The best: Parks and gardens to explore near Manchester ft. Dunham Massey, Quarry Bank Mill & more

This is a beautiful spot to admire a glorious array of greenery and soak up nature’s goodness. There are numerous routes and walkways offering gentle circular strolls around the botanical gardens and as this is a local nature reserve you’re likely to spot some wonderful wildlife along the way. Warm drinks and refreshments are available at The Alpine Tea Room in the park and the nearby Fletcher Moss pub is perfect for the post-stroll debrief.

Dunham Massey is one of our favourite spots for a Sunday afternoon amble—boasting an endless trail of foliage, and delivering a delightful variety of sensory experiences. There is a magnificent Georgian Mansion and deer park too.

Treat the family to a tasty meal at the Stables Restaurant or grab a snack at the Stamford Café, pooches are even looked after at the dog-friendly ice-cream Parlour.

This is a superb spot for a refreshing weekend walk with spectacular scenery and plenty of cosy little cafes and pubs along the way. Hollingworth Lake, with its dramatic Blackstone Edge backdrop, is particularly picturesque on a crisp, clear morning. There are trails, a nature reserve, picnic areas and designated kids play areas making this a family favourite walking spot.

North Manchester’s biggest park is home to Heaton Hall, a Grade I listed 18th century country house, a stunning boating lake and never-ending planes of greenery. Take the kids along to the free to enter Park Farm and Animal Centre where they will be introduced to animals ranging from chickens and goats, to pigs and alpacas. Warm up with a cappuccino and a slice of cake at the Hidden Gem Coffee Shop or grab a bite at The Stables café.

Chorlton Water Park is a breathtakingly tranquil hidden gem just a short tram ride out of the city centre. The park features a lake packed with life and is surrounded by grasslands and woodlands for meandering. Pack a picnic to enjoy at one of the many benches sited in this local nature reserve. Children under 12 can let off steam in the play area and there are on-site toilets as well as a free car park.

Over in Wilmslow you’ll find the glorious surroundings of Quarry Bank Mill. This National Trust protected property provides visitors with a hit of nature on our doorstep. Enter this industrial heritage site and you’ll find a selection of three weaving walking routes, taking you deep into a leafy forest, complete with stony bridges and the gently bubbling River Bollin. Keen-eyed walkers can enjoy the wealth of wildlife on offer at the site, while those after a bite to eat or a hot drink can find both at the cafe, which is nestled next to the Mill itself.

Manchester’s first centre park for 100 years features 6.5 acres of parkland, 142 trees, 120,000 shrubs and
plants and a kids’ play zone with 6 slides, all of which are woven around the River Medlock. After proving such a big hit with locals, the space was recently awarded Green Flag status at this year’s awards, marking a significant milestone in the city’s much-needed drive to create more green spaces.