I used to live but a stone's throw from this glorious little park and made a point of walking…read morethrough it every day on the way to work - a little slice of wonderment minutes before hitting the big ugly backside of the city. Many glorious summer afternoons were spent on this (shockingly) well maintained and lovely little island of peace mere moments away from the hustle and bustle of the Printworks side of town - I'd often sneak down with my guitar and a couple of cold ones (shh don't tell anyone) to play the evening away. The park is obviously a favourite with local residents too - which is unsurprising when so much of the surrounding area is made up of converted mills and the like - which leads to it feeling nicely appreciated but never overcrowded in the warm balmy summer evenings. It's not just a pretty little park though, there's bags of history in its 7.4 acres and there's enough helpful but unobtrusive signs around to make sure you're fully apprised of the fact that... there used to be a church exactly where you're stood. Wow! I even saw someone walking their cat on a lead here once; if that's not a testament to quality, then I don't know what is... Wait hang on... who walks a cat?!

This lovely, small sea of rolling green grass sits a short walk from my flat, and provides an oasis…read moreof calm when faced with the bustling city centre just a few streets away. It was recently restored to the tune of several hundred thousand pounds, but the result is simple and peaceful. There are just a few benches, paths and sparingly planted trees on this old site that used to house a church and was on the edge of the Victorian slums that took over the surrounding streets during the industrial revolution. The park is seen as the "gateway to the Irk Valley," an area of green that allows you to follow the river through the heart of North Manchester. For me, it's a great place to do a spot of sledging in the snow or to get some fresh air every once in a while.

A last minute decision on a damp, drizzly winter Sunday, but a good one. Forgot how vast this place…read moreis! 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.

Fancy a picnic in Manchester? Don't look at me like I've escaped from a mental unit, there's plenty…read moreof 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.

The Sackville gardens are now filled with those lapping up the sun, idyllic. This nice piece of…read moregreenery near the Piccadilly station and Canal Street is a perfect haven for the students at the North campus, the average shopper or stroller by. Ran by the Friends of Sackville Gardens, a voluntary group set up in 2008 consisting of residents and general volunteers, the gardens remain a great place to relax. In 2006 it was awarded a Green flag award which recognises quality in parks around England and Wales. I definitely encourage those walking near by just to stop by and have a sit in the gardens.

Okay so it's not exactly Central Park but this small garden which is located almost exactly half…read moreway between Oxford Rd and Piccadilly train stations has a great bench and memorial to Alan Turing the mathematician and pioneer of computer science.

Alexandre Park This place was a big part of my early…read morechildhood, and was built in 1861. We use to go with family, friends or alone to play on the swings, chase geese, feed ducks and climb the various monuments around the place. This park is very close to the city centre, and has a lot of places for you to sit, enjoy the weather or just walk around. The huge greenhouse has been around since before I was born and is great if you're botanical! There's places to swing, slide and twirl the little ones. The boathouse is still there, but converted into a coffee shop, which has a decent array of sandwiches, drinks, pastries and ice creams. Although it has shrank in size, and there's a few places still closed off and under repairs, it's still a great park in the heart of Oldham where you can relax and take in beautiful surroundings.

What a beautiful and well maintained park, I love coming here for a stroll with the family and baby…read morewhenever I visit the UK to see my folks. I grew up here and have fond memories so it's nice to see the park has not gone to tatters like most of Oldham has over the years. There are some real beautiful authentic Victorian fixtures like the bridge and gazebo stage thingamajig. There's also what looks like a mini Japanese tea garden section that's lovely to take pictures in and read about the history of the park. I'm yet to try the boat rides and Boathouse cafe, but there are so many lovely spots to have a picnic or gaze into the water. My young nephews love playing badminton and frisbee here so it is a great place to bring the kids for a day out to burn off some energy. They also have a nice play park with a sandpit and some (challenging) climbing and swinging structures (difficult for an old codge like me!) The greenhouse isn't usually open when I am here, but I love the house and garden behind it. It's nice that they have a free parking lot too, hope it stays that way! Definitely a "Thing To Do" if you're visiting or reside in Oldham, UK.

I really like Queen's Park. It's a large and sprawling park just off the Rochdale Road. There's…read moreloads of footpaths great for dog walking or running, and plenty of trees that add to the character of the place and provide a bit of shade when there's a bit too much sun about. It's so far out of town that unless you're local, there are probably more convenient parks to go to. Apparently the park has an important history, as it was one of the first parks opened in Manchester all in 1864. On a couple of occasions I've driven up to this park from my flat and gone for a run around its perimeter. It's a good run - one that I'd recommend.

When I lived in Whitworth Park (the halls, for I am not a vagrant) my parents came to pick me up on…read morethe way up to visit family in the north-east. Due to the fact that my Mum is always early and my Dad is always thrifty, they had brought a picnic and suggested eating it in the park. The problem was that it was March and not even a particularly warm or dry March, so we huddled up against each other and sat on a cold, graffitied bench and ate our tuna sarnies. That was the only picnic I've eaten in Whitworth Park and pretty much the only time I've sat down in there. On the other occasions I was put off by the combination of tramps, builders and school kids, which made it hard to relax. I found it much more pleasant to sit in Whitworth Park (the halls) or walk for 20 minutes to Platt Fields Park. But still, I quite like this park. It is a nice green break from the monotony of curry houses (if approaching from Rusholme direction) and university buildings (if approaching from other direction). I just want to know how they keep on putting the cone back on top of King James' head. Anyone?

After trekking around, looking for a place to relax, I saw this well-sized park and figured it'll…read moredo. And it did! Fairly decently sized, this is a good park right near the university that offers visitors the chance to choose from a plethora of space. Thankfully, my visit did not coincide with hordes of screaming children, so I was able to stroll about and find a seat and enjoy a quiet park. Even sitting next to the playground I was free of yelling and gallivanting children. Although there was a random woman who walked up to the Hamster Wheel and decided she needed a workout (she seriously just walked in it for a couple minutes like it was a treadmill...see my photo for proof!). Granted, this time of year the ground was a bit wet and muddy, but I think this could be a lovely space on a warm (and dry) day to just sit under a tree and breathe the fresh air.

Sandhills is one of the small parks near to where I live that I love to have a wonder about on a…read moresunny Sunday. It's part of the Irk Valley redevelopment project. It actually used to be a quarry, 's just a pleasant sweeping field of lush, green grass. It's perfect for walking the dog or for having a short stroll. Exactly what a park should be good for. Obviously at night time it's a place for young 'uns to have a drink from a plastic bottle of cider, but during the day it's a nice place to get some fresh air. This park isn't suitable for football though - it's on a big hill!

Don't call it a comeback,i've been here for years!…read more Hey,hey folks,it's me! Back from the dead again. What's 4 years of inactivity between friends? Nothing,that's what! So what have you all been up to? Nothing? I wish I never asked...... I figured I should make a comeback with The Gardens,not the surrounding bits but the gardens themselves. I'm one of those lost souls that you have probably tutted at on a Saturday afternoon as you walk past PG and see the whole of humanity laid bare before you. People with dogs? Check. Surly teens? Check. One legged pigeons? Check. A dude shouting about Jesus through a megaphone? Check. People showing that Spice is the variety of life? Check. Little kids playing in the fountains? Oddly,check. Me,Mrs Z and some of our friends who have popped into Morrisons for some cans before probably heading to a gig somewhere to get our Metal on? Check.. I love people watching and the gardens is the best place to do it on a nice sunny afternoon (both of them)... It's a bit (a lot) different after dark so should only be tackled by experienced moody dodgers.. The Manc microcosm..

I walked past here during my time in Manchester. I did not know what it's called untill now :)…read more i was here during summer so it was full of people and rides. The metro trams go through which I think looks good. I never stayed for long so I don't know much else around. Looks like a good place to sit and just relax, watching people, have your sandwich and watching the trams go by.

This is a really big park which is maintained and looked after by the friends of debdale…read more This Park has two reservoirs there one of which the Debdale out door centre use for there watersports. The park also has a big allotment, Donkey Sanctary, small children's play area, basket ball and tennis court, children's activity centre and a big football pitch. The park has a lot to offer all ages and is also very popular with dog walkers. The park holds many events and you can go on line to see these events. Three to four times a year the fair comes to the park and in November they hold a firework display for every one which is normally free entry. The park has a toilets on it. In really nice weather there is usually an ice cream can also which is good value not to expensive. When it's not their, there is a McDonalds near by. A nice place to go for a picnic with lots to do. You can Normally see the community payback team there at least once a week helping maintain the grounds plus litter picking. There is a small car park which is also used by the Debdale out door centre and can fill very quickly, there is also additional spaces on the McDonalds car park across the road.

St Michael's Flags and Angel Meadow Park is a public park to the immediate northeast of Manchester…read morecity centre. One of the few green spaces left in spaces on the city centre.

I've lived in the city centre for 7 years, and the Northern Quarter for 6 years. When I was buying…read moremy flat, I even looked at one of the flats adjacent to here. But still I have only JUST discovered this place, thanks to a neighbour who has only recently moved to Manchester. I wonder why people call me slow! ;-) Heaton Park it ain't. But as a city centre park, it is pretty good and particularly handy for NQ residents. It's as clean as any park in Manchester. I've been sat here for two hours and only seen a couple of families. More groups of friends, couples and the odd loner like me. I'm not a big fan of kids (they don't tend to like me either so it's a mutual dislike) so this is one aspect I prefer to Heaton Park. It's also not as packed and easier/cheaper to get to for city centre residents. I'm definitely going to come here over Heaton Park to catch a few rays more often. It could do with an ice cream seller. So remember to bring your own ice cream/drinks/food if you come here.