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Explore Salford's Green Spaces

Did you know that Salford has 74 parks - 8 with Green Flag status? 

Whilst in lockdown, now is the perfect time to go and discover new parks you've not yet explored, or to revisit your favourites. Why not pack a hot flask and sandwiches and make a day of it?

Here are a few suggestions to start you off...

Peel Park

Featured in the main image, this includes Salford Museum and Art Gallery and is the oldest park in Salford. It opened in 1846 and was the first truly public park in England. From 2016 to 2017, it underwent major redevelopment and was  restored to its former Victorian glory. The park is also part of the 33 mile long Irwell Sculpture Trail, from Salford Quays to Bury. Find full details of the trail at www.irwellsculpturetrail.co.uk.

Kersal Wetlands

Located off Littleton Road, is a stunning new outdoor space to enjoy, created as part of a £10 million flood protection scheme. It is a haven for birds and wildlife. The views includes the skyline of Manchester, the woodlands of Kersal Dale and the shimmering River Irwell. There are cycle paths and wonderful dog walks as well as ten hectares of wildflower habitat to explore. 

Clifton Country Park

Further up the Irwell river valley,  Clifton has 48 hectares of open space as well as the remains of the Wet Earth Colliery, sunk in 1740. Here you can explore acres of open woodland andmeadows, enjoy lakeside walks, bring a picnic, go fishing or discover the hidden remnants of the city's industrial past. Bring children to play and enjoy refreshments from the new visitor centre café.

Blackleach Country Park

Just half a mile from Walkden town centre, this is also a haven for birds and other wildlife and a peaceful picnic spot. Explore the reservoir, meadows and woodlands. 

Dukes Drive

Located next to the historic Bridgewater Canal and situated in the centre of Monton. This green oasis has excellent links to surrounding areas and is linked by canal tow paths and cycle routes (66) to Worsley and further afield. Walk along the adjacent former railway lines ( ‘the looplines’) to Worsley Woods and back down the Bridgewater Canal, then reward yourself a takeaway brunch or coffee and cake in Monton Village!

Worsley Woods

A very popular place for families, dog lovers and runners, it covers 30 hectares of woodland, brook and wetland habitats with Old Warke Dam at the southern end of the site (featured image). The Dam was built originally as a private boating and fishing lake for the first Earl of Ellesmere and much of the woodland was planted to create a game reserve. Now there’s a new jetty for great views over the Dam, new footpaths and seating. There’s a brand new adventure play area off Sefton Drive and a spring Wildflower Trail. 

With the addition of RHS Garden Bridgewater, which is set to open in May 2021, Salford will be an even greener and more beautiful place to live in and to visit.

You can watch a series of short films demonstrating Salford’s green credentials, plus a video on RHS Bridgewater, on the Visit Manchester website:

https://www.visitmanchester.com/ideas-and-inspiration/countryside/salfords-green-spaces

For more parks go to www.salford.gov.uk/parks

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