The Fletcher Moss Botanical Garden is a famous tourist attraction in Manchester, England. A former President of the Lancashire and Cheshire Antiquarian Society, Alderman Fletcher Moss, named the park after him. Manchester received this park in 1915 as a gift from Alderman Fletcher Moss.
Alderman Fletcher Moss was a philanthropist who died in the year 1919. He was known for promoting the welfare of people through his generous self. He lived in The Old Parsonage house by a Church in Stenner Woods lane.
Fletcher Moss Gardens are located South of Manchester in Didsbury. The garden is in a perfect location where people can access it without much difficulty.
This nature’s beauty is just a stone’s throw away from the lively neighborhood and is believed to be the most tranquil spot in the region. The historic of this garden is an attraction for locals as well as tourists in the UK.
Everything you Need to Know
This gardens in Manchester city offer some of the most exquisite nature views in the whole of England. There are many things to experience at this place. Here, they have three different but interconnected areas.
- Fletcher Moss Park and the Botanical Gardens
- Parsonage Gardens
- Astonishing Natural Reserve of Stenner Woods, the River Mersey, and the Millgate Fields.
Parsonage Gardens and Fletcher Moss Gardens are available to the public for free all year. The scenic park has been running as a botanical garden with plenty of evergreen trees, a grouping of extravagant flowers, and walk-through passages that allow the people of Manchester to explore every part of the gardens.
This pleasant park carefully protects the marvelous Rock Garden from other elements. The main garden sits on a South-facing slope as a shelter. Apart from the Rock Garden, there are tons of other things to be explored.
There are numerous other beautiful things around to discover like mini waterfalls, cherry blossoms, huge palm trees, and a giant rhubarb floating in a pond. The Giant Rhubarb is also known as Gunnera Manicata.
Wander around the park freely and you shall be pleased to see a tremendous picturesque setting, with some backdrops making it look like an absolutely different world. Take a walk under an arch filled with drooping, yet beautiful purple flowers. Capture the cherry blossom trees and take a stroll through a framed path of giant looming trees by the River Mersey.
In addition to the eye-catching flowers and trees, Fletcher Moss Gardens are also home to wildlife and wildflowers. Birds and little mammals are seen in the park with a bird feeding area and a Bug Hotel.
As mentioned, there is no entry fee and the visitors are allowed to take a walk around the park. Bless your eyes and soul with the beauty of nature around the River Mersey too. It is a peaceful place with everything to behold and explore. With family and friends’ company, you are in for a fabulous experience at these gardens.
Important Information About History
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) was founded in Fletcher Moss Park in 1889. Emily Williamson, who lived in The Croft was unhappy with the sheer killing of birds for the plumage. She organized a meeting and put forth her disagreement with the exploitation of birds. Hence, a Plumage League was formed.
This meeting was attended by a relative of Emily, Professor Melissa Bateman, and Jeff Smith, the local MP. The group achieved success and eventually merged with The Fur, Fin, and Feather Folk in Croydon which eventually led to the forming of the Royal Society for Protection of Birds in the UK.
Why You Should Consider Visiting The Fletcher Moss Botanical Garden
Fletcher Moss Park is filled with heavenly flora. Alderman Fletcher Moss wanted to elate the people of Manchester, UK by gifting this place. And thus, this 21-acre park fascinates people with its botanical beauty, antiquated and unusual plants, and flowers.
Several original features have been retained at this park, like The Rock And Heather Gardens, and The Alpine House just next to Fletcher Moss. Both these features offer a stupendously excellent experience to the visitors.
There are 9 incredible activities you must explore while visiting this garden.
1. Monday Health Walk
On Mondays, at Fletcher Moss Park you will witness a health walk. In addition, during the Mersey Valley Walk season, longer walks are held every fortnight.
This is a famous walk mainly due to the lively atmosphere. It is always supported by refreshments like tea, coffee, and a conversation with others.
Not only this, the walks are assisted by the Health Promotion Group (NHS) and Manchester City Council, because walking is the most effective and powerful way to stay healthy.
2. Tennis Court
If you wish to play tennis, then you are welcome to do so. The authorities will be extremely helpful in assuring a fun experience for you. Sessions are held regularly at tennis courts and you can take the coaching classes as well.
For people aged above 50, coaching sessions are conducted on Thursdays from 2 to 4 PM and for all others, on Saturdays (at the same time). The motive is to make everyone play and enjoy their hearts out.
3. Fun Walking
Walk along the River Mersey, through Stenner Woods, and around Millgate Fields. A better part of the area is a Local Nature Reserve (LNR) and wildlife also to explore.
You might find it difficult to find your way around at first but eventually, you will get on the right path, and trust me, it is fun! Also, there is a map that can assist you. Here is the map of Fletcher Moss Park and Millgate Fields.
4. Nature Trail
A stone’s throw from the great Hay Meadow and the Health Walk area, Stenner Woods offers Nature Trails through the woods, along Stenner Lane. To get detailed information, you can check out the Visitor Centre (where free WiFi is available) in The Croft (off Millgate Lane).
The beauty of nature can be seen everywhere in Fletcher Moss Park. Different species of birds are seen in summer and winter at this park. There are multiple trees, wonderful plants, and wildflowers. You will also find insects like butterflies and dragonflies in summer.
The garden has a rich variety of ornamental trees and shrubs. Also, Chusan Palms, Tulip Trees, Mulberry, Dawn Redwood, and other conifers are seen within the gardens.
5. Access For Disabled
There are two disabled parking spaces in the Millgate Lane car park. A gate next to the car park allows easy access to it after entering the park.
Here, there are smooth paths where wheelchairs and pushchairs are accessible and suitable for use. A steeper incline at the park guides you to the cafe and leads up to Wilmslow Road.
Even if you park at The Didsbury pub’s car park, you can access the Wilmslow Road entrance. If you eat or drink at the pub, you can redeem your parking fee of £2.
However, The Rock Garden is not for people who use wheelchairs as there are inconvenient slopes and steps that a wheelchair might face.
Parsonage Gardens might be smaller comparatively but you can use wheelchairs here. You can enter either through the Eagle Gate near Ye Olde Cock Inn by parking at The Didsbury pub or from the Stenner Lane entrance. The Old Parsonage also has fine-quality toilets for disabled ones.
6. Wellbeeing Garden
The extra ‘e’ in this word is put on purpose. The old grass tennis courts have been debated for several years. It was eventually decided to make use of this place and turn it into a Wellbeeing Garden.
The reason behind an extra ‘e’ is that the authorities would not only prepare this for the wellbeing of people but also the wellbeing of bees and other insects.
This plot of land has been allotted a grant of £15,500 from the Government’s ‘Pocket Parks’ initiative to convert a part of the old tennis courts into a Wellbeeing Garden. It is focused on being salubrious and welcoming to everyone.
This is specifically meant for people who are suffering from physical and mental issues. According to the authorities, these individuals would gain confidence through close interaction with nature and peace.
7. The Alpine Tea Room
Located in an amazing area, surrounded by gardens, this cafe is a lovely place to spend time with some heavenly views of the garden.
After a walk along the River Mersey and gardens, if you are looking for some refreshments, this place will provide everything you might need. From tea, and coffee to vegan salad, snacks, cakes, ice creams, and alcoholic drinks, you will find everything here. Other than that, the menu includes Giant Hot Dogs, Wraps, Pork, and Steak.
You can settle inside or outside, at your convenience. I suggest you spend time here with your family or friends after taking a good walk in the park. Also, wheelchair access is easy at this spot.
8. The Friends Group
“The Friends of Fletcher Moss Park and Parsonage Gardens Group” was formed in 2006 to protect the garden area from developers, easy cuts to funding, and damage due to carelessness. Another objective is to create some sense of ownership by local people and tourists who valued their time spent at Fletcher Moss Park.
Since the formation of this group, these people have worked closely with the Manchester City Council and the Mersey Valley Warden Service. Their main motto is to set priorities for maintaining and uplifting the park’s values. They provide volunteers for work as and when required.
Apart from these, they also raise funds for several projects by applications to grant-awarding bodies. This is a group that believes in making a difference.
To become one of the members of this group, you have to pay a small amount of £5.00 per annum. You can take the membership form available in the places like The Café at Fletcher Moss Gardens, The Visitors Centre at Fletcher Moss Gardens, The Old Parsonage, or The Alpine House in Parsonage Gardens.
The building which had the orchids is now The Alpine House. Specifically, because there always used to be alpines in the gardens.
9. Restaurants Nearby
If you are looking for proper meals, these are some of the best restaurants to satisfy your cravings around this park, Wilmslow Road.
Jajoo Indian street food
This is an authentic Indian cuisine near the botanical gardens. They offer supreme quality Indian food like Daal, Prawn Curry, Tacos, Lamb Chops, Curries, Indian Wine, and other chicken stuff.
This restaurant serves delicately spiced food including the choicest flavors cooked with perfection. Visit the place for a beautiful Indian cuisine experience.
Baity Palestinian kitchen
This is a Middle-Eastern restaurant with traditional and modern Palestinian dishes in Manchester, UK. They don’t serve alcohol but the variety of Arabic food will blow you away.
Traditional dishes include Kibbeh, Hummus, Lamb, Bakhlava Sweets, Falafel, Salad, Lentil Soup, Kunafa, and other Palestinian food.
This Arabic Palestinian restaurant will not disappoint you for sure. Enjoy the food of your choice with incredible staff service.
Expo lounge
This is a nice little getaway kind of place around the botanical gardens. They have a beautiful terrace with big windows that provide a fine view of the botanical gardens and Wilmslow road.
This was once a furniture shop, later turned into a lounge. They offer a great range of food and drinks in a very relaxed and comfy atmosphere.
The menu includes a Veggie breakfast, Burgers, Sandwiches, Salad, Puddings, Cakes, and other mains. All in all, you will have a fine dining experience with a lovely atmosphere.
Conclusion
The activities carried out in the park just increase the beauty of these botanical gardens. You can visit the park during any time of the year, and yet the tranquility remains the same throughout all seasons.
Located in the heart of this country, the residents of the UK are very closely attached to this park in Manchester. These gardens are said to be the favorite local spot on a holiday. As we know, it is important to have parks around as they improve the quality of air, provide habitat for wildlife, and provide a space for children and families to sit around and connect.
This place is not only known for its natural beauty and environmental benefits, but it also offers ample space for enthusiasts to work out, jog around, or just sit and feel the calmness of this place.
This is a must-visit place if you are in the UK right now or planning to visit the country soon. The Fletcher Moss Botanical Garden stands among the top Manchester attractions and you should not miss out on taking a look around the park.
Take a break from the daily hustles and bustles of life and visit the botanical gardens with your loved ones. Spend the day appreciating nature’s beauty, participate in activities that you like and fulfill your mid-day or evening cravings at the cafe or any restaurant of your choice.
Now that you know everything about this park, also have a look at 9 Irresistible Fun Outdoor Activities In London—You Must Go For
If you are aware of the park and have got any concerns to raise over the issues in gardens or its management, please contact Manchester City Council at parks@manchester.gov.uk.
The Manchester City Council will be glad to hear from you and provide assistance with the same.
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