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Woodland & Forest in Manchester

Woodland here means free walks with logs to climb and paths to follow rather than a visitor centre with a car park charge. Spud Wood in Lymm has a brook and a canal to trace, with toilets and free parking, and a trail that carries on to Lymm village and Dunham Massey if legs are still going. Hulmes Wood Nature Reserve in Denton is a smaller patch to wander, good for spotting birds and letting the kids scramble over roots. Crookilley Woods in Stockport has maintained paths past ancient trees, with plenty of wildlife to look out for. All three are free, so the choice comes down to what sort of walk you fancy. Spud Wood suits a longer outing, with facilities on site and Dunham Massey as a reason to keep going. Hulmes Wood is the one for a shorter visit, ideal if you have got toddlers who want to potter and climb rather than march. Crookilley Woods sits in between, a proper walk with things to spot along the way for older children who like a bit of tree spotting.

✓ 3 places✦ 3 free to visit