Reddish Vale Country Park Manchester
Perfect for summer
I spent a lot of my teenage years sitting by the river at Reddish Vale. We would bring a picnic from the Morrisons nearby and spend all day paddling, eating and watching dogs play in the water.
Reddish Vale Country Park spans a vast area of 81 hectares and is an official nature reserve. You can find many species of birds, mammals, amphibians and insects around the grounds. I have one very vivid memory of having to be very careful where we stepped due to the sheer amount of baby frogs along the paths one summer!
'The Vale' as it is often called locally also offers a cafe and petting zoo, as well as a vast area for walking. On their website, you can find an mp3 download for a walking tour that's about 2 miles long which will cover the history of Reddish Vale, or alternatively, you can stop by the visitor's centre.
Reddish Vale is a wonderful place to go with friends or family for a walk or picnic. There are picnic benches available and many grassy patches to sit. You've also got my favourite option, besides the river. Either way, with the size of Reddish Vale you'll find it difficult to not find a good spot to sit and enjoy the view.
Opening times are for the Visitor's Centre.
Find your way with 63 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Manchester
Christie's Bistro
Harry Potter-esque heaven
"Christie's Bistro" is a true hidden gem in Manchester. Unknown to many Mancunians, it's one of the most visually spectacular cafes you could hope to see.
by
Denise
Tench
Wazuzhi Sushi
Cheap, fast Japanese food
"Wasabi Sushi" is the card up my sleeve when I have friends visiting in Manchester and I need somewhere central to eat well, cheaply and quirky!
by
Denise
Tench
Platt Fields Park
Urban adult playground
"Platt Fields Park" in Manchester is in the heart of the city's sleep-deprived student district Fallowfield, so believe you me, it's not just for kids...
by
Denise
Tench
Vimto Monument
Pay homage to an iconic drink
The "Vimto Monument" in Manchester is an oak sculpture carved for a much-loved Manchester-born soft drink made up of blackcurrants, raspberries & grapes.
by
Denise
Tench
Sinclair's Oyster Bar
Busy historic hub
"Sinclair's Oyster Bar" has genuine historical significance, sitting in central Manchester since the 16th century. It has plenty of that old pub feeling!
by
Denise
Tench
Ishinki Touchstone
Big gorgeous pebble
"Ishinki Touchstone" in Manchester is an 18-tonne marble scultpure that very pleasingly satisfies my inner marblehead fascination with its smooth curves...
by
Denise
Tench
Levenshulme Antiques Village
Antiques & tea
"Levenshulme Antiques Village", a short bus ride from Manchester city centre, is home to a jumble of shops selling vintage and unique items under one roof!
by
Denise
Tench
Elizabeth Gaskell's House
Literary haven
"Elizabeth Gaskell's House" in Manchester is a testament to the history of the north of England. It's an essential stop for any literature pilgrimage...
by
Denise
Tench
Cask Bar
Cozy craft beer
"Cask Bar" in Manchester is a hidden gem of a cozy hideout. It's an ideal pit stop for craft beer when wandering around the city. Check out the jukebox!
by
Denise
Tench
Parthian Climbing Centre
Get high in a church
"Manchester Climbing Centre" is in a former church! This building and the setup is mind-blowing for climbing and bouldering - do also check out their cafe!
by
Denise
Tench
Cloud 23
Glitzy sky bar
"Cloud 23" in Manchester is a bar on the 23rd floor of the Hilton hotel that offers great views, especially in the evening. It's glitzy, but not so pricey.
by
Denise
Tench
Fab Cafe
Retro-lovers' heaven
"Fab Cafe": a Manchester basement filled with retro TV and film merchandise & geek stuff, retro sweets etc. I love that this bar is just so unpretentious!
by
Denise
Tench
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:
