Explore a scenic lakeside Local Nature Reserve with woodland walks, a playground for young children, and coarse fishing opportunities.

Chorlton Water Park is a Local Nature Reserve that sits on the former site of Barlow Hall Farm, created when gravel excavation during the M60 motorway construction in the 1970s left a pit that was subsequently flooded. The park now features a beautiful lake at its heart, surrounded by grasslands and woodlands, offering visitors a peaceful natural escape within Manchester. The venue provides excellent facilities for families, including a small playground suitable for children aged 12 and under, picnic benches for leisurely outdoor meals, and a network of accessible paths that wind through the park. The accessible pathways make it easy for pushchairs and mobility aids to navigate the grounds. A car park is available for visitor convenience. Beyond family activities, Chorlton Water Park caters to fishing enthusiasts with coarse fishing available on the lake; day and season tickets can be obtained from Chorlton Carp Anglers. However, swimming is strictly prohibited. The park is open from dawn to dusk, making it an ideal destination for families seeking free outdoor recreation, nature exploration, and peaceful walks. The Friends of Chorlton Water Park group regularly organises events and welcomes new members keen to get involved with the community.

Venue Details

What this place offers

Toilets

Public transport nearby

Accessible toilets

Free WiFi

Baby changing facilities

Food available

On-site parking

🐕Dog-friendly

Parking nearby

Pushchair friendly

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Short mucker

a month ago

It's a lovely place for a walk or run, the path is a huge ring which makes for a pleasant stroll with out worrying about making your way back. There's usually food and drink vans there and there's a kids play area a short walk from the car park. There is a steep hill to the path from the car park although I do think there is a longer more accessible path to the side.

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Steph O'Reilly

2 months ago

Nice little place and walk and see some nature. Lovely to see the animals in the nature enjoying the sun too 😎 Nice little cafe and the ice cream van is reasonable price too. Great that the parking is free!

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Stephen Gately

3 months ago

Great to get out into the outdoors it would be nice to have more refreshments facilities, a bird watching shelter or some other activities.

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William Gosling

3 months ago

Didn't stay too long, rainy and windy, walked around ,many people walking or running,was expecting to see more birds,ducks even squirrel but not very lucky,very green, enjoy to see the Mersey river passing, managed to take a few pictures of swans,a few ducks,I will be back in a sunny day for walk other side,needed to use the toilet,this is the negative, not very clean,need an update. Didn't use the cafe,must be more invited on sunny days.Really enjoyed.

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Stacey day

9 months ago

Actually a lovely place for a stroll, fish or sit with nature for a while. Small park half way round. Plenty of parking Lovely cafe near the front, so can stroll with a nice warm drink on these winter days. Dog friendly.

Reviews last updated: 6 October 2026