It is believed that Dale farm was built in 1834 by James Barlow. The farm was eventually bought by George McGrath and his family at auction in 1920 who supplemented their income through a holiday cottage in the grounds. Following the sale of the farm to the local council in 1973 , the original farmhouse was rebuilt and the site was developed as a day service for adults with disabilities and mental health needs by offering the opportunity to learn life skills through the therapeutic use of horticulture. The holiday cottage is now the Ranger’s office. (Adapted from "The History of Heswall Dales" by Roger Lane and Jenny McRonald of The Heswall Society)
