Top Rated Parks to Visit in Heaton Moor

"Founded in 1917, this large green space - part botanical garden and part wildlife habitat - is an engaging contrast to the busy city center. There are numerous walking trails on the property, as well as regular guided "health" walks. Popular things to do here include enjoying a stroll or picnic, or opting for more strenuous activities, such as tennis, rugby, or football."

"The pride of Buxton is a graceful 10-hectare park opened on the Wye in 1871 and designed by the prolific Edward Milner. The park’s ornamental lakes, flowerbeds, mature trees, meandering paths and wrought iron bandstand are suffused with Victorian splendour. Children can take a trip on the miniature train and clamber through the play areas, while grownups can appreciate the metal and glass Octagonal Hall (1875) and Frank Matcham’s regal Opera House."

"Set within 23 acres, Buxton Pavillion Gardens is beautifully manicured with ornamental lakes, flowerbeds, mature trees, meandering paths and a wrought iron bandstand. It makes for a wonderful stroll and a perfect picnic spot on a warm day. But if you are visiting Buxton with kids, they’ll probably want to make a beeline to one of the two fantastic playgrounds in the gardens."

"This adorable Green Flag garden is the vestige of an estate founded in South Warrington in the 1830s. The house was occupied by three generations of the Parr family, but was demolished in 1970 after years of neglect. In spite of the disuse, the walled garden survived and is now as beautiful as ever, with three ponds, herbaceous borders, fruit espaliers and vegetable plots."

"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."

"It is on the eastern side of the centre of Glossop and fringes onto the Conservation Area of Old Glossop. There is a car park at Corn Mill and on-street parking is available nearby. Again, it's not technically a theme park, but with this much going on for free, it deserves a mention."

"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."

"Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Dan1980 used under CC BY 3.0. Photo is only for illustrative purposes. Sankey Valley Park is a wonderful location to blow those cobwebs away, get that heart rate up and partake in a brisk walk in Warrington’s most loved parkland."

"Excellent park for a decent length walk, plenty of wildlife along the way. There are many birds and a couple of foxes around dusk. There is also plenty of space and singing birds."

"You can walk along the canal, through the Castlefield Urban Heritage Park on your way to the Museum of Science and Industry. Castlefield Urban Heritage Park. Admire the old industrial buildings, soak up the atmosphere of the canal, and see how Manchester used to be in years gone by."

"Set in the perfect spot for those busy bees needing to commute, the Daresbury Park Hotel is just a couple of minutes from the M56 - meaning quick and easy access to Chester, Liverpool and Manchester. The rooms get a big tick for a good night’s sleep – to ensure you’re rested and raring to go, and the free Wi-fi means you can browse ‘til your heart’s content in the comfort of your room. There’s some enjoyable leisure facilities including a swimming pool, squash court, gym, spa pool and steam room for some “you time”."

"The Cavendish Arcade used to be a set of public baths, and it retains the tiling and fragrant air. Homewares, clothing and gifts can all be found here."

"Situated at over 1,500 feet above sea level, Flash is characterised by its weather-worn cottages by the side of the A53 Leek to Buxton road. This exposed high altitude offers far reaching views of the surrounding moors and crags, and the sound of a wide variety of birdlife fills the air. Located four miles south-west of Buxton on the side of Oliver Hill, Flash lies close to Axe Edge which is an area of gritstone moorland, as well as the source of no less than five rivers, being the Dane, Goyt, Wye, Dove and Manifold."

"This underground bohemian non-profit café serves also as an exhibition space for local up and coming artists; so enjoy coffee and lunch, while admiring the latest art installation, in the company of creative individuals. Tucked away, just off Oldham Street, lit with a neon pink sign, and a quirky window display, follow the artwork down the stairs as you are led into the café. Greeted by a buzz of chatter, an assortment of miss matched comfy chairs, and a book case with books to borrow, you are instantly made to feel welcome."

"This not-for-profit establishment located in the heart of Manchester has combined creativeness with non-alcoholic beverages and craftsmanship. This is the perfect place to head if you’re looking for a relaxed yet fun atmosphere. Regular events and art exhibitions are extremely popular here, the delicious cups of hot coffee are just a great bonus!"