Daisy Nook Country Park
ENTRY
Free
SETTING
Outdoors
WHERE
Manchester
What it’s like
A free country park with a play area, ponds to dip in and canal paths for a wander or a bike ride.
There's no entry fee here, which makes it an easy one to say yes to on a Saturday morning. The play area has sand play and a basket swing to get the smaller ones going, and from there you're into pond dipping at the various waters dotted round the park, or just walking and cycling the paths if that's more your speed. Bird watchers get a look in too, and there's orienteering if you fancy turning the walk into something with a bit more purpose.
Fishing is a proper draw if you've got an older child who's into it, with spots at Sammy's Basin, Crime Lake and Bardsley Canal. It's not the kind of activity that suits a toddler in a buggy, but for a ten-year-old with a rod it could easily be the best two hours of the week.
The café in the visitor centre is open every day except Christmas Day, so you're not relying on a packed lunch unless you want to bring one, and there's a picnic area if the weather's on your side. Parking is free, with the main car park by the visitor centre on Stannybrook Road and extra ones at Crime Lake and Bardsley off the A627, which spreads people out a bit on busier days.
Being an outdoor site with paths and ponds, it's worth thinking about footwear rather than turning up in trainers you care about. The park is wheelchair accessible, and buses 396, 409 and 419 all stop nearby if you're not driving.
Facilities
Need to know
- Best for
- Suits toddlers in the play area up to older kids keen on fishing
- Parking
- Free on-site parking: main car park by visitor centre off Stannybrook Road, additional car parks at Crime Lake and Bardsley off A627
- Food
- Café in visitor centre, open 7 days a week except Christmas Day
- Getting there by bus or train
- Bus routes 396, 409, 419 serve the park
- Fishing is available at Sammy's Basin, Crime Lake and Bardsley Canal
- There are three car parks, so try Crime Lake or Bardsley if the main one's busy
- Bus routes 396, 409 and 419 all stop near the park
- Picnic area on site if you'd rather bring your own food
Plan your visit
How much does it cost?
Getting in is free. You'd only spend money on the café or fishing if you fancy either.
Is there parking?
Free parking on site, with the main car park by the visitor centre off Stannybrook Road and more space at Crime Lake and Bardsley off the A627.
Can we get food there?
The café in the visitor centre is open seven days a week, closed only on Christmas Day.
Is it OK for a toddler?
The play area with sand play and a basket swing suits smaller children well. The fishing and longer walks are more of an older-kid thing.
Do we need to book?
No booking mentioned, you can just turn up.
Is it accessible with a wheelchair or buggy?
The park is listed as wheelchair accessible.
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