Best Walks in Manchester

I don’t know about you, but for the past year in lockdown, my weekends have been spent going on numerous, long strolls around my local area to pass the time, as it goes by very… very slowly.

Manchester is my local area, and although most of us know it to be the hustling bustling industrial city, there are some countryside hidden gems in and around Manchester – many I’ve explored over lockdown.

It’s crazy to think that some of these countryside beauties are a short 10 or so minute drive away from me, so I had to share them with you.

Quarry Bank Mill/Styal Country Park

One of my favourite places for a Sunday walk is Styal Country park, the home of the infamous Quarry Bank Mill.

I could spend a whole day at this beautiful landscape, and although it is considered to be in Cheshire, it’s just on the outskirts of the Manchester boarder, around a 30 min drive from the city centre and less than 10 mins from Manchester airport.

It’s great for the kids too, lots of fun things to do and amazing nooks and crannies to explore within the grounds of the mill.

As for the mill itself, Quarry Bank Mill carries an abundance of history with its grounds and surrounding areas. It’s a grade II listed building, previously a textiles mill built in 1784.

Fun fact: It’s one of the best preserved textiles factories of the Industrial Revolution! It’s crazy to me we have something like this pretty much on our doorstep.

You can tell why this location is probably one of my favourite walks and days out, and if you fancy a quick coffee pick me up or a spot of lunch (post lockdown of course!), Wilmslow town centre is only a short walk away.

Tatton Park

A very well known park up north, Tatton Park is a favourite amongst many Mancunians to travel to during the summer months.

The beautifully vast park has a stunning periodic Tudor mansion which is surrounded by formal gardens. If you’re looking for an interesting and fun day out, then Tatton Park is definitely for you.

It’s also great for families; with amenities such as a merry-go-round, a huge playground, and a mini train to ride around the park in addition to the farm.

Tatton Park is one of those places which is great all year round, and the amenities on the park adapt to the different seasonality trends.

Worsley Woods

Worsley Woods is one of my favourite places to go on a sunny Manchester day. It’s located in Salford and just a 20 minute car journey from Manchester City Centre.

You’re definitely going to need you’re wellies for this one as it can get pretty muddy here, but there are still plenty of areas to explore with lots of choice to lay your picnic blanket.

It’s great for the kids as well, with a brand new play and adventure trail recently added.

Worsley Wood is brilliant for walking the dog, a morning run or Sunday walks with the family.

Worsely Woods walk in Manchester

Didsbury Park

A small but pleasant walk, Didsbury Park is great for those days where you’re looking for a local stroll after a tasty pub lunch.

The park really is a hidden gem, with a brilliant play area for the kids, but also filled with beautiful wildlife and nature situated in the heart of Didsbury. It’s similar to that of the ‘secret garden’.

Didsbury is just a short tram or train ride from the city centre of Manchester and is a great little village with some amazing bars, restaurants, and local delicacies.

I’ve also heard that the locals are really passionate about this park, and a team of volunteers go out once a week to ensure the site stays as clean as possible!

If you do decide to take a trip to Didsbury park, be sure to check out the amazing café they have, perfect to pick up a takeaway coffee as you stroll through the beautiful surroundings.

 

Bramhall Park

Bramhall park is just outside of Stockport and a short train ride or drive away from Manchester centre.

It has so much history to it, with Bramhall Hall being considered one of the most beautiful treasures of England. The hall itself dates back to the Tudor times, and this reflects in its gorgeous structure and is a real statement as you enter the park.

Bramhall park is a great walk for families in Manchester, as there is a great play area for the kids and a café on site for a hot chocolate pit stop.

The village of Bramhall is really close by, so you can even stroll into the village and pick up some lunch.

 

These are just a few of the walks I love to take in and around Manchester, and I cant wait to discover more as we head into the summer months and slowly but surely out of lockdown.

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