Among Greater Manchester’s more well-known attractions are dozens of hidden gems which are waiting to be discovered. There are woodland walks with magical waterfalls and beautifully-designed gardens all on our doorstep, but they’re often only known to those who live locally.
With a new year beginning it’s the perfect excuse to visit somewhere different in the city-region. Whether you’re a lifelong Mancunian or just a visitor passing by, it’s always fun to find somewhere that’s a bit different.
We’ve rounded up some gorgeous locations throughout Greater Manchester which are worth a visit in the year ahead - most of them are free as well. If there are any places you know that are off the beaten path in Greater Manchester, let us know in the comments below.
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Walkden Gardens, Sale
You may not know it but there’s a hidden horticultural gem tucked away off Marsland Road in Sale. Walkden Gardens is a small but perfectly formed public garden which packs a lot in.
Despite its modest size it features several ‘rooms’ to explore, including a fuschia garden, a mini-arboretum and a Japanese garden. In the warmer months a 70ft long wisteria arch comes into bloom, creating a shady tunnel to pass through.
In the gardens is a theatre lawn, a large grassed area which seats up to 500 people and in the past the local community has held various productions there, including Alice in Wonderland. Another striking feature of the gardens is the Dovecote, a small round tower which originally stood in the grounds of Sale Old Hall, but was rebuilt brick by brick in the gardens.
The Mamucium Roman Fort, Castlefield
Think of Deansgate and Beetham Tower probably springs to mind, along with fancy restaurants and bustling bars. But just a stone’s throw away from the skyscrapers of Deansgate Square is one of the oldest parts of the city.
In front of the railway bridge in the Castlefield Urban Heritage Park is a reconstruction of the roman fort Mamucium, giving you a hint of what the area would have looked like nearly 2,000 years ago. You can still see some of the original stone foundations beside the reconstruction.
Construction of the fort began in around 79AD and a village grew around it, which became the first recorded history of human settlement in Manchester. Although it was abandoned in the middle of the third century, the area became a key location during the industrial revolution, as it was criss-crossed with canals and railway bridges.
Healey Dell, Rochdale
Two miles away from Rochdale town centre is a woodland walk with a magical feel. Healey Dell Nature Reserve is a beauty spot where you’ll find the remains of old mills, waterfalls and a magnificent viaduct.
The nature reserve follows the River Spodden as it weaves its way through the woods. Along the way you’ll spot tiny stone bridges and several waterfalls.
One of the most intriguing features is the Fairies Chapel, a stunning rocky gorge with a waterfall cascading down. Historically it had a chapel-like structure which is how it got its name, but it was damaged by powerful floods in the 1800s.
Denzell Gardens, Altrincham
Tucked away off Dunham Road in Altrincham is stunning ornamental park, centred around a beautiful Victorian House. Denzell Gardens is a tranquil green oasis with several beautiful features.
There’s a small pond overlooked with towering trees, a 25m sunken garden and a Peace Garden which features seasonal flowers. It’s such a scenic spot that people even go there for wedding photos.
Denzell House, built in 1874, was bought by wealthy industrialist Samuel Lamb at the start of the 20th century. Under his ownership the land was transformed and following his death in 1936, the gardens were opened to the public.
The Ridges, Chorley
Not strictly in Greater Manchester - but close enough - The Ridges in Chorley is a secret garden which is hidden away in the back gardens of a white-ivy clad Georgian house. Head down the side alley of the house and pass through an ornate gate and you’ll discover an impressive 3.5acre garden.
The garden belongs to Barbara Barlow and her husband John, who’ve opened it up to the public since the early 1990s. Upon arrival visitors are greeted by a volunteer, given a map and are then left to explore.
A path weaves its way through orchards, ornate gates and past formal lawns - around every corner is a surprise. At the end of your visit you can even enjoy some refreshments in the orchard tea garden. The garden is only open during the summer months when it’s at its best, and there's a £5 entry donation.
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