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Gardens & Arboretums in Manchester

Manchester itself is light on grand gardens, so this list means a drive out. Nearest is Lyme in Disley, where the deer park, Crow Wood playscape and gardens come in from about £4.50 for kids. A bit further out at Altrincham, Dunham Massey has its own deer park and gardens, from £11, with room to roam and picnic for a proper half-day outdoors. Both have toilets, parking and a cafe, so you are not stuck for lunch. For a longer trip out to Buxton, Pavilion Gardens is free to wander, with outdoor play parks for younger children and a miniature train or boats if you want a paid extra once you are there. If cost matters, start there or at Lyme. If you want space to spread a picnic blanket and let a dog trot along too, Dunham Massey or Lyme suit better, and all three are outdoor days, so an eye on the weather helps before you set off.

✓ 3 places✦ 1 free to visit