans Pennine Trail. Taking in Northenden at the mid-way point, the route features winding trails through meadows and woodlands.
Sale Water Park also features the Jackson’s Boat Bridge, which has survived multiple attempts to be demolished. Dating back to the 1800s, it’s a great vantage spot to watch the River Mersey below – especially when a family of ducks navigate their way past.
Not far away from the bridge is the also-named Jackson’s Boat pub, which has become a popular stopping point or mid-walk breakaway for walkers at the Water Park. It was also once hailed as being one of the most dog-friendly pubs in the country due to the number of dogwalkers it attracts.
Jackson’s Boat in Sale has been hailed as the perfect pub for dogwalkers(Image: Facebook – Jackson’s Boat)
Originally constructed in 1663, when it was called the Old Greyhound, the pub also has a quirky history. It was once best known for being an illegal meeting spot for the 18th-century Jacobites, who plotted to restore the Stuart throne. It was also described at the time as being ‘the perfect spot for hatching plots and counterplots’.
But, nowadays, there is thankfully much less of that. The cosy pub is perfect for the autumn, and has a large outdoor space with plenty of seating as well as a kid’s play area. Whilst it can get busy over the weekend, there are still enough charming nooks and corners around the pub where you can go to feel a little less crowded.
Its main menu features a range of dishes like fish and chips, curries, pies, and halloumi kebabs, as well as burgers, salads, pizzas, and steaks. On Sunday, it also serves roast dinners and roast baps, served warm with seasoned roast potatoes and dipping gravy.
The Jackson’s Boat pub is ideally placed for popping in after an Autumn walk through Sale Water Park and the Trans Pennine Trail(Image: Jackson’s Boat)
The pub also has its very own Jackson’s Boat Ale, which is brewed by Beartown Brewery. With a 4.0% ABV, it’s been hailed as a ‘terrific session ale’. The likes of Madri, Peroni, Carling and Coors are also served on draft, with wines, cider and other spirits also behind the bar.
Online reviews have also praised the pub. One recent customer wrote: “We have been coming here on and off over many years. We love the rustic and homely feel of the place.
Sale Water Park offers lush lakes and greenery to explore(Image: Donald Judge)
“The food is always amazing and the views are on par. This is a dog-friendly pub which we also love, it’s nice to see a venue that caters for dog owners because with the great walking trail that surrounds the pub, it’s easy to be able to nip in and have a drink without the worry of having your pet with you.”
Another wrote: “Amazing pub, dog friendly (free dog treats and water). Beer garden and perfect for families and kids with a play area.”
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