There are currently 34 parks in total, which you can visit in the Manchester area. Compared to the distant year 1846, when there were only three: Queen’s Park, Philips Park, and Peel Park.
Choosing which ones to visit can be frustrating. Which ones are the best? While they’re all great, five stand out the most.
Each park on this list is unique in its own way. The flora and fauna in each one is different. Read on to find out what each of them has to offer.
1. Heaton Park
The first place on our list is Heaton Park. It is the largest park in Manchester and one of the largest municipal parks in Europe. This is more than just a place to wander, it is a historical landmark. Offering attractions for a full day for all ages.
He has a Grade 1 listed 18th century farmhouse called Heaton Hall. The room is occasionally opened to the public as a museum and event venue.
Here are some of the pleasures it has to offer:
- An 18 hole golf course
- A pitch and putt field
- A golden driving range
- Tennis courts
- A lake with boats
- An animal farm
- An observatory
- Woodlands Orangery and Ornamental Gardens
- A volunteer-run tram system
- Two playgrounds
- A lakeside restaurant and tea room
- The only flat green bowling alleys in Manchester
2. Queen’s Park
Originally presented to the people of Heywood by Queen Victoria in 1879. This impressive Grade II listed municipal park is of great historical and scenic significance. It still features some of the original buildings, such as the Lodge House and the Victoria Fountain. Every weekend there are organized events and it can be a starting point for a walk along the River Roch and the Ashworth Valley. The park also has a 2013 Green Flag award.
The park facilities are:
- Visitors Center
- BMX track
- Bicycle carrier
- Lake and shore
- Orientation courses
- Toddler Play Area
- Play area
- Activities Center
- Tennis courts
- Grassland areas
- Multipurpose event area
- Coffee
- Free parking
- Wetland and wildlife areas
- Walk through wildlife
- Crown green bowling greens and pavilion
- Site-based park keeper
- Fully fenced secure site
3. Wythenshawe Park
In January 2012, an area of Wythenshawe Park was declared a local nature reserve. The park has two sites of biological importance: Nan Noon Wood and Gib Lane Wood. Commonly known as “Garden City”. This park represents exceptional garden maintenance.
The park facilities are:
- Running track
- Bowls
- Kids Play Area – Mixed Ages
- Courtyard Cafe – Open only on weekends from October to March and 7 days a week from April to the end of September
- Ten senior soccer fields
- Horse riding
- Horticultural center
- Multipurpose playground
- Orientation course
- Parking lot
- Short throw and putt
- Tennis courts
- Restrooms at Stable Block and Horticultural Center
- Veterans Pavilion
- Forests and walks
- Wythenshawe Community Farm
- Wythenshawe Hall
4. Fletcher Moss Park
With many old-fashioned and unusual plants and flowers, this is truly a place of botanical beauty. In early 2006 the group “Friends of Fletcher Moss Park and Parsonage Gardens” was formed. Committee meetings are held every 3 months, where members of the Friends group can give their opinion and ask questions about the park and its facilities. Anyone who wants to can join the group. You can also contact the park management by email.
Going there you can join the following activities:
- Monday health walks: health walks organized by the park every Monday of the year (except holidays)
- Tennis: there are regular sessions, with training if you wish.
- Walking for pleasure: having an extensive network of paths around the area, a map will come in handy at first
- Nature Trail – Through Stenner Woods, along Stenner Lane, and around Health Walk
5. Prestwich Forest Park
Last but not least on our list is Prestwich Forest Park. It offers 200 hectares of forests and open spaces. It consists of the local nature reserve Philips Park, Mere Clough, Prestwich Clough, Waterdale Meadow and Drinkwater Park. Giving you many places to explore. From time to time various activities take place, but above all it is a place to relax.
The facilities it has to offer are:
- Children’s Play Area (Philips Park)
- Visitor Center (Philips Park)
- Soccer Field (Drinkwater Park)
- Fishing (Waterdale / Drinkwater Park / Philips Park, near 13 arches / M60)
- Car parks (Philips Park / Drinkwater Park)