Queen's Park, Heywood

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Queen's Park is a wonderful place to visit, open 24 hours, 7 days a week. This is a haven in the city, open to all and free to visit.



The park has a rich and impressive history. When wealthy merchant Martin J Newhouse died in 1873 without making a will his estate reverted to Queen Victoria. The Queen decided to give money to the people of Heywood who decided to create a park for the local community. The layout was designed by the Queen's gardeners with local people helping to build the bandstand, cafe and fountain. There is a real royal history behind the park.



One of the most stunning features of the park is the boating lake, which was not an original feature. It was added after World War I and dug out by local men in the area. A government grant was used to fund the project which gave unemployed men work. Unemployment was high in the Heywood area after the war so it was an important initiative. The lake is a great place for walkers to explore. It is beautiful all year and provides a great space for the orienteering courses which take place in the park.



Queen's Park has wetland and wildlife areas and a wildlife walk for visitors to enjoy. The lake and river bank are areas of special biological interest. Herons live on the island in the lake and sand martins, kingfishers, goosanders, tufted ducks and grebes can all be found near the lake and surrounding areas at different times throughout the year. This is the perfect place to spot some wildlife and there are bird walks taking place throughout the year, which you can join.



With so much to see and do in the park you'll want to make a day of it. So why not visit the cafe which is open daily from 10am. There is also a visitors centre where you can learn more about the park's history, find out about events taking place and enjoy the audio visual display. The park warden is available to give information about events that take place at the park. As a space that was created for the community it still has its community roots, with amazing activities for local residents and visitors to get involved with.



Visitors to the park can enjoy the dedicated toddlers' play area, tennis courts, bowling greens, outdoor gym and events area. This is one park that really does have it all. With a free car park, toilets, a cafe and visitors centre you have all the amenities you need. What's more, it's a secure site with with an on-site warden, making this a safe, family friendly place to visit. It is one of the many beautiful parks around Manchester which are great to visit. Walkers, joggers, cyclists and day-trippers can enjoy the space and take in the beautiful park which has royal roots.

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