Best Nature and Parks (RV, National, Dog, etc) in Mottram St Andrew

"Kids from age four are going to enjoy exploring this property on 32 acres of picturesque parkland. It offers an ideal space for picnics, kickabouts, and there are bouncy slide and trampolines, pitch n putt, and other outdoor activities that will keep the children busy. Also available for exploration in the garden is the children’s zoo, where they will meet parrots, shetland ponies, ferrets, chipmunks, rabbits, Herdwick sheep, chickens, pygmy goats, red squirrels, geese, guinea pigs, and ducks."

"Open every day of the year, from morning until nightfall – and completely free to visit – the vibrant Fletcher Moss Park and Botanical Garden in Didsbury is a lovely place to spend an afternoon. In spring, the space comes alive with a burst of colour from its various wild flowers – with deep purples and warm oranges. It’s home to a host of wildlife, too – including a wide variety of birds."

"Fletcher Moss Park is a wide network of paths around the area around the Gardens, through Stenner Woods, round Millgate Fields, and along the river Mersey. Much of the area is a Local Nature reserve and there is a variety of wildlife to see and vistas to enjoy. At first, finding your way around can be a little confusing, and a map of the area might help."

"In the Didsbury area of South Manchester you’ll find Fletcher Moss Park and Botanical Gardens. Autumn in Fletcher Moss Park. The park is famous for its amazing rock gardens, where a variety of interesting plants and shrubs thrive in microclimates within the shelter provided by the rocks."

"Source: Photo by Flickr user Dumphasizer used under CC BY-SA 2.0. As mentioned earlier in our introduction, Poole’s Cavern & Buxton Country Park is one of the top tourist sites in Buxton, England. It is a longstanding natural limestone cave along Green Lane in the county of Derbyshire."

"Adjoining Buxton's opulent opera house are the equally flamboyant Pavilion Gardens. These 9.3 hectares are dotted with domed pavilions; concerts take place in the bandstand throughout the year. The main building contains a tropical greenhouse, an arts and crafts gallery, a nostalgic cafe and the tourist office."

"If you’re going to be visiting Legoland, be aware that Manchester’s SEA LIFE centre is located right next door and a joint ticket can be purchased for both destinations. You can roam the centre, walking through tunnels of exotic fish and coming face to face with sharks and stingrays; your kids can also have a go at diving in the immersive sea trek experience. Anyone can participate in this fantastic activity (the only one of its kind in Europe), wearing a special breath-easy helmet and a wetsuit to ensure that they are safe and comfortable during the ten-minute dive into the deep."

"While the country house at Hare Hill Hall is privately owned, the garden is cared for by the National Trust. The star here is the walled garden, a blaze of colour in early-summer when the rhododendrons and azaleas burst into flower. There are also uncommon varieties of poppy, iris, lupin, phlox and echinacea."

"Described as a ‘delightful high Victorian garden’, Biddulph Grange Garden is home to an incredible collection of plants from around the world. Shrouded in beauty, colour, and tranquillity, Biddulph offers a truly unique day out as you wander the landscaped gardens, discover hidden tunnels and pathways, stroll the woodland walk, and visit the undisturbed lake. I Opening Times: 11am-5.30pm, closing times may be earlier in the winter months."

"Vapiano are renowned for making their irresistible Italian meals from scratch, so you know that they're using only the freshest ingredients to make their veggie dishes. Dine on the crema di funghi and pesto basilico pasta alongside vegetable-topped pizzas."

"Starting with number 5, Victoria Park is a Green Flag award winning park that was opened in 1897, making it one of the oldest parks in the city. It is located in Swinton, right next to Swinton Football Club. There is a wide range of facilities in the park including an events area, tennis courts, outdoor gym equipment and a children’s play area."

"The Clayton Hall Living History Museum dates back to the 15th century and you will therefore not see the global moated medieval buildings. The Museum is in the Grade II category. Volunteers have restored it back to its original look and it is now open to the public twice a month."

"Dress up as a Victorian, visit several rooms, have lunch in the café, or take part in a guided tour. A really fun way to learn about Victorian and Mancunian history. Highly recommended for children, book, music and history lovers."

"Manchester is a great city and there is so much to see and do as a family and its sad that its often overlooked when people are visiting the UK. Similarly to London, Manchester is jam packed with museums covering so many different areas and each providing a different and unique experience to children and families. Below are my pick of the best museums in Manchester for children which are all a great day out for families and most are free, so great for keeping the costs down on adventures!"