When you think ‘Manchester’, you might think of drizzly grey skies and even greyer skylines. It’s rather an understatement to say that the city centre isn’t overly abundant in parks. But despite the city’s industrial heritage, there are still gorgeous green spaces to be discovered, from the pocket-sized to the rugged and expansive, and many just short journey out of town.
When it comes to parks in Manchester, it seems like every suburb has its hidden woodland gems, riverside spots and local community hubs. Not to mention excellent park cafes and historical monuments. So whether it’s a spot for a picnic, or wintry walks you’re looking for, why not seek out a new scenic spot from our list. You’ll be saying ‘I can’t believe this is in Manchester’ in no time.
Read our round-up of the best parks in Manchester…
Clayton Vale
Once home to a tannery, print works, a dye factory and even a smallpox hospital, Clayton Vale is a storied patch of green space just north of the city centre. It’s a nature reserve that hugs the bank of the River Medlock, and is therefore really popular with dog walkers and city-centre dwellers seeking a slice of overgrown escapism. Follow the canal out of town in the direction of The Co-op Live arena and you can’t really go wrong. Alternatively, take the tram out to Clayton Hall.
Edge Lane, Clayton, Manchester, M11 4BR
Daisy Nook Country Park
Quite possibly one of the prettiest sounding parks on the list, Daisy Nook Country Park lives up to the whimsical promise of its name. In the Medlock Valley, just a tram journey out towards Ashton way (making for an excellent double-header with IKEA for a wholesome Sunday), Daisy Nook is about as far away from the hustle and bustle of the city as you could possibly be. There are 40 whole hectares of the place in which to enjoy woodland walks and bird spotting, woodpeckers and owls being among some of the fine feathered friends you can spot. There’s also loads of fishing spots, just make sure you sort a day ticket in advance.
Stannybrook Rd, Failsworth, Oldham, Manchester M35 9WJ
Drinkwater Park
One of Prestwich’s many expansive green spaces, Drinkwater Park doesn’t have the same sort of rockstar clout as its neighbouring Heaton, but it’s certainly worth a visit. The River Irwell runs through the middle of the park, which makes it a great spot for especially stunning walks and runs. There’s loads of hidden cloughs and wooded areas to explore, and if there’s one thing we know Prestwich is good for, it’s a cosy old-school pub for post-walk pints.
Dunham Massey
Walking distance from Altrincham, you can find Dunham Massey, a vast country park filled with deer. The centrepiece is a Grade-I listed house which was used as a military hospital during World War II. If you’re making a day of it, there’s loads of historical old buildings to take a look at, ornamental gardens, and visitor facilities like a cafe and loos. You can even loop out to the neighbouring picturesque hamlet of Little Bollington and enjoy some traditional pub grub in The Swan With Two Necks – a proper cosy ale pub with tonnes of history.
Dunham Massey, Altrincham WA14 4SJ
Etherow Country Park
Located between Marple and Romiley in Stockport, Etherow Country Park was one of the first country parks in the UK. Particularly popular with bird watchers and plant appreciators, it’s a cornucopia of wildlife. You can also sail, motor boat and fish in the various scenic bodies of water dotted around their 240 acres. One to dig out the walking boots for.
George St, Compstall, Romiley, Stockport SK6 5JD
Fletcher Moss Botanical Gardens
Fletcher Moss is the perfect place for a relaxing stroll or even a game of tennis if that’s your thing. It’s a seriously pretty one, and there isn’t an award worth having that they don’t already have – from RHS special awards to Britain In Bloom ‘outstanding’ nods. There’s a quaint little coffee shop and a distinctive tree-lined walk that you might recognise from loads of TV shows like Coronation Street and Cold Feet. There’s a whole host of wildlife and different gardens, and if you head down to the parsonage, there’s even a gallery too. It’s an entire day out in one park, but if you do run out of outdoorsy things to do, you’re just a stone’s throw away from the pubs, restaurants and shops of Didsbury Village.
18 Stenner Lane, Didsbury, Manchester M20 2RQ
Heaton Park
Perhaps best known for being the location of landmark rock music reformations, as well as Parklife, Heaton Park also makes for a multi-faceted family day out. Get involved in the boating lake or the ornamental gardens, check out the vintage trams and the animal park. You’ll forget you’re just a few stops north of the city centre on the met. If it was good enough for the Pope – yes, it had a papal visit in 1982 – it’s good enough for us.
Middleton Road, Manchester M25 2SW
Longford Park
Bridging the gap between Stretford and Chorlton, Longford is a vast suburban park with seriously cool credentials. While visitors may rave about the various family-friendly attractions – the petting zoo and various play areas, we know they’re really there for one of two things really: the disc golf course (all 18 holes of it) and the incredible park cafe, operated by the guys behind impeccable brunch spot Blanchflower. Of course M21 has a park serving flat whites this good.
Ryebank Rd, Stretford, Manchester M21 9TA
Lyme Park
Eagle-eyed period drama fans will recognise Lyme Park – or at least its majestic house, which is the biggest in Cheshire – from the 1995 BBC adaptation of Pride and Prejudice. Elizabethan architecture and romantic vistas aside, Lyme Park is a properly rugged country park with lakes, hidden gardens and roaming deer, plus a rugged adventure playground for the kids. There are loads of visitor facilities like cafes, restaurants and even a secondhand bookshop, but what we’d advise is packing yourself a picnic and going for a roam around the gargantuan 1,400 acre estate, not missing out its most stunning folly, called The Cage.
Mayfield Park
Manchester’s first new park in 100 years, Mayfield Park is about as urban as they come, tucked behind Piccadilly Station and the vast industrial carcass of the Depot Mayfield building. It hugs the River Medlock and has been cleverly landscaped with loads of zones for relaxing or enjoying family-friendly activities. It’s a real game-changer when it comes to green space in the city centre, and a gift to anyone who is lucky enough to be able to get there on their lunch break.
Boardman Gate Entrance, 11 Baring St, Manchester M1 2PY
Peel Park, Salford
On the doorstep of the University of Salford, one of the oldest parks in the country, and the oldest in Manchester, has just enjoyed a makeover and a beautiful one at that. Some of the old features have been reinstated such as the statue of Joseph Brotherton – public park and OG vegetarian campaigner. There’s also some great features like a flood marker basin and a brand-new playground – something for everyone.
Platt Fields Park
An oasis of greenery in and among the student-centric carnage of Fallowfield, Platt Fields Park truly has it all. From the vast lake with a boathouse to the picturesque market garden, complete with monthly retro jumble sales and self-sufficient community cafe, it’s a hub of activity. Sports fans are well-equipped with basketball and tennis courts, as well as a skate and BMX park, and there’s even the Shakespearean Gardens, inspired by the flora and fauna mentioned in the works of the Bard. The best thing is that you can jump on almost any bus on the Oxford Road corridor and end up there in minutes. A proper gem that’s a real hub for the community too.
Fallowfield, Manchester M14 6LA
Reddish Vale Country Park
Walking distance from Stockport, Reddish and Brinnington train stations, Reddish Vale Country Park is a green corridor linking Stockport with much of Tameside. You can also use it to access long-distance walking routes like the Transpennine Trail and the Midshires Way. Wildlife enthusiasts might be able to spot kingfishers, herons and cormorants, and with the right permission you can also go fishing. The impressive arches of the Reddish Vale Viaduct also run through the park, and are well worth seeking out. The best bit? Head to Reddish Vale’s strip of independent bars and restaurants for some post-hike sustenance.
Reddish Vale Visitors Centre, Reddish Vale Rd, Stockport SK5 7HE
Tatton Park
One of the ‘big boys’ of the Greater Manchester park scene, Tatton is home to a Tudor Old Hall, as well as loads of family-centric activities like an adventure playground and a farm. Deer roam freely here, and there’s about 1,000 acres of parkland to explore. They’re big on events, from seasonal celebrations to half marathons, so take a look at their calendar and plan a visit. Nearby Knutsford has loads of pubs, bars and street markets if you’re looking to make a day of it, with a circular walk to be had from the town end of the park, taking in all the sights. The National Trust-owned house is a joy to explore, as are the enthralling walled and Japanese gardens.
Tatton Park Gardens, Knutsford WA16 6QN
Whitworth Park
In the impressive grounds of the Whitworth Gallery, Whitworth Park is a deceptively compact green space which feels more expansive due to its abundance of vast, mature trees. Occasionally home to temporary artworks and extensions of the exhibitions inside, it’s one to check out whether you’re seeking culture or escapism. Goldfinch and even parakeets have been spotted in the park.
Woodbank Park
In 49 acres of greenery in Offerton, not far from the centre of Stockport, Woodbank Park is a suburban favourite. Be sure to check out the historical villa, built in a Greek revivalist style in the early 1800s. If you’re more into walking than architecture, there are miles of woodland walks to explore too, which connect to more hardcore walking routes like the the Midshires Way and the Fred Perry Way.
Turncroft Ln, Offerton, Stockport SK1 4JR
Wythenshawe Park
Stick a podcast on, and jump on the tram from town to Wythenshawe Park. There’s a wealth of things to do, from sports (excellent tennis and basketball courts, as well as an athletics and BMX track and even horse riding) to sprawling, mature gardens to get lost in. There’s also the Grade II-listed hall, originally home of the Tatton family, and which was saved from near destruction by a fire in 2016, as well as a community farm and horticultural centre.
Wythenshawe Road, Manchester M23 0AB
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