Parks & nature in Manchester

Catchdale moss Farm

Saint Helens

Pumpkin picking in autumn and a proper Christmas barn later on, with wreath workshops and a tree kitchen and bar for the grown-ups.

CaféFood on sitePicnics allowed

Crookilley Woods

Stockport

Free woodland walk on maintained paths, with ancient trees and wildlife to spot along the way.

Outdoor play

Crosby Beach

Liverpool

A wide stretch of sand dotted with 100 cast-iron statues by Antony Gormley, free to wander any time.

Dunham Massey

Altrincham

Deer park and gardens near Altrincham - roam, picnic and a proper outdoor half-day.

ToiletsParkingCaféPicnic area+2 more

Fog Lane Park

Manchester · up to age 12

Free park with swings, a skatepark, tennis courts and an obstacle course for kids up to about 12.

Blue badge parkingCaféIndoor seatingOutdoor play+2 more

Hulmes Wood Nature Reserve. Denton

Denton

A free patch of woodland in Denton to wander, spot birds and let the kids climb over roots and logs.

Longford Park

Manchester

A free park with a big adventure playground, disc golf and a tree trail with fairy doors to hunt down.

Accessible toiletBike parkingCaféChanging Places+6 more

Lyme

Disley · ages 0+

Deer park, Crow Wood playscape and gardens at Disley - park and garden from about £4.50 kids.

ToiletsParkingPicnic areaCafé+2 more

Manchester Outdoor Fitness

Manchester · ages 16+

Outdoor bootcamp training with ex-military instructors, running in early mornings and evenings, strictly over-16s only.

Free parkingOutdoor play

Marple Skatepark

Stockport

A free, always-open concrete park for skateboards, BMX bikes and scooters.

Moses Gate Country Park

Bolton

Woodland and waterside trails around old mill lodges, with a playground and routes for horses and bikes too.

National Trust - Formby

Liverpool

Sand dunes, pinewoods and two beach trails to explore, with sand wheelchairs on loan and no fires allowed to keep the wildlife happy.

Accessible toiletBaby changeBike parkingBlue badge parking+11 more

Newbridge Fishing Lakes

Liverpool · adults only (18+)

Day ticket coarse fishing for carp, tench, bream and chub, open 7am to 7pm, but under 18s aren't admitted without an adult.

CaféToilets

Nottingham Beach

Nottingham

A free pop-up beach with sand, a pool and paid rides in the middle of the city, open all summer.

Card onlyCash onlyToilets

Pavilion Gardens

Buxton

Free Victorian gardens with outdoor play parks, then hop the miniature train or boats when you fancy a paid treat.

ToiletsParkingCaféRestaurant+6 more

Platt Fields Park BMX Track

Manchester

A five-metre start hill and a proper BMX jump track where you book a session and just ride.

Bike parkingBirthday partiesBooking requiredParty rooms+2 more

Sale Water Park

Sale

A lake to paddle across on a board or in a kayak, plus flat lakeside paths for a wander after.

Southport Beach

Southport

Miles of open sand near Southport's Victorian seafront, with room to walk, paddle and build without another soul getting in the way.

Spud Wood

Lymm

A free woodland with a brook and canal to follow, plus a proper trail out to Lymm village and Dunham Massey.

Free parkingParkingPicnics allowedPublic transport nearby+1 more

Uswim!

Manchester · ages 7+

Open water swim events built for juniors aged 7 to 15 who fancy a proper outdoor swim.

Winscar Reservoir

Sheffield

A flat tarmac bridleway round a big reservoir for walking or cycling, with free parking and picnic spots but no swimming.

Free parkingPicnics allowedToilets