Whether you’re meeting with friends, picnicking with the family or taking the dog for a stroll, there are plenty of green spaces to be found in the scenic parks Bury has on offer, some situated just a stone’s throw from the bustling town centre. There are plenty of activities and events to choose from with something for everyone to enjoy - from elegant stately homes to play areas where the kids can run wild.
1. Burrs Country Park
Situated close to the River Irwell and just 1 mile from Bury Town Centre, the Green Flag Award-winning Burrs Country Park is perfect for nature lovers. The 36 hectares of land are home to a range of different wildlife habitats including woodland and waterways, making it the perfect place to go on a nature trail of your own, or for a spot of birdwatching. Happy campers will also feel at home here - the park also features a Caravan Club site with space for up to 80 pitches for both tents and caravans.
2. Heaton Park
Historic Heaton Park has so much to offer, you might need to make another visit just to fit it all in. Those with children will have plenty to keep the kids entertained as the park offers a range of play areas, events and even an Animal Centre. There’s also a range of outdoor activities on offer from horse riding to golfing - and for culture lovers, there’s an events calendar jam-packed with theatre, music and more. There’s plenty for history enthusiasts, too: find out more about Bury’s transport history at the tram museum - or step back in time inside Heaton Hall’s beautifully restored 18th Century interiors.
3. Lyme Park
Home to Lyme Hall (another of Greater Manchester’s beautiful listed buildings), Lyme Park features ornate gardens (such as the Dutch Garden), a lush orangery and impressive views across the Cheshire plains. Period drama fans can rejoice (the park was famously used as the set for the 1995 BBC adaptation of Pride and Prejudice) - with a stroll around the hall’s opulent interiors. There’s also plenty to keep the kids entertained, with a range of adventurous activities on offer year-round.
4. Martin Mere Wetland Centre
Another destination for wildlife aficionados, the Martin Mere Wetland Centre covers 800 hectares and is home to a wild nature reserve. Depending on the weather and the season, you’re likely to see diverse species of bird including ducks, geese, swans and sandpipers and other wetland birds. Birds of prey are also frequent fliers at the park - and keep an eye out for the daily otter talk and feed, too. Visitors can also take to the water with a range of activities including kayaking - and for children, the park also offers outdoor adventure play areas.
5. Tatton park
Look out for the ancient deer herds roaming the grounds of Tatton Park, one of the largest historic parks in the Greater Manchester area. The park is also another famous filming location used in Peaky Blinders and Bridehead Revisited. With 1,000 acres of land to explore as well as an 18th Century mansion, the park also reflects the globe-trotting adventures of the Egerton family - owners of the estate since 1598 - with its ornate Japanese gardens and treasured collections.
6. Close Park
Approximately 3 miles from Bury Town Centre lies Close Park - 11.9 hectares of land featuring action-packed fun for all the family. In addition to its seven full-sized football pitches, there’s an outdoor gym, a bowling green, a multi-play ball zone and a mile-long jogging track around the park known as the “Terry Nortley mile”, named after the late president of the Radcliffe Athletic Club. Another Green Flag Award Winner, the park also features a heritage trail leading visitors through the park to the remains of the Medieval Pele Tower and Church.
7. Nuttal Park
Between the River Irwell and the East Lancashire Railway Ramsbottom Train Station lies Nuttal Park, a beautiful community park set in the market town of Ramsbottom. Here you’ll find a range of health and fitness facilities including outdoor gym equipment, two free tennis courts and plenty of playground equipment to keep children entertained - including a zipwire. The park is also part of the Irwell Sculpture Trail, making it the perfect place to take a scenic walk with a difference.
8. Clarence Park
Since opening to the public in 1888, Clarence Park (located just a mile from Bury Town Centre has been a firm local favourite and yet another Green Flag Award Winner. The Clarence Lido (one of the few still in existence throughout the UK) is a great place to relax away from the busyness of the town centre - and is also home to the park’s model boat club. There’s plenty to do, with two tennis courts, two bowling greens and a children’s play area - and for a refreshing break, visitors can also access the Green Cafe and Community Centre.
9. Manchester Road Park
Manchester Road Park is another of Greater Manchester’s most successful parks, having retained a Green Flag Award since 2006. Featuring tennis courts, a multi-play ball zone, two bowling greens and a children’s play area, this well-maintained park is wheelchair accessible and features the Welly Cafe and Community Hub for visitors seeking somewhere to take a quick break.
10. Prestwich Forest Bank
Lastly, Prestwich Forest Bank offers not one but four parks in one location, with over 500 acres of woodland and open space covering Drinkwater Park, Waterdale, Philips Park and Prestwich Clough. Situated in the Irwell Valley, the area offers plenty of places to explore for adventurous visitors of all ages, including regular events and activities including horse riding, cycling, orienteering and a play area for children. For history enthusiasts, both the intact industrial reservoirs and historic remains dating back 800 years provide additional interest to walks around the area.
Related Pages
Social and Leisure Activities for Older People
Top 10 Social Activities in Bury
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2021, 14:09