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Discover The Sights in Heaton Park

| Last Updated: August 2025

One thing we constantly crave, especially as we go on all sorts of food and pub crawls throughout Manchester, is a space perfect for slowing down a bit. You know, a place where we can just kick back, relax, and take in the scenery, plus some fresh air. 

Even city-slickers like us need a change of pace and scenery, after all. And what’s a better place to get that than one of Manchester’s most beautiful parks – Heaton Park! 

Ah, Heaton Park, where there are acres and acres of greenery all around! 

Trust us when we say that you won’t regret spending a day here! Heaton Park has got all sorts of facilities and activities that can get your mind out of the rat race. 

But if you want to know what sort of facilities and activities – well then, good thing we made a guide to show you! 

Where is Heaton Park?

heaton-park-map

Heaton Park is in Prestwich, Bury, specifically around Bury Old Road.

How to get to Heaton Park

There are several bus stops near Heaton Park that are part of the Bee Network. You can find these bus stops in Bishops Road and The Woodthorpe. 

There’s also a tram line that goes through Heaton Park, and you can go there via these other tram stops: Bury single tram (4-16 minute trip), Altrincham single tram (9 minute trip), Bury double tram (12 minute trip) and Altrincham double tram (3-15 minute trip). 

What is the history of Heaton Park?

Before it became a public space, Heaton Park was a private estate owned by two families. At that time, which was between the mid-17th century and the 20th century, it wasn’t formally known under the “Heaton” name. 

The Hollands were the first family to own the estate and passed it down through generations. Then later on, it went to the Egertons in 1684. See, what happened was that the last of the Hollands–a woman named Elizabeth Holland–married Sir John Egerton that year.

So eventually, it was passed down to their descendant, Thomas Egerton. It’s because of him that the “Heaton” name was given to what would become the park; he had the iconic Heaton Hall built by the engineer James Wyatt in 1772. 

The entire property belonged to the Egertons until 1902, when it was given over to the Manchester Corporation. The corporation would go on to add more facilities to the property and also open it for public use. 

And that’s why to this day, everyone can visit Heaton Park for free!

What attractions are there in Heaton Park?

Heaton Hall

Media from: @heaton_park 

Operating Hours: Only publicly open once a year; check website for updates
Contact: 0161 773 1231 (cel.), [email protected] (email)
Website

Anyone who pays a visit to Heaton Park should at least catch a glimpse of the building that gave it its name! This lavish hall opens its doors to the public once a year, so every visit can be considered a special occasion. 

Once you step inside, you can see just how the nobility back then lived – you can feel like a proper lord or lady while walking through its rooms! And hey, even if you can’t make it in time for when it’s open to the public, it’s still nice to see it in person.

We felt that way when we got to take pics of the equally lovely exterior! It also makes for some great scenery if you’re going for a leisurely stroll around the park. 

Animal Centre

Media from: @heatonpark_animal_centre 

Operating Hours: Monday-Tuesday, Thursday-Sunday — 10 AM-4 PM
Website

Are you an animal lover? Then you’ll love getting to visit this part of the park! Just remember to keep your fingers to yourself at times, don’t want to get them nicked off!

With how Heaton Park’s filled with all sorts of greenery and flora, it’s only natural that the local fauna have found a home there. And thanks to the Animal Centre, you can get to see these jolly little fellas living their best life in the park.

Heritage Tramway

Location: Middleton Road Depot
Operating Hours: Sunday — 12 PM-4 PM
Entrance Fee:

  • Adults — £1.20 (per ticket)
  • Children — £0.60 (per ticket)
  • Family — £3 (per ticket)

Contact: 0161 740 1919 (cel.), [email protected] (cel.)
Website

Get to see one of the few restored tramways in Manchester right here in the park with this tramway museum! Heritage Tramway is a volunteer-led museum that catalogues and records the history of Manchester’s tramways.

Aside from finding a restored and fully functional tramway, which is the main draw, you can also explore the museum itself. You’ll get to learn some interesting facts about the tramway systems in Manchester. 

But if there’s one thing we liked about this museum, then it’s their cute miniature models of different tram designs!

Heaton Park BT Tower

Media from: @onyourdoorstepmcr 

Visible even from Simister Island, this behemoth of a tower has an interesting story behind why it is where it is. It’s a relic of the Cold War era, having been built in this very spot in the 1960s because it was a strategic location. 

From that spot, it could easily relay telecoms to different businesses and the other BT Towers back in its heyday. Nowadays, it might no longer be functioning or open to the public, but it’s still quite a sight. 238-feet of it, if you want us to be specific!

History buffs might love to see it in person and maybe snap a pic or two.

Papal Monument

Media from: @heaton_park 

This humble little stone monument serves as a solemn reminder of Pope John Paul II’s visit back in 1982. What made that visit notable was that he held masses for over 100,000 people! So today, the monument stands as an essential part of Heaton Park’s history.

As for the stone monument itself, it stands in a beautiful open field that’s regularly kept clean and organised. It’s a perfect place to contemplate or even meditate simply. 

Of course, you can also snap a pic or two, but do remember to be respectful about it. That means no littering or defacing the monument!

What to Do in Heaton Park

Spend an afternoon at the Boating Lake 

Media from: @heaton_park  

Operating Hours:

  • Monday-Thursday — 11 AM-6 PM
  • Friday-Sunday — 11 AM- 7 PM

Contact: 0788 709 2758 (cel.), [email protected] (email)
Website

A later addition to the park in 1908, the Boating Lake is simply stunning and tranquil. It’s why we’d suggest renting out a boat to explore and enjoy it! You might even feel inclined to do so in the late afternoon – it looks especially gorgeous around sunset. 

Who knows, you might even spot a little terrapin or two sunbathing on the rocks and branches. Just getting to see one would already be the highlight of our day.

Join outdoor group workouts

Media from: @heaton_park 

Operating Hours: Irregular; dependent on the fitness coach

Heaton Park semi-regularly holds outdoor dance and zumba classes, usually just outside of Heaton Hall. If you want to get your fitness on, this is a great way to do so – you can get a beautiful view while working out your hamstrings or glutes!

Just remember to keep yourself up to date on the park’s websites and socials, that’s where they post the time and fitness coach for each workout date!

Media from: @heatonparkgolf

Location: Middleton Rd, Prestwich
Operating Hours: Daily — 6 AM-7 PM
Contact: 0161 459 9975 (cel.), [email protected] (email)
Website

Heaton Park’s got its golf course, where you can try shooting for a hole in one!  Plus, the Link Golf UK course aims to make golfing affordable and accessible, so there’ll be no worries about having to cough up quite a bit of money to use a course.

You can even choose different courses based on your skill level – they have quite a few beginner-friendly classes here! So while you’re looking to pass the time, why not golf a bit? It might be worth your while!

Go bowling at the Heaton Hall Bowling Club or in a public bowling area

Media from: @ph_gentry

Location: 19 Margaret’s Rd (Heaton Hall Bowling Club)
Operating Hours: 

  • Heaton Hall Bowling Club: Varies; contact for details
  • Public bowling area: Tuesday-Wednesday — 1 PM-3:30 PM

Contact: 0161 798 9136 (cel.) (Heaton Hall Bowling Club)
Website

Now, who says bowling can only be done in an indoor alley? There’s green bowling too, where you can enjoy some fresh air while trying to get a strike! 

You can either join the Heaton Hall Bowling Club to get in on the action, or you can try out one of the public bowling greens! If you’re interested in the public bowling greens, there are four of them around the park: two flat green bowls and two crown green bowls.

Go cycling 

Media from: @heaton_park 

What’s a park without some bike-friendly trails and paths? Heaton Park’s got a lot of those, and they allow any kind of bike to pass through their trails! Except for a motorbike, probably.

Getting to cycle around can make for a great weekend at the park. Watching the beautiful scenery, feeling the wind in your face, and breathing in the fresh air were definitely highlights for us! 

So try it out, whether for a nice bit of fun or to get some exercise for your legs. 

Attend the Parklife music festival

Media from: @parklife_festival

Opening Times:

  • Saturday — 12 PM-11 PM
  • Sunday — 1 PM-11 PM

Website

Heaton Park has its festival every year, and you can join in on all the fun and festivities every June! A huge stage and lots of concession stands will be set up around the park in anticipation of all the wild fun that’s about to happen.

For two nights in a row, there’ll be live music with some of the biggest names in the pop, hip-hop and EDM scene. As a once-a-year event, securing a ticket in time to see your favourite artist perform makes it all the more worthwhile. 

Just try not to do a crowd surf, and keep in mind that the park can get packed around this time. 

Go on a nature trail/walk

Media from: @heaton_park 

You can find a lot of different kinds of plants, trees, and even animals in Heaton Park, which is part of the charm, especially if you’re looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

That’s why it’s great to pack up some water and food, and just make your way through the different paths and trails around the park. You could make it a family activity too – it allows the little ones to learn in a fun way! 

Just enjoy the moment

Media from: @heaton_park 

Going from street to street in the city makes it way too easy to get caught up in the rush of it all. And we get it, it’s easy to just forget about the little things. But sometimes, we need to take a break from it all and just enjoy the little things in life.

So while you’re visiting the park, it’s great just to take the time and just bask in the moment. Well, that, and the beauty of the park.

Where to Eat in Heaton Park

The Stables Café

Media from: @heatonparkcafes

Location: top end of the park, close to the Animal Centre
Operating Hours: Daily — 8 AM-6 PM
Contact: 0161 258 4476 (cel.), [email protected] (email)
Pricing: ££
Website
Menu

This lovely little café was designed to be a delicious tribute to the park! Inside, the walls are lined with customers’ photos of Heaton Park, all submitted to the café. The interior colours are also a delight, as the Animal Centre’s peacocks inspire them.

But aside from the décor, you’ll enjoy going here for brunch in the park! Their mocha coffee, with its rich sweetness and warmth, will keep you energised for the day. You could also order one of their smoked bacon sandwiches that are perfect for food on the go!

The Lakeside Pavilion

Media from: @heatonparkcafes

Location: bottom of the park, beside Heaton Park Lake
Operating Hours: Daily — 9 AM-6 PM
Contact: 0161 258 4476 (cel.), [email protected] (email)
Pricing: ££
Website
Menu

Who doesn’t love having brunch or lunch by the lake? The Lakeside Pavilion café is perfect for just that! Their outdoor domed tables offer a gorgeous view of the lake, making it great for a decompression session after a long day.

Sit down to a Toasted Tea Cake for a spot of afternoon tea, that right bit of butteriness will do you good! In between bites of tea cake, you can sip on their Yorkshire tea that’ll be sure to make you relax even more!

Heaton Park Beefeater

Media from: @beefeateruk

Location: Middleton Rd, Crumpsall
Operating Hours: 

  • Monday-Saturday — 11:30 AM-11 PM
  • Sunday — 12 PM-10:30 PM

Contact: 0161 720 6171 (cel.)
Pricing: ££
Website
Menus

Meat lovers should come on down to this pub-style restaurant before spending a day in Heaton Park. This Beefeater branch has been serving Heaton Park visitors for more than a decade, and once you try out their food, you’ll see why!

Try out their Beefeater Double Stack burger if you need a heavy lunch. It’s filled with the juiciest beef and the meltiest cheese that you can find near Heaton Park!

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