It’s time to wrap up warm and explore some of Greater Manchester’s most loved parks this winter
Snowy scenes in Alexandra Park in Oldham(Image: Sean Hansford | Manchester Evening News)
After a slight rise in temperatures since last week’s cold snap, it looks like things could be getting cooler again with the mercury set to drop as we head into December.
There could even be snowfall as earlier as next weekend, and snow showers could continue for several days if temperatures remain low. While it doesn’t look like we’ll get a white Christmas, people are starting to wrap up as the festive period gets into full swing.
While the cooler temperature, arrival of frost and snow, and darker mornings can tempt us to stay indoors, if we wrap up warm, invest in some good shows, hats and gloves, it’s worth venturing out to enjoy our parks and gardens across Greater Manchester.
While they can cause weather chaos, frost and snow can also transform our green spaces – even a light dusting can make a big difference and make a winter walk worth bracing the elements. Going for a walk at this time of year can also benefit the circadian rhythm because exposure to natural light and cold air can regulate the body clock during shorter, darker days.
Snowy scenes in Alexandra Park in Oldham(Image: Sean Hansford | Manchester Evening News)
With this in mind, there’s plenty of parks, gardens and green spaces across the region to explore in the winter months. One park that looks particularly beautiful at this time of year is Oldham’s Alexandra Park.
In autumn, the park is known for its rich canopy of yellow, red and orange leaves, but come winter – and on snowy days – the trees and surrounding areas make for a picturesque winter wonderland.
Situated on the edge of Oldham town centre, Alexandra Park dates back all the way back to the Victorian era and is full of features which remind visitors of its past. It’s boasting lake is also overlooked by a cafe should you want some respite from the colder temperatures.
(Image: Sean Hansford | Manchester Evening News)
Run by Pure Coffee innovations, the cafe looking out onto the scenic lake serves a range of hot and cold drinks, and has become well known for its array of homemade food, and also has a small selection of Halal dishes. In a recent review review on Tripadvisor, one visitor to the Boathouse Cafe described it as a ‘real gem’.
They wrote: “Superb little treasure nestled away in a gorgeous location with attentive staff and yummy food. Lovely surroundings and ambience, food is freshly cooked to order, home made cakes and delicious ice cream. A real treat to visit.”
Another part of the park to explore once you’ve warmed up is the ‘Lion’s Den’, an ornate public shelter. And Alexandra Park also contains ornamental gardens, herbaceous borders, tennis courts, bowling greens and a kid’s play area.
The Boathouse at Alexandra Park in Oldham (Image: Manchester Evening News)
From Alexandra Park there are also marked paths leading into Snipe Clough, Brushes Clough and to Park Bridge Heritage centre and beyond.
The concept for creating the Oldham park came to fruition during the early 1860s when the textile industry suffered during the Lancashire Cotton Famine. Supplies of cotton were cut off from America and as a result unemployment soared in the town as mills were unable to operate.
One of the schemes launched responding to the crisis was the creation of the town’s Alexandra Park. Unemployed mill workers were hired to construct the park which officially opened in August 1865. It was also named to commemorate the marriage of Albert, Prince of Wales to Alexandra of Denmark.