Top 5: Quiet spaces to relax in and around Manchester

The Natural and Cultural Health Service (NCHS) is a programme of outdoor activities that promotes good physical and mental wellbeing. From Meditating in Nature, Iyengar Yoga for Wellbeing to Gardening for good health—the Whitworth has something for everyone, every week.

With a range of things to do from free horticultural sessions and dementia-friendly walks, to yoga for a fiver and pilates classes for just under a tenner—this is a great space in the city to get stuck in to and then unwind within.

As part of the Silent Space project, a national initiative designed to encourage quiet reflection and appreciation of nature, the Lovell Quinta Arboretum is the perfect place to get away from it all. The Arboretum is now home to a wide variety of greenery, 800 species and some 2,500 trees and shrubs to be exact, including three national collections (oak, ash and pine).

As well as a place of scientific and educational interest, it is a haven for walkers and wildlife lovers alike so whack on some walking boots and get yourself to Cheshire’s hidden beauty spot and appreciate our city’s surrounding nature and the art of slowing down.

Nestled in the heart of the Northern Quarter, this one is great for all you inner-city dwellers looking for a slice of solace away from hectic schedules, deadlines and everything else in between. Choose from an array of meditation classes to find your perfect fit, from a convenient lunchtime session to a community course all about embracing oneself. Meditation can help us develop concentration, clarity, positivity and a calm seeing of the true nature of things.

This ancient practice can help us become calmer, more centred and concentrated, taking the breath as the object of attention and noticing it coming and going in a relaxed, open way. Settling attention on this lets our mind quieten down and awareness deepen. Championing mindfulness, loving-kindness and positivity – this is a great one to get involved in.

Standing strong in the city for nearly 600 years, the Manchester Cathedral is a great go-to away from the hustle and bustle. Not just a space of worship, the cathedral also supports the local art scene—throwing great concerts and art exhibitions all geared towards a sense of community and understanding among each other.

With doors open seven days a week with free admission, this is a great spot to come to when it all gets a bit too much. Don’t worry about planning or booking beforehand, simply show up and feel the tranquillity emanate from the adorned architecture, stained glass and grandeur of such a historical, mesmerising building.

Don’t fancy a super long journey to the vast outdoors? Look no further because there’s a beautiful spot in Chorlton where you can tune out, chill out and reconnect with yourself again. Featuring reclaimed farmland woods perfect for long strolls framing a serene lake – you wouldn’t believe this resides only 15 minutes away from the city centre.

Whether you go solo or get involved in The Friends of Chorlton Water Park project where a group gets together to organise some lovely wellbeing activities from health walks to bike rides—this little spot is perfect for anyone who needs a quick retreat back into nature.