Visit Manchester Insider’s Guide Part 3: Parks and Countryside

This content is drawn from the Visit Manchester Insider’s Guide. Filled with ideas and inspiration for things to see, do, and eat, as well as places to stay, the 40-page guide features dedicated sections on what's new and upcoming, along with maps and spotlight pages highlighting Greater Manchester's towns, boroughs, and trendiest neighbourhoods. It's the ideal resource for planning your next trip.

Parks and Countryside

Etherow Country Park

Covering the site of an old cotton mill, Etherow Country Park is home to over 100 species of birds and offers a haven for birdwatching, rambling, sailing, and angling.

Healey Dell

Take in the views from a 100-foot high disused 1800’s railway viaduct or enjoy the wildlife sanctuary with delightful scenery and spectacular waterfalls just two miles from Rochdale town centre

Burrs Country Park

Located just outside of Bury, Burrs Country Park is the ideal spot for riverside walks, fishing, and birdwatching. You can also follow the Irwell Sculpture Trail, which will lead you to the quaint town of Ramsbottom.

Werneth Low

Only 9.5 miles from the city centre, Werneth Low Country Park extends over 200 acres, providing panoramic views of Manchester, beyond to Liverpool, and on a clear day, the mountains of Wales.

Peel Park

The first public park in the UK funded entirely by the people’s subscription, Peel Park has been bringing Salford residents together since 1846. The neighbouring Meadows and Kersal Wetlands are excellent add-ons for walking and wildlife spotting.

Highfield Country Park

Set over 250 acres of parkland, Haigh Woodland Park is ideal for families – as well as beautiful scenery, the park offers mini-golf, a miniature railway, and aerial climbing activites.

Dove Stone Reservoir

Situated on the edge of Oldham and the Peak District, Dove Stone offers dramatic landscape surrounded by hills, with woodland walks and tracks surrounding the four main reservoirs

Rivington Pike

Offering stunning views as far as the Isle of Man and Cumbrian Fells, Rivington Pike and its tower on Winter Hill can be seen from miles around and is a popular destination for walkers.