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Top 10 Family Walks Around Manchester

family walking through meadow
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In Manchester this week? Or fancy getting out and around your city? There’s so much to do in this bustling city. Whether you visit top attractions like LEGOLAND Discovery Centre, or Immersive Gamebox! But if you’re looking for something that won’t cost a penny and involves getting in touch with nature, here are the top 10 family walks around Manchester!

Let’s get some fresh air!

Our Top Attraction in Manchester

family looking at a shark swimming in the tank

SEA LIFE Manchester

A trip to Manchester is never complete without a pitstop at the Trafford Centre! With so many kid-friendly activities and attractions there, it’s become a fan-favourite hub spot for families!

One of our favourite attractions is, of course, SEA LIFE Manchester! For anyone who loves learning about aquatic creatures and the deep depths of the ocean, you’ll be able to find the answers to your pressing questions. Discover an array of beautiful and mesmerising creatures of all sizes and colours in their colour-changing tanks. From the curious turtles and blacktip reef sharks to jellyfish, octopus and tropical coral fish!

So, embark on a sea voyage today and visit the beloved SEA LIFE Manchester!

Shape Location Get directions

Trafford Palazzo in TraffordCity,
The Trafford Centre,
Trafford Park,
Stretford,
Manchester
M17 8AS

Opening Times

Monday to Friday 10:00 - 18:00
Saturday and Sunday 10:00 - 19:00

Pricing

Child: £15.50
Adult: £18.50

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Top 10 Family Walks Around Manchester

peak district rock formation

Peak District National Park

First up, the incredible Peak District! A little slice of heaven up north. From rolling hills and limestone dale to high moorlands and spectacular views – it really has it all.

You’ll discover a whole host of family walks you can embark on. Each time you visit, you can venture on another trail as you embrace the fresh air!

Whether you take on circular routes, embark on The Peak District Boundary Walk (walk the entire park), or enjoy a leisurely stroll along the natural landscape. It’s a beautiful natural escape from the city centre and a perfect family walk!

Many routes are also accessible for wheelchairs and buggies, so everyone can come along.

Shape Location Get directions

Peak District National Park
Hope Valley

Opening Times

Monday to Sunday all day

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fletcher moss and gardens

Fletcher Moss Park & Parsonage Gardens

Head to this quaint and historic lovely park in South Manchester. Bank holiday weekends will be refreshing as you wander around the gardens taking in the fantastic views and spotting lots of wildlife!

From tiny birds and fluttering butterflies to flourishing flora and towering trees. There’s so much to see here!

Not forgetting the network of paths there are available. Whether you wander around Parsonage Gardens, saunter through Stenner Woods or mill around Millgate Fields! Maybe even take a leisurely walk around the river Mersey to catch some fresh water wildlife!

Also, for budding explorers, there’s a nature trail you can embark on!

Shape Location Get directions

Stenner Lane
Didsbury
Manchester
M20 2RQ

Opening Times

Monday to Sunday 08:00 - 17:00

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a park in the sun

Clifton Country Park

Explore 45 hectares of this tranquil and beautiful countryside right in the heart of the city centre!

From open woodland and stunning meadows to gentle lakeside walks. You can discover remnants of the city’s history! They have a wide variety of events and activities on for kids and families throughout the year, as well as fantastic walks and accessible trails! Then stop off at the visitor centre for a quick bite to eat.

So, if you’re on the hunt for lovely walks local to you, Clifton Country Park may just do the trick! Because everyone should explore your local nature reserve!

Shape Location Get directions

Clifton House Rd,
Clifton,
Salford
M27 6NG

Opening Times

Monday to Sunday 09:30 - 15:30

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dunham massey and deer on the parkland

Dunham Massey

If you don’t mind spending a bit, you can visit this stunning National Trust site! Whether you visit during the school holidays or on a free weekend!

What can you find here? More like what can’t you find here!! From an ancient deer park and manor house to hidden treasures and stories to uncover.

Wander through the parkland, run through the leaves and try to find the historic structures and ancient trees. It’s the perfect walk if you’re looking for a day out and has wide paths for wheelchair users or prams! Not to mention the free-roaming fallow deer that you can find in the parkland!

The gardens are also spectacular, with seasonal flora, there’s always something blooming.

It’s an incredible place to visit when you fancy a lovely walk that takes up the whole day! Especially for nature lovers!

Shape Location Get directions

Woodhouse Lane,
Altrincham,
WA14 4SJ

Opening Times

Monday to Sunday 10:00 - 17:00

Pricing

Adult £9.00
Child £4.50
Family £22.50

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huddersfield canal

Huddersfield Canal Paths

If you fancy a walk along the canals, then you’ll find a whole network of canals in and around Manchester. From Bridgewater Canal and Ashton Canal to Manchester Ship Canal and Peak Forest!

The Huddersfield Narrow Canal not only provides spectacular views but at the summit is the highest stretch of canal in Britain!

It spans 19.3 miles long but it makes for a fantastic family walk over a whole day. You’ll be blessed with stunning scenery along the way like rugged hills, woodland and historic mills to even industrial buildings. It’s a family favourite walk!

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hollingworth lake country park

Hollingworth Lake Country Park

A popular walking route with families and dog walkers, as well as being an award-winning tourist destination!

Whether you’re looking to stop off somewhere for a quiet picnic, engage in watersports, a wildlife spot in a whole host of locations around the nature reserve, or simply just enjoy a peaceful walk. You’ll find it all here.

There’s 118 acres here to explore as well as an extensive network of walking paths too! You’ll find the easiest one being the circular trail by the waterside. Or you can choose to walk around the lake and take in the superb views!

Shape Location Get directions

Rakewood Road,
Littleborough,
Greater Manchester,
OL15 0AQ

Opening Times

Open all day

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lyme park reflection in the river

Lyme Park

Another National Trust site that homes a beautiful house, glorious gardens, moorland and a deer park!

As you explore the gardens you’ll find cascading water and flourishing flora as well as tall trees and wildlife too!

Don’t forget to discover the 1,400-acre ground park that has all you need. From formal gardens and ancient woodland with exploring to rugged moors and follies too.

There’s even a Crow Wood Playscape where your little ones can enjoy a wild adventure and playtime to remember.

Shape Location Get directions

Disley,
Stockport,
Cheshire,
K12 2NR

Opening Times

Park 08:30 - 20:00
Garden 10:30 - 16:30

Pricing

Adult £6.00
Child £3.00
Family £15.00

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delamere forest

Delamere Forest

Whether you’re looking for budding wildlife, a place to get lost in nature or to enjoy the outdoors – this is the place to be.

You’ll find gentle forest walks or dry sandstone paths, surrounded by mature trees and grassy banks.

There’s a few trails there to set off on whether it’s the Blakemere, Linmere or Old Pale trail. Wide enough for cyclists, dog walkers and families to enjoy!

Then if you’re feeling adventurous you may as well release your inner ape at Go Ape! Climb the treetops, zoom down zip wires or enjoy the high ropes!

Shape Location Get directions

Linmere,
Delamere,
Northwich
CW8 2HZ

Opening Times

Monday to Sunday 08:00 - 20:00

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cascading waterfalls

Yarrow Valley Country Park

Here you’ll find a 700-acre parkland that will blow you away with a trickling waterfall, a beautiful lake, an adventure playground, a cafe and a visitor centre!

The play area has a giant rope swing, climbing wall, embankment slide, sand pit and much more! Your kids will have so much fun

Shape Location Get directions

Off Birkacre Rd,
Chorley
PR7 3QL

Opening Times

Monday to Sunday 09:30 - 16:30

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heaton park manchester

Heaton Park

Welcome to the biggest and best park in the Northwest!

With so much space to work with you can enjoy running, and walking with your family. From the three-mile sightseeing walk and Hazlitt Wood walk to even the 10,000 steps challenge!

If there’s a way to encourage your kids to get involved with physical exercise it’s the step challenge. How far can they go?

You can also stargaze here, row boats on the lake, visit the animal centre or head to the garden centre to pick up some plants!

Shape Location Get directions

Middleton Rd,
Manchester
M25 2SW

Opening Times

Monday to Sunday 08:00 - dusk

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Now you know the top 10 family walks around Manchester, you have no excuse for thinking about where to go! There’s so much around you, a family day out won’t be hard to come by. All we need is the sun shining and a gentle breeze… Don’t forget the sunscreen and bottles of water!

Looking for more natural beauty for your walks? Why not discover these cascading waterfalls, gentle rivers or even nature reserves? AND, if you are looking for more thrilling outdoor adventures in Manchester why not check out Zip World Manchester?