Our six favourite ways to enjoy the sunshine in Greater Manchester

Yahoo

05-04-2025

It's no secret that the sun is rather rare in rainy Manchester, which can only mean one thing - when the sun does shows its face, you've got to make the most of it.
Fortunately there's no shortage of ways to enjoy the sunny weather around Greater Manchester. Whether it's family fun, heading out on the town, or days out further afield there are plenty of options to choose from.
As the days lengthen and the seasonal depression starts to melt away many Mancunians will be looking forward to more sunshine.
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And with plenty more on the way, the Manchester Evening News has assembled a list of some of our favourite things to do in that rare Mancunian sunshine.
Here are our suggestions...
Manchester is blessed with a large amount of parks, including the largest municipal park in Europe - Heaton Park.
If you do fancy visiting Heaton Park there's plenty of grass to stretch out on, not to mention animals including donkeys, peacocks, and tortoises, and lots of corners to explore.
For those who fancy literally splashing out you can also rent rowing boats and swan peddle boats at the boating lake, just be sure to take a book of poetry to read wistfully as your partner sweats away at the oars.
Heaton Park is far from the only option, with there also being Whitworth Park in the south of the city, right next to Whitworth Art Gallery.
There's also Fletcher Moss, a firm favourite in Didsbury which backs down onto the Mersey, as well as Chorlton Water Park and Sale Water Park.
If you fancy something a little more adventurous than the park you could go for a longer walk, and with the Peak District to the south of Manchester there's a lot to choose from.
Kinder Scout is a more challenging route, the highest mountain in the Peak District at 2,087ft and with several routes heading up to the summit.
You could also take on the Roaches, which is a slightly longer journey heading out towards Leek.
For something with a touch of the mystical you could hike to Lud's Church. This is a chasm used by Lollard Christians in the 1400s, and is thought to potentially be the inspiration for the magical Green Chapel in Gawain and the Green Knight.
There are many stunning National Trust properties not far from Manchester.
Tatton Park is just half an hour from the south of the city, and has the house, gardens, and farm to explore.
And if you're on a budget you can also explore the park itself including a beautiful lake and the population of deer.
For those who fancy a spot of industrial history can visit Quarry Bank Mill, not far from Manchester Airport.
If you're up for a slightly longer drive, there's also Little Moreton Hall and Biddulph Grange Gardens, located just under an hour's drive from Manchester.
Little Moreton Hall is a stunning Tudor mansion famous for its long gallery while Biddulph Grange shows off amazing Victorian landscaping, and both are within a short distance of each other meaning you can both in one day.
Sunny weather and beer gardens go together like Mr Whippy and flakes. Whether you fancy somewhere with a nice view, or want to enjoy the sunshine in the bustle of the city centre streets there are plenty of options.
Stevenson Square and Edge Street in the Northern Quarter have both become hot spots for outdoor table, with the streets packed out with table on sunny days.
Nearby you can also head over to Ancoats Marina and enjoy a cold drink while watching the swans, or to Rain Bar for a canal-side beer garden.
And of course there are some lovely rooftop bars around the city centre, such as Terrace NQ or Atlas Bar, or if you really want to push the boat out you could head to 20 Stories.
If you're planning a long afternoon and evening sipping drinks in the sunshine it's probably a good idea to have something nice to eat first, or afterwards.
There are plenty of options, with many restaurants now having the option for outdoor seating too.
It could be a pizza at Rudy's or heading to Altrincham Market or Mackie Mayor for a food hall.
There's also El Gato Negro's terrace on King Street, perfect to take in the sunshine.
Cutting Room Square in Ancoats is also replete with al fresco options..
Whether you regularly swim for exercise or just enjoy a splash about every so often, a dip on a hot day can be wonderfully refreshing.
Manchester has a lot to choose from. There's the Aquatics Centre, with a large pool and areas for families as well.
If you like both beer gardens and swimming and don't mind spending a bit more, then why not do both? The Manor House Spa in Alsager is less than an hour's drive from Manchester, and boasts a swim up bar.
But if a simple swim is more your style, you could scarcely do better than Withington Baths. The recently refurbished Edwardian pool is stunning on sunny days, and you can admire the stained glass windows while taking a dip.