Fletcher Moss Gardens

It’s not just local residents who flock to Fletcher Moss Gardens. Gifted to Manchester by Alderman Fletcher Moss in 1915, it’s known as one of the city’s most beautiful parks. And it’s equally popular for the walks that lead from its edges.

The highlight is the steep, south-facing alpine rock garden where winding paths and trickling miniature waterfalls lead down to a pond. The colours are stunning on a sunny day and there are a number of unusual plants that will delight anyone with an interest in botany.

From the gardens you can walk into the nature reserve of Stenner Woods with its boardwalk through partially flooded woodland (a great place for pond dipping) and Millgate Fields with its abundance of wildlife. Then, head on, if you choose, to the footpaths along the banks of the River Mersey.

There are plenty of benches for resting and admiring the views. And don’t miss the outdoor tea room. It offers a more interesting selection of food than you might imagine with good coffee, fancy hot chocolates and well-made sandwiches. The foot-long frankfurter is just the thing after a weekend walk.

Food and drinks are served daily from 8am. An ice cream van can usually be found in the park near the Millgate Lane entrance.

Feeling active? There are all-weather tennis courts which you can book online and a Parkrun every Saturday. Health walks take place on Monday afternoons.

Parking nearby is limited and can be very busy. There’s a very small car park on Millgate Lane which includes two disabled bays.