This is a lovely little park in Trafford between Urmston and Flixton and has a minature steam…read morerailway that is run by a small group of dedicated steam engine enthuastics and cost 20p for a ride around the park. It runs on sunday and is really popular with parents with children. There is also a small playground and the icecream van is usually there to serve the public. There are a number of events staged at this park throughout the year including Fireworks on Bonfire night and Railway engine steam and track weekend.

I think this is a really lovely park. Theres a large grass field that people walk their dogs on,…read moreplay football, frisbie or fly a kyte when the weathers nice. Then there are 2 seperate play areas, that aren't so new nowadays, but are still relatively modern and in good condition. The smaller park is for younger children, sort of 6 and under ish with a climbing frame and young child swings. And a larger park with a spiders web climbing frame amongst other things for older children. Theres a bowling green too and a minature steam train track that runs round the edge of the park. When I say minature, I mean in comparison to the real thing, but these tow seats around the track behind the train and its driver. Its about 20p, something which inflation doesn't seem to have effected, as its beenthat price for about the last 15+ years. But the trains are perfect for any small child who loves Thomas. They usually only run on a sunday. Theres usually an ice cream van around as its a popular park. There are events on throughout the year, usually around the 1st bank holiday in May for May Day Steam where the trains run for the whole weekend and theres a beer tent, model trains, boats, planes, crafts, sweets, bouncy castle, mini fair, steam engines, old bikes, cars, tractors and a good way to spend a day or afternoon over the Bank holiday, especially if the weathers not so good or you don't want to travel too far. They usually do something around Bonfire night too, although sadly I don't think they have the huge bonfire anymore that they used to have.

Nice park. Not large, but well equiped. Bowling green, nice paths, grass and all weather football…read morepitches, basketball, play area, zip line. Cool.

A good little country park -- attractively laid-out with some well-marked walks, and with good…read morefacilities too. There is, of course, a Visitor Centre where the wardens hang out, we have always found them to be helpful and friendly, and the occasional special event we've attended (for the kids) have been extremely well organised. Children aged between 3 and 10 particularly enjoy the adventure playground it's not your normal swings-and-slides setup, it's a series of wobbly wooden bridges and balancing runs all thoughtfully designed to complement its woodland setting. Car parking is more than adequate and apart from one occasion last November when we witnessed some low-level anti-social behaviour involving fireworks we've always enjoyed our visits!

A good little country park -- attractively laid-out with some well-marked walks, and with good…read morefacilities too. There is, of course, a Visitors' Centre where the wardens hang out -- we've always found them to be helpful and friendly, and the occasional special event we've attended (for the kids) has been extremely well organised. Our two are aged 3 and 5 and they particularly enjoy the adventure playground: it's not your normal swings-and-slides set-up, it's a series of wobbly wooden bridges and balancing runs all thoughtfully designed to complement its woodland setting. Car parking is more than adequate and apart from one occasion last November when we witnessed some low-level anti-social behaviour involving fireworks we've always enjoyed our visits.

Ah, Peel. Do you know it for the lazy summer days spent out on the grass with herbal refreshments…read moreand snacks, reading textbooks or novels, chatting the afternoon away with chums in the hazy summer heat and moving onto the Pint Pot for a sharpener in the beer garden? Or do you know it via clinging onto your personal alarm for dear life as you hastily traverse the darkened and frightening pathway to Castle Irwell Student Village? Rather like a masked vigilante... or accountant... Peel Park takes on an entirely different persona when night falls. Throughout my years as a University of Salford student, I looked to the park with caution. All I heard were complaints from my fellow classmates about having to walk through it after dark and fearing for their lives. In fact students went on a protest walk with torches to ensure their safety in this park as it's the quickest route to a lot of student accommodation. But it wasn't until I got a job as a university ambassador that I actually had to learn a little history about the park, as well as point visitors in its direction. And do you know what? Let's just say for the record that it's silly to walk around on your own after dark *anywhere*. That is what the Salford University excellent free bus service is for. It takes you to every single university site. Therefore there's no need to be walking here after dark. And now that we've got that out of the way, maybe I should tell you how I really feel about it. The five stars tell you everything you need to know. This is a vast and beautiful park that any university, nay, any city for that matter, would be lucky to have. Enter Peel Park, even stand on the edge of it as I used to do on my university tours, and you don't feel as if you're in an urban environment. Enveloped my old university buildings and with the gorgeous greenery behind you, you can't even hear the traffic of the nearby dual carriageway. And I can provide you with this personal insight - prospective students and their parents gasped with glee, smiled, said things like, 'Wow' and 'That's beautiful'. The park is extremely well maintained by Salford City Council and is full of delightful topiary and gorgeous flowerbed arrangements. It's a perfect spot to stop for a picnic in the summer or take a frosty, cosy wrapped up walk in the winter. Peel Park was actually one of the first three public parks for the people of Salford and Manchester to be opened back in 1846. Since then it has thrived, and I came upon the knowledge that I only knew a small part of it. To my surprise it leads to football pitches complete with changing rooms, it contains the Marie Curie Field of Hope, a flood obelisk, a section of the Irwell Valley sculpture trail and a well-equipped play area for 4-14 year olds. It's also surrounded by a number of breathtakingly pretty buildings including the Peel building on campus, a truly amazing building that it lit up from below at night and provides rather a spectacle, and the Salford Museum and Art Gallery. Who said Salford was grotty and urban? Be gone with you. We have a much nicer park than any of those trampy ones in Manchester City Centre. So there.

When I was bored of my job and couldn't see where my life was heading I…read more thought about doing a Masters at Salford. Having studied at Manchester, I didn't really like the feel of Salford Uni. However, one thing that the uni did have that Manchester didn't, was an amazing park. Whitworth Park really does look like a small back garden in comparison to this large urban park. Unfortunately it was not quite warm enough to sit down and enjoy the atmosphere of the park, so I had to make do with a quick walking tour. I must say that although it was very pleasant in the daytime, there is no way I would consider walking through it at night. That would just be stupid, but probably no more stupid than walking through Platt Fields in the dark. I rarely have reason to cross the river to Salford, and I can't say that this park alone is really worth the 20+ minute walk from the city centre. However, if I had have chosen to go ahead with said Masters then I can certainly imagine that I would spend many a lazy summer's day here with my textbooks before giving up and popping open a can.

The Brew Bar & Lounge is in the Worsley Marriott Hotel and Country Club. Just off the lobby and…read morecourtyard patio, it has a full service bar and moderate menu, with starters, burgers and sandwiches, salads, and larger entrees. Service was quick, but as the bar fills (after business hours) it can slow and we had to wave down waitstaff for the next round. I had the steak ciabatta; the bread was toasted and crisp. The steak was tender, done medium and cut on the bias into small slices, making it more manageable on a sandwich. Topped with caramelized onions, tomato, rocket (arugula) and mayo, it was a delicious choice. With a side of fries, that were crispy and golden brown. The club salad with chicken was a good size, and fresh as expected. There is limited seating at the bar (about 8 stools) but ample sofas and chairs in the lounge areas, and several four-top tables for dining. As a hotel guest, you can charge to your room, or pay by cash or card. A nice spot to unwind and have drinks and dinner, or grab a cocktail or two before dinner in the hotel's main restaurant.

Every time I go hear it's like spot the celebrity as this is a favourite haunt of visiting sports…read moreteams and artist. I love the gym and health club here and it's really up market compared to you everyday family gym. Sure memberships may be quite expensive, but if you can justify some extra pounds (money not weight) in exchange for a more pampered gym experience then head on down! The actual gym isn't huge but it's never too busy and has all the up to date equipment and machines. The best part of Worsley Park is the Spa facilities though, and they really are ahead of the game here. A large, spacious Jacuzzi and a powerful and revitalising Steam Room put it ahead of the competition in that area! Also nice to relax in the bar after with a nice coffee or beer, depending on how hard I worked out!

I came up to Buile Hill Park to have a kick around with a friend on a clear and blue spring…read moremorning. It's a lovely park to spend some time in, and a great change to being in the city all weekend. As you might have guessed, Buile Hill Park is in fact on a hill. From certain parts of the park, there are incredible views over the city of Manchester. Really worth coming to see. There's some gently sloping grass which is ok for playing football on. It's worth mentioning that there's a fair amount of dog doo around, which is disappointing as any dog walker worth his salt can see that there are always kids (or big kids like me) playing football around here. The park is perfect for a Sunday walk as well, with lots of concreted footpaths winding around the small slopes, trees and contours of this pleasant park.

I am in agreement with Sam that is park is worth a visit. I'm clocking up a good number of parks in…read moremy Yelping career and though its not particularly special, this is one of my personal favorites. In fact it is a Grade II listed Park of National Historic Importance!! Its got an interesting history too, though it seems to be largely speculation. Rumor has it that author Frances Hodgson Burnett was inspired to write The Secret Garden after a stay at the manor house here! This may be true. The park itself has been open since 1903. It's a huge site of over 35 hectares and includes a pitch and putt gold course, play areas, picnic areas and all that malarkey. The council website also boasts that it is home to 'what is thought to be the world's first 'interactive' tree trail'. Not quite sure who is referred to by those who consider it to qualify for this accolade, as it would appear to me that no-one gives a monkeys. Nonetheless, a very nice park!

A bittersweet experience was had on my first ever visit to Chorlton water park. Driving here is a…read morelittle strange with it being situated in such a densely populated area. You get the feeling your Satnav is taking you to the wrong place. Don't worry it's not. An old reservoir was transformed into a huge lake a while back and that's the park's main feature. A mile radius around the lake acts as a perfect biking/ hiking trail which isn't too strenuous and is littered with relaxing spots with great views. There's an icecream van to cater for all your refreshment needs and does a lot of business on a hot summer's afternoon. It's a perfect venue to have a picnic and for young families (There's a large play area for kids) All in all a lovely green space in a heavily populated urban area. My only beef with the place was the unsafe nature of the car park. Make sure you park in an area that's camera visible. I returned after a pleasent afternoon to find my windscreen cracked quite badly. I hadn't parked under a tree, falling debree was thus out the question so I suspected some sort of foul play. My little trip therefore cost me nearly £150. Perhaps the place is cursed for me, but don't let that put you off.

When I first moved to Chorlton and I heard people talking about this water park I had visions in my…read morehead of chutes and river rapids. Sadly, the water park bears absolutely no resemblance to Stoke-on-Trent's Water World or Florida's Blizzard Beach. Instead it is a large man-made lake with a path around the edge which attracts walkers, joggers and cyclists. The path is well-surfaced and links on to the Mersey Valley trail, which is unsurfaced. However, there is a car park and visitor centre if you don't fancy the trek down from Chorlton or Didsbury. The water park was formed in the 1970s when gravel was dug up from this area to build the M60, and the area was flooded to form the lake. Despite the fact that the water park is surrounded by the M60, the busy Princess Parkway and Chorlton town centre it is a surprisingly peaceful and serene place - so peaceful that it is the place that the hippies flock to for the summer solstice.

Victoria Park in Swinton used to be occupied by the now extinct Swinton Old Hall. Interestingly,…read morenot far from the park there is a private house that used to be a part of the estate. I doubt they let casual visitors in; as for me, I was lucky enough to visit the house with a friend of mine. The dining room downstairs preserves the original wooden beams and a bit of decor that dates back to the first half of 18th c. The land was purchased by the Borough of Swinton and Pendlebury and converted into a park in 1897. An impressive bandstand commemorates the 60th anniversary of the reign of Queen Victoria. These days there are tennis courts and children's playground. Close to the part is a private nursery, and it is easily accessible on foot from Swinton Shopping Precinct, or by buses 12, 36, and 37 (among a few others). The park is by no means huge, but is a lovely place to walk on a lazy afternoon.