Heaton Park by John Lawrence Benson

Heaton Park

Heaton Park, located in Manchester, England, is one of the city’s most beloved and expansive green spaces. Covering over 600 acres, it is not only the largest park in Manchester but also one of the largest municipal parks in Europe. Heaton Park’s rich history and diverse range of attractions make it a popular destination for both locals and tourists.

The park dates back to the 18th century when it was originally a deer park for the wealthy Egerton family, who owned Heaton Hall, an elegant neoclassical mansion located within the park’s grounds. Today, Heaton Hall is a prominent feature of the park and is open to the public, allowing visitors to explore its stunning architecture and beautifully landscaped gardens.

Heaton Park offers a wide range of recreational activities for visitors of all ages. The park boasts a boating lake where you can hire rowboats, a vast playground for children, and numerous walking and cycling paths that wind through lush woodlands and open fields. Sports enthusiasts can enjoy facilities for tennis, golf, and football. Additionally, the park hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, including music concerts, outdoor theater productions, and food festivals, making it a vibrant hub of cultural activity.

One of Heaton Park’s standout features is its beautifully manicured gardens, including the ornamental gardens and the rhododendron-lined walkways, which burst into color during the spring and summer months. With its historical significance, natural beauty, and wealth of amenities, Heaton Park is a cherished green oasis in the heart of Manchester, providing a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll, a family day out, or a place to relax and enjoy nature, Heaton Park offers something for everyone, making it a true gem of Manchester.

The facade from Manchester old town hall was moved into the park in 1912. The old town hall was on corner of King Street Manchester, not far from Albert square where the latest Town Hall is.

The Old Town Hall Colonnade at Heaton Park

This colonnade originally formed the entrance facade of the old Manchester town hall in King Street built between 1822 and 1824. When the old town hall was demolished in 1912, the colonnade was moved to Heaton Park.

Sadly, sometime after SD8303 : Heaton Park - Town Hall Colonnade was taken, the four sandstone columns, joined by overhead stone blocks and including statues at both ends, were enclosed by security fencing because of safety concerns. Council representatives have said that the structure is fundamentally stable and not at risk of imminent collapse and that it is planned to carry out a restoration project to save and reopen the Heaton Park colonnade. However, when this photo was taken (2021), the colonnade has been fenced off for about 7 years; restoration will be complex and expensive.

The colonnade is Grade II-listed.

Created: 17  October  2023  Edited: 29  November  2023

The Old Facade of Manchester Town Hall at Heaton Park
Heaton Park Boating Lake
Lakeside Dining Domes at Heaton Park

Heaton Park Details

Heaton Park is a 108 metre high hill in Greater Manchester.

Heaton Park Information

Heaton Park Address

Middleton Rd, Manchester M25 2SW, UK

M25 2SW

Website: http://www.manchester.gov.uk/heatonpark

Get directions

Heaton Park Golf Centre Information

Heaton Park Golf Centre Address

Middleton Rd, Prestwich, Manchester M25 2SW, UK

M25 2SW

Website: http://www.heatonparkgolfclub.co.uk/

Get directions

Heaton Park Tramway Information

Heaton Park Tramway Address

Heaton Hall, Heaton Park, Prestwich, Bury M25 2SW,

M25 2SW

The Lakeside Café and Dining Domes, Heaton Park Information

The Lakeside Café and Dining Domes, Heaton Park Address

Middleton Rd, Prestwich, Manchester

M25 2SW

Website: http://www.heatonparkcafes.com/

Heaton Park Woodland

Heaton Park is a woodland area in Greater Manchester, managed by Manchester City Council.

Heaton Park map

Heaton Park UK Map