The best: Peaceful dog walking spots in and around Manchester city centre

A ten-minute walk from Piccadilly takes you and your mutt to this tranquil oasis; a world away from the rusg of the city centre and home to the Whitworth art gallery. There are 18 acres of parkland for you both to run around and let off steam in this safe, welcoming and well maintained Green Flag awarded park.

This is one of Manchester’s hidden gems and is just a short walk from Victoria station. An arched entrance leads into the landscaped gardens brimming with wildflowers. This is a lovely spot with plenty of seating areas for picnics and sunbathing. There’s also a bit of a history here too as this former site of St Michaels Church in one of Manchester’s grimmest slums was also the city’s largest pauper burial ground.

This small but tranquil green space at the heart of Manchester provides another pleasant spot for a brisk walk with your dog. With a history dating back to 1066, Parsonage Gardens has long been a haven for city centre workers and provided respite for Deansgate’s shoppers. There are plenty of benches surrounding the lawns, making this a great spot to enjoy a coffee and soak up the sun, or lose yourself in a good book.

This secret haven in the shadow of Manchester’s Beetham Tower is close to Deansgate and the Science and Industry Museum. Enter from St John’s Street and you’ll have the pleasure of walking Fido down one of Manchester’s best-preserved Georgian streets. This mini oasis on the former site of St John’s Church and graveyard is a delightful green space enjoyed by city centre workers and local residents. Take a break and park yourself at one of the many benches or picnic tables as you soak up the peace, connect with nature and listen to the birdsong.

Here’s a spot right in the heart of Manchester and close to the city’s famous Gay Village. It’s a gorgeous green spot for walking the dog, relaxing and appreciating nature but also a place to reflect on the journey of Manchester’s LGBT community. This is the home of the Transgender Remembrance Memorial and Gardens, and the Beacon of Hope light sculpture incorporating The Tree of Life. There’s also a much-photographed Manchester Bee sculpture and a bronze statue of Alan Turing.

This urban park boasts canalside walks where you can meander along the Bridgewater and Rochdale canals spotting the wildlife and admiring the colourful barges. With plenty of landscaped open spaces plus the remains of a Roman Fort to explore, this will no doubt become a favourite walk of yours and your faithful four legged friend. There are plenty of bars and restaurants along the way too, many of which have outdoor terraces.