Parks & Green Spaces
More than half of Manchester is made up of parks, woods, river paths and other green spaces.
Green spaces transform Manchester
Manchester has many parks and green spaces for everyone to enjoy. Popular places like Heaton Park, Wythenshawe Park, Alexandra Park and Fletcher Moss Gardens offer open areas to walk, relax and explore. Many parks have historic buildings, gardens, sports areas, wildlife, and community events. Some, like Heaton Park, also host large events and provide chances to learn new skills or volunteer.
More than half of Manchester is made up of parks, woods, river paths and other green spaces.
The city works hard to keep these places clean, safe and welcoming for all.
Manchester aims to make parks active, friendly spaces where people can enjoy nature, take part in events, and improve their physical and mental health. Everyone is encouraged to visit these parks, enjoy the outdoors, and get involved in local activities.
Top parks for being active in Manchester
Manchester's green spaces offer more than just scenery. They are dynamic environments for health, recreation, and community connection.
Platt Fields Park
Platt Fields Park is a vibrant green space offering plenty of opportunities to be active, with a BMX track, skatepark, tennis courts, 5-a-side football pitch, cycling facilities, play area and open parkland.
Heaton Park
Heaton Park offers extensive opportunities to be active, with sports and play facilities, walking and running routes, boating on the lake, adventure activities, open green space and family recreation.
Wythenshawe Park
Wythenshawe Park offers extensive opportunities to be active, featuring football pitches, tennis courts, a MUGA, athletics track, basketball court, cycle skills zones, pump track, riding stables and family trails.
Bringing Manchester together
Manchester’s parks bring people together, creating welcoming spaces where communities can connect, be active and enjoy shared experiences. From fitness sessions and cultural events to family activities and neighbourhood celebrations, our parks are at the heart of community life.
Parks Tennis
There are many tennis courts in Manchester parks.
Alexandra Park in Moss Side, Wythenshawe Park and Fletcher Moss Gardens offer outdoor play with multiple courts and floodlights for when it gets dark.
There are over 20 parks in Manchester with tennis courts, managed by MCR Tennis:
- Alexandra Park: M16 7JL
- Blackley Recreation Ground: M9 0SA
- Broadhurst Park: M40 0FG
- Brookdale Park: M40 1PH
- Cheetham Park (Manchester): M8 8BQ
- Chorlton Park: M21 7FZ
- Cringle Park: M19 1FS
- Crumpsall Park: M8 5SA
- Debdale Park: M18 7LJ
- Fletcher Moss: M20 2SW
- Fog Lane Park: M20 6SF
- Gartside Gardens: M13 9WN
- Greenbank Park: M19 2NB
- Kingswood Park: M14 6GG
- Kirkup Gardens: M22 1AX
- Ladybarn Park: M20 4XA
- Nuthurst Park: M40 3PJ
- Openshaw Park: M11 2LN
- Platt Fields Park: M14 6LA
- Wythenshawe Park: M23 0AB
Find your court or learn more about our Annual Tennis Pass, which costs just £40 per year.
Unearth a hidden gem in your neighbourhood
Unearth those hidden green gems within walking distance of your home, learn how to get involved and help your neighbourhood move.
‘Neighbourhood Moves’ is a community-powered campaign designed to make physical activity more accessible for everyone in Manchester – especially in areas where it’s needed most. As the cost of living rises, staying active shouldn’t be a luxury.
We’re working hand-in-hand with local communities to highlight and promote the amazing parks, activity spaces, walking routes, green areas, and local providers already on your doorstep. Together, we’re co-creating maps, stories, and opportunities that reflect the real needs and voices of each neighbourhood.
Join a Parkrun
Parkruns are 5k runs, held every Saturday at 9am in 5 parks across our city.
They’re completely free; you just need to register with Parkrun and print a barcode.
You can run, walk or volunteer, and they’re family-friendly. There are also two junior Parkruns, held on Saturday mornings, which are 2k. Your child can run alone, or you can join them.
Discover the Manchester Green Trail
The Manchester Green Trail is a walking circuit made up of 15 routes which circumnavigate the city of Manchester and connect the city’s many beautiful parks, green spaces, waterways and tree-lined streets.
The Green Trail is a partnership project between The Ramblers, Manchester City Council and Transport for Greater Manchester.
The Manchester Green Trail has 15 stages. All are downloadable as PDFs below.
THE 15 ROUTES
1 Chapel Street Park to Delamere Park
2 Delamere Park to Central Park Metrolink
3 Central Park Metrolink to Boggart Hole Clough
4 Boggart Hole Clough to Heaton Park Metrolink
5 Heaton Park Metrolink to Queens Park
6 Queens Park to Mayfield Park and Ardwick Green
7 Ardwick Green to Whitworth Park
8 Whitworth Park to Alexandra Park Café
9 Alexandra Park Café to Chorlton Bus Station
10 Chorlton Bus Station to Southern Cemetery
11 Barlow Moor Road to Martinscroft Metrolink
12 Martinscroft Metrolink to Peel Hall Metrolink
13 Peel Hall Metrolink to Northenden Riverside Park
14 Northenden Riverside Park to Fletcher Moss Park
15 Fletcher Moss Park to Chapel Street Park
See the walking apps section to find other walking routes in the area.
City of cycling
Fancy a ride? There are many ways to get involved in cycling across the cities parks and green spaces.
Whether you want to ride with your family, join a led ride, jump on pump track, try an adapted bike, or take part in BMX or mountain biking, there are options to suit different interests and abilities.
Explore what’s available in Manchester parks & green spaces and get involved.
Find a park activity today
Find a wide range of activities across Manchester - including swimming, fitness classes, sports and holiday activities - all in one easy place.