
A serene natural oasis in Manchester with a large lake, woodland trails, and playgrounds for family fun.

Must-see attractions
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Enjoy tranquility

Enjoy tranquility

Must-see attractions
A serene natural oasis in Manchester with a large lake, woodland trails, and playgrounds for family fun.
"A hidden gem offering a perfect escape into nature with a serene lake and well-maintained trails."

The bridge to Kenworthy Woods remains closed. Use Jackson's or Parkway bridges as alternatives.
Facilities are limited, so pack snacks and drinks to enjoy your day.

4.6 · 3,605 reviews
Park
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Central lake
A large, tranquil lake with ducks and swans, perfect for feeding and peaceful contemplation.

Various locations
Two play areas offer fun for kids, with one suitable for ages 6+ and another slightly further uphill.

Surrounding woods
Explore reclaimed farmland and woods with well-maintained paths for walking and cycling.
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It is lovely. Just walking between the Sale and Chorlton water parks makes a lovely day out and is good to forget you are basically 5 minutes from the city centre.
The bridge to Kenworthy Woods remains closed. Use Jackson's or Parkway bridges as alternatives.
Facilities are limited, so pack snacks and drinks to enjoy your day.
Hi everyone! Its boiling outside and I was wondering if there are any good places to go for a dip and a tan. Hoping not too far from MCR (i'm hoping an hour max but I'm willing to go two hours). Nothing that required a wet suit please - hoping for a casual bikini swim and a lay…
does anyone know any wild swimming spots roughly within a 40min drive of manchester city centre?
The park offers fantastic opportunities for dog walking with plenty of space.
Paths around the lake are flat and suitable for buggies and mobility scooters.
It was closed last time I tried a few months ago, anyone know if it's opened up, trying to take a short cut on my bike commute tomorrow. Thanks
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The bridge to Kenworthy Woods remains closed. Use Jackson's or Parkway bridges as alternatives.
Facilities are limited, so pack snacks and drinks to enjoy your day.
The park offers fantastic opportunities for dog walking with plenty of space.
Paths around the lake are flat and suitable for buggies and mobility scooters.
Bring some suitable food to feed the ducks and swans on the lake.
Chorlton Water Park is praised as a tranquil, hidden gem offering beautiful lake views and peaceful walks. Visitors appreciate the free entry and parking, the accessible paths suitable for prams and scooters, and the playgrounds for children. However, some note that on-site facilities like toilets and the cafe can be inconsistent.
"Actually a lovely place for a stroll, fish or sit with nature for a while.
Small park half way round.
Plenty of parking
Lovely cafe near the front, so can stroll with a nice warm drink on these winter days. Dog friendly."
Stacey day
"We went on an Autumn day and spent a couple of hours here walking around and then playing in the park. There is carparking on site and cafe. For the toilets take your own soap and toilet paper, there wasn't any . We always bring some with us."
Abi Carless
"Lovely park nice and quite not alot of people around so you can enjoy this tranquil space the lake is really big with ducks and swans to feed. Nice little park for the kids to play in and it's also nice and clean too. Lots of paths and clear signage so you know where you are walking to we spent a total of 2 hour here it was lovely 😍 👌"
tay may
Chorlton Water Park is accessible by car with a large, free car park. It's also reachable via public transport, though specific routes may vary. Consider checking local bus timetables for the most up-to-date information.
Yes, there is a large, free car park available for visitors. It's conveniently located near the main park entrance.
Cycling is a great way to reach the park. You can join the Transpennine Trail from the Mersey if you wish to extend your ride. Be aware that the bridge to Kenworthy Woods is currently closed, so plan your route accordingly.
Absolutely! The paths around the lake are flat and well-maintained, making them suitable for buggies and robust mobility scooters.
Yes, the park is a lovely destination for a walk. You can connect to the Mersey and the Transpennine Trail to extend your stroll if you're coming from surrounding areas.
No, Chorlton Water Park is free to enter and explore. The car park is also free, making it an accessible and budget-friendly destination.
Chorlton Water Park is generally open from dawn till dusk, offering ample time to enjoy its natural beauty. Specific opening times for facilities like toilets may vary.
No booking is required for Chorlton Water Park as it's a public park. You can visit anytime during its open hours.
Yes, there are toilets available on-site, though reviews suggest they might not always be in the best condition.
The cafe's opening status can be inconsistent. Some visitors report it being shut, while others mention a nice little cafe. It's best to check for recent updates or bring your own refreshments.
You can enjoy leisurely walks around the lake, feed the ducks and swans, explore the woodland trails, and let children play in the playgrounds. It's also a great spot for bird watching and relaxation.
Yes, the park is a haven for wildlife, including various bird species. Bringing binoculars is recommended to get the most out of bird watching opportunities.
The description mentions fishing in a gravel pit, suggesting it's a possibility. However, specific fishing regulations or permits would need to be checked with local authorities.
Yes, there are two playgrounds for kids. One is centrally located, and another is a bit further uphill.
It's often described as a hidden gem and a tranquil space, with not a lot of people around, especially on weekday mornings. It can get busier during good weather and on weekends.
The serene lake with its wildlife, the lush woodland paths, and the children playing in the playgrounds offer great photographic opportunities. The changing seasons also provide beautiful backdrops.
Definitely. The diverse flora and fauna, especially around the lake and in the woods, make it an excellent location for nature photographers.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check with the local council or park authorities regarding any restrictions on drone flying before your visit.
Early mornings and late afternoons often provide the best natural light for photography, creating a softer, more atmospheric feel.
The main lake itself, with its swans and ducks, is a focal point. The bridges (when open) and the mature trees in the woodland areas also make for picturesque shots.
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