Marie Louise Gardens Manchester
Oasis in South Manchester
Marie Louise Gardens is a lovely 4.75-acre green space in the South Manchester suburb Didsbury, initially opened in 1903. Josephine Silkenstady gave the space to the citizens of Manchester as a gift in memory of her daughter. When Marie Louise died at the age of 26, her heartbroken mother bought the piece of land for the gardens. She commissioned Joshua Cartwright to design the lodge and gardens, and to start with there were 72 different species of tree planted there.
After the gardens were officially opened, Silkenstady entrusted the upkeep of the space to Withington Urban District Council. In recent years the Friends of Marie Louise Garden voluntary group was established to help with the preservation and care-taking of the gardens. So if you fancy taking up some gardening to help take care of this peaceful space, don't hesitate to sign up.
Nowadays the park is somewhat of a local hidden gem, tucked away from the busy main roads. Many local residents don't know about it until they happen to stumble across the entrance. But once found, the flowering trees and calm feel make it a lovely place to relax, walk the dog, read a book or whatever you fancy. Luckily for me, my dad has been going there for years to use it as a space for practising his Tai Chi. So it's become our local go-to park.
Our Manchester City Guide
Find your way with 63 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Join as a Spotter?
Loved this Spot? And love your city? Join your local team. Share your favs and become part of our international community!
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Manchester
ManCoCo
Manchester's best coffee, full stop
With a modest social media presence and a reputation built on hard work and word-of-mouth, "ManCoCo" has taken the title of Manchester’s best coffee.
by
Denise
Tench
Kim's Kitchen
Local hangout with heart and soul
"Kim's Kitchen" in Manchester has once again earned a great reputation for its freshly made, creative dishes, lively atmosphere and down-to-Earth crowd.
by
Denise
Tench
Hulme Garden Centre
Soothing green haven
"Hulme Garden Centre" in Manchester is a green haven, a remedy to all the concrete - a community-led project that's designed to promote well-being...
by
Denise
Tench
Kro Bar
An unbeatable breakfast game
Denmark-inspired "Kro Bar" presents one of the best slow breakfasts in Manchester. The only problem is knowing where to start - eggs are always a good bet!
by
Denise
Tench
Islington Mill
Creative arts hub
"Islington Mill" in Salford, close to Manchester, it's one of my favorite industrial hubs-turned-creative spaces. Its events deserve a special mention!
by
Denise
Tench
Vinyl Fiction
A rock n roll nerd's paradise
"Vinyl Fiction" in Manchester has a simple concept: they sell vinyl and books. I love how it's not stuffed to the gills and doesn't feel claustrophobic...
by
Lauren
Rochford
Whitworth Park and Gallery
Art in the park
"Whitworth Park and Gallery" Manchester has art even outside in the park, with regular exhibitions out in the open. It also has a play park with a zipline!
by
Lauren
Rochford
Heaton Park
Grade II listed park
"Heaton Park" in Manchester is a historical park that's much bigger than it seems at first. My favorite part is the animal centre, but there's tons to do!
by
Lauren
Rochford
Highfield Country Park
A wonderful picnic getaway
"Highfield Country Park" in Manchester is a nature reserve I've been going to for as long as I can remember. It makes me feel like I'm outside the city.
by
Lauren
Rochford
Longford Park
A bit of everything
"Longford Park" in Manchester simply has everything! Playparks, a cafe, sports courts... One of my favourite details is the stone mounting block.
by
Lauren
Rochford
Frog and Bucket Comedy Club
Comedy up North
"Frog and Bucket Comedy Club" in Manchester is great, whether you want to see recognised comedians or new up-and-comers. I love 'Beat the Frog' events!
by
Lauren
Rochford
Homeless Jesus
Homelessness sculpture
"Homeless Jesus" is a recently revealed sculpture in Manchester. It challenges the passerby to reflect on the growing homelessness crisis in the city...
by
Alice
Hunter
Heading to Manchester?
63 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
Heading to Manchester?
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 63 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Manchester
Our team loves Manchester
Get to know our other Spotters from Manchester
As featured on:
