Time to read: 3 minutes
Spring is here and summer is fast approaching. After spending almost three years living in Manchester, I’m here to tell you about ten of the best outdoor spaces in Manchester that are completely free to access. Whether you want a green space to complete your latest chore, whether you want to play a ball with your friends, or want to grab a few drinks and fire up the disposable BBQ, look no further!
Sometimes Manchester can feel like it’s all winding roads and tall buildings. This could not be further from the truth; With green space in almost every section of this wonderful city, you’re never too far from nature.
Keep these three things in mind when visiting Manchester’s parks and gardens:
- Always check the disposable barbecue rules for each park/garden you visit; You may be fined if you do not comply with park rules and regulations.
- Always clean up your trash
- Always be careful when swimming in open water.
Alexandra Park ~ Located near the Moss Side, Alexandra Park has a lovely historic feel. Enjoy a walk in the park with a drink from the cafeteria – perfect for that ‘walk through Central Park in New York’ kind of vibe!
all saints park ~ Situated between the Manchester Metropolitan Campus and close to central student accommodation, this park offers a wonderful respite of green at the top of Oxford Road, offering a healthy break from the busy roads and seemingly endless buildings.
Chorlton Water Park ~ Located in the heart of Chorlton, this water park is one of the most desired places for students to spend their free time in the spring and summer sun. You can even venture into the water for a swim when it’s really hot!
Fletcher Moss Park and Botanical Gardens ~ Slightly out of the way and located opposite the Parrs Wood Entertainment Center in Didsbury, these gardens are stunningly beautiful and even more impressive in the spring and summer when things start to bloom. It is the perfect place to have a picnic and just relax.
mayfield park ~ Located close to Piccadilly Station, Mayfield Park is the perfect place to relax if you live somewhere more central.
picadilly gardens ~ Located opposite the many bus stops in Piccadilly, these gardens are full of benches for a short break while you run errands. The Piccadilly Gardens street food market can also be found here; if you feel like it, eat something and sit down!
platt fields ~Located directly opposite the official University of Manchester accommodation in Fallowfield and familiar to most if not all students, Platt Fields is a very large park with a lake in the middle. It’s the perfect place to walk across the street and have a few drinks with your friends as the summer months approach.
Sackville Gardens ~ Located in the Gay Village, Sackville Gardens is a wonderful space to hang out with friends and be unapologetically yourself. You can also see the Alan Turing statue while you’re there.
vimto park ~ Right next to Sackville Gardnens, you’ll also find Vimto Park to be a unique outdoor space where you can view the 30 year old Vimto Monument. It’s just an 8-minute walk from the University of Manchester.
whitworth park ~ Located in the heart of Rusholme, Whitworth Park offers a peaceful break from the hustle and bustle of the Curry Mile. As someone who currently lives in Rusholme, just wandering around this park can really reset your mind for the day ahead. It’s relaxing to take a break from the crowds and overwhelming traffic of a big city.