Ilkley Moor is one of my favourite places to walk and climb and generally work up a sweat and get a…read morebit mucky. Starting off at the bottom and working your way up through the masses and masses of greenery and rocky terrain is just flippin marvellous in my humble opinion, especially on a nice warm day. Stock up on the energy food, and wear sensible shoes, take plenty of water, as if you're fully intent on a full day's trek you can definitely fill a day in walking. There are smaller inclines to wander around, and for the more adventurous there's the steeper holy crap I hope that there's something for me to grip inclines, but whatever your route it's certainly picturesque. Starting from the train station up, it's a steep incline no matter which route you take, but the plus point is when you start to see the cow and calf rocks, you know you've hit at least one peak, and that feeling is even more rewarded when you notice to your left that the Cow and Calf Inn is there and open for business. There's some sort of local legend associated with the naming of Cow and Calf, I believe a giant is involved and splitting of the calf from the cow. Go figure. It's a laugh to climb the larger stones, it's even funnier when one of your mates scurries up all triumphant and then realises he can't get down. Wandering around the Cow and Calf rocks and heading towards the right, you've got even more territory to climb and explore, this time less grassy more sandy and loose rocks, but still as much fun, plus if you follow the route all the way down, and it's summer, you more than likely end up just left or right of a cleverly situated ice cream van, which is hearty reward for all the energy you've expended. I love it, it's truly picturesque and untainted, and the fine weather really does enhance Ilkley Moor, parties of people gather to climb, picnic, barbeque or just laze around, and although all of my escapades have been pre-evening, I've never experienced any trouble whatsoever. Ilkley Moor I love you, even more so knowing you've got a silly ditty in your honour...On Ilkla Moor Baht 'at anyone?

This is a quiet spot to sit on one of the benches and admire the well kept grass, shrubs and…read moreflowers. World Museum visitors exploring the history of ancient Egypt sitting and eating their sandwiches are probably unaware of the amount of local history that surrounds them here. St John's memorial gardens opposite St Georges Hall is the site of an old church. Tens of thousands of bodies were buried at the site until the cemetery was closed and the gardens opened in 1904. It's a small but beautiful open green area that was designed to show off public works of art. The Victorian/Edwardian statues commemorate people that have helped the City of Liverpool such as ship owners, school masters, politicians and soldiers. You will also find memorials to John Lennon and the inhabitants of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan. In all the garden has 23 memorials.

The number of times I've walked past, around, near, St John's and I don't ever think to walk…read morethrough. So momentous the occasion is today, with the sun rays shining down at long last, I paced my way through to see what lies within this green haven. It's a park located in the city centre, so you're not going to expect acres of land, a vast array of wildlife, kids running around and swings and sand pits. It's a simple piece of greenery amongst the city centre block of flats, rows of solicitor buildings and the Spinningfields complex. I can see how it is the escape from the bustle, traffic and people you get if you just step onto Deansgate. It does exude a calming feel although I'm aware of what lies just a few second away. At 10am there were a few dwellers on the benches taking this all in. It serves it purpose well. Living in one of these flats myself, this is my new back garden.

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.

If you want a great day out then this is a great place to go. Granted it can get a little busy when…read morethe sun comes out, but it's wonderful for short brisk walks. Walk to the summit for a wonderful view of the trough of Bowland, or just wander around and have something nice in the cafe. A must is to pick Bilberries on the hillsides and make jam!!

On a clear day you can see the Isle of man from here(apparentley). well maintained country park…read morewith nature trails and structered walks. A lovely day out, especially inthe winter when it is more quiet. take a picnic and enjoy the view as far as the eye can see.

This is one of my favourite places to go for a local walk. Its great, at any time of day, and any…read moretime of year. You can stroll round the lake, at an easy pace. The walk is approx. 2.5miles long and can take you anywhere between 45mins to 1 hour+, depending on speed. At the back of the lake, you may get a chance to spot rabbits & bird-life. There are also, a very small cafe, toilets & a small play area for children. There is also, a Visitors Centre, where you can park, on a 'Pay & Display' basis. The centre provides the interested, information on the Lake, Local history, Childrens Activities & there are toilets & a small cafe. You can also, buy souveneirs. There are also, a range of food & drink facilities, in the locality. My suggestion is to try some fresh fish & chips, at 'Mr Thomas's' Fish & Chip shop. I dont think you will be disappointed! :o) For the more avid walker, there are plenty of trails to follow in the surrounding area. Or, if you are a watersport buff - you can partake in an activity, at The Water Sports Activity Centre. Word of Warning: Make sure you park in a legitimate spot, as Traffic Wardens are very keen to make a living! Also, Sunny days/Bank Holidays - it can be a very busy/crowded area to visit.

Hollingworth Lake is a "lake" in Littleborough. It has a lot of history dating back to 1794 when…read morethe Government sanctioned the construction of Rochdale canal and even Matthew Webb trained here, before becoming the first man to swim The English Channel in 1875. Getting here is relatively easy via car or rail links, with it being served by the 455 and 456 buses from Rochdale, as well as being fairly close to the Smithy Bridge and Littleborough rail stations. If you're driving here, you could actually go over the train tracks, and may have to wait for the train to pass. It is a bit rural here, despite the appearance of a few independent cafes and restaurants and houses. As a child I remember coming here to Hollingworth Lake, but now the surrounding areas have changed, for the worse. For example, The Beach which I remember as a nice, friendly pub has had a worse change than Bolton Wanderers FC turning into a messy, rowdy children's dumping ground, where I wouldn't even want to use the toilet, let alone eat! Parking at the lake can be difficult, it is all paid for which could be a few pounds in the beach, other than the few disabled spaces at the front of the lake, which can often be taken up. It really does seem this lake and the surrounding area has gone down-hill, it has changed from somewhere you could spend time around the lake and in the surrounding restaurants, to somewhere you'd struggle to kill half an hour now. It isn't terrible, but still I sadly can't think of a reason to warrant anything over 2 stars now, and this place really needs a revival, otherwise it could end up more like Portsmouth FC.

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.

St Wilfrid's Park in Hulme has two main characteristics:…read more (i) Its tiny (ii) Its lovely Wilfrid's is about half grass and half paved underfoot, with various delightful little flower beds, a few nice trees and some lovely patches of grassland dotted around with a few benches interspersed amongst these wonders of nature. Its very very small, probably no more than 100 paces across, so its hardly the place for a walk, but it is probably one of the nicest places to sit and have a sandwich if you're in the area. There's some red brick walls as well which contribute to its character. As its situated in a little square of new houses in Hulme, its usually very quiet indeed, and you'll probably be the only person in the park. Having said that, there isn't even space for many more. P.S. Dogs must be kept on leads under some council legislation.

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.