Packed on a sunny day in 2017
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Chorlton Water Park Manchester

4.6
·4k reviews·, United Kingdom

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Enjoy tranquility

CrowdLow
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Packed on a sunny day in 2017

Chorlton Water Park Manchester

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Enjoy tranquility

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4.6
(4k reviews)

"A hidden gem offering a perfect escape into nature with a serene lake and well-maintained trails."

Vertical photo
TIP

Bridge is still shut

The bridge to Kenworthy Woods remains closed. Use Jackson's or Parkway bridges as alternatives.

Bring your own food

Facilities are limited, so pack snacks and drinks to enjoy your day.

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Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.6 · 3,605 reviews

Type

Park

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Serene Lake Views

Serene Lake Views

Central lake

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

Children's Playgrounds

Children's Playgrounds

Various locations

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

Woodland Trails

Woodland Trails

Surrounding woods

Explore reclaimed farmland and woods with well-maintained paths for walking and cycling.

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Planning Your Visit

Bridge Closure Alert

The bridge connecting Chorlton Water Park to Kenworthy Woods is currently closed. Plan alternative routes for cycling or walking commutes, as it's been shut for some time. Check local updates before your visit.

Pack Your Snacks!

While the park is a natural oasis, on-site facilities are limited. Bring your own snacks and drinks to fully enjoy your visit, especially if you plan to spend a few hours exploring the trails and lake.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Enjoy tranquility
Crowd
Low
When
Summer afternoons
Why
Ice cream van visits
Crowd
Medium
When
Anytime, good weather
Why
Beautiful scenery
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Chorlton Waterpark

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.

Bridge is still shut

The bridge to Kenworthy Woods remains closed. Use Jackson's or Parkway bridges as alternatives. Reddit

Bring your own food

Facilities are limited, so pack snacks and drinks to enjoy your day. Reddit

reddit.com

Swimming in NW - no car!

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…

reddit.com

Wild swimming spots near Manchester?

does anyone know any wild swimming spots roughly within a 40min drive of manchester city centre?

Great for dog walkers

The park offers fantastic opportunities for dog walking with plenty of space. Reddit

Accessible paths

Paths around the lake are flat and suitable for buggies and mobility scooters. Reddit

reddit.com

Is the bridge from Chorlton Water Park to Kenworthy Woods open?

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

Tips

from all over the internet

Bridge is still shut

The bridge to Kenworthy Woods remains closed. Use Jackson's or Parkway bridges as alternatives. Reddit

Bring your own food

Facilities are limited, so pack snacks and drinks to enjoy your day. Reddit

Great for dog walkers

The park offers fantastic opportunities for dog walking with plenty of space. Reddit

Accessible paths

Paths around the lake are flat and suitable for buggies and mobility scooters. Reddit

Feed the wildlife

Bring some suitable food to feed the ducks and swans on the lake. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(4k reviews)

Reviews Summary

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

What People Like

Tranquil lake and scenery
Free entry and parking
Accessible paths

What People Dislike

Inconsistent cafe/toilet upkeep

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

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. Reddit

Yes, there is a large, free car park available for visitors. It's conveniently located near the main park entrance. Reddit

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. Reddit

Absolutely! The paths around the lake are flat and well-maintained, making them suitable for buggies and robust mobility scooters. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Chorlton Water Park is free to enter and explore. The car park is also free, making it an accessible and budget-friendly destination. Reddit

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. Reddit

No booking is required for Chorlton Water Park as it's a public park. You can visit anytime during its open hours. Reddit

Yes, there are toilets available on-site, though reviews suggest they might not always be in the best condition. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Yes, there are two playgrounds for kids. One is centrally located, and another is a bit further uphill. Reddit

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. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

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. Reddit

Definitely. The diverse flora and fauna, especially around the lake and in the woods, make it an excellent location for nature photographers. Reddit

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. Reddit

Early mornings and late afternoons often provide the best natural light for photography, creating a softer, more atmospheric feel. Reddit

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. Reddit

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