Manchester might be famous for its industrial history, but it’s surrounded by miles of countryside and picturesque parks to lose yourself in. Perfect for a long weekend exploring Manchester on a budget.
Be #InnTheKnow and let us help you find those special spots, those one-of-a-kind natural wonders that can really make your next break one to remember. We’ve put together some of our favourite natural attractions, parks and walks in Manchester to help make booking your next trip literally a walk in the park!
The last thing you want to be thinking about on a long walk in the country is how you’re getting home. Let your mind wander as far as the rest of your body and find true inner peace (or at least a few less worries!) by booking one of our great value Premier Inn Manchester hotels nearby.
Best free walks and natural spots in Manchester
Healy Dell Nature Reserve
Healy Dell Nature Reserve, Rochdale
We’ll start with the rushing waters of Healy Dell Nature Reserve, only a 15-minute drive from the centre of Rochdale and 13 miles from Manchester City Centre. Healy Dell is based around the remains of an abandoned 1800s railway line, and it’s just amazing seeing nature take something as mundane as a broken train track and turn it into something breathtaking. Healy Dell surrounds the beautiful River Spodden, with waterfalls that lead into a canopy of lush green forest.
Our nearest hotel to Healy Dell Nature Reserve is our Premier Inn Rochdale hotel, about a 20-minute drive from the boundaries of Spotland and on to the park itself. If you want to mix the best of town and country, a stay at our Premier Inn Manchester (Heaton Park) or Premier Inn Manchester (Prestwich) hotels is a great midway point, putting both Manchester City Centre and Healy Dell only a 30-minute drive away.
Lever Park
Two Faces of Rivington walk, Lever Park
Get ready to get your steps in on the Two Faces of Rivington trail, a scenic walk that covers over six miles in total. The trail is split over ‘two faces’ - on one side you have the northern trail across the outskirts of Lever Park in Rivington, a three-and-a-half-mile walk across craggy moorland and rough-hewn rocks. The southern trail is a completely different three-mile walk alongside streams and forests. Whichever route you choose, it’s a walk where the views are totally worth the extra exercise.
Our Premier Inn Bolton West hotel is less than a 10-minute drive away from the start of the walk and makes a great base if you’re thinking of taking all six miles down in a day. If you’re looking for somewhere a little closer to Manchester City Centre, our Premier Inn Manchester Swinton hotel is the one to go for.
Philips Park
Philips Park, Greater Manchester
Where better to reconnect with nature than one of the first parks built in the city? Philips Park has been part of Manchester’s vibrant city centre since 1846, covering over 31 acres of trees, rivers and grassland. Finding nature in the heart of the city is always something special, and even in a scenic city like Manchester it’s a much-loved, much-needed escape for locals too. This park has existed for over 170 years and it just proves how much the people of Manchester care and value their natural spaces – they make a city so much more special.
You know what else is special? Our Premier Inn Manchester City (Piccadilly) hotel. You can stay in the heart of the city and take a 10-minute drive or a 20-minute bus ride to Philips Park, and really enjoy a great day out for less.
South Pennine Water Trail
South Pennine Water Trail, Rochdale
This is one of the harder walks in this list, but it’s worth it to see Rochdale Canal Path and experience Manchester’s beautiful rivers firsthand. At over a four-mile walk across Ealees Valley and Littleborough it’s a lot to take on, but if you keep going you can even see views across the Pennine mountains. Sometimes, the hardest walks pay off the most, and while there’s lots of other parks and strolls in this list, the South Pennine Water Trail is probably one of the hardest and most rewarding climbs.
This is another one where our Premier Inn Rochdale hotel really shines – we’re only a 15-minute drive away from Hollingworth Lake and Littleborough. Our Premier Inn Oldham Central hotel is another great option and a closer point in between the trail and Manchester City Centre.
Tegg’s Nose Country Park
Tegg’s Nose Country Park
Perched on the edge of the Peak District are the glorious hills and rocks of Tegg’s Nose Country Park and the approach to the famous hill Tegg’s Nose itself. The Tegg’s Nose Trail is one of the best walks around Manchester because it crosses so many different types of landscapes, whether you’re looking for a rugged hill climb or a stroll through the moors, Tegg’s Nose really does it all and it’s a spot in Macclesfield with so much personality and history.
There’s two clear winners if you’re thinking of putting yourself up Tegg’s Nose: our Premier Inn Macclesfield North and Premier Inn Macclesfield South West hotels are just a 10-minute drive away from Tegg’s Nose Country Park. If you’re looking for somewhere a little closer to Manchester itself, try our Premier Inn Manchester (Handforth) and Premier Inn Manchester (Wilmslow) hotel, both south of Manchester City Centre and ideal for exploring Manchester’s best natural spots while still staying conveniently close to the city.
Whitworth Park
Whitworth Park, Whitworth Art Gallery
We’re not suggesting an art gallery grew out of the ground, although if there was a place where that’d happen, it’d probably be somewhere as cultural and renowned as Manchester. We’re adding this to the list because it’s the perfect tradeoff if the weather turns south and it starts raining. Whitworth Art Gallery is home to amazing portraits and pictures, but it’s also surrounded by Whitwork Park: a gorgeous garden with tree-lined paths and inspiring parkways perfect for a picnic. Come rain or shine, this is one spot where getting closer to nature doesn’t mean taking a risk with the weather.
Our Premier Inn Manchester City Centre (Deansgate Locks) hotel is only two miles away from Whitworth Art Gallery, that’s about a 10-minute drive or 20 minutes on the bus. We’re also right next to some of Manchester’s best canals which, while not entirely natural, are entirely worth seeing too!
Fletcher Moss Gardens
Fletcher Moss Gardens
Maintained by a dedicated group of volunteers, Fletcher Moss Gardens has everything from wild tulips to bamboo and majestic birch trees. If you’re looking for a walk with a variety of wildlife, plantlife and a real sense of community, Fletcher Moss Gardens is a must-see. Ideal for a weekend break exploring some of Manchester’s best natural spots.
Our Premier Inn Manchester West Didsbury hotel is just an 8-minute drive or a 12-minute bus ride away from Fletcher Moss Gardens.
So, there we are! Some of our favourite spots for finding nature in and around Manchester. This is just scratching the surface though – Manchester has some of the most exciting and varied landscapes in the UK. Make sure to take a look at our guide to Manchester to find more top tips for exploring them and for finding other things to do while you’re in town.
Taking time to relax and unwind is important, and there’s no better way to give yourself some space than escaping into the great outdoors. But it’s not an escape if you’re rushing or cutting trips short! Don’t cut corners on your next walking break in Manchester, be #InnTheKnow and enjoy a break for less at one of our Premier Inn Manchester hotels.