Heaton Park

Lovely clean park with plenty of beches to rest on and a great playground for the children. Farm animal area to visit plus boating lake and cafes. Met a friendly squirrel too! Places to walk and some joggers too. Worth a visit.

Heaton Park is hands down the best park in Manchester. And the best part? It’s completely free! There’s something for everyone here – whether you’re visiting to see the animals (including alpacas!), go for a peaceful walk, let the kids play in the play area, enjoy the fun fair, tram, ice cream vans, or relax by the pond. The park is huge, beautifully maintained, and packed with things to do. Parking is easy and convenient, which makes visits stress-free. Every time we go, we discover something new. A brilliant day out for families, couples, or anyone looking to enjoy some time outdoors. Highly recommended!

A perfect family day out at Heaton Park! We spent the day at Heaton Park with our family and honestly, it exceeded all our expectations. It’s a beautiful, massive green space with so much to do for all ages. Our kids loved the two playgrounds—they're clean, safe, and have a great variety of equipment. The animal centre was a highlight too—being able to see and learn about goats, pigs, and even alpacas up close was such a fun and educational experience. We hired a pedal boat on the lake which was such a relaxing and unique way to see the park. The views from the Temple are absolutely stunning—you can see right across Manchester! There’s plenty to explore—Heaton Hall is a gorgeous historic building, and though we couldn’t go inside, the gardens around it were perfect for a wander. For families who like a bit of adventure, the Treetop Trek looked amazing too (we’re saving that for next time!). We grabbed drinks and snacks from The Stables Café—good coffee and friendly staff—and found plenty of spots for a picnic. There's also a land train and old tram that makes getting around with kids easy and fun. The only thing I’d say is that some of the toilets could use a little updating, so we brought hand sanitizer just in case. It’s super easy to get to as well—there’s a tram stop right outside the park. Parking is available but can get busy during weekends, so arriving early helps. Overall, Heaton Park is a fantastic day out for families. Whether you want to relax, play, explore, or learn, there’s something here for everyone. Highly recommend it!

At heaton park next to gallagher hill for oasis. You can hear quite well in certain areas, can see a little of the screen. Must of been at least 2000 people on that hill. The crowd made it a great night. There is no reason to block off the hill other than to stop people watching for free. There were toilets available. Be careful when leaving due to high number of people, you were bottle necked out of a small gate.

Always a good walk round. Lits of places to stop, sit and enjoy the view. We dis the egg trail, which was great for very young kids. The bunny was at the top of a very steep hill and coming g back down with 2 small children and a pram was very scary when it was wet under foot. Lovely to see the RSPB there too with lots of knowledge about the local birds.

Was here on a weekday morning. Took some pictures while jogging in the park. Really beautiful views as the park is massive. 1 lap is roughly around 4km, but it's not exactly flat and round. It's worth going here for a run/walk, for the views of the park. I was lucky it was all sunny that morning, had an awesome time at Heaton Park, appreciating the beauty of Nature.

Really nice park to walk around. There are 3 cafes and a couple of icecream vans. They have a fair on sometimes for bank holidays ect. Two play areas for the kids with a really high slide which they loved. There is also a small lake where you can rent pedalos and small row boats. Parking is pay and display but is reasonably priced, you can pay by card aswell as coins.

4km walk around the park, you can use All trials app for a better view on the right path so you can walk all around. Totally recommend as they got also some activities during some periods for kids and lovely coffee shop near the lake.

A last minute decision on a damp, drizzly winter Sunday, but a good one. Forgot how vast this place is! Walked down the hill past the hall and round the lake, slowing to admire the signets and stop the dog munching all the food left for the birds! Round the other side of the lake, the woods are incredibly quiet; it's easy to forget you're right on the edge of such a large city and the motorway is about a mile away. This is the highest point in the city and the views are amazing.

To celebrate St George's Day in 2016, I've decided to finally review Heaton Park, which is the largest municipal park in England and its' grounds even contain a Grade I listing building in a 18th century hall, Heaton Hall. Heaton Park opened in 1902, not long after Edward VIII became King of England and a few months after the death of Britain's then-longest serving monarch, Victoria. Access to Heaton Park is quite good, with a Metrolink Station at either end of the park, one more towards Pretswich way, and one more towards the Premier Inn and Beefeater, as if you were going into Cheetham Hill, where you can get tram services into the city center of Manchester and near-enough all around Manchester, with links into other train and tram stations where other links, and further locations are available. There are also buses available, but they don't seem to cover a great distance or come too regularly, around here, so the tram is probably the best route here Also nearby, is a Premier Inn Hotel and Beefeater Resturaunt, as well as the HQ for a local taxi company, a few pubs and takeaways, a small newsagents and a Sainsbury's, but not much of these are too impressive unless you're a local and most of these places, a tourist visiting Heaton Park probably wouldn't even need. Heaton Park is also located near enough next to the M60 motorway, with connections to Manchester Airport, London and Birmingham and is one of the local motorway stops to Middleton, just down the road from Middleton city center and a drive-thru KFC. Overall, over than its' size, the park is just average for a park, obviously not as impressive as Green Park or as beautiful as a lot of other parks across the world, it is still quite a nice, large park. Heaton Park often hosts events throughout the year including the dreadful Parklife, where tickets can sell for hundreds of pounds, as well as being 2 whole days and nights of noise pollution and extra traffic, which is inconsiderate to the local area, and even people who live closer to Middleton city center, as the noise carries on to pollute the rest of the nearby towns, even miles away. Some nicer events include a large bonfire on Bonfire Night, and a Firework display. I'm from North Manchester, so find Heaton Park quite an impressive, large park to have in my own backyard, but due to its' extreme size, I don't think they have made the most of it, making it more profitable and better for visitors, hence increasing the number of visitors all year round, while also considering a lack of staff about the park at most hours, making sure it is kept nice and due to the park being simply average, but still due to its' size and the fact is is probably better than most other parks in Manchester, I feel it has just done enough to get a solid three star rating.

Surprisingly first time here. Nice park, only there for short while and checked out farm and also got some ice cream. The farm - its not bad, not the biggest farm but OK. We had already paid £1.50 for the car park by the golf, so didn't need to pay - although here was no one there checking.

Fancy a picnic in Manchester? Don't look at me like I've escaped from a mental unit, there's plenty of places to take a basket, blanket and a punnet of Scotch eggs in the city. If you don't believe me, you've clearly never seen the rural idyll that is Heaton Park. Easily accessible by the Metrolink from the city centre, Heaton Park in Prestwich is historical, green and gorgeous. It's home to a golf course as well as Heaton Hall, a beautiful manor which you can view by partaking in guided tours, the exciting kind where people wear costumes. There is literally far too much going on here for me to include in this little introduction but some noteworthy events include Oasis's huge homecoming gigs where they decked Heaton Park out like a festival. Technologically it was a nightmare, but good old Noel Gallagher promised refunds if they didn't get the sound sorted. Another thing you must, MUST do in Heaton Park is try and catch an open air Shakespeare production. They make the most incredible use of the surroundings, but an insider's tip is to bring a mackintosh, umbrella and perhaps even a flask and foldable chair. The former two are obviously due to the inclement Manchester weather, the latter... well, we all need our home comforts. Actually, add some kind of chewy sweets to that list, you choose your favourites. Just don't rub it in, the poor actors have to do this in all climates and are probably dying for one of your Skittles. Anything more I can add? Relay races for dogs (I'm totally serious, it's an opportunity for dog owners to meet and interact), health walks, horse riding, learning activities... the list goes on and on, and look out for the festivals and music performances. Heaton Park is a buzzing, thriving community all its own, so if you fancy some fresh air and culture, hop on the tram and bring sensible shoes. You'll love it here.

When the sun is shining; it is perfect for a run, play, picnic, day out. You have a big park, with beautiful sights, such as the Heaton Hall, and animal park.

I am running across the field. My papers and clipboard in my left hand. How many cows are there? Are they looking at me? Running too fast to tell. Are they coming towards me? I am eleven. My right bright yellow trainer gets stuck in the mud. There is still half the length until I reach the gate and path. So I carry on running. One shoe on, one shoe off. Heaton Park is, I believe, the biggest municipal park in Europe. There are tennis courts (you have to pay), horse riding facilities, a golf course, a children's farm and all the usual: play park, ice cream vans, plenty of grass if you're pretending to revise for exams.. Their Bonfire Night is also something special. I have been almost every year. When I was in London last year standing outside Temple station the fireworks over the Thames just didn't quite cut it. Heaton Park gives you big expectations. There is plenty of room and they are right over your heads. The Bonfire is absolutely huge and the smoke seems endless. And they have fun fair rides. Good, clean fun. In my experience also good for: treasure hunts if they are meticulously organised by parents, getting tackled by boys in a game of American Football when drunk and having heart to hearts on the bandstand on rainy days. And, yes my yellow trainer was retrieved and I made it out of there alive.

Heaton Park is a huge park in the north of Manchester, and it really proved an excellent place to visit during our trip. Despite being in Greater Manchester, the park is large enough that it feels rural and you certainly can't hear or see any of the road traffic from inside the park. There are loads of walking paths, and one can visit a lake (complete with café), a large manor house, some beautiful gardens, and a so-called "temple", from where there are excellent views over the entire area. The temple is actually located at the highest point in Manchester (factoid alert). The park is popular, and you are sure to meet plenty of people walking in their dogs or enjoying an ice-cream by the lake. After spending a few days amidst the hustle and bustle of the city, it was great to do some walking and get some fresh air in the beautiful Heaton Park. Recommended.

Love this place! Loads of free car parks with loads of spaces even when its busy. Great place to walk a dog, loads of walking areas even when the fair is on. There is also a lovely cafe next to the boating lake and up by the house. The place really is massive, every time I go I discover something new!

I love Heaton Park. Being a North Manchester girl I've been coming to Heaton Park pretty much since I was born - my parents have photos of me playing on the park as a toddler - and it's amazing to say that I enjoy it just as much as an adult. It's huge - perfect for a really long walk and has some really lovely scenery. There is a lot of greenery and grassy areas, so in summer i frequently come here for family picnics. There's also a large hill that my nephew and niece insist we ALL roll down. I always win. Ha. There's an animal farm complete with donkeys, goats and other farmyard animals which is so much fun to visit. There's a cafe here too which has some good sandwiches. The cute boating lake is also lovely in the summer. There's plenty to do here, with 2 or maybe even 3 large playgrounds for kids - one of which has the tallest slide I have ever seen!! :/ They also have funfairs and themed events at Heaton Park too - bonfire night is always fantastic here!

Heaton park has been one of those places in Manchester that has almost (non-sonically) track listed my life in this fair city! In its huge grounds I've been to gigs, played cricket and frisbee golf, been for picnics and it was where I spent time the day I proposed (she said yes!) and on birthdays. It's just a lovely space with big open gardens, woodlands, parks and a couple of activity related places to hang out in. The onsite farm is free entry and perfect for kids with all sorts of farmyard animals on display and next door is the newly renovated tea rooms which is run by the guys from Eagle and Child - a lovely little spot if you've enjoyed walking and activity 'do-ing' while out for the day! There's 3 big car parks (paid) and it's easily accessible on the tram from Victoria station so is actually a lot closer to the city centre than you'd think. The only thing which lets this place down a bit is the actual manor house which is basically run down and boarded up - a far cry from some of the grand houses like in Lyme Park. Saying that - you come for the parkland and Heaton park rocks so check it out!

Enjoyed a pleasant cuppa with a cake at the Stables café after a nice afternoon exploring Heaton Park. The cakes all looked yummy, however they were not clearly price marked so I had to ask how much everything was. I had a pot if tea for one with a scone, butter, jam and Cornish clotted cream. My mate had a latté with an apple turnover. It was all delicious. Total cost just over £8. The café is nicely laid out and appears to be kept very clean.

Lets set the scene: Its a hot day. The sun is beating down on your back. Beads of sweat begin to trickle from your brow. Its probably the only day of sun England will receive this year and therefore you've exposed your pale pasty skin with shorts and flip flops. What better place to spend this glorious day getting sunburned than Heaton Park!! The park is recorded to cover about 600 acres, which gives ample space for everyone to enjoy themselves!! When I visited, there were plenty of families with picnics, friends playing frizz bee, couples cuddling on blankets, runners running and walkers walking. It has gorgeous greens and beautiful flower beds, and the old stately home situated in the centre finishes off the majestic feel. I know it appears I am making this place sound too over the top but that's how I felt when I visited, that I could have only imaged such a perfect place to spend a perfect day. This park is fitted with all the mod-cons - animals, of the farm variety; mini tram line (drive included); play ground, including slides and swings of various nature; lake with built in swans; several ice cream vans. Do - Take sun cream if its hot. Watch out for dog poop. Don't - Bother queueing for ice cream. Disclaimer - this review takes into consideration the rare chance of good British weather and holds no responsibility for any days being ruined due to rain.

Heaton Park has many plus points, it is a vast space so you can always find somewhere to sit down and have a picnic, it has lots of things for the kids to do such as a farm and fun fair and the little train that goes round the park is definitely a winner. However there are so many factors that make it one of my least favourite parks in Manchester. The men with shaved heads and scary dogs always put me on edge, the noise from the fun fair means that it is far from relaxing, the kids with footballs who constantly kick them under your feet and the sheer volume of people means that however big it is you are never able to find a nice secluded spot to read your book or sit and soak up the sun. I know I sound like an old whinger but these things matter to me. Think the next time the sun is out I'll stay in my back garden.

For all its space, beauty, and serenity Heaton Park can be an unsettling place. The relief of the land has to do with that: you never quite know if it is a hill or merely a patch of land you are seeing in a distance. It matters because the hills are steep, so you are stepping down without actually knowing it, and the question is, how you'd get back :-) Apart from that this is an absolutely wonderful place to go for a walk. Fair enough, kids and dogs may unsettle your romantic walk. Local history fans will delight themselves in visiting Heaton Hall, an 18th c. mansion with splendid interiors where once again you may notice that creepy feeling. Perhaps, this is how all historic buildings feel, especially in England known for its haunted houses. There are tea rooms on Park's territory. Not far from the pond is the old Town Hall colonnade a great example of architectural recycling.

My favourite green space in the whole city! I love Heaton Park. I've been here for so many different events! Most recently Oasis's gig in October! But other than than I've done a 5K 'Race For Life' run, been to the funfair, been to the petting zoo, been to an open air play, had a go on the swan boats, been to the fireworks display on Bonfire night, been sledging in the snow...the list goes on. As far as the gig went, it wasn't fantastic. A huge amount of planning and organisation and I went on the third night but it was still incredibly unorganised! Apparently it was a pilot for a festival in Manchester...I don't think residents have to get worried anytime soon! Every other event I've been to has been fantastic though! Definitely would go and see a play again there, was amazing! And the petting zoo is just great for kids! My mum went to see the Pope (John Paul II) here during the 80s when he visited and says it was one of the best nights of her life. Everyone I know has good memories of this beautiful park.

I've got a very warm and squishy place in my heart for Heaton Park. Firstly because I remember my Mum and Dad taking me here when I was little to pat the horseys and eat huge ice creams, and secondly because their boating lake is almost criminally fun, even if I did get stuck in the middle of it one and had to be towed out by one of the park staff. Heaton Park is one of the largest parks in Manchester and has come a very long way in the past decade or so. A lot of investment has been put into it to create a real oasis of greenery in the middle of a huge built-up environment, and with this, it's also become one of the key places for huge concerts, events and 'fun runs' like the annual Race for Life. The park is also a great place for a Summer picnic, and I've spent many a warm and sleepy afternoon here drinking wine, munching potato salad and playing games of rounders with friends. With its own Metrolink station, Heaton Park is also really easy to get to - a mere ten minute hop, skip and a jump from Central Manchester, making it the perfect place if you're looking to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Just be careful on that rowing lake though - if only because if the ducks spot that you're in trouble on there, they might try and peck your fingers!

Heaton Park is a beautiful mixed-use park on the outskirts of Manchester that is easily accessible by road or on the tram. A perfect space in the summer to enjoy a quiet stroll or a picnic, there's quite a variety of areas to explore, including some meadows, streams, lakes and woodland. The bonfire and firework display in November is second to none in the area and is always very popular. They also have lots of fairground attractions and rides for the event which is always a good laugh. There's no fee to enter so it's always good for a cheap and relaxing day out.

Where to start with Heaton Park? Its such a lovely, expansive and pretty park with a variety of different things to. Theres also additional events on through the year. Theres a farm for the kids and animal lovers, gold, boating lake, the orangery, recently updated park and play equipment. Apart from the car park which sometimes has a small charge, most of its free. A lovely place for a walk, a picnic, a day out or even a wedding.

Nice park with a swan lake., a huge green area of the hill interwined thru of paths on which top is situated the small zoo with a garden. I can highly recommend to anyone who likes walking, rowing, jogging, sunbathing or just relax. Plenty of room for everyone and everything except swiming and so... And in a summer time offers many events.

Good old Heaton Park, So many memories, there isn't enough time to share them, and many of you would be bored rigid hearing them, as they are indeed special to me and probably not to many other people. The point to take from my many memories of Heaton Park is that they are all so varied, soon to be added to those memories will be Race for Life held in the park this summer as it is every Summer, last year the park was transformed into a concert venue for the series of Oasis gigs, which I had the pleasure of attending, and p.s. They were fabulous!!!! During my time at school, Heaton Park was the torture route of cross country and why oh why is it always cross country season in October, the rain and bare flesh do not make good friends. November, bonfire night, always a fabulous fireworks display and bonfire, along with the whole shebang that goes along with it, in addition to the fairs held here. What else is Heaton Park good for, oh yeah, being a park, masses and masses or acres and acres of greenery, flat greenery, hilly greenery, woody greens, feed the ducks and horses and other small animals, take a boat out on the lake, walk the dog, have a picnic, do what every parent did in the 80s and wait in the cold for a pope, although I doubt people feel the same way about Ratzinger as they did about JP2. There is some parking nearby to pull up and enjoy the delights of the park, but if there's a big event on, parking is always a pain in the rear end, but luckily for us, there's the trusty metrolink service and the bus service, the 135 from Manchester should get you there nicely, and for all other routes please see the GMPTE route finder. One park, many purposes

Makes for a lovely walk around. Take my children and dog. Burns off some of the children's energy and they get to socialise in the playground. Lots of friendly dog owners. Whenever I go though the animals are never out and there only seems to be an ice cream van. My 3 year old was unfortunately hit by a cyclist but the staff were great. She had a head wound, they offered first aid and even led us out with a car in front of ours so we could get to the hospital promptly.

Not as good as it used to be...last I visited it had gotten scruffy. But on a sunny day or when you need some space...it does the job! A good park.

Heaton Park. I went there quite few times now, but of course, I will always remember the first time. It was the 5th of Novemeber. Everybody know what's going on, on the 5th! Bonfire night. Yeey. So it was my first bonfire night in Manchester. My friends started to explain the tradition and everything, and although it sounds pretty cruel, I like it. Yeah, it's new, something else. Good one. So, we went there, at 7 o'clock. It was dark already, surprise surprise. It was quite scary actually, few girls, walking around in the dark, twigs everywhere. We weren't even drunk at that point. The fireworks were great, the whole idea of the night as well. We've eaten toffee apples, some popcorn, some chips as well with a burger. So many people gather around to see a massive fire. And I believe that Heaton Park is a great place for such a spooky story from the past, that might make kids either agitated or just happy cuz they get the chance to go to bed really late. Oh, and before I forget, in the weekends, if you fancy the sun for a bit, you can go to the park, have a little picnic, or just walk around and take lots of photos. It's lovely.

One of my favourite places to visit with my friends as I live local, many friendly regularly visit and let on to me. I also am a member of Parkrun every Saturday which I would recommend to anyone who wants to get fit and healthy or just wants to have a good time with friends!

Parklife was abit disappointed the sound systems were not that good on any of the stages. Needs to be improved for today or alot of people will be getting angry.

Heaton Park, one of the hidden beauties of Manchester. I say this because a lot of people who visit from outside of Manchester never visit here as they never knew it existed. Sitting proudly on the tip of the northern border of Manchester and if i want to get political, situated actually in Prestwich, Bury but i don't its Manchester's and its all ours Bury Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha. One of the largest Municipal Parks in Europe its now beginning to get know for it ability to hold a Music Concert and due to the cuts that the government have placed on local councils this has forced Manchester City Council to utilise this a lot having recently held 4 nightly concerts for both Oasis & Stone Roses and looks to be heading into have 4 concerts a year much to the objection of the residents of Prestwich :) Another sad part of Heaton Park is now the cuts have happened certain parts of the park have felt the effects. Heaton Hall a Grade 1 listed building which is no longer open to the public. The Farm Centre Café which is no longer run by the council and unfortunately has had more external catering companies try to run it but seem not to last very long. But the Farm Centre is still there, where they have a small amount of animals to look at. It still has an internal tram which can take you around the park and a Golf Course with driving range. If you fancy a brisk walk with your partner, dog, child its a lovely place to visit but due to the cuts it doesn't have as much to do inside the park apart from walking and looking. It can be easily accessed by metrolink from the City Center so any visitors to the city centre don't really have an excuse not to visit the park. There is an occasional fun fair on the park and is normally advertised locally when on. If your in Manchester during 5th November then they have one of the biggest fireworks displays & Bonfires.

Heaton park is a lovely walk if you are in the area. Loved by dogwalkers it is a vast amount of park and houses the likes of the funfair and other attractions. In the summer it is a great place to take kids for a picnic or to play footie with your mates! In the winter it is good for those who are trying to keep fit running or walking. It is lovely scenery and nice for a relaxing stroll if you want to get away from the bustle of the city!

Heaton Park is a huge park located in Blackley in the outskirts of Manchester, it is just off the motorway and also accessible by bus and Tram. The park itself has lots to offer, from green open spaces to wooded areas and a boating lake. There is also a farm within the grounds which is great for children with such animals as pigs and even alpacas as well as many more. There is also great kids park area with a big slide which proves popular with many children. There are plenty of eating facilities dotted about the park with the food being your typical canteen style food which is tasty and not too expensive. During the warmer months there is also usually an ice cram van, or two, or three, or four about!! The park hosts various events throughout the year such as the Cancer Research Race for Life and Bonfire & Firework display with fairground in November. One highlight is sure to be the Oasis gigs planned to be hosted here next summer.

One of our favourite places to visit. There's a good playground with the biggest slide you're ever likely to see (it's not well signed, but you're only supposed to go down it if you're over 7; sshhh, but our 5 year-old has been doing it for several years now). There are plenty of walks and some spectacular views over Manchester to be had; and the farm is well-maintained and has a suitably educational focus. All in all, we say it's a great place for an hour or a day, and well worth the £1 they occasionally charge you for parking.

Heaton Park is an extensive park in Prestwich, north Manchester. The grounds are vast and as well as walking there are play areas for kids to be found. The view over Manchester is great to take in, and it is easy to reach by the tram or car. Parking is charged, but the cost is minimal. Many events are held at the park, but just remember to bring a torch with you on Bonfire Night otherwise it's a tricky route to exit the park!

I love taking the family here, the kids love it and have a wonderful time. The grounds are extenisve and there are loads of place to walk and lots to see and do. You could spend all day there with the familiy and a picnic. The animal centre is really lovely for the little one and they always enjoy it. Check online for events taking place as they do have fairs, bonfire night fireworks and other things taking place throughout the year. Always a really nice place to take the kids and a cheap day out if money is a bit tight.

Very big and very nice. So big i think there should be rentable bikes so we can move faster.

The Largest Municipal park in Europe. With recent work, Heaton Park is now a large open space with many attractions, from Children's play areas, through the Golf Course and Pitch and Putt to the bowling green, Boating Lake and walking areas. Other activities are offered such as Horse Riding, and frequently their are events here such as Radio 1's big weekend, Proms in the Park and Bonfire nights for November the 5th. You will need to pay to park here at the weekends and Bank Holidays, but it's £1 and well worth it. Definitely worth a day out with a picnic.

Heaton Park has trees and stuff. It has some grass too .. I saw a dog in there once as well ..

well what can i say! fantastic park been going for 23 years every year love it x