Clifton Country Park

Clifton Country Park offers woodland walks, lakeside trails, industrial heritage, wildlife and a welcoming visitor centre café — all within easy reach of the city.

Clifton Country Park | Parks in Salford

What to expect at Clifton Country Park

• 48 hectares of open woodland, meadows and lakeside walks

• Way-marked trails for distance and accessibility

• Children's play area and climbing boulder

• Fishing lake and riverside paths

• Sculpture trail and orienteering course

• Arboretum

• Designated bridleway and cycle route

• Remnants of the historic Wet Earth Colliery

• Visitor centre with dog-friendly café

• Picnic areas and open green space

• Free car parking on site

• Park rangers and an active Friends group

• Green Flag Award holder and designated Local Nature Reserve

Clifton Country Park in Salford

Clifton Country Park is a 48-hectare green space situated in the Irwell Valley in Salford, offering a remarkable mix of natural landscape, wildlife habitat and industrial heritage within easy reach of the city centre. The park was designated a Local Nature Reserve in 2005 and has held the prestigious Green Flag Award for a number of years, reflecting the high standard of its upkeep and the breadth of what it offers visitors.

Woodland, meadows and water

The park encompasses acres of open woodland and wildflower meadows alongside a lake and stretches of riverside, making it an ideal destination for walking, wildlife watching and simply enjoying the outdoors. A network of way-marked trails is available for visitors of all abilities, clearly marked for both distance and accessibility, so it is easy to plan a route that suits the whole group.

Industrial heritage

Clifton Country Park is home to the well-preserved industrial remains of the Wet Earth Colliery, one of the first deep mines to be sunk in the Irwell Valley, established around 1740. The colliery's hidden remnants are scattered throughout the landscape and offer a fascinating glimpse into the area's working past, sitting in striking contrast to the natural beauty of the surrounding countryside.

Family-friendly facilities

The park is a popular destination for families, with a children's play area, a climbing boulder and plenty of open space for picnics and outdoor play. The on-site visitor centre is home to a dog-friendly café serving refreshments daily, making it a practical and welcoming base for a full day out.

Events, education and volunteering

The Salford Ranger Team runs a wide programme of events, activities and volunteering opportunities throughout the year, welcoming visitors of all ages and interests. Schools and community groups are actively encouraged to use the site, and a range of outdoor educational activities can be tailored to different needs and age groups by contacting the Ranger Team in advance. The park also has an established user group forum, open to anyone with an interest in the park, which meets regularly at the visitor centre.

Important information

• Opening times: Park open 24 hours daily (pedestrian access). Café and toilets open daily 9.30am–3.30pm

• Address: Clifton House Road, Clifton, Salford, M27 6NG

• Admission: Free

• Parking: Free car park on site

• Facilities: Café, toilets, visitor centre, play area, climbing boulder, fishing, orienteering, sculpture trail, arboretum, bridleway and cycle route

• Transport: Number 22 bus (Bolton to Stockport) — stop opposite Clifton Cricket Ground

• Group and school visits: Contact the Ranger Team at rangers@salford.gov.uk

Find out more: Salford City Council — Clifton Country Park

Photo credit: https://www.salford.gov.uk/parks-and-open-spaces/salford-parks/clifton-country-park