Drinkwater Park

Please be aware instances of Giant Hogweed have been found at Drinkwater Park. Contact can cause burns to the skin which may require medical treatment. - Find out more

Visitor information

Drinkwater Park

Drinkwater is a great mixed woodland, popular with the local community for its wide network of paths

Situated in Greater Manchester, Drinkwater Park is home to a diverse mix of native woodland, open meadows and borders the River Irwell. It is connected by a superb network of paths making it the perfect location for a leisurely stroll, blood-pumping run or if you just want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

Formerly home to Irwell House, a Georgian mansion that was later turned into an isolation hospital, the park is full of a rich history. Keep your eyes peeled for part of the mansions foundations that can still be seen today!

The National Cycle Network 6 and the Irwell Sculpture Trail also run through the site.

At a glance

Walking
Cycling
Sculpture trail
Fishing
Horse riding
Dogs welcome

Things to do

Forest Find | Drinkwater Park

Whether you're a seasoned naturalist or enthusiast amateur it's easy to take part, just start recording wildlife on your next visit...

Download the free iNaturalist app before...

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Walking at Drinkwater Park

Walking in the woodland is the perfect way to get some fresh air and explore some of Manchester's natural landscapes.

Drinkwater Park is connected by a network of public paths...

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Nearby forests

Colliers Wood

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Horrocks Wood

A number of paths link together areas of open grassland and young woodland across this hillside site.

The young trees provide incredible displays in autumn, and at dusk you may...

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Rochdale Woodlands

Rochdale Woodland is a wildlife haven. Woodpeckers, dippers and kingfishers are regulars, along with many other species and wet grassland areas, providing a fantastic habitat for...

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Viridor Wood

Popular with walkers, cyclists and wildlife watchers, there is a network of over 5km of trails around the woodland, and visitors can enjoy the striking wooden viewpoint created by...

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