Wythenshawe Park, Manchester

Perhaps it was wrong season or maybe it was the day after Wythenshawe’s Park large free bonfire event and funfair yet we found this place fairly ordinary and were glad we hadn’t made special trip to get there. Admittedly it’s a great green space located in the middle of a densely populated and urban area, and you can’t knock the Park if it’s your local. We visited on an early Sunday afternoon, and were greeted with a one pound charge for parking in a public park? Located on the opposite side of the car park is the children’s play area that is very spacious but needs refreshing. A slap of paint, repairs to some of the equipment and possibly a revamp would improve this area. The playground did amuse our children for a good hour so maybe I shouldn’t complain. The urban farm is located next door and possibly again the weather meant that some animals were hibernating. We only saw a couple of pigs, cows and a Shetland pony. For some unknown reason to us the farm has large doors on all the cattle pens so you have to lift your children up for them to see the animals. The hand wash area was not open and we had to use the toilets. We also couldn’t locate where the café was and resorted to a cold ice cream from the van. We’d only come back to the park on a Summer’s day if we were in the area. The park is flat and very large and for that reason is great for pushchairs, bikes and scooters.

we regularly pop down to wythenshawe park for an afternoon out. the car park is very conviently located close to both the community farm and the playground. the playground is large secure and safe, with a selection of activities to challenge my more adventurous children. the community farm is nice, the little farm shop reasonably priced and the access to the animals perfect for inquiring little minds. my children enjoy the walled garden area with chickens roaming free, a community allotment and a wishing well in which to drop stones down. the walled garden is completely secure and usually almost empty, so the boys get a good run around and a nice chunk of freedom. on a nice day my 3 & 4 year olds can spend upto 3 hours running around wythenshawe park and as a parent i feel comfortable and happy that the area is clean, safe and appropriate for their needs. we'll be back there once summer arrives

We went for a day of fresh air to the park and it was great. Wythenshawe Hall was beautiful and would be fabulous for an event. The kids went on the play area which was nic eand safe and we then headed over to the courtyard tea rooms for a cake and drink. We sat outside and it was lovely. They offer horse riding and treks which i would of loved to do but the girls are just to young at the moment. We visited the community farm and they had a brass band playing which gave off a nice atmosphere. The facilities are fine. There are two lots of toilets and and a car park. The girls found it easy to ride their bikes on the smooth paths so would be great for wheelchairs. We will difinatley go again.