Beautiful Greater Manchester Park with a boating lake to visit when it’s sunny

You can’t beat a visit to the park when the weather is nice. Fortunately, when it comes to parks, gardens and green spaces, Greater Manchester has plenty of choice.

Each one offers something different and Alexandra Park in Oldham is no exception. Situated on the edge of the city centre, this beautiful park dates back to the Victorian era with charming old-fashioned features.

The main focal point is the tranquil boating lake overlooking a gorgeous boat, which today houses a cafe. Take a relaxing stroll around the lake for boating and keep your eyes peeled for the waterfowl that call it home.

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The lake is not the only historical feature in the park. It also has an impressive greenhouse consisting of three greenhouses, housing a wide range of indoor plants. Throughout the park are beds of colorful flowers that are in full bloom during the summer months.

There is an ornate public shelter called the “Lion’s Den” that provides a shady spot. In addition to the magnificent Victorian buildings, the park has seven free tennis courts, three bowling alleys, a children’s play area and a sand pit. There is also play equipment for disabled children.

The idea to create a park in Oldham came about in the early 1860s when the textile industry suffered during the Lancashire Cotton Famine. The supply of cotton was cut off from the US and as a result unemployment increased in the city as the mills could not operate. One of the schemes launched in response to the crisis was the creation of Alexandra Park.

Unemployed laborers were hired to build the park which was officially opened in August 1865. It was named to commemorate the marriage of Albert, Prince of Wales, to Alexandra of Denmark.

Although it fell into disrepair in the 1990s, it was refurbished after Oldham Council secured funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund. Today, the park boasts numerous facilities, appealing to all ages.

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