Parks, Gardens and Stately Homes

You may associate Manchester with the urban and industrial but a pleasant surprise awaits you at one of the many horticultural hidden gems and majestic mansions dotted around the city region.

For grandeur and grade listed buildings set in stunning surroundings, Heaton Park, four miles north of the city centre, won't disappoint. One of the largest municipal parks in Europe, it hosts large scale events and festivities throughout the year. With no less than eight listed structures, the grade II listed park is on English Heritage's Register of Historic Parks and Gardens.
www.heatonpark.org.uk

Nestled in 250 acres of park and woodland, Haigh Hall and County Park, Wigan was once home to the Earl of Crawford. Breathtaking views across the Douglas Valley to the Welsh Hills await you here and groups who pre-book can take advantage activities such as themed walks, orienteering and archery.
www.wlct.org.uk

Smithills Hall and Country Park, Bolton, just over 30minutes drive from the city centre, is the oldest manor house in the North West, dating back to medieval times. The preserved architecture dates through Tudor to Victorian times and the hall offers private tours to groups and for something different, why not book an evening ghost tour.
www.visitbolton.com

Further south of the city, in the rolling hills of Cheshire, Tatton Park in Knutsford is where groups can enjoy a year round programme of events set in glorious landscape. The Royal Horticultural Society Flower Show, Christmas Concerts and Classic Car Shows are just a few events that attract groups from all over the UK.
www.tattonpark.org.uk

Parks and Gardens Itinerary

Explore England's backyard with its picturesque parks and historical homes with these suggested itineraries.

DAY 1: City park and country manor

Morning: Fletcher Moss Park

Arrive at Fletcher Moss, 20 minutes south of the city centre in the charming suburb of Didsbury. The park has held a green flag award since 2000 and is the founding site of the Royal Society for the protection of birds (RSPB).

Discover plantings remincent of the park's heritage - dating from the late 1800s; the rockery, orchid houses and parsonage gardens have an assortment of wildflower species.

Drive to Tatton Park (1 hour)

Afternoon: Tatton Park

Arrive for lunch in The Stables Restaurant. The menu uses the freshest seasonal produce from the Tatton estate.

Take a costumed tour of the Old Hall and be brought back to its colourful 500 year history with stories of its inhabitants.

Tour the Japanese Garden and admire the designs dating back 200 years.

Explore The Mansion, home to the Egerton Family since the 18th century. It holds a fine collection of antiques with staterooms having an impressive library collection.

DAY 2: Horticulture and Honey

Morning: Dunham Massey

30 minutes drive from Manchester, Dunham Massey is a beautiful country estate with lots to see and do.

Have an introductory talk on arrival followed by a guided tour of Britain's largest Winter Garden, with 700 species of plants and 1600 shrubs.

Drive to Heaton Park (30mins)

Afternoon: Heaton Park

Have lunch at the Boathouse Pavilion Café before taking a nostalgic tram ride from the Tram Museum around the rolling landscape of Heaton Park. (Tram rides only available on Sundays and Bank Holidays but can be privately booked).
The ornamental ponds and neo-classical 18th Century Hall are a must see.

Afterwards, explore the beautifully restored Dower House where Sundays from 2pm you can watch Manchester Beekeepers extract honey from bees. Buy a jar of Heaton Park Honey as you learn about the fascinating art of beekeeping.

If you have time, visit the Hidden Gem Garden Centre where seasonal plants can be purchased.