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12 Things to Do in Cheadle Greater Manchester

12 Things to Do in Cheadle Greater Manchester 

| Last Updated: November 2023

Cheadle is a town that’s often overlooked, but it’s to be appreciated for its variety of activities and attractions. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, you’ll find that it has a lot to offer, from scenic parks and historic landmarks to bustling markets and cosy cafes. 

In this guide, we’re sharing some of the must-see spots and activities to make your time in Cheadle truly enjoyable. Read on! 

Visit Bramhall Park

Address: Bramhall Hall, The, Stockport SK7 3NX, United Kingdom

Contact Details: +441614852719

Website: https://www.stockport.gov.uk/bramhall-park

Opening Hours: Daily 10 AM to 5 PM

Bramhall Park is more than just a green space; it’s a blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue. 

Imagine strolling through meticulously landscaped grounds while following trails that take you through dense woodlands and alongside a tranquil stream. It’s an experience that offers both relaxation and a touch of adventure.

Head on to the large ponds, where play fishing is a popular activity. Just remember, feeding the ducks with bread is a no-go these days! 

For families, the park offers a fenced-off play area for smaller children and a wooden climbing frame for the older ones. It’s a great spot for a picnic too.

Pro tips:

  • The park features a café with outdoor seating, perfect for a sunny day.
  • If the weather isn’t cooperating, consider touring Bramall Hall, a 14th-century timber-framed hall that’s sure to spark your imagination.

Address: Oxford Rd, Manchester M15 6ER, United Kingdom

Contact Details: +441612757450

Website: http://www.whitworth.manchester.ac.uk/

Operating Hours: 10 AM to 9 PM 

The Whitworth Art Gallery is a cultural hub that offers a dynamic blend of traditional and modern art. From watercolours and sculptures to an extensive collection of textiles and wallpapers, the gallery provides a rich tapestry of artistic expression.

If you’re an avid art aficionado, you’ll definitely love the gallery’s ever-changing exhibitions. The curators keep things fresh by regularly rotating the artworks, ensuring that each visit offers something new. 

The Whitworth Art Gallery serves as a dynamic space for cultural dialogues and artistic explorations. 

Two exhibitions that are noteworthy include works by Degas and Van Gogh, which offer a deep dive into the Impressionist era, and pieces by Tracey Emin and Gillian Wearing, which represent the Young British Artists movement. 

These exhibitions not only enrich the gallery’s diverse offerings but also add layers of cultural and historical context.

Pro tips:

  • The gallery is fully accessible, with wheelchairs available upon request.
  • Don’t miss the Gallery Bistro for a quick bite or the specialist art bookshop for unique souvenirs.
  • Group tours can be booked in advance and are a great way to gain deeper insights into the collections.

Picnic at Bruntwood Park

Address: Bruntwood park, 6 Bruntwood Ln, Cheadle SK8 1HT, United Kingdom

Contact Details: +441612176111

Website: https://www.stockport.gov.uk/bruntwood-park

Opening Hours: 24/7

Bruntwood Park isn’t your average green space because it’s a sprawling haven of natural beauty and recreational activities. 

With its ornamental gardens, ponds, and wetlands, it’s a picturesque setting for a picnic. But that’s just the beginning; the park also boasts an array of facilities that cater to both the adventurous and the laid-back.

One of the standouts when visiting this park is the sporting facilities. From an 18-hole Pitch and Putt course to football pitches and even a BMX cycle track, there’s something for everyone. 

And for families, the park offers a premier-equipped play area and a separate section for toddlers. During the summer, keep an eye out for the bouncy castle—it’s a hit with the kids!

Pro tips:

  • Feeling hungry? Head to The Vinery Restaurant, located in a restored Victorian conservatory, for some hot food and drinks.
  • The park also has a kiosk for hot and cold refreshments, making it easy to refuel during your day out.
  • Outdoor seating is available, so you can enjoy your meal while taking in the scenic views.

Visit Ordsall Hall

Address: 322 Ordsall Ln, Salford M5 3AN, United Kingdom

Contact Details: +441618720251

Website: https://ordsallhall.com/

Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday 10 AM to 4 PM; Friday and Saturday, closed; Sunday 11:30 AM to 4 PM

Ordsall Hall offers more than just a glimpse into the past as it’s a fully immersive historical experience. 

The hall, which underwent a significant restoration in 2011, now boasts an array of public rooms, interactive exhibitions, and beautifully landscaped gardens. Accessibility is also a priority, with lifts to both floors

If you walk through its Victorian Farmhouse Kitchen, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to a different era, imagining oatcakes drying over an open fire. 

The architectural grandeur of the Great Hall and Star Chamber, once the stomping grounds of the affluent Radclyffe family, left me in awe. And for those who love a good legend, Guy Fawkes is said to have concocted his notorious plot within these walls.

Try visiting on the first Sunday of the month for a special treat! The Ordsall Hall Living History Group offers a vivid reenactment of Tudor life, running from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. 

Additionally, the hall hosts temporary exhibitions and a variety of hands-on workshops, especially during school holidays. For example, they offer Preserve Making Workshops that teach early modern techniques for fruit preservation. 

Pro tips:

  • Parking is free so you can explore without time constraints.
  • Don’t miss out on the gift shop that offers a range of unique keepsakes.Note that some areas have limited accessibility for disabled visitors.

Marvel at industrial exhibits at the Anson Engine Museum

Address: Anson Rd, Poynton SK12 1TD, United Kingdom

Contact Details: +441625874426

Website: http://www.enginemuseum.org/

Operating Hours: Only on Friday 10 AM to 4 PM

The Anson Engine Museum has garnered multiple awards and even television features for its remarkable collection. 

Housing some of Europe’s most extensive assortments of engines—sizes ranging from desktop models to those weighing 100 tons—it’s a treasure trove for anyone intrigued by industrial history.

Furthermore, a distinguishing factor that sets the Anson Engine Museum apart are its ever-changing exhibitions and events. 

The engines you’ll see here vary in size, from small desktop models to behemoths weighing 100 tons. What makes this museum even more intriguing is its ever-changing exhibitions and events, ensuring there’s always something new to explore.

Pro tips:

  • Enjoy a quick break in the museum’s tearoom, offering a variety of drinks and snacks.
  • The on-site shop provides an array of gifts, books, and videos, perfect for souvenirs.
  • Free parking and children’s activity sheets add convenience to your visit.
  • The museum is fully accessible, with wide doorways and a one-level floor, and even offers motorised scooters upon request.

Watch the Manchester football teams in Etihad Stadium

Address: Etihad Stadium, Ashton New Rd, Manchester M11 3FF, United Kingdom

Contact Details: +441614441894

Website: https://www.mancity.com/etihad-stadium

Operating Hours: Per event basis

Etihad Stadium, also known as the City of Manchester Stadium (COMS), is an architectural marvel with a seating capacity for 55,000 spectators. 

It’s the fourth-largest football stadium in England and ranks tenth in the UK. But makes it special is its unique design features, including an emergency service channel that allows rescue vehicles direct access to the stadium.

Just an interesting tidbit: non-football fans can also enjoy the stadium as it’s so versatile, it can even host wedding ceremonies! And if you’re in town for a conference, you’ll be pleased to know that the stadium is well-equipped for such events.

Pro tips:

  • Season usually starts in August, it’s best to see the schedule of the games to buy yourself tickets. Football kits— especially that of Manchester United and City— are available in-store within the stadium! 

See a movie inside the Cineworld Didsbury

Address: Parrs Wood Entertainment Centre, Wilmslow Rd, Didsbury, Manchester M20 5PG, United Kingdom

Contact Details: +443303334444

Website: https://www.cineworld.co.uk/cinemas/didsbury

Operating Hours: Movie schedule basis

If you’re a movie-goer, then gather the family and head to Cineworld Didsbury’s 11-screen cinema that offers a diverse selection of films suitable for all ages. It’s an ideal spot for a cosy movie night, regardless of the weather.

The cinema’s HFR-RealD 3D technology is impressive and immersive. The visuals are crisp, the action smooth, and best of all, it’s easy on the eyes.

A trip to the cinema isn’t complete without snacks, and Cineworld Didsbury delivers. You couldn’t resist grabbing a bucket of popcorn and a scoop from Baskin Robbins. Trust me, you won’t want to miss a second of the film to get snacks later.

Pro tips:

  • Cinemas like Cineworld often offer online booking options. This not only saves you time but also ensures you get the seats you prefer.
  • Cineworld usually has a variety of snack options, including healthier ones. If you’re watching your diet, look for those alternatives.

Visit the People’s History Museum

Address: Left Bank, Manchester M3 3ER, United Kingdom

Contact Details: +441618389190

Website: http://www.phm.org.uk/

Operating Hours: Thursday, closed; Monday to Sunday 10 AM to 5 PM

Stepping into the People’s History Museum is like walking through the pages of a living history book. Located in the heart of Manchester, this museum serves as a testament to the city’s radical past and the British working class’s fight for democracy and social justice. 

The museum underwent a £12.5 million redevelopment, reopening its doors in 2010. Now, it’s a sprawling space that seamlessly blends the old Pump House with a modern four-story extension, all connected by a stunning glass walkway.

What’s great about this place is the museum’s focus on the evolution of democracy in Britain. As you wander through the galleries, you’ll encounter a range of exhibitions that change periodically, ensuring there’s always something new to discover. 

You’ll meet the faces of revolutionaries, reformers, and everyday workers who fought for the right to vote, all set against the backdrop of magnificent banners that once flew in marches and protests.

After soaking up all that knowledge, you can unwind at The Left Bank, the museum’s on-site café bar. With its sunny riverside terrace, it’s the perfect spot to reflect on the ideas worth fighting for, both past and present.

Pro tips:

  • The museum is fully accessible, making it convenient for visitors with mobility issues.
  • Check their website for the current exhibitions and any special events that might coincide with your visit.
  • The Left Bank café offers a variety of vegan and gluten-free options, catering to diverse dietary needs.

Bowl with friends at the Tenpin Parrs Wood

Address: Parrs Wood Entertainment Centre, Wilmslow Rd, East Didsbury, Manchester M20 5PG, United Kingdom

Contact Details: N/A

Website: https://www.tenpin.co.uk/our-locations/manchester-parrs-wood/

Operating Hours: Monday to Thursday 10 AM to 12 AM; Friday 10 AM t o1 AM; Saturday 9 AM to 1 AM; Sunday 9 AM to 12 AM

If you’re looking to switch up your usual family outings, Tenpin in Parrs Wood offers more than just your standard bowling experience. This place is a hub of entertainment, complete with Sector 7 Laser and Cosmic Bowling, which adds a futuristic twist to the classic game. 

Bowling isn’t the only thing that’ll keep you busy here as they also offer table tennis and both UK and American pool tables. So, if you or your little ones are keen to try something different after a round of bowling, you’ve got options.

What’s intriguing, though, are their unlimited bowling packages. These are perfect if you’re planning a full day out or celebrating a special occasion. 

When it comes to price and bundles, the packages do vary, so it’s worth getting in touch with the Parrs Wood team to find out what suits your needs best. Whether it’s a mid-week treat or a weekend adventure, Tenpin offers a versatile and fun-filled experience for everyone.

For example, Tenpin Parrs Wood offers special package deals like two games of bowling and a burger meal for £10 on Thursdays. Another option is their Bowl & Pizza package, which includes an hour of bowling and a 12-inch pizza for £30. 

Pro tips:

  • Sector 7 Laser is a hit among kids, so consider booking in advance, especially during weekends or school holidays.
  • If you’re not a fan of bowling, the venue also offers table tennis and pool, providing a well-rounded entertainment experience.

Visit the Imperial March Museum North

Address: Trafford Wharf Rd, Trafford Park, Stretford, Manchester M17 1TZ, United Kingdom

Contact Details: +441618364000

Website: https://www.iwm.org.uk/visits/iwm-north

Operating Hours: Daily 10 AM to 5 PM

The Imperial War Museum North takes you to a poignant journey through the impact of war on human lives. Designed by Daniel Libeskind, the building itself is a work of art, symbolising a shattered globe with its Air, Earth, and Water Shards. 

The Air Shard offers a viewing platform with panoramic views of Trafford Park, Salford, and Manchester, while the Earth Shard houses the main exhibition spaces. The Water Shard features a canalside café where you can take a moment to reflect.

This place offers a variety of interactive and immersive experiences, such as the Big Picture Show—a 15-minute, large-scale audio-visual presentation that’s a must-see. 

Pro tips:

  • The museum is fully accessible, with lifts and designated parking spaces for visitors with disabilities.
  • Parking is available but charges apply, so consider public transport as an alternative.
  • Don’t miss the Big Picture Show, which runs hourly and lasts about 15 minutes. It’s a captivating experience that adds depth to your visit.

Visit Lyme Park Hall

Address: Disley, Stockport SK12 2NR, United Kingdom

Contact Details: +441663762023

Website: http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lyme-park?campid=GMB_Central_Website_North_Lyme

Operating Hours: Daily 8:30 AM to 8 PM

Inside Lyme Park Hall, you’ll find a blend of architectural styles, from Palladian to Baroque, and a treasure trove of art and history. The library alone is worth a visit, housing the only surviving copy of the Sarum Missal from 1487.

A visitor’s favourite inside the hall is without question the library, and it houses some of the most unique treasures. It is the only surviving copy of the Sarum Missal, printed by William Caxton in 1487.

But the allure of Lyme Park extends beyond the walls of the hall. The 17-acre garden is a horticultural masterpiece featuring a Rose Garden, a sunken Dutch Garden, and even a 90-year-old fig tree. 

The estate also offers miles of walking trails through parkland populated by herds of red and fallow deer. For those interested in hunting history, the estate’s former hunting lodge, known as the Cage, offers a panoramic view of the surrounding area.

Pro tips:

  • For panoramic views of the estate, make sure to visit the Cage, the former hunting lodge.
  • The estate is child-friendly, with a dedicated play area to keep younger visitors entertained.
  • Jane Austen enthusiasts should keep an eye out for locations that were used in the BBC’s ‘Pride and Prejudice’ adaptation.

Visit Tatton Park

Address: Tatton Park Tatton Park, Knutsford WA16 6SG, United Kingdom

Contact Details: +441625374400

Website: http://www.tattonpark.org.uk/

Opening Hours: Daily 10 AM to 7 PM

Tatton Park is a sprawling estate that effortlessly combines history, nature, and artistry in its 1,000 acres of parkland. It’s not just the red and fallow deer that roam freely here that capture your attention; it’s also the two historic houses, each a treasure trove of art and history. 

The Mansion, a neo-classical marvel, showcases an impressive collection of furniture, glassware, and fine art, offering a glimpse into the lives of the Egerton family, who owned Tatton for nearly four centuries.

Also, the gardens at Tatton Park are a horticultural masterpiece, featuring everything from the grand terraced Italian garden to the serenity of the renowned Japanese garden. Visiting here made me feel like I’m in a different country too!  

With 50 acres of pleasure grounds, you’ll find a myriad of secluded spots and grand vistas that change with the seasons, making each visit unique. 

And if you’re more into the rustic side of things, the working farm on the estate offers an authentic experience of rural life, complete with rare breeds of farm animals.

Pro tips:

  • Before you leave, don’t forget to visit the specialty shops—whether it’s the Food Shop, Gift Shop, or Garden Shop, you’re sure to find something to remember your day by.
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