10 Best Outdoor Adventures in Manchester

Peak District National Park is an upland nature reserve in the Pennines composed of moorlands, mountains, limestone valleys and gorges, forests and many other types of diverse terrain. You can come here to see hundreds of varieties of plant life and for lots of opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife viewing. Here you can see creatures like the mountain hare, the only wild population in England of this species, as well as herds of red deer and feral red-necked wallabies. Bird species include grouse, dipper, mandarin duck, goosander and dozens of others.

You can take guided walks, hire a bike or explore on your own. It's just under an hour east of the city centre.

Manchester River Cruises allow you to get out on the waters of Manchester and see the city from an entirely different point of view with live entertainment, drinks and meals. Trips range from a boat to Old Trafford to evening cruises with some of the most romantic sunset views you'll ever see. You can even attend themed cruise nights featuring things like '90s dance music, Broadway tunes and impersonators of famed figures from Elvis to the Rat Pack and beyond. During the holidays, you can even take a cruise with Father Christmas and celebrate the season with the family.

The number of tours and options are nearly endless. You'll board just 20 minutes southwest of the city centre.

Heaton Park offers a wide range of fun and exciting activities for adults and kids alike from hiking, biking and boating to treetop adventures high above the ground. The Treetop Trek course lets you navigate a high rope course where you can climb, swing and glide over obstacles with balance beams, zip wires and other activities to get your pulse pounding. For a more serene experience, make your way to the Heaton Park boating lake, where you can hire canoes, kayaks and pedalos to get out on the waters and escape the hustle and bustle for a romantic and peaceful ride.

Adventures here abound for all ages from toddlers to seniors. It's only 30 minutes north of the city centre.

Sale Water Park is an expansive outdoor space offering a wide range of activities from water sports to serene walks, canoe and kayak hires, and dining. If you're not experienced in kayaking or canoeing, you can take lessons with an experienced guide at the onsite boat hire facility. To grab a light snack you can visit the cafe, or if you want a full-service family or romantic meal, grab a table at the onsite restaurant with gorgeous lakefront views for a date night. You can even go paddleboarding if you want, right along the canal.

Some of the activities require membership, but it's easy to sign up. It's only 25 minutes south of the city centre.

The Bridgewater Canal offers opportunities for exploration, outdoor adventure, excitement and a serene escape from civilization in the heart of Manchester. The canal runs right through the city, and the activities include boating tours, canoeing, kayaking and even paddleboarding with a membership to British Canoeing, which you can easily sign up for to enjoy the activity. If getting out on the water isn't your thing, you can stroll along the shores for a romantic walk with your beloved to enjoy all that Manchester has to offer.

The canal spans the Castlefield, Trafford, Salford and Worsley regions. You can get here with just a few minutes' travel from anywhere in the city.

Reddish Vale Country Park offers 161 hectares of green space and a designated local nature reserve area in the Tame Valley for hiking, biking, water sports, golfing and more. The opportunities here are nearly endless, with the Reddish Vale Golf Club directly adjacent to the park and the Reddish Vale Farm offering horse riding and a children's educational farm with meerkats and other attractions. The Trans Pennine Trail and the Tame Valley Walk are just 2 of the many hiking trails that pass through the park.

You can experience wildlife and plant viewing, and even see historic sites. It's a cherished recreational open space within the Greater Manchester region, 23 minutes southeast of the city centre.

The Pennine Bridleway National Trail is a fantastic 120-mile trail through the Derbyshire Peak District that's ideal for cycling, horse riding, hiking, relaxation and green space exploration. As you explore, you'll cross abandoned railroad tracks and stroll along quiet roadways through open fields covered with carpets of purple heather and endless moorlands for spectacular photogenic views. You'll also stroll along reservoirs and climb a towering hill with panoramic views of the surrounding Yorkshire region.

Several inns, pubs and cafes can be found along the route for a meal and drinks as well as taking a rest from the road. Many are even dog friendly. The trailhead can be found about 45 minutes east of the city centre.

Chorlton Water Park is a nature reserve in the Manchester city centre that is a favourite among locals for its lake, wildlife spotting and permanent ice cream van. You can even bring your dog with you as the park is entirely pet friendly. The central lake is great for boating and even fishing with a permit. For the little ones, there's a small pond they can dip into. One popular way to explore this park is to visit in the morning for fresh air and beautiful sunrise views.

This park is a gorgeous reserve with tons of species of birds, plants and animals and a peaceful, serene lake. It's a great place to relax and recharge your batteries.

Dovestone Reservoir offers a fantastic day out next to a national park with gorgeous countryside views, tons of hiking trails and wildlife viewing. You can enjoy orienteering, sailing, swimming in the open waters, cycling and even rock climbing. This is a true outdoorsman's paradise. Many people like to pack picnic lunches to make a full day out of their trip. Just be sure to wear comfortable shoes and prepare for surprise inclement weather. When it comes to wildlife viewing, watch for rare species like mountain hares and peregrine falcons.

No matter what kind of outdoor adventure you want, from serene waterfront walks to extreme adventures, you can find it here. It's 40 minutes northeast of the city centre.

Yorkshire Dales National Park offers over 2,100 square kilometres of untouched parkland and green space designated as an International Dark Sky Reserve and offering amazing stargazing opportunities. The park is located about 50 miles northeast of Manchester and attracts more than 4 million visitors annually. Aside from stargazing, the park offers hiking, cycling, waterfalls and even an onsite museum where you can explore the park's history. You can explore limestone hills, forested regions, endless pastures and many other nature features here.

A wealth of historic buildings and sites can be found throughout, making it a destination for historians and history buffs. Amenities include 5 visitor centres with all the information you need to enjoy its many features.