St Michael's Flags & Angel Meadow Park: Manchester's Green Heart with a Storied Past
A historic green oasis in Manchester, where serene parkland meets the poignant legacy of 40,000 paupers buried beneath St Michael's Flags.
Nestled just northeast of Manchester city centre, St Michael's Flags & Angel Meadow Park is a tranquil 7.4-acre green space rich with history. Once a prosperous suburb, it became infamous during the Industrial Revolution as a densely packed slum and pauper burial ground for around 40,000 people. Today, the park offers peaceful pathways, historical markers, and a poignant reminder of Manchester's industrial and social transformation.
A brief summary to St Michael's Flags & Angel Meadow Park
- Old Mount St, Manchester, M4 4TF, GB
- +443409013271
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Visit the heritage information boards to learn about the park’s rich and complex history.
- Explore the Lowry Steps, famously depicted by artist L.S. Lowry in his paintings.
- Enjoy the peaceful green spaces and wildflower plantings, perfect for quiet reflection.
- Note that the park is open from dawn to dusk, offering a safe and tranquil environment during daylight hours.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Public Transport
Take Manchester Metrolink tram services to Victoria Station, approximately a 10-15 minute walk from the park. Frequent bus routes 24, 25, and 26 also serve nearby stops on Rochdale Road, with journeys from the city centre lasting 10-20 minutes. Tickets typically cost £2-£4.
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Taxi or Rideshare
A taxi or rideshare from Manchester city centre to St Michael's Flags & Angel Meadow Park takes around 5-10 minutes depending on traffic, with fares generally ranging from £5 to £10.
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Walking
From Manchester city centre, walking to the park takes approximately 20-30 minutes via mostly flat urban terrain. The route is accessible but includes some street crossings.
St Michael's Flags & Angel Meadow Park location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about St Michael's Flags & Angel Meadow Park
A Landscape of Transformation and Memory
St Michael's Flags & Angel Meadow Park occupies a significant place in Manchester’s urban fabric. Originally an affluent suburb in the late 18th century, the area transformed dramatically with the onset of the Industrial Revolution. The park spans approximately 7.4 acres on a slope between the River Irk and Rochdale Road, close to the city centre. The site was once home to St Michael and All Angels' Church, built in 1788, which served a growing population before its demolition in 1935. The adjacent land became Manchester’s largest pauper burial ground, where an estimated 40,000 poor and destitute individuals were interred in mass graves between 1788 and 1816.From Prosperity to Industrial Slum
Angel Meadow’s history is marked by stark contrasts. Initially a pastoral and prosperous neighborhood, it rapidly declined as Manchester’s industrial boom attracted waves of workers. Overcrowding, poverty, and poor sanitation defined the area, making it one of Victorian Britain’s most notorious slums. The grim conditions, rife with disease and crime, were famously documented by Friedrich Engels, who described the neighborhood as overwhelmed by putrefying matter and foul gases. The burial ground’s overuse led to the Burial Act of 1855, mandating the covering of graveyards with flagstones — giving rise to the name “St Michael’s Flags.”Regeneration and Green Space Revival
Following decades of decline, wartime bombings, and slum clearance acts, Angel Meadow underwent significant redevelopment. The original church was demolished, and the area was transformed into a public park. Since the early 2000s, community initiatives and funding have revitalized the park, installing solar-powered lighting, seating, wildflower planting, and informative heritage boards that narrate its complex past. The park now serves as a peaceful oasis amid Manchester’s bustling cityscape, blending natural beauty with deep historical resonance.Artistic and Cultural Significance
The park has also been a site for artistic expression, notably hosting Spencer Tunick’s 2010 installation "Everyday People." Excavations by Oxford Archaeology have uncovered remnants of 19th-century homes and businesses, connecting visitors with the layers of life once lived here. The park’s steps, known as the Lowry Steps, were immortalized in several works by L.S. Lowry, linking the space to Manchester’s rich cultural heritage.Visitor Experience and Atmosphere
Today, St Michael's Flags & Angel Meadow Park offers a serene environment with open green spaces, trees, and walking paths. Historical gravestones from the churchyard remain, providing tangible links to the past. The park’s location near the Green Quarter and Ancoats makes it a favored spot for locals and visitors seeking respite and reflection. Despite its tranquil appearance, the park’s history as a burial site and former slum imbues it with a poignant atmosphere, inviting contemplation of Manchester’s social evolution.Preserving History Amid Urban Growth
The story of Angel Meadow is one of resilience and regeneration. From a pastoral common to a densely populated industrial slum, and now a cherished green space, it encapsulates the broader narrative of Manchester’s growth. The park’s heritage boards and community efforts ensure that the memory of those buried and those who lived here is preserved, offering insight into the city’s complex past while providing a peaceful urban retreat for present and future generations.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Robert Owen Statue
0.5 km
Honoring Robert Owen, pioneer of social reform and the co-operative movement, through a striking statue in Manchester’s city heart.
Lowry Footbridge
0.7 km
A Victorian iron bridge immortalized in art, connecting Manchester's industrial past to its present.
The Undamaged Red Post Box
0.8 km
A resilient symbol of hope standing where devastation once reigned on Manchester's Corporation Street.
Murrays' Mill
0.8 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.
Statue of the Duke of Wellington
0.9 km
A commanding Victorian bronze statue in Piccadilly Gardens honoring the Duke of Wellington’s military valor and political legacy.
Dalton Entry
1.2 km
Discover Dalton Entry, a hidden Manchester alley honoring John Dalton’s atomic theory and scientific legacy through art and history.
John Bright Statue
1.2 km
A marble tribute in Albert Square honoring John Bright’s legacy as a champion of free trade and social reform in Victorian Manchester.
Mulberry Passage
1.2 km
Discover Mulberry Passage, a hidden Manchester alleyway celebrating John Dalton’s atomic theory through captivating art and historic charm.
Arch of Chinatown
1.2 km
Europe's only imperial Chinese arch, a stunning gateway to Manchester's vibrant multicultural heart.
Albert Memorial
1.2 km
A grand Victorian Gothic monument in Albert Square celebrating Prince Albert’s legacy through art, science, and culture.
Connaught Building
1.2 km
Discover the historic Connaught Building in Manchester, a captivating landmark reflecting the city’s rich architectural heritage and vibrant urban spirit.
Manchester City Council
1.2 km
Manchester City Council’s majestic Town Hall in Albert Square: a Victorian Neo-Gothic masterpiece and symbol of civic heritage.
Victory Over Blindness
1.3 km
A powerful bronze memorial at Manchester Piccadilly honoring WWI veterans blinded in battle, symbolizing resilience and solidarity at eye level.
St. Peter's Square
1.3 km
Manchester’s historic St Peter's Square blends rich heritage, iconic architecture, and vibrant urban life at the heart of the city centre.
Emmeline Pankhurst Statue
1.3 km
Discover the Emmeline Pankhurst Statue in Manchester, a powerful symbol of the women's suffrage movement and a celebration of gender equality.
Unmissable attractions to see
Band on the Wall
0.4 km
Historic Manchester music venue famed for intimate gigs, jazz roots, punk legacy, and a unique stage high on the wall.
AO Arena
0.5 km
Manchester’s largest indoor arena, AO Arena hosts world-class concerts, sports, and family events in a vibrant urban setting.
NQ Mural
0.5 km
Discover the vibrant NQ Mural, a colorful centerpiece of Manchester's Northern Quarter renowned for its dynamic street art and creative energy.
Manchester Craft and Design Centre
0.5 km
Discover handmade crafts, meet local artists, and enjoy artisan café culture in Manchester’s vibrant Northern Quarter.
National Football Museum
0.5 km
Explore the world’s greatest football collection and interactive exhibits in Manchester’s iconic National Football Museum.
Chetham's Library
0.6 km
Explore England’s oldest public library, a medieval architectural gem and historic hub of revolutionary ideas in Manchester’s heart.
Cathedral Gardens
0.6 km
A vibrant green oasis in Manchester’s medieval quarter, blending history, culture, and nature in the city centre.
The Makers Market
0.6 km
Discover Manchester’s creative pulse at The Makers Market, where artisan crafts, street food, and live music unite in the vibrant Northern Quarter.
Express Building
0.6 km
A timeless Streamline Moderne masterpiece blending historic print heritage with vibrant modern workspaces in the heart of Ancoats, Manchester.
Manchester Buddhist Centre
0.6 km
A serene urban sanctuary in Manchester’s Northern Quarter offering meditation, wellness, and a unique sober bar experience.
Hallé at St Michael's
0.6 km
Historic church transformed into a vibrant music and community venue in Manchester’s cultural heart of Ancoats.
Corn Exchange Manchester
0.7 km
A historic Manchester landmark blending global dining, unique entertainment, and vibrant social experiences in a stunning Edwardian setting.
SEVEN BRO7HERS BEERHOUSE Ancoats
0.7 km
Explore SEVEN BRO7HERS BEERHOUSE in Ancoats—where craft beer meets delicious food in a vibrant pub atmosphere.
Exchange Sq
0.7 km
Manchester’s bustling Exchange Square blends historic resilience with vibrant shopping, seasonal markets, and cultural buzz in the city centre.
Breakout Manchester Church Street
0.7 km
Experience thrilling, immersive escape rooms on Manchester’s Church Street with diverse themes and challenging puzzles for all skill levels.
Essential places to dine
The Sparrows Continental Pasta & Spätzle
0.2 km
Cozy railway-arch eatery in Manchester serving authentic handmade spätzle and Central European pasta with a lively, buzzy atmosphere.
TNQ - The Northern Quarter Restaurant & Bar
0.5 km
A beloved Northern Quarter gem serving seasonal British cuisine with award-winning roasts and warm, attentive service in a relaxed brasserie setting.
Trof Northern Quarter
0.5 km
A multi-level Northern Quarter gem serving hearty British comfort food, craft beers, and rare bourbons in a lively, rustic setting.
63 Degrees
0.5 km
Experience meticulous French cuisine and elegant dining in Manchester’s vibrant Northern Quarter at 63 Degrees.
Liquor and Burn
0.5 km
Experience bold Mexican street food and vibrant cocktails in Manchester’s artistic Northern Quarter at Luck Lust Liquor & Burn.
Yard & Coop Manchester
0.5 km
Savor the best buttermilk fried chicken in Manchester’s Northern Quarter with bold flavors, craft beers, and a lively atmosphere.
Almost Famous NQ
0.6 km
Bold, indulgent burgers and vibrant vibes in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, a must-visit for burger lovers and casual diners alike.
Cane & Grain
0.6 km
Discover Cane & Grain: where traditional American cuisine meets Manchester's vibrant nightlife scene in an unforgettable dining experience.
Sicilian NQ - Restaurant and Bar
0.6 km
Authentic Sicilian cuisine and vibrant bar life in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, famed for arancini and inclusive vegan options.
PUPA Restaurant & Bar
0.6 km
Authentic Mediterranean charcoal grill and vibrant atmosphere in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, perfect for steak lovers and lively dining.
Riva Blu Italian Restaurant & Bar, Manchester
0.6 km
Contemporary Italian dining with cocktails in Manchester's vibrant Corn Exchange.
Evuna NQ
0.6 km
Experience authentic Spanish tapas and vibrant hospitality in Manchester’s Northern Quarter at Evuna NQ, a lively hub for food, wine, and culture.
Turtle Bay Manchester Northern Quarter
0.7 km
Experience vibrant Caribbean flavors and lively island vibes in Manchester’s Northern Quarter at Turtle Bay.
Jimmy's Manchester
0.7 km
Discover Jimmy's Manchester: A lively bar serving delicious American BBQ and inventive cocktails in Ancoats.
The Counter House
0.7 km
A relaxed modern European restaurant in Manchester’s Ancoats, offering hearty comfort food with a healthy twist and excellent wine service.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Annea Veleta
0.2 km
A curated, maker-focused gift boutique in Ancoats offering handcrafted homewares, stationery and tasteful Manchester-themed keepsakes.
&made
0.5 km
Discover unique handmade gifts and artworks at &made, a creative studio in Manchester’s vibrant Northern Quarter craft hub.
Jessica6 Designs
0.5 km
Discover unique luxury gifts and local artistry at Jessica6 Designs within Manchester’s vibrant Craft & Design Centre.
Studio One - Jewellery, Craft, Gifts and Homewares
0.5 km
Discover exquisite handmade jewellery and crafts at Studio One, a vibrant artisan studio within Manchester’s historic Craft and Design Centre.
Nordic Muse Lifestyle Store
0.6 km
A quietly curated Northern Quarter boutique for simple, well-crafted jewellery and Nordic-inspired homeware.
Kiku Boutique
0.6 km
Bespoke corsets and vintage lingerie in Manchester's Northern Quarter: handmade elegance that defies fast fashion.
Deadstock General Store
0.6 km
Discover useful beauty at Deadstock General Store, where Liam Jackson curates high-end Japanese designs, artisan gifts, and tailoring in Manchester's Northern Quarter.
Hoot
0.6 km
Discover magical gifts and Harry Potter treasures at Hoot, a charming boutique nestled in Manchester Arndale’s vibrant shopping heart.
Form Lifestyle Store
0.6 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.
The Norah Store
0.6 km
Boutique womenswear in Ancoats with a slow-fashion, carefully curated edit of rare and independent labels.
GRACIOUS APPARELS
0.7 km
Discover diverse fashion treasures in Ancoats: custom T-shirts, alterations, designer clothes, and more at this vibrant Manchester clothing hub.
Amazonas Gifts
0.7 km
Discover unique gifts and souvenirs at Amazonas Gifts, nestled in the heart of Manchester Markets Piccadilly.
Suzylovesmilo concept store
0.7 km
Discover unique vintage fashion and sustainable style at Suzylovesmilo, Manchester’s curated concept store blending Japanese influences with local creativity.
Pop Boutique
0.7 km
Tucked into Oldham Street, Pop Boutique is Manchester’s well-curated vintage emporium for mid-century to 1990s fashion finds and eclectic accessories.
Store Retail Group Ltd
0.7 km
Explore the vibrant retail scene in Ancoats, Manchester, at Store Retail Group Ltd, where local craftsmanship meets urban charm.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Bar Fringe
0.5 km
A cozy Northern Quarter bar with quirky charm, top Belgian beers, live music, and a welcoming vibe for relaxed socializing.
The Crown & Kettle
0.5 km
Grade II-listed Ancoats gem with a world-class tin ceiling, craft beer mastery, and cozy Victorian vibes—Manchester's perfect pub hybrid.
The Washhouse
0.5 km
Step through a washing machine door into Manchester’s secret speakeasy, where inventive cocktails and quirky charm create an unforgettable night out.
Wolf at the Door
0.5 km
A vibrant Northern Quarter bar serving innovative tapas-style bao buns, craft cocktails, and a lively urban atmosphere.
Science And Industry
0.6 km
Sophisticated cocktails and a stylish vibe await you at Science and Industry, the first-floor bar of Cane & Grain in Manchester’s Northern Quarter.
Behind Closed Doors
0.6 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.
Mean Eyed Cat Bar Manchester
0.6 km
Dive into Manchester’s Northern Quarter for rebellious rock ’n’ roll vibes, free pizza, and legendary dice games at Mean Eyed Cat Bar.
KERB
0.7 km
Intimate natural wine haven in Ancoats: curved peach walls, pet-nat sparklers, and expert tastings in a Scandi-style cocoon.
Wilson's Social
0.7 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.
The Edinburgh Castle Pub
0.7 km
Historic Ancoats boozer reborn: cosy Victorian pub vibes meet seasonal gastropub mastery and local brews in Manchester's industrial heart.
The Daisy
0.7 km
Parisian subterranean cocktail haven in Manchester's Northern Quarter: eclectic vibes, masterful drinks, and weekend DJ magic beneath Evelyn's.
Night & Day Cafe
0.7 km
Manchester's intimate live music heartbeat in the Northern Quarter—where legends launched and nights ignite with raw indie energy.
7Sins, Northern Quarter
0.7 km
A vibrant basement bar and gaming hub in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, mixing cocktails, pool, arcade games, and dance club energy.
The Old Wellington
0.7 km
Step into The Old Wellington, a historic Manchester pub blending centuries-old charm with hearty ales and classic British fare in the city centre.
blossom street SOCIAL
0.7 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.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Cargo
0.6 km
Manchester's Printworks powerhouse: light-up dance floors, bottomless brunches, and non-stop beats until dawn in the city's nightlife epicenter.
Mint Lounge
0.7 km
Experience Manchester’s Northern Quarter nightlife at Mint Lounge, a lively club with eclectic music, affordable drinks, and an inclusive vibe.
Funkademia
0.7 km
Manchester's longest-running funk and soul night pulses at Mint Lounge in the Northern Quarter—dance to electric disco until dawn in an underground haven.
Bijou Club
0.7 km
Manchester's hidden riverside gem: celebrity vibes, secret garden terrace, and LED-lit beats in an exclusive Deansgate nightclub.
Aatma
0.7 km
Manchester's underground heartbeat: live beats, pizza slices, and all-night vibes in the Northern Quarter's hidden gem.
YDSA Events | Queer Clubbing
0.8 km
Dive into Manchester's most inclusive queer rave: grungy beats, diverse dancers, and unapologetic joy at YDSA Events in Ancoats.
Twenty Twenty Two
0.8 km
Manchester's gritty basement haven where ping pong battles rage under DJ beats and craft brews flow freely in the Northern Quarter's creative underbelly.
Hidden at Downtex Mill
0.9 km
Manchester's raw warehouse nightclub in a historic mill: underground beats, industrial grit, and all-night raves in Cheetham Hill's creative heart.
Club Liv Manchester
1.2 km
Experience Manchester’s vibrant nightlife with exclusive VIP vibes, world-class Pan-Asian dining, and a stylish rooftop terrace at Club Liv.
Satans Hollow
1.3 km
Manchester's infernal punk-rock abyss: demonic decor, dirt-cheap drinks, and mosh-pit mayhem for metalheads and rebels.
Club Tropicana
1.3 km
Dive into 1980s glamour at Manchester's premier gay nightclub, where drag, DJs, cocktails, and retro beats fuel the Gay Village's electric nightlife.
Venue Nightclub
1.4 km
Manchester's underground indie haven: cheap drinks, packed dance floors, and anthems till dawn in Deansgate's electric night scene.
42's
1.5 km
Manchester’s iconic indie nightclub blending rich musical heritage with a lively, inclusive nightlife experience.
History Nightclub
1.6 km
Experience Manchester’s lively hip hop and house beats at History Nightclub, a large, energetic venue open late into the night.
Royal Vida Night Club
1.6 km
Dive into Manchester's underground pulse at Royal Vida, where Castlefield's industrial shadows host thumping beats and endless nights from 11pm to 4am.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Relaxing
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Eco-Friendly
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Mindfulness
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Nature Escape
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
