The great outdoors
Chorlton Water Park is Manchester's first designated local nature reserve. Set around a central lake, meandering paths lead into woodlands and wildflower meadows. Wythenshawe Park is set in 109 hectares of open parkland, with historic and ornamental woodlands, formal bedding, open grassland and wildflower meadows. Steeped in history, there are three Grade II Listed Buildings within the park - North Lodge, the Statue of Oliver Cromwell and Wythenshawe Hall.
Days out with the kids
Within Wythenshawe Park is Wythenshawe Community Farm, which offers kids the chance to learn about where food comes from, meet the animals, and see feeding time for the resident cows, sheep, goats, pigs, ducks and horses. Just down the road in central Manchester is the Museum of Science and Industry; its collection documents 250 years of discoveries and innovations that began in Manchester and went on to influence the world.
Shopping and restaurants
Burton Road is at the heart of West Didsbury, a bustling street lined with independent boutiques, shops, bars and restaurants with a young vibe. Didsbury Village is more traditional, home to more well-known brands, but still with a great choice of bars and eateries. And if these two distinct shopping areas aren't enough, shop till you drop at the Trafford Centre, Britain's largest indoor shopping centre with more than 200 different outlets.