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The 5 Best Secret Gardens That Offer a Peaceful Retreat in Manchester
Fresh air, the warm glow of the sun on your face, and a little bit of peace and quiet. Now that’s our idea of a relaxing get-away! But here’s the thing, not all of us can afford a trip to somewhere cosy and a bit out there like Worsley. So oh no, what are we ever to do?
Find a secret garden to visit, that’s what we’ll do, and what we suggest you do too ! You want a bit of green without going too far from Manchester’s urban area? Then this is the simple solution, but make no mistake, it’s not a bad one!
Manchester’s secret gardens are definitely worth a visit, and hey, it might just be what you need to clear your mind a bit. Plus, sometimes, we need a getaway from the city that’s still in the city, if you catch our drift.
So take a look at our list to find out the best secret gardens to check out! You never know, you might just find your next favourite hangout spot for some quiet time.
Castlefield Viaduct
Media from: @ntcastlefieldviaduct
Location: 8 & 9, National Trust, Catalan Square
Operating Hours: Wednesday-Sunday — 10 AM-5 PM
Entrance Fee: Free
Contact: [email protected] (email)
Facilities: toilets, dog-friendly
What started out as part of a Victorian railway system has bloomed into a beautiful “sky garden” that Manchester’s local urban explorers and tourists alike enjoy.
Now, why is it called a “sky garden”, you ask? That’s because a lot of the greenery in this urban garden are on elevated platforms and walkways, some of which even overlook the city. Which means you could take some bird’s eye view photos of the city!
You’ll find this green oasis smack dab in the heart of Manchester, and the mix of steel and greenery gives it an interesting look. Let’s just say it makes us feel like we’re in a real post-apocalyptic setting right out of a movie!
| Pro tip Join the regular visitors for yoga on the viaduct for an interesting way to spend some time here! We suggest pre-booking beforehand so that you can secure a spot, and also to check the weather, of course. |
Mala Secret Garden
Media from: @mala_mcr
Location: 8 Dale St, Northern Quarter
Operating Hours:
- Monday-Saturday — 10 AM-11:30 PM
- Sunday — 10 AM-10 PM
Contact: 0731 005 2230 (cel.)
Facilities: vendors, dog-friendly, live music
This hidden gem in the Northern Quarter might be right up your alley if you’re looking for a bite to eat! This open dining area combines a cabin setup with a garden one, filled with plants and trellis decorations.
Mala Secret Garden’s also packed with vendors selling all kinds of delicious food, plus the occasional live performer or two.
It’s also perfect for a date night idea, or if you’re planning on a hangout spot for you and your friends. So you can share some banter and chatter beneath some soft garden lights, and while getting a relaxing view of some garden scenery.
| Pro tip Sundays are the best days to go here, since that’s usually when there are live performers. Jazz fans are also in for a treat since they also do Jazz Sundays! |
Parsonage Gardens
Media from: @notsosecretmanchester
Location: St Mary’s Parsonage
Operating Hours: Daily — 8 AM-8 PM
Entrance Fee: Free
Facilities: benches, flower gardens, dog-friendly
Sometimes, while we’re walking around Deansgate, we need a bit of a break to rest our legs from all the walking. Plus, a change of scenery’s also what we need after seeing nothing but streets and buildings. We need something green to rest our eyes!
Luckily, there’s a park just behind Deansgate that can give us a little green respite from all the city views! Parsonage Gardens is that park, and while it’s a small one, its flowers make it more than worth a visit.
All the colour and aroma that its flowers offer make it the pick-me-up we need, and it might be the pick-me-up that you need. So pause for a bit, take a seat in one of the benches here, and take some time to rest in this humble little tranquil park.
| Pro tip Looking for a place to do an early morning jog? The paths leading to the centre of the park make it a great jogging place, especially early in the morning! |
Sackville Gardens
Media from: @obezyanka__nol
Location: 41 Whitworth St, Sackville St (near Gay Village)
Operating Hours: Daily — 24/7
Entrance Fee: Free
Facilities: benches
Anyone who’s planning on visiting Manchester’s Gay Village should also take some time to check out the nearby park, Sackville Gardens.
In contrast to the bright and lively scene you’ll find in Gay Village, the Sackville Gardens park has a more solemn atmosphere.
Here, aside from resting on one of the benches or taking in the fresh air, you can pay a visit to two memorials. The more well-known or iconic memorial is the one dedicated to Alan Turing; you’ll find his statue seated on one of the benches. As for the lesser-known Beacon of Hope memorial, it’s dedicated to those diagnosed with HIV and AIDs.
No matter which memorial you plan on paying your respects to, it’s always worth a visit. If not for a good picture, it’s at least worth visiting in honour of Manchester’s LGBT+ history.
| Pro tip Going on a hunt for the different Worker Bees around Manchester? You can find one right in this park — it’s rainbow coloured too, so it stands out quite a bit! |
The Secret Valley
Media from: @Worsley Civic Trust and Amenity Society
Location: The Reach, Walkden, Worsley
Operating Hours: Sunday — 9 AM-10 AM
Entrance Fee: Free
Contact: 0161 730 0128 (cel.)
Facilities: treehouse, installations, swings, benches
If you’re looking for a place to run around and frolic about with no care in the world, then this garden in Walkden is great for doing just that! Anyone who visits will get a nice nature-filled treat for their eyes.
You’ll find lots of wide open spaces, serene ponds and streams with the occasional duck passing by, and scenic walkways beneath a canopy of trees and foliage. With how expansive it is, you could even find yourself getting lost spending hours here!
It’s a great nature getaway if you need to take your mind off of things for a bit.
| Pro tip Looking for a weekend or holiday getaway with your family? This place is great for just that! The little ones in your family might even enjoy the treehouse here. |
