The best parks in Manchester

Heaton Park is Greater Manchester's largest public park, and it offers a wide range of attractions for visitors to enjoy. The park is dotted with historic landmarks, including the Grade I-listed Heaton Hall, as well as 600 acres for walking or picnicking. There's a garden centre, an animal centre, playgrounds, a golf course, various sports facilities, and a boating lake with pedalos and rowing boats for hire. There are also four park cafés, ideal for a bite to eat and drink.

Fletcher Moss Park and botanical gardens date back to 1919 when Alderman Fletcher Moss donated the land to the city of Manchester. This historic park is a haven for nature lovers, as it's filled with all kinds of plants, trees, flowers, and wildlife. The park is maintained by dedicated volunteers known as the Friends of Fletcher Moss Park and Parsonage Gardens, and visitors can enjoy a plethora of activities, including guided walks, nature trails, and botanical tours. There are tennis courts as well as a tea room for grabbing a bite to eat or a drink.

Daisy Nook Country Park, spanning almost 100 acres in the Medlock Valley, is a nature hotspot made up of waterways, a lake, a canal, woodlands, and wildflower meadows. It's a great place to enjoy wildlife spotting and birdwatching; you can see species such as woodpeckers and owls here. Fishing enthusiasts can get day tickets from the waterside bailiff for Sammy's Basin, Crime Lake, and Bardsley Canal. The park also offers a café, toilets, and a children's play area with sand play and a basket swing.

Haigh Woodland Park has a history dating back to Anglo-Saxon times and is home to diverse flora, including beech, oak, and Scots pine, along with over 40 miles of wooded paths teeming with wildlife. It hosts the Jubilee Legacy Walks and the Heritage, Nature and People project, which promote outdoor activities and conservation. There's a miniature railway, golf courses, a rope course, and a children's play area, as well as numerous picnic tables, a café, a bakery, a farm shop, and more.

Moss Bank Park is a lush park featuring a picturesque lake, plenty of greenery, and a wide range of outdoor activities. The park has children's play areas, a miniature railway, seasonal fairground rides, and a café. The Hive Children's Play Area provides nature-based play for young kids, and there are also gardens, including a formal walled garden and rock gardens, which are perfect for leisurely strolls. Sports lovers are in luck here, as facilities include football pitches, a bowling green, a cricket pitch, and tennis courts.

Dunham Massey is a National Trust 17th-century stately home located near Altrincham, rich in history and set within a 300-acre deer park. Spend some time exploring the moat, water-powered mill, and pretty gardens, perfect for strolling or picnicking. Throughout the year, the park hosts various trails and events, and there's a restaurant, café, and gift shop to peruse.

Alexandra Park, otherwise known as Alex Park, spans 60 acres and has been a beloved public park since it opened in 1870. This popular park has football and cricket pitches, games areas, a beautifully planted garden and terrace, a fishing lake, an orchard, and play areas for children of different ages. Visitors can also enjoy refreshments at the on-site café.

RHS Bridgewater, managed by the Royal Horticultural Society, spans 156 acres in Manchester on the historic grounds of Worsley New Hall. The park features perfectly landscaped gardens, a serene lake, and a wide range of plants and flowers. Highlights include themed gardens like the Weston Walled Garden, Paradise Garden, and Chinese Streamside Garden. There's a café and shop, a learning centre, and scenic trails, as well as the Kitchen Garden for dining and a shaded children's play area.

Hollingworth Country Park in Manchester surrounds the tranquil Hollingworth Lake, making it the perfect place for peaceful waterside walks. Spend some time exploring the woodland trails or pack some lunch to enjoy at one of the picnic spots. The park is home to a children's play area, boat rentals, and designated fishing areas. There's a visitor centre for information and a café offering refreshments.

Castlefield Viaduct was originally a Victorian steel viaduct but has since been repurposed into a lush sky garden. The park provides peaceful surroundings and impressive views of the city. The National Trust offers free guided tours of the space every morning, or you can explore independently whenever you fancy.

Whitworth Park is located in the southern part of Manchester and sprawls across 18 acres of greenery. It's home to a variety of wildlife and features notable landmarks such as The Whitworth art gallery and student accommodation for the University of Manchester. It offers a peaceful respite from the busy city centre with leafy trees, spacious lawns, and an overall peaceful vibe. The park also includes a small playground for children.

Platt Fields Park in Fallowfield is popular for its huge lake, sports facilities, and vibrant cultural events like the annual Caribbean Carnival. It serves as a popular destination for recreation, offering visitors opportunities to partake in leisurely walks, picnics, sports activities, and community events all year round.

Chorlton Water Park is a relaxing nature reserve with a lake, woodlands, and grasslands, complete with picnic benches and a children's play area. Several paths meander through the park, making for perfect walks with scenic views. This park surrounds Chorlton Water Park Lake and is known for its wildlife habitats, birdwatching opportunities and fishing.

Didsbury Park features meticulously manicured lawns, winding paths, beautifully tended flower beds, and lush trees. It also has a playground for children and serves as a venue for various community events, including summer festivals, outdoor concerts, and charity fundraisers throughout the year.

This picturesque park is known for its diverse natural landscapes, including woodlands, meadows, and a lake. These provide endless opportunities for walks in nature and outdoor activities. The park is also home to a children's playground, making it popular among families.