Daisy Nook Country Park
Rustic park with woodlands, meadows, and waterways, offering free entry, playgrounds, and wildlife spotting.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful nature immersion
Daisy Nook Country Park
Best Time
Peaceful nature immersion
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Rustic park with woodlands, meadows, and waterways, offering free entry, playgrounds, and wildlife spotting.
"A beautiful countryside escape perfect for a quiet walk, family picnic, or short cycle."
Wear sturdy shoes! :athletic_shoe:
Paths can get muddy after rain, especially near the river. Waterproof boots are a good idea.
Free parking available :car:
Parking is free at the Stannybrook Car Park, but spaces can fill up quickly on busy days.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Crime Lake & Sammy's Basin
Central park area
Scenic waterways perfect for peaceful walks, birdwatching, and spotting local wildlife like ducks and herons.
Woodland Trails
Throughout the park
Explore serene woodlands offering a tranquil escape and opportunities for wildlife spotting, ideal for nature photography.
Adventure Playgrounds
Near Stannybrook Car Park
Two outdoor play areas provide fun for children, making it a great spot for family outings and active play.
Canal Paths
Along the waterways
Enjoy smooth, flat paths ideal for cycling or leisurely strolls, offering picturesque views of the canals.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Best Time to Visit for Fewer Crowds
Footwear and Path Conditions
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear sturdy shoes! :athletic_shoe:
Paths can get muddy after rain, especially near the river. Waterproof boots are a good idea.
Free parking available :car:
Parking is free at the Stannybrook Car Park, but spaces can fill up quickly on busy days.
Family-friendly fun :child:
Two adventure playgrounds and open spaces make it ideal for kids. Pram and dog-friendly too! 
Cafe for snacks :coffee:
A cafe near the car park offers refreshments, ice cream, and snacks.
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear sturdy shoes! :athletic_shoe:
Paths can get muddy after rain, especially near the river. Waterproof boots are a good idea.
Free parking available :car:
Parking is free at the Stannybrook Car Park, but spaces can fill up quickly on busy days.
Family-friendly fun :child:
Two adventure playgrounds and open spaces make it ideal for kids. Pram and dog-friendly too!
Cafe for snacks :coffee:
A cafe near the car park offers refreshments, ice cream, and snacks.
Wildlife spotting :bird:
Keep an eye out for ducks, herons, squirrels, and even kingfishers if you're lucky!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Daisy Nook Country Park is widely praised as a beautiful and peaceful green space, ideal for walks, family outings, and nature photography. Visitors appreciate the free entry and parking, along with the scenic mix of woodlands and waterways. However, some reviews mention that the toilet facilities could benefit from an upgrade.
"It was our first time walking around Daisy Nook, despite having lived in Oldham all my life.
We walked just over 2 miles in total.
Starting off in Stannybrook Car Park, walked up the main trail, up to Crime Lake, and back round Sammy's Basin.
Daisy Nook is beautiful
I would highly recommend.
Excellent for photographers and walkers alike.
I believe they have Kingfishers there although we sadly didn't see any today.
Parking is free, and there is a cafe onsite.
Suitable footwear is advised, as even though it was a dry day, the rain from the night before had caused some big puddles along the side of the river."
Emma Lu
"It is a lovely park, and we really enjoyed being entertained by the ducks. Good for a bike ride with the kids or just with adults. There's a cafe whuch sells burgers, chips and snacks plus hot and cold drinks abd ice cream. The toilets leave much to be desired are desperately in need of an upgrade, the one used wouldn't flush and looked lit hadn't done so for a long time. I had to queue to wash & dry my hands. Three cubicles, two sinks, and one hand dryer.
Otherwise, it's a lively day out."
Maxine Ann Bailey
"Visited 04/05/2025, after doing some research found three car parks and went for the one adjacent to the cafe, there is limited spaces so I’d going on a weekend when busier best to get early.
The cafe is a good place to start and with the day being sunny got a lovely two scoop ice cream to have as walking around.
If walking with young members and/or those who need a stable path to walk on then recommend walking the green route, although once you get to the point where the people fishing along the bank and near to a road exit, the signs disappear as they have been either damaged or removed so you then have to go back on yourself as any other route for instance under the bridge tunnel is not as accessible and the other side of the water stream is very muddy as if horses from nearby training school have been taken through so stick to main path back.
Lovely place to visit, lots of friendly hellos as going around from friendly visitors/locals, a welcoming place to visit
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️"
Wasim Mir
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Daisy Nook Country Park is accessible via public transport from Oldham. While specific bus routes can vary, it's a good idea to check local transport schedules for services heading towards Failsworth or Droylsden. The park is also a popular destination for those looking to explore nature from nearby cities like Manchester using public transport.
Yes, there is free parking available at Daisy Nook Country Park, primarily at the Stannybrook Car Park. However, it's noted that spaces can be limited, especially on weekends and during peak times, so arriving early is recommended.
Absolutely! Daisy Nook Country Park is very dog-friendly, making it a great place for a walk with your canine companions.
Yes, the park offers smooth, flat paths along the canals, which are ideal for cycling. It's a great spot for a leisurely bike ride with family or friends.
Yes, the park is pram-friendly, with many of the main paths being smooth and accessible for strollers.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Daisy Nook Country Park offers free entry, making it an excellent budget-friendly day out for families and individuals.
As a public country park, Daisy Nook is generally open from dawn till dusk. Specific cafe hours may vary, so it's best to check locally if you plan to visit the cafe.
No booking is required as entry to Daisy Nook Country Park is free. You can visit anytime during daylight hours.
Yes, there are toilets available near the car park and cafe. However, some reviews suggest they may be in need of an upgrade.
Yes, Daisy Nook Country Park is a perfect spot for a picnic. There are open green spaces and picnic benches available.
📸 📸 Photography
The park offers diverse photographic opportunities, from the scenic waterways like Crime Lake and Sammy's Basin to the tranquil woodland areas and canal paths. Wildlife photography is also popular here.
You can often spot ducks, herons, and squirrels. Birdwatchers and photographers also look out for robins and kingfishers.
Yes, the mix of woodlands, meadows, canals, and open spaces provides beautiful landscape photography subjects throughout the seasons.
Early mornings and late afternoons, often referred to as the 'golden hours,' offer the best natural light for photography, creating a softer, more atmospheric look.
The viaduct and canal bridges offer interesting architectural elements for photos, alongside the natural beauty of the waterways and woodlands.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy walking, cycling, birdwatching, wildlife spotting, and photography. There are also two adventure playgrounds for children and a cafe for refreshments. +1
Many paths are smooth and flat, making them accessible for prams and scooters. However, some routes can become muddy or have uneven sections, especially after rain.
Yes, Daisy Nook is highly recommended for families. It offers playgrounds, open spaces for running around, and nature to explore, making it a fun and engaging day out for kids.
Expect a picturesque setting with woodlands, meadows, canals, and waterways. It's a peaceful green space offering a variety of natural landscapes.
Yes, fishing is an activity available at Daisy Nook, particularly along the banks of the waterways.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe located near the Stannybrook Car Park that serves refreshments, snacks, ice cream, and hot and cold drinks.
The cafe offers a selection of items including burgers, chips, snacks, hot and cold drinks, and ice cream.
Yes, there are picnic benches available, and the park's open spaces are ideal for setting up your own picnic.
Absolutely! Bringing your own food for a picnic is a great option, especially given the lovely open spaces and scenic views.
Information on specific dietary options at the cafe is not widely available, but they do offer standard cafe fare like snacks and drinks. It's advisable to check directly with the cafe for current offerings.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+2 Beyond the play areas, the open fields and woodland trails offer plenty of space for kids to run, explore, and connect with nature. It's also noted as being pram-friendly, making it easy to navigate with younger children. Don't forget to pack a picnic, as there are plenty of spots to enjoy a meal outdoors, or you can grab a snack from the on-site cafe. The chance to see ducks and other wildlife can also add an extra layer of excitement for little ones.
🚶♀️ Walkers and Nature Lovers
It's a great spot for birdwatching and general wildlife spotting, with opportunities to see ducks, herons, and squirrels. While many paths are good, it's advisable to wear sturdy footwear as some areas can get muddy after rain, especially near the river.
📸 Photographers
Visiting during the early morning or late afternoon 'golden hours' will enhance your photography with softer, more atmospheric light. The park's accessibility and varied scenery make it a rewarding location for both amateur and experienced photographers looking for natural beauty close to Manchester.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Waterways: Crime Lake and Canals
The canal paths are generally smooth and flat, making them accessible for prams and scooters, as noted by many visitors. However, it's worth noting that after periods of rain, some sections along the riverbanks can become muddy, so appropriate footwear is advised.
These waterways not only add to the park's natural beauty but also provide a sense of tranquility, offering a peaceful escape from urban life. The reflections on the water and the surrounding greenery create picturesque scenes throughout the year.
Family Fun and Play Areas
+2The park's open spaces and woodland trails also provide ample room for kids to explore, run around, and engage with nature. Many families appreciate that the park is both dog-friendly and pram-friendly, making it convenient for outings with young children and pets.
Beyond the playgrounds, the gentle streams and open fields offer opportunities for imaginative play and discovery. The overall atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, encouraging families to spend quality time together outdoors.
+1Wildlife and Nature Photography
Birdwatchers often hope to catch a glimpse of robins and, if they're very lucky, the elusive kingfisher. The park's natural beauty, especially during different seasons, provides excellent opportunities for landscape photography, with the canals and woodlands offering picturesque backdrops.
To capture the best shots, visiting during the golden hours (early morning or late afternoon) is recommended for softer light. The park's accessibility and varied scenery make it a rewarding location for both casual photographers and serious nature lovers.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit