Birdwatching in Manchester

“110% recommend Gosia (Garden Tails). Have been going to her for a few months now and every time she has done an amazing job! My dog Arnie absolutely loves her and she is so lovely to him. Booking with her is always super easy and she is always super friendly and communicative. So happy we found her!!!”

“Beautiful scenery, there were a little rocky/sandy beach too. Lovely day out. We walked about 5 miles. It has ups and downs, so the surface is not flat which we liked. There was a pay and display carpark but the security didn't let us in as it was full. We parked up the road. Free of charge. Went in beginning of August.”

“An internationally accessible haven of tranquility providing escape from the city. Dunham Massey is a brilliant green area south of Manchester, well conectes to Manchester airport. A range of flora and fauna make for a wonderful nature trail and forage, or a humble walk passively absorbing the natural landscape including forested areas and open pastures featuring abundant wildlife. On our visit most of the amenities were closed due to a met office weather warning, but this didn’t stop us exploring the vast grounds in peace. They often talk about calm before the storm, but rarely the calm during the storm- which is what we experienced due to the lack of fair weather crowds. I can imagine on more typical days tje cafes and visitors centre complete this experience with a warm drink or a hot soup after a brisk autumn stroll. I look forward to experiencing these on a future visit.”

“We had a great time here, we stayed in Cabin 1 and it was so peaceful. We had our 7 month old to think about and this worked well as we could have dinner and relax in the evening and she could sleep in the cot in the bedroom and we wouldn't disturb here like we would in a hotel in one room. Staff were lovely and friendly and the site was clean. Hot tub was great to chill in the sunshine. Lovely walks around Dovestone Reservoir just a stones throw away. Have already recommended to family and would absolutely recommend again particularly for young families who like lots of countryside walks and exploring the local area.”

“I started from Lock 54 the Ship Inn at Stakehill Industrial estate,Middleton towards Rochdale.Me and my dog went for a walk along the canal towards the allotments and then towards Hopwood College which leads to the Hopwood Woods.There is 2 pubs,petrol station and a car park if you didn't park at the pub,just before the petrol station there is a small bumpy car park, NO FEES”

“Beautiful place. Good parking, lovely coffee and fantastic volunteers. So much scenery, very peaceful and tranquil.”

“It's a fantastic park with something for everyone! The area is huge and well-maintained. There's a lovely playground for children, picnic areas with barbecue facilities for families, and clean toilets that are free to use. Parking is reasonably priced—£1.50 for 2 hours and £2.50 for a longer stay. One of the highlights is the large lake with beautiful views, perfect for a relaxing walk or just enjoying nature. Highly recommended for a day out with family or friends”

“Excellent illuminated displays throughout the gardens, with well layed path ways. Colour & spectacular imagery in all directions. Definitely well worth a visit”

“Halloween event. Lots of things to do. Friendly helpful staff. Loved stroking the animals. Great entertainment from a fabulous band called Trilogy.”

“I like it here. A medium sized pond with a view up to the hills, on a quiet gravel road. Sometimes the cows come down to the water's edge, or the mist makes the whole scene gorgeous. Mallards, tufted ducks, coots, the occasional goosander, heron and kingfisher. Flocks of geese in the fields often. Swans nest here in the summer.”

“A beautiful park with lots of easy walks around a gorgeous lake ,there is a large car park and nice clean toilets. A great little cafe and an ice cream van in the summer. A great place to visit all year round.”

“Absolutely love Strinesdale foot paths and 2 large Reservoir's that allow fishing. It also has free parking and is that vast of a space you can walk round it and not bump in to anyone. Strinesdale also has a few picnic areas and amazing views out to the Pennines. There are 3 different routes you can take for that casual stroll or if you are looking to explore of the beat and track you can end up right in the hills and come out at a little farm house. All in all this is one of my favourite places to walk my dog and would recommend it to anyone.”

“Really good park, well kept with a great play area for little ones. Nice to have a tennis court and kick pitch too.”

“Had a great walking experience at Alkrington Woods Nature Reserve. Beautiful trails, peaceful surroundings, and plenty of fresh air. It’s a lovely spot to relax, connect with nature, and clear your mind. Definitely worth a visit if you enjoy quiet walks and scenic views!”

“A great location for a family walk. There's a free car park and small visitor centre/cafe. We did a full loop around the water before playing at the park. There were horses and donkeys in the field next to the car park and the kids enjoyed going up to the fence to say hello.”

“Beautiful park. Great for walking dogs. Clean and tidy. Ice cream and coffee vans frequent.”

“The building, i believe, is not open to the general pubic but luckily for me, i work for the company that maintains it, so I got to see inside and how grand it is pictures speak for themselves it's grade 2 listed and has links with Agatha christie and also prince albert is rumourd to have stayed the night here on a visit to Manchester to open a gallery”

“Very Nice Place to relax. Kids, Young People and Adults also can visit here. There is playground here where kids can experience the outbound training activities. There is duck tank and kids enjoying to feed them. Walking path available along the duck tank and inside the park. Enough grass land inside the park. A lot of parking space available. Entrance is free. Ice cream van usually parked inside the park and the cost is bit high which is around 5GBP. Overall recommended place.”

“Went right from the carpark for a cycle ride. Walked to the canal later Will visit again and cycle left. Love these old rail track rides. I'm very nervous on the roads so this is a fantastic alternative.”

“A well kept public park with a fountain, café, bandstand, play area, pond, waterfall, and some sports facilities.”

“Nice park. Lots of things for everyone. Great for dogs, lots of sniff spots and places to run. Park entrance needs a bit of tidying up though if anything.”

“I loved the walk with my dog good for them to be off lead they love new places”

“Excellent park following the river. Great space for bikers, dog walkers and anyone who just enjoyed being outside.”

“Visited while staying in Manchester with my daughter & grandchildren. Introduction of a lovely little cafe with seating is a bonus”

“We had the best camping trip for two nights, toilets and showers were clean and the showers were nice and hot. With gorgeous views, it really was very relaxing where the children had full use of the open field. The owners were helpful and once checked in, we were left to our own devices. There's pubs and parks all within a 5 minute drive away and a big tesco round the corner too. It is just a shame you can't have camp fires as that would have made the evenings that bit better with smores. But regardless we would still definitely revisit again. Thank you for a lovely stay!”

“Loved this! Came from the city on my bike and it was super fun. Highly recommend cycling here.”

“Popped into the cafe today as we were in Wythenshawe Park to look round the newly re-opened Wythenshawe Hall. The cafe was busy but the Team were working hard. I shared a toastie and loaded nachos with my daughter both of which were delicious. We bought some amazing looking cake to take home. Will definitely return”

“The cottage is much above the standard. Very clear and tidy. The owner is very kind and helpful. The area is stanning. Lots of beautiful walking and hiking routes around. And the nearby villages are lovely. Highly recommended!”

“Really cute! The chickens all look super happy too.”

“Nice place to visit feed the ducks”