Winter’s the perfect excuse to get outside and stretch your legs.
Grab your friends or family, hop on a train, tram or into the car, and see what Greater Manchester and its neighbouring towns have to offer. Whether you want a tougher route or an easy lakeside walk, there’s plenty to discover this season.
Visit Manchester's Top Picks:
1. Bolton – Winter Hill
If you’re up for a challenge, head to Winter Hill. The climb might leave you a little out of breath, but the views are worth every step. On a clear day, you can see right across the Northwest, and sometimes even catch a glimpse of the snowy Welsh mountains in the distance.
2. Bury – Peel Tower / Holcombe Hill
Peel Tower, Holcombe Moor and Ramsbottom is a local favourite, and it’s easy to see why. The path up to Peel Tower is short but rewarding, and the view from the top is stunning on a crisp winter morning. Afterwards, wander down into Ramsbottom for a well-earned hot chocolate or coffee.
3. Manchester – Heaton Park
You don’t have to leave the city to find a bit of winter peace. Heaton Park is lovely this time of year, with frosted trees, quiet paths, and views looking out to the city. It’s a great spot for a slow walk with family, friends, or your four-legged companion.
4. Tameside – GM Ringway
The GM Ringway Walking Trail runs through riversides, moorlands, and pretty market towns, making Tameside a great place to explore a stretch of the route. It’s a mix of open views and cosy corners with plenty of cafes and local pubs to stop in along the way.
5. Oldham – Dovestone Reservoir
Set on the edge of the Peak District, Dovestone Reservoir looks especially beautiful in winter. It’s a rather challenging walk if you decide to go up into the hills, but equally rewards you with scenic views on a clear day. If you're just planning to walk around the reservoir, it's a relatively easy, flat walk.
6. Rochdale – Hollingworth Lake
Hollingworth Lake is a classic spot for a winter walk. It’s a flat path with lovely views, and there’s always a good chance of spotting some wildlife along the water’s edge. When you’re done, grab a warm drink in one of the lakeside cafes.
7. Salford – Worsley Village
With its canal paths and timber-framed cottages, Worsley Village feels like it was made for winter. It’s calm, pretty, and full of charm – the kind of place that looks like it belongs on a Christmas card.
8. Stockport – Bramall Hall and Park
Bramall Hall is a hidden gem tucked away in Stockport. It’s a beautiful old manor house surrounded by parkland and perfect for a winter’s walk. After exploring its history, be sure to stop by the café for something warm and sweet.
9. Trafford – Dunham Massey
Few places capture the season quite like Dunham Massey. Deer wander quietly through the frosty grass and the old estate looks something out of a Christmas film. If you can, visit around dusk, it feels like you’ve stepped into another world.
10. Wigan – Pennington Flash
If you’re after a lakeside walk, Pennington Flash is the place to go. The lakeside paths are wide and open, and there’s always plenty of birdlife to spot. It’s one of those places that makes you instantly relax.
Other Popular Spots:
1. Castlefield
Location: Manchester
If you’re looking for a more urban walk this winter, then the Castlefield neighbourhood is a must-visit! Castlefield, located at the south-west end of Deansgate, is the industrial and Roman heart of Manchester.
It is home to a Roman fort, networks of canals, old mills, cosy pubs and restaurants.
2. New Islington Marina & the Ancoats Neighbourhood
Location: Manchester
Fancy a city walk with plenty of spots to grab a coffee along the way? Take a wander around New Islington Marina and explore the vibrant Ancoats neighbourhood this winter. From quirky independent traders to the much-loved Rudy’s Pizza, this area is full of life and has something for everyone.
Make sure to visit Pollen Bakery while you stroll around the marina and are greeted by its resident geese. Afterwards, explore the streets lined with stunning red-brick warehouses and Cutting Room Square, now home to some of the city’s best spots to eat and drink.
3. Tatton Park
Location: Knutsford, Cheshire
Tatton Park over in Knutsford makes for the perfect winter day out. The Japanese Garden looks something out of a painting this time of year and the changing season adds to that festive feel. It's also great for the little ones as they can run around the open paths and visit the farm.
Discover More...
51 Things To Do in Manchester this Christmas
- 12 minute read
1. Step into the magical world of Narnia as the acclaimed West End production of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe arrives at the Lowry. 2. Experience the magic of A Christmas Carol brought to life on stage by Gerald Charles Dickens, the great-great-grandson of Charles Dickens, in a fully…
For more festive inspiration, head over to Christmas in Manchester.
50 Things to do in Manchester this Summer
- 10 minute read
Summer in Manchester brings the city to life, with a packed calendar of festivals, events and…
A 24-Hour Guide to Manchester for Oasis Fans
- 6 minute read
One year ago, Oasis returned home for a run of sold-out shows at Heaton Park. It was a reunion that…
Trafford Centre Unveils Line up of Action-Packed Summer Activities for all the Family
- 4 minute read
Trafford Centre is inviting families to make the most of the summer holidays with its biggest…
What's hot in Greater Manchester this summer?
- 8 minute read
Greater Manchester is set for a standout summer with a wave of new openings and events that capture…
Great British Summer Savings in Manchester: Family Days Out, Attractions, Dining and Free Travel
- 11 minute read
Looking for affordable family days out in Greater Manchester this summer? Families can benefit from…
The Best Picnic Spots in Manchester (2026): Parks, Gardens & Takeaway Food Nearby
- 6 minute read
Let’s be honest: Manchester keeps its buzz whatever the forecast, and when the sun does make…
The Ealees Valley and Hollingworth Lake, Rochdale
- 7 minute read
A gentle linear route between two railway stations visiting a tree-lined valley and one of the…
The Best Graduation offers in Manchester
- 12 minute read
Graduation is a moment worth celebrating, marking both an ending and the start of something new…
Manchester’s Summer of Sport: The Ultimate Guide
- 7 minute read
Sport is part of Manchester’s identity all year round, but this summer the city has an…
Upcoming Events in MediaCity & The Quays
- 8 minute read
Summer at MediaCity and the Quays has its own kind of energy, waterside walks that turn into theatre…
15 year-round reasons to visit Greater Manchester as an LGBTQ+ tourist
- 12 minute read
Manchester is a welcoming and cosmopolitan city with a thriving and vibrant LGBTQ+ scene and is well…
A Local Guide to Manchester's Green Spaces
- 12 minute read
Manchester isn't short of things to do in summer, but when the city gets busy, sometimes the…
8 Fathers Day Activities around Greater Manchester
- 11 minute read
Father’s Day is fast approaching. Sunday 21 June is a day dedicated to celebrating that…
The Ultimate Guide to Nightlife in Manchester
- 11 minute read
If you’re searching for the best nightlife in Manchester, it doesn’t take long to…
Where to Watch the World Cup in Manchester
- 35 minute read
As one of the UK’s most passionate football cities, Manchester is the place to be during the…
The biggest Women’s T20 World Cup is coming to Manchester at Emirates Old Trafford this Summer
- 2 minute read
The biggest Women’s T20 World Cup is coming to Manchester this Summer Women’s World…
Get Ready for a Bloomin' Amazing Bank Holiday Weekend in Manchester
- 4 minute read
Manchester city centre is set to burst into colour this May as The Manchester Flower Festival…
Celebrating Pride across Greater Manchester
- 6 minute read
June marks Pride Month across the world, to commemorate the anniversary of the Stonewall riots…
Health and Wellness activities in Greater Manchester
- 4 minute read
Revitalize your senses in Greater Manchester with Visit Manchester’s guide to health and…
Human Natures: A Free Exhibition Opens at Manchester Museum
- 3 minute read
Step into Human Natures, Manchester Museum’s new exhibition exploring how people have shaped…
Best Day Trips from Manchester for an Unforgettable Adventure
- 11 minute read
So, you’re planning on booking a trip to Manchester and fancy getting out to explore more of…
The Best Midweek Deals to Take Advantage of in Manchester
- 11 minute read
Who says dining out has to wait for the weekend? In Manchester, some of the best food deals pop up…
Manchester on Screen: A Neighbourhood-led Film & TV Day Out
- 13 minute read
Manchester is the kind of city that makes you feel like you’ve been here before. Not because…
Celebrating 50 years of extraordinary theatre at the Royal Exchange
- 2 minute read
Suspended inside a former trading hall in the heart of Manchester, the Royal Exchange Theatre is…
Explore Manchester Like a Local This Summer
- 24 minute read
Explore Manchester beyond the usual city centre spots and you’ll start to get a better sense…
Manchester Neighbourhood Guide: Summer Edition
- 15 minute read
Manchester doesn’t really show its neighbourhoods as separate things when you’re…
48–72 Hours in Manchester: The Ultimate Summer Itinerary
- 10 minute read
Only have a couple of days in Manchester? This itinerary gives you a genuine feel for the city, its…
Things to do in Greater Manchester this May Half Term Holidays
- 2 minute read
Looking for May half term activities that are fun for the whole family? Thankfully, Greater…
Events not to miss this early May Bank Holiday
- 4 minute read
The May Bank Holiday weekend is the perfect excuse to get out and enjoy Manchester. From family days…
We Invented the Weekend returns to Salford for a huge free celebration
- 5 minute read
We Invented the Weekend returns on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 June, bringing two days of joyful, free…
What’s On in Manchester This Summer: Live Music, Gigs and Festivals
- 7 minute read
The search for gigs in Manchester this summer usually starts the same way. A quick look at listings…
Top Things to Do in Manchester This Summer
- 11 minute read
The first warm evening in Manchester often begins the same way: someone suggests “just one…
Ultimate Guide to Family-Friendly Summer Adventures in Greater Manchester
- 13 minute read
Dreaming of an unforgettable family escape this summer? Manchester is buzzing with things to do for…
Manchester 48 Hour Film Project Returns for Season 2 in 2026
- 4 minute read
Filmmakers across the North-West are invited to take on the Ultimate 48-Hour Creative…
Unmissable Shows at Lowry: Award-winning Musicals, Dance and New shows
- 1 minute read
Enjoy unmissable shows and inspiring performance in 2026 at Salford’s iconic theatre, Lowry…
A Complete Guide to Manchester's Michelin-star and Michelin-listed Restaurants
- 18 minute read
Manchester has become one of the UK’s most exciting cities for fine dining, with a growing…
Top 7 Ways to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Manchester
- 7 minute read
St. Patrick’s Day falls on 17 March, with events across the city including the Manchester St…
Manchester Marathon 2026 Guide: Spectator Information, Travel Advice, and Best Celebration Spots
- 5 minute read
The UK’s second-largest marathon takes place in Manchester on Sunday 19 th April 2026…
5 Top Events Not to Miss at Manchester Film Festival 2026
- 5 minute read
Manchester Film Festival returns 19–29 March 2026 — and it's shaping up to be the…
Spring Jazz Season in Manchester at Stoller Hall
- 3 minute read
Spring has officially sprung at Stoller Hall - and this season, it’s swinging…
Visit Manchester Insider's Guide Part 10: LGBTQ+
- 2 minute read
This content is drawn from the Visit Manchester Insider’s Guide. Filled with ideas and…
Visit Manchester Insider’s Guide Part 9: Bars and Pubs
- 4 minute read
This content is drawn from the Visit Manchester Insider’s Guide. Filled with ideas and…
Visit Manchester Insider’s Guide Part 7: Galleries and Museums
- 3 minute read
This content is drawn from the Visit Manchester Insider’s Guide. Filled with ideas and…
How to Get Manchester City Tickets
- 4 minute read
For football fans across the globe, a trip to Manchester isn’t complete without a visit to…
Things to do in Greater Manchester this Easter School Holidays
- 4 minute read
Looking for Easter activities that are fun for the whole family? Thankfully, Greater Manchester is…
Exciting Transformation at Rochdale’s Curtain Theatre
- 2 minute read
If you’re planning a trip to Greater Manchester and love discovering local gems…
Visit Manchester Insider’s Guide Part 6: Music Venues and Theatres
- 3 minute read
This content is drawn from the Visit Manchester Insider’s Guide. Filled with ideas and…
Visit Manchester Insider’s Guide Part 5: Tours
- 2 minute read
This content is adapted from the Visit Manchester Insider’s Handbook. Packed with ideas and…
Visit Manchester Insider’s Guide Part 4: Heritage Sites and Libraries
- 3 minute read
This content is adapted from the Visit Manchester Insider’s Handbook. Packed with ideas and…