If you're looking for a green space with real community spirit in Manchester, Alexandra Park is well worth a visit. With a fishing lake, sports facilities, playgrounds, a community orchard and a rich Victorian history, it's a park that has something for everyone.

Alexandra Park | Parks in Manchester

What to expect at Alexandra Park

• Fishing lake
• Four tennis courts with community coaching programme
• Cricket pitch with changing rooms
• Full-size football pitch with changing rooms
• Multi-use games area
• Children's playground and toddler play area
• Community orchard
• The Pavilion community and events space
• Five recreational running routes
• Community cycling sessions
• Large open green spaces for walking and relaxing

Alexandra Park in Manchester

Alexandra Park is one of Manchester's most characterful green spaces, sitting between the vibrant communities of Moss Side and Whalley Range, just off Princess Road. Covering 60 acres, it was opened to the public in 1870 and designed by Alexander Hennell, whose use of oval shapes and curved pathways gave the park a distinctive, experimental feel that set it apart from the more rigid Victorian landscapes of the time. It remains one of the city's most historically interesting parks, and a recently completed restoration has brought its original landscape and community facilities back to life.

Sports and activities

The park has four porous macadam tennis courts with a community coaching programme covering all ages, from tots through to adults, as well as social tennis sessions. There is also a club-standard cricket pitch used by several local teams competing in community leagues, a full-size football pitch, a multi-use games area for more informal play, and five marked running routes — three of which are linked to the Run England network. Women-only cycling sessions and bike maintenance workshops also take place regularly in the park.

The fishing lake

The park's fishing lake is a popular draw for anglers and a peaceful spot to sit and watch the water even if you're not there to fish. The angling community at Alexandra Park is well established, and the lake adds a lovely sense of calm to this corner of the park.

Play areas

Families with younger children are well catered for, with both a children's playground and a dedicated toddler play area within the park. Both are free to use and make Alexandra Park a solid choice for a family outing, with plenty of open green space nearby for running around and picnicking.

Community orchard and green space

The community orchard is a lovely feature of the park, part of a broader commitment to sustainability and community involvement that runs through everything Alexandra Park does. The park is supported by a network of active community groups covering wildlife, heritage, arts, photography and education, all of which help to keep the park a lively and engaging place to spend time.

The Pavilion

The Pavilion serves as a hub for community events and activities within the park. It's available for bookings and regularly hosts a range of events throughout the year — check the park website for the latest news and what's on.

Important information

• Opening times: open every day from dawn to dusk
• Address: Alexandra Park, Moss Side, Manchester
• Sports facility bookings: email info@alexparkmanchester.org
• General enquiries: 0161 868 0861

Find out more: www.alexandraparkmanchester.org

Photo credit: https://www.alexandraparkmanchester.org