Manchester Parks and Countryside

Top 5 parks

Manchester's great outdoors

ArticleTop 5 selection by Kath Horwill, a freelance writer who blogs at Parklover

Tatton Park

Family Friendly GardenOne of England’s most complete historic estates. Encompasses neo-classical mansion, 50 acres of award winning gardens including one of the best Japanese gardens in Europe.

Hare Hill

National TrustClose to Alderley Edge, Hare Hill offers a tranquil Woodland garden which comes to life in spectacular style eary in the summer months.

Queen's Park

Family FriendlyOriginally presented to the people of Heywood by Queen Victoria in 1879, this Grade 2 Listed park is of major landscape and historical importance.

Lyme Park

National TrustLyme Park is a magnificent estate on the edge of the Peak District. It's wild remoteness within beautiful sweeping moorland offers a powerful contrast.

Quarry Bank Mill

National TrustWorking 18th Century water powered cotton mill set in beautiful National Trust country park. Working demonstrations, from hand spinning and weaving to original mill weaving machines producing cloth for sale in the shop. Restaurant and picnic area.

Broadfield Park

Family Friendly GardenRochdale's town centre park, the oldest in the Borough, is of great historic interest and contains the statue of John Bright MP. Of considerable landscape beauty and charm with significant views of the area.

Fog Lane Park

Botanic GardenPurchased in 1926 by the town planning committee, Fog Lane Park was one of the first public parks.

Vicarage Botanical Gardens

GardenAn old vicarage, squashed in between Shell Chemicals and Air Products is not the most hospitable place but this 7.5 acre site provides an oasis of colour and contrast to the monolithic structures on either side.

Watergrove Reservoir

Natural FeatureHigh in the Pennines above Wardle village, Watergrove Reservoir includes trails with spectacular views, bird watching, fishing and a link to the Pennine Bridleway.