Top Rated Parks to Visit in New Longton

"A respite from Blackpool’s glossy entertainment and arcades, the resort’s largest park is in 260 acres, a mile east of the promenade. The man behind the park’s design in the 1920s was the landscape architect Thomas Mawson, and he was responsible for a couple of the buildings. The most striking is the cafe, in an Art Deco style and overlooking the Italian Garden, adorned with statues (see the two Medici lions) and a beautiful marble fountain."

"This picturesque and much-loved park recently reached new levels of status after being named the UK’s best park for 2019. The impressive 390-acre grade-II listed park provides an experience for the old and young, which shouldn’t be missed. Amongst other features it boasts Italian gardens, a boating lake and band stand, an art deco cafe, and an award-winning model village."

"The award-winning Avenham and Miller Parks are two adjoined parks located close to Preston City Centre in the stunning Avenham Valley and providing the ideal place to picnic, take a walk, relax and get some fresh air. The popular Ribble Valley Way National Trail also follows the river through Avenham Park and provides a fantastic and idyllic picturesque setting to enjoy by foot or bike."

"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."

"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."

"Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Bob Linsdell used under CC BY 3.0. Keeping with funfairs, Southport Pleasureland is loads of fun. The park has numerous rides to suit all ages."

"Facilities are children’s play area, a visitors centre with toilets, a pond, a conservation area with a dipping platform, angling. Once the ash tip for east Manchester’s power station, it was greened up in the 1980s and since recent investment, is a key green space within the Medlock River Valley. Clayton Vale is a Local Nature Reserve and is a great place for families to enjoy woodland and riverside walks, cycling, picnicking, or pond dipping."

"Treat the family to a day out at Brockholes, boasting the UK’s first floating visitor village and the 250-acre Lancashire Wildlife Trust nature reserve. Whilst you’re ambling along the River Ribble and the nearby lakes, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife. What’s more, you’ll be able to visit year-round with free admission!"