Top Rated Parks to Visit in Ashton-in-Makerfield

"Calderstones is filled with such a vast number of little pleasantries and surprises that you just can’t help but love it. Their Reader Café offers books for customers to read while eating, there are plenty of open spaces upon which to kick back and enjoy a beer, while the Storybarn - an interactive story-centre aimed at getting children to embrace a love of reading - is nothing short of inspired. There’s a model railway, too."

"Calderstones Park is a family park sprawling in a 94-acre wide area. A fusion of woodland, lake and fields, this is certainly one of the best places that the whole family can enjoy for different scenery and activities like hiking, strolling and running. Part of this park is a wonderful Japanese garden and old English gardens that would definitely provide you with both the eastern and western vibe."

"This 126 acres family park has a botanical garden, a playground and the six ancient Calderstones, after which the park is named. If you have kids, or if you yourself like animals, you will love the park. The park lake has ducks and geese swimming in it, always coming close in the hope of being fed."

"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."

"Named after Mr. Fletcher Moss (who donated the park’s grounds to the city), these Botanical Gardens are part plant showcase, part wildlife habitat, and part recreational facility. The plant life here is renowned for its beauty, and contains several unusual varieties. Some of the older specimens have grown there since the foundation of the park a full century ago."

"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."

"If you are a fan of wide-open spaces and greenery, where you can explore woods, as well as amazing play areas the kids will thank you for, then heading to Birkenhead Park is a great option to consider. An excellent location that can blow off the cobwebs and enable you to spend some quality time together. Check out all the latest information, opening times and restrictions HERE"

"Take some time out to relax in the lush Birkenhead Park in between your visits to the other must-visit attractions in Liverpool. The park lies on the west side of the Mersey and is linked to Liverpool by tunnels and the excellent Mersey Ferry service. Near the tunnel are the ruins of a 12th-century Benedictine abbey with a chapterhouse, crypt, and refectory."

"Head to the Botanical Garden in the Baltic Triangle for some gin garden selfies when it opens in March. Sit on one of the benches or the grass bleachers and enjoy a gin cocktail in the glorious sunshine. If the weather takes a bit of a turn jump into the shed to keep yourself out of the rain."

"New Bird Street oasis, Botanical Garden is a green space dedicated to the appreciation of Gin. Yes, we know it’s winter and this venue is currently closed, but how could we not include it in a guide to Gin?!. We are counting down the days until its return in spring 2020."

"A seasonal pop-up bar that specialises in gin cocktails, this is one of the city's coolest summer bars. There's a fine selection of beers if you prefer, and a kitchen that serves excellent Mexican food; in rainy..."

"Richerman, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons. Peel Park is a public urban park in Salford and has a significant history, being the first park to open in the UK funded entirely by public subscription, in 1846. The park has some beautifully maintained wild flowerbeds and a wide variety of specimen trees – all of which are managed by volunteers."

"One of the first public parks in the country, Peel Park opened in 1846 and was named for the Bury-born Prime Minister Sir Robert Peel (1788-1850). In 1851 the newly laid out park was the main venue for Queen Victoria’s visit to Manchester and Salford. Sitting beside the River Irwell, Peel Park is hemmed by the University of Salford and some of its residential buildings."

"Peel Park is well known amongst University of Salford students. The park is home to about 1500 students during term time who reside in Peel Park Quarter, a luxury living space that was opened in 2015. It is also home to Atmosphere Bar, the University of Salford’s student union."

"Located right in the heart of the city, Picadilly Gardens is the tranquil antidote to an otherwise buzzing city centre. Throughout the year there are events on including music and art events. From Wednesday to Sunday there is the Street food market which is perfect for a delicious bite to eat."

"It would be wrong to say to come to this park to escape the city’s hustle and bustle. Instead, you will be able to feel the buzz of the Mancunians meeting, eating, drinking and joking. If you want to sit down on one of the many benches or seats and people watch, this is the park for you."

"Buile Hill Park is, for many, the pillar of the Salford community. Situated in Seedley and Pendleton, it is the largest park in the city, and also the second oldest behind Peel Park. The park as we know it today was opened in 1903 when, what was known as Seedley Park, and the grounds of Buile Hill house were joined together by the closure of the ‘dog entry’ path which had separated them."

"A family-run business, Kashmir 1887 in Manchester is on Talbot Road. Part of the striking Trafford Public Hall, this outlet follows in the success of its sister restaurants in Bradford and Leeds. It is a smart, contemporary dining venue specialising in…"

"Renowned as being the greatest American style bar in Liverpool, Salt Dogs may be known for their Steins and Brines, but they also have a cracking cocktail menu. Cocktail lovers are encouraged to pay Sat Dog Slims a visit, and in particular summer cocktail lovers are encouraged to sample the St Tropez Sour. A blend of Finlandia Vodka raspberry and rhubarb liqueur, raspberry jam, cranberry juice, lemon juice and whites, it’s delicious."

"For American-style hotdogs – including peanut butter and jelly, Chicago-style and Texas BBQ – along with huge steins of beer, Salt Dog Slims will pique your interest. As well as being dog-friendly, the bar hosts themed music nights, with power ballads on the agenda every Sunday if you fancy howling along with your hound. 79 Seel Street, L1 4BB"

"0.6 miles away from Z Arts Stretford Road Manchester M15 5ZA in Manchester. 84B Deansgate, Manchester, M3 2ER. Walk through the doors of Las Iguanas and find yourself transported to Latin America, full of rich, vibrant colours, quirky features and custom-made wooden mosaic tables made especially"