Philips Park, Manchester's Historic Green Haven
Historic Philips Park offers 31 acres of scenic woodlands, meadows, and riverside trails in Manchester’s vibrant urban landscape.
Philips Park is a historic 31-acre municipal park in Manchester, featuring scenic woodlands, meadows, and the River Medlock. Established in 1846, it offers diverse habitats, a children’s play area, sports facilities, and walking and cycling trails. The park blends natural beauty with heritage, providing a tranquil urban escape with amenities including a visitor centre, public toilets, and allotments, making it ideal for families, dog walkers, and nature lovers.
A brief summary to Philips Park
- Stuart Street, Manchester, M11 4DQ, GB
- +441612313090
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 4 hours
- Free
-
Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 6 am-9 pm
- Tuesday 6 am-9 pm
- Wednesday 6 am-9 pm
- Thursday 6 am-9 pm
- Friday 6 am-9 pm
- Saturday 6 am-9 pm
- Sunday 6 am-9 pm
Local tips
- Dogs are welcome but must be kept off children’s play areas, allotments, and sports pitches.
- Bring a picnic to enjoy in the wide-open grassy spaces, perfect for family outings.
- Explore the mountain bike trail and cycling paths for active recreation.
- Visit the Countryside Centre for educational workshops and local events.
- Use the free parking available at the main entrance for convenient access.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
-
Bus
Take bus routes 216 or 217 from Manchester city centre to Philips Park; journey times range from 25 to 35 minutes. Services run frequently but check schedules for evenings and weekends. A single fare costs approximately £3.50 GBP.
-
Car
Driving to Philips Park from central Manchester takes about 15 to 20 minutes via main roads. Free parking is available at the park’s main entrance on Stuart Street. Note that traffic congestion may occur during peak hours.
-
Cycling
Cyclists can access Philips Park via dedicated cycling paths from nearby neighbourhoods. The park features mountain bike trails and bike racks near the visitor centre. Travel time varies depending on starting point but typically ranges from 20 to 40 minutes within Manchester.
-
Walking
For those staying in nearby areas such as Clayton or Openshaw, walking to Philips Park is feasible and takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes over mostly flat terrain with paved paths. Suitable for most fitness levels.
Philips Park location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
-
Rain / Wet Weather
-
Clear Skies
-
Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Philips Park
A Storied Landscape Rooted in Manchester's Heritage
Philips Park stands as one of Manchester's earliest municipal parks, dating back to 1846. Originally part of the Pilkington Park deer park and later the estate of the Philips family, prominent Manchester merchants, the park preserves a rich historical legacy. Its designation as a Grade II-listed site underscores its importance, with many original features still visible today. The park's layout includes serpentine pathways designed to encourage leisurely strolls, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in both nature and history.Diverse Natural Habitats and Wildlife
Spanning 31 acres, Philips Park boasts a variety of habitats including mixed woodland, grasslands, streams, ponds, and lodges. These environments support a wide array of flora and fauna, making it a valuable urban nature reserve. The meadows are especially notable for attracting butterflies such as Orange Tip, Brimstone, and Peacock species. The River Medlock meanders through the park, enhancing its scenic charm and supporting local biodiversity.Facilities for Recreation and Community Engagement
The park offers multiple recreational amenities including a well-equipped children’s playground, a multi-use games area (MUGA), tennis courts, and a junior football pitch. Cycling enthusiasts can enjoy a mountain bike trail, one of the first in the borough. The Countryside Centre, housed in the barn of the former estate farm, provides educational workshops, a classroom, and community event spaces. Allotments within the park encourage local gardening and community involvement.A Welcoming Space for Families and Dog Walkers
Philips Park is a popular destination for families and dog owners alike. While dogs are welcome in most open areas, they are restricted from children’s play areas, allotments, and sports pitches to ensure safety and cleanliness. Wide-open grassy spaces and well-maintained paths accommodate off-lead dog walking, making it a favored spot for pet owners. The park’s tranquil atmosphere and natural beauty offer a relaxing environment for all visitors.Community Amenities and Visitor Comfort
Visitors benefit from practical amenities including public toilets near the visitor centre and seating areas scattered throughout the park. Although there is no on-site café, nearby food and drink options are accessible. The park is open daily from 6 AM to 9 PM, providing ample daylight hours for exploration. Free parking is available at the main entrance, enhancing accessibility.Preservation and Urban Green Space Importance
Philips Park represents a crucial green lung within Manchester’s urban fabric, balancing heritage conservation with ecological stewardship. It serves as a protected area fostering wildlife habitat and offering a low-impact recreational space. The park’s management emphasizes sustainability and community engagement, ensuring that this historic green haven remains a cherished resource for future generations.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Great Ancoats Street Tunnel (tram) east portal
2.1 km
Historic tram tunnel portal in Manchester’s industrial Ancoats district, linking past mill heritage with modern urban regeneration.
Great Ancoats Street Tunnel (tram) west portal
2.2 km
A historic tram tunnel portal in Ancoats, symbolizing Manchester’s industrial heritage and urban transformation.
Murrays' Mill
2.2 km
Explore Murrays' Mills, the world’s oldest urban steam-powered cotton mill, where industrial heritage meets modern living in Manchester’s historic Ancoats district.
Lowry Footbridge
2.5 km
A Victorian iron bridge immortalized in art, connecting Manchester's industrial past to its present.
Victory Over Blindness
2.7 km
A powerful bronze memorial at Manchester Piccadilly honoring WWI veterans blinded in battle, symbolizing resilience and solidarity at eye level.
Statue of the Duke of Wellington
2.9 km
A commanding Victorian bronze statue in Piccadilly Gardens honoring the Duke of Wellington’s military valor and political legacy.
Robert Owen Statue
3.1 km
Honoring Robert Owen, pioneer of social reform and the co-operative movement, through a striking statue in Manchester’s city heart.
Arch of Chinatown
3.2 km
Europe's only imperial Chinese arch, a stunning gateway to Manchester's vibrant multicultural heart.
Connaught Building
3.3 km
Discover the historic Connaught Building in Manchester, a captivating landmark reflecting the city’s rich architectural heritage and vibrant urban spirit.
The Undamaged Red Post Box
3.3 km
A resilient symbol of hope standing where devastation once reigned on Manchester's Corporation Street.
Manchester Cathedral
3.3 km
Discover Manchester Cathedral’s breathtaking Gothic architecture and rich history in the heart of Manchester’s vibrant city centre.
Victoria Baths
3.4 km
Explore the historical charm of Victoria Baths in Manchester, a stunning heritage building and vibrant events venue showcasing exquisite Victorian architecture.
Manchester Cenotaph
3.4 km
Explore the Manchester Cenotaph, a historical landmark honoring those who served in wartime, nestled in the heart of the city and rich in heritage.
Emmeline Pankhurst Statue
3.4 km
Discover the Emmeline Pankhurst Statue in Manchester, a powerful symbol of the women's suffrage movement and a celebration of gender equality.
St. Peter's Square
3.4 km
Manchester’s historic St Peter's Square blends rich heritage, iconic architecture, and vibrant urban life at the heart of the city centre.
Unmissable attractions to see
Etihad Stadium
0.6 km
Explore Etihad Stadium, Manchester's iconic venue for football and events, where passion meets modern architecture.
Clayton Hall
1.0 km
Explore Clayton Hall, a rare medieval moated manor in Manchester with Victorian rooms, living history, and rich heritage.
Beswick arches
1.7 km
Historic railway viaduct with iconic brick arches standing proudly in the heart of East Manchester’s evolving Beswick district.
Ancoats Green
2.0 km
Ancoats Green: a vibrant, sustainable city park blending nature, community, and urban renewal in Manchester’s historic district.
Old Naval Yard
2.1 km
Discover the Old Naval Yard in Ancoats, a historic gateway to Manchester’s rich maritime and industrial heritage nestled in a vibrant urban district.
The Monastery Manchester
2.2 km
A breathtaking Victorian Gothic revival venue blending historic grandeur with modern elegance for unforgettable weddings and events in Manchester.
Cutting Room Square
2.4 km
A vibrant urban square in Ancoats blending industrial heritage, contemporary dining, and cultural art installations.
SEVEN BRO7HERS BEERHOUSE Ancoats
2.4 km
Explore SEVEN BRO7HERS BEERHOUSE in Ancoats—where craft beer meets delicious food in a vibrant pub atmosphere.
Hallé at St Michael's
2.4 km
Historic church transformed into a vibrant music and community venue in Manchester’s cultural heart of Ancoats.
The Horsfall
2.4 km
A vibrant creative venue in Manchester’s Ancoats, empowering youth mental health through art and community.
Mural - Cityscape under colourful sky
2.4 km
Vibrant cityscape mural brightening the historic Rochdale Canal Tow Path in Manchester’s urban waterside setting.
Express Building
2.5 km
A timeless Streamline Moderne masterpiece blending historic print heritage with vibrant modern workspaces in the heart of Ancoats, Manchester.
Greater Manchester Police Museum & Archives
2.6 km
Explore Manchester’s historic police station, original cells, and magistrates’ court in this immersive museum dedicated to policing heritage.
The Whiskey Jar
2.6 km
Discover The Whiskey Jar in Manchester, where an extensive whiskey collection meets a lively atmosphere, perfect for every occasion.
Hilton House Mural
2.6 km
A powerful street art mural in Manchester’s Northern Quarter blending social themes with vibrant urban creativity.
Essential places to dine
Vermilion
0.8 km
Experience vibrant Asian fusion cuisine and lavish ambience at Vermilion, Manchester’s premier destination for seafood, cocktails, and celebrations.
SUD Pasta Ancoats
2.2 km
Experience vibrant, handmade Italian pasta and lively communal dining in the heart of Manchester’s trendy Ancoats district.
RIGATONI'S Ancoats
2.2 km
Specialized Southern Italian pasta kitchen in Manchester’s vibrant Ancoats, serving bold, hearty rigatoni dishes in a modern setting.
Erst
2.3 km
Seasonal sharing plates and natural wines in Ancoats' industrial-chic haven, where Manchester's food scene thrives.
mana
2.3 km
Manchester’s first Michelin-starred restaurant, Mana serves avant-garde British tasting menus in a sleek open-kitchen space in Ancoats.
Elnecot
2.3 km
Ancoats’ vibrant modern British bar and kitchen blending inventive seasonal dishes with a warm, industrial-chic atmosphere.
The Counter House
2.4 km
A relaxed modern European restaurant in Manchester’s Ancoats, offering hearty comfort food with a healthy twist and excellent wine service.
Rudy's Pizza Napoletana - Ancoats
2.4 km
Experience authentic Neapolitan pizza with light, airy crusts and traditional toppings in a lively, rustic setting in Manchester’s Ancoats district.
Jimmy's Manchester
2.4 km
Discover Jimmy's Manchester: A lively bar serving delicious American BBQ and inventive cocktails in Ancoats.
Canto
2.4 km
Experience vibrant Portuguese tapas and Mediterranean flavors in the stylish heart of Ancoats, Manchester’s buzzing culinary hotspot.
Viet Shack Restaurant
2.4 km
Experience bold Vietnamese street food flavors and vibrant fusion dishes in the heart of Manchester’s creative Ancoats district.
Street Urchin
2.4 km
Bold British seafood and market dining in a modern, plant-filled space with warm service and inventive, seasonal dishes in Manchester’s Ancoats.
Tariff & Dale
2.7 km
Historic industrial charm meets modern British cuisine and inventive cocktails in Manchester’s vibrant Northern Quarter.
Turtle Bay Manchester Northern Quarter
2.7 km
Experience vibrant Caribbean flavors and lively island vibes in Manchester’s Northern Quarter at Turtle Bay.
Evuna NQ
2.8 km
Experience authentic Spanish tapas and vibrant hospitality in Manchester’s Northern Quarter at Evuna NQ, a lively hub for food, wine, and culture.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Crown HQ
2.1 km
Retro threads meet rhythmic beats in Ancoats' industrial gem—a vintage shop by day, dance haven after hours.
GRACIOUS APPARELS
2.2 km
Discover diverse fashion treasures in Ancoats: custom T-shirts, alterations, designer clothes, and more at this vibrant Manchester clothing hub.
HighMidLows
2.2 km
Uncover eclectic contemporary fashion in Ancoats' creative heart at HighMidLows, where unique local designs meet everyday style in a vibrant boutique setting.
Twisted Smile
2.3 km
Discover eclectic style at Twisted Smile, Ancoats' boutique beacon of unique apparel amid Manchester's creative revival. Curated finds and expert advice await in this urban fashion haven. (162 characters)
Urban Exchange
2.4 km
Manchester's Ancoats shopping hub where outlet deals meet industrial chic and canal-side revival.
The Norah Store
2.4 km
Boutique womenswear in Ancoats with a slow-fashion, carefully curated edit of rare and independent labels.
Ancoats General Store
2.5 km
A modern corner shop in Ancoats mixing everyday essentials with craft beers, vegan options, coffee and an in‑store post office.
Store Retail Group Ltd
2.5 km
Explore the vibrant retail scene in Ancoats, Manchester, at Store Retail Group Ltd, where local craftsmanship meets urban charm.
Bionic Seven
2.6 km
Discover expertly curated vintage menswear and unique streetwear styles at Bionic Seven, a Northern Quarter icon since 2003.
Form Lifestyle Store
2.6 km
Discover Manchester's hidden gem: a light-filled Grade II listed haven brimming with indie-crafted homewares, gifts, and creative workshops in the Northern Quarter.
Nordic Muse Lifestyle Store
2.7 km
A quietly curated Northern Quarter boutique for simple, well-crafted jewellery and Nordic-inspired homeware.
Kiku Boutique
2.7 km
Bespoke corsets and vintage lingerie in Manchester's Northern Quarter: handmade elegance that defies fast fashion.
Suzylovesmilo concept store
2.7 km
Discover unique vintage fashion and sustainable style at Suzylovesmilo, Manchester’s curated concept store blending Japanese influences with local creativity.
Annea Veleta
2.7 km
A curated, maker-focused gift boutique in Ancoats offering handcrafted homewares, stationery and tasteful Manchester-themed keepsakes.
Fred Aldous Ltd
2.7 km
Manchester’s vibrant, family-run arts and crafts emporium with 30,000 products, vintage photo booths, and a creative spirit spanning over 130 years.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
cask
2.1 km
Craft beer haven on Manchester's New Islington Marina, with canal views, games, and a relaxed vibe in trendy Ancoats.
blossom street SOCIAL
2.2 km
Chilled wine bar in Ancoats with vinyl vibes, bottle walls, and pop-up fine dining—where sophisticated sips meet casual social hours in Manchester's creative heart.
The Jane Eyre
2.4 km
Ancoats' inventive neighbourhood bar serving bold small plates, creative cocktails, and Sunday roasts in a buzzing industrial space—perfect for grazing and lingering.
The Edinburgh Castle Pub
2.4 km
Historic Ancoats boozer reborn: cosy Victorian pub vibes meet seasonal gastropub mastery and local brews in Manchester's industrial heart.
KERB
2.4 km
Intimate natural wine haven in Ancoats: curved peach walls, pet-nat sparklers, and expert tastings in a Scandi-style cocoon.
The Crown & Kettle
2.6 km
Grade II-listed Ancoats gem with a world-class tin ceiling, craft beer mastery, and cozy Victorian vibes—Manchester's perfect pub hybrid.
Bar Fringe
2.6 km
A cozy Northern Quarter bar with quirky charm, top Belgian beers, live music, and a welcoming vibe for relaxed socializing.
Hold Fast Bar
2.6 km
Dive into Manchester's Northern Quarter basement gem: nautical vibes, retro tiles, banging tunes, and chill nights at Hold Fast Bar.
The Fitzgerald
2.7 km
Velvet seats, craft cocktails and live jazz in a 1920s‑inspired Manchester speakeasy with a stage for cabaret and private hire.
7Sins, Northern Quarter
2.7 km
A vibrant basement bar and gaming hub in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, mixing cocktails, pool, arcade games, and dance club energy.
Mean Eyed Cat Bar Manchester
2.7 km
Dive into Manchester’s Northern Quarter for rebellious rock ’n’ roll vibes, free pizza, and legendary dice games at Mean Eyed Cat Bar.
Flok
2.7 km
Lively pub with excellent drinks and friendly vibes in the heart of Manchester’s Northern Quarter nightlife.
Behind Closed Doors
2.7 km
Descend into debauched delight at this Northern Quarter speakeasy, where retro telephones summon saucy cocktails amid erotic art, neon booths, and funky DJ beats until 4am.
Dusk Til Pawn
2.7 km
Secretive pawn-shop façade, intimate speakeasy interior and a menu of inventive cocktails in Manchester’s Northern Quarter.
Wilson's Social
2.7 km
All-day Northern Quarter hub: brunch by day, cocktails and beats by night in a multi-level party palace with pool, courtyard, and private den.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Family Friendly
- Fun-filled
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Nature Reserve
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
- Wildlife Habitat
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Family Friendly
- Photowalk
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
