We’re very proud of our parks and green spaces here in Manchester, and being a pretty active city, what with all the cycling, walking, running and other wild escapades, we’d say we have some of the best. Now, one of our most famous parks has been honoured, as Heaton Park has been named one of the best parks in the UK.
The experts at idealo have analysed over 50 parks across the UK, using key metrics such as park ratings, monthly searches, and the number of Instagram and TikTok posts to reveal the nation’s most popular green spaces, and Manchester’s Heaton Park came in sixth – only one of two parks outside of London in the top six.
Manchester’s Heaton Park stands out as one of the region’s most popular picnic destinations, and given its proximity to both Prestwich and the city centre, it’s pretty easy to get to. While it may be best known for hosting Parklife Festival in June, Heaton Park is vast and versatile, and is a summer hotspot in its own right, with over 110,000 Instagram posts showcasing its vast greenery.
Heaton Park is also set to host the long-awaited Oasis homecoming reunion gigs in July, so those who were lucky enough to bag tickets will be able to experience the park in all its (morning) glory – just make sure to leave it neat and tidy for the rest of us!
Of course, topping the list of the best UK parks were London’s Richmond Park, Hyde Park and the beautiful Greenwich Park, each of which offer their own unique experience, far far away from the smoggy hustle and bustle of the capital.
The best parks in the UK (with rating/5):
- Richmond Park, London: 4.7
- Hyde Park, London: 4.6
- Greenwich Park, London: 4.6
- Sefton Park, Liverpool: 4.6
- Hampstead Heath, London: 4.7
- Heaton Park, Manchester: 4.1
- Victoria Park, Bath: 4.5
- Roundhay Park, Leeds: 4.6
- Sutton Park, Birmingham: 4.6
- Weston Park, Sheffield: 5
Whether you grab a ticket to the next Parklife Festival, or fancy a stroll on a sunny Sunday, get yourself to Heaton Park if you’re in the Manchester area.