There is also the UK’s longest tubing slide and a 15-metre-high rope drop if you’re feeling adventurous too
Heaton Park is the Greater Manchester park that has it all – from lakes, swan boats, cafes, tube slides and animal centres(Image: Manchester Evening News)
For a good few of us, there’s a chance that many of us will mostly know Heaton Park these days for its connection to the annual Parklife festival and its huge music concerts.
The sprawling 600-acre space became the centre of worldwide attention last summer when it hosted Oasis for their major reunion tour, which included a whopping five nights at the park as its only homecoming shows in Manchester. Not only did the concerts sell out in record time, but fans without tickets still flocked to the area to soak up the atmosphere over on the affectionally-named Gallagher Hill.
But beyond its live music events, there’s plenty going on for the Bury space year round. Not only does it host regular ParkRuns, which see people attempt their personal bests whilst taking in their surroundings, but it also has a number of facilities onsite – many which are free or low cost and perfect for families over the summer holidays.
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Originally a private aristocratic estate, Heaton Park is considered to be one of Greater Manchester’s largest parks. As well as offering walks through nature, it is also home to a number of attractions, hidden gems and, thankfully, a popular café to stop off for a cup of tea.
Since earlier this year, the park has been home to the UK’s longest outdoor tubing slide – measuring 88 metres in length. Zip World Manchester’s forest tubing, which allows people to ride solo or in groups of two, is suitable for children aged four and above with unlimited rides in an hour-long session.
Zip World features a host of family-friendly activities, and also has the UK’s longest tube slide(Image: Zip World)
The Zip World attraction is also home to a 15-metre-high ropes course, which features over 20 obstacles, rope bridges and zip lines of different abilities where thrill-seekers can soar above the forest floor. Summer prices start from £35.88 and discounts can often be made by booking online in advance.
If thrill-seeking via ropes and tubes is not your thing, there is also the chance to enjoy the sights of Heaton Park’s stunning lake via an electric cruiser, pedal boat or, if feeling up to the challenge, rowing boats. Sessions start from £18 for 25 minutes with options available for up to nine people at a time. There has been a new fleet of boats recently introduced, including accessible and wheelchair pedalo options too.
Within Heaton Park’s old stables, there is also an animal centre which features many farmyard animals including goats, geese, pigs, rabbits and goats, as well as ducks, alpacas and tortoise.
Heaton Park also features an abundance of wildlife, including farmyard animals(Image: Jason Roberts /Manchester Evening News)
The animal centre is free to attend and also has highland cattle, horses and donkeys in the nearby fields which you can see on a clear day. It is open from 10am until 4pm most days.
Other facilities within the park include an 18-hole golf course, a driving range, bowling greens, and the Grade I-listed Heaton Hall, which was designed by architect James Wyatt in 1772 for the use of Sir Thomas Egerton. Whilst the hall is not open to the public, it is possible to see its grand scope from within the park.
After a venture around the many things on offer at Heaton Park, there is also a chance for a bit of a respite and a light bite to eat with two cafes dotted on either side. The Stables Cafe (open 8.30am to 7pm most days) is situated at the top end of Heaton Park, with close proximity to the Animal Centre and Heaton Hall, and was recently renovated last year.
The Lakeside Cafe at Heaton Park(Image: Liv Clarke)
The second cafe, The Lakeside Cafe, is situated near to the tram line and is a perfect stopping-off point for those visiting the park for the play area or the lake. It is open from 9am to 7pm every day.
Both cafes feature a vast menu including breakfasts, burgers, stacked sandwiches, salads, and baked jacket potatoes as well as a choice of hot and cold drinks, milkshakes and more.
Heaton Park is open from 8am to dusk every day, and is accessible with car parks by Sheepfoot Lane, Smithy Lodge or St Margaret’s Road. There are also Park and Ride options via the Metrolink line, with stops at Heaton Park and Bowker Vale within a short walk from the park.
Heaton Park is on Middleton Road, Higher Blackley, M25 2SW