Wellness Walks in Manchester

Whether it’s a walk through Heaton Park, a riverside ramble along the Mersey, or a quiet loop around Sale Water Park (pictured), a gentle stroll through the Manchester’s green spaces offers more than just fresh air – they provide an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city and can have an incredible effect on our mental wellbeing.

Studies have shown that walking in nature has been proven to lower levels of cortisol (the stress hormone), and stimulate the release of endorphins and serotonin in the brain. A quiet wander around a local green space can also help to engage our senses and ground us in the moment, which can lead to improvements in our mood.

Manchester has some fantastic green spaces and areas of natural beauty, which are just waiting to be explored and are accessible to all. We’ve put together the following list that highlights some of our favourites to help inspire you to get out in the fresh air.

Mayfield Park

Opened in 2022, and located right in the centre of Manchester, Mayfield Park is the city centre’s first new public park in over 100 years.

Located along the bank of the River Medlock and nestled in-between Piccadilly station and Mancunian Way, Mayfield Park benefits from a truly central location. Being just minutes walk from Piccadilly Station, Mayfield Park is accessible by train, tram and bus.

Combining landscaped green areas with recycled industrial structures, Mayfield Park has a uniquely modern Manchester feel.

Fletcher Moss Park

Located by the River Mersey in Didsbury, to the south of the city centre, Fletcher Moss Park is one of the cities finest green spaces.

Opened to the public in 1915,  and easily accessible by bus from Manchester City Centre, Fletcher Moss park consists of open meadows, beautifully maintained botanical gardens, and scenic paths along the Mersey meaning there is something for everyone.

If you’re looking for some peace and tranquility, then there may not be anywhere better in Manchester than Fletcher Moss. Don’t miss the excellent cafe!

Heaton Park

Just 15 minutes on the tram north of the City Centre in Prestwich, you can find Heaton Park. Covering an area of over 600 acres, the park is the largest municipal park in Europe.

Formerly the estate of a wealthy upper-class family, the grounds were purchased by Manchester City Council in 1902 and subsequently opened to the public.

The park consists of an 18-hole golf course, a boating lake, an animal farm, woodlands, ornamental gardens, an observatory, numerous adventure playgrounds, a Papal monument and a volunteer-run tram system and museum.

Large enough to get lost in, Heaton Park is the perfect place to escape the city and embrace nature for an afternoon.

The Fallowfield Loop

Running 4.8 miles along a disused railway track from Chorlton in the west to Fairfield in the east, this urban pedestrian path and cycle route is a great way to explore the south of the city. Passing through Whalley Range, Fallowfield, Levenshulme, and Gorton on the way, there’s plenty of places to stop off for a coffee break or some lunch on the way.

The path is decorated with numerous statues by local artists and impressive graffiti meaning there’s plenty to see and photograph whilst you take in the surroundings. The well paved flat surface of the old railway track make the loop accessible to all.

Sale Water Park

A 152 acre area of countryside and parkland consisting of a lake, woodland, grassy meadows, and a cafe, Sale Water Park is one of Manchester’s finest and most popular green spaces. Serviced by it’s very own tram stop, Sale Water Park is a great place to get some fresh air and clear the mind.

Whether it’s a brisk stroll to some music, or a quiet sit down to watch the world go by, you won’t be let down. For the more adventurous there is also a water sports centre where you can get involved with paddle boarding, kayaking, wind surfing and sailing. For those that are brave enough, there’s also a local open water swimming group, which host sessions between April and September.

In a city as vibrant and dynamic as Manchester, it can be easy to become overwhelmed and let life pass you by. However, making use of the cities world class green spaces and public parks can make a real difference to improving our wellbeing and creating healthier minds.

Read our top tips for nature and wellbeing on our self-care hub.