Best Dog Parks in Manchester

Manchester's flagship park — 240 hectares of woodland, open lawns, ornamental gardens, and the historic Heaton Hall. Off-leash use is the norm on the open lawns and the back-of-park trails; a leash is required around the cafés, the boating lake play area, and inside the Animal Centre. Tram from the city centre stops at Heaton Park station, a five-minute walk from the main gate.

A 90-acre estate of woodland, water gardens, and meadows along the Mersey in leafy Didsbury. Dogs on leash are welcome on every path; off-leash is tolerated on the back meadows and the riverside path along the Mersey. The botanical alpine garden has its own small fenced section that excludes pets, but the rest of the estate is fully dog-welcoming.

A 109-hectare park on the south side of the city, with a designated off-leash zone, dog-friendly trails, and free parking. Bag dispensers along the main paths, no entry fees, and the Wythenshawe Hall café in the centre that allows dogs on its outdoor terrace. The park is reached by bus 41 from Piccadilly Gardens.