Stockport Air Raid Shelters
A labyrinth of tunnels carved under the town centre that sheltered thousands in the Blitz, explored with a self-guided audio tour. Atmospheric in the best way for 7-and-ups.
Etherow Country Park
Stockport, Greater Manchester
One of the first country parks in Britain, designated back in 1968, and 240 acres of it wrap around the old mill village of Compstall. For children the point is the water: the lake and channels are heaving with ducks, geese and swans, and the flat main path runs right along it. Over 100 bird species have been recorded here, though your lot will mostly be interested in the loud ones.
Entry is free and the only cost is the pay and display car park. The cafe by the visitor centre does the honours afterwards. A model boat club sails on the water and anglers work the edges, both by club membership, so there is usually something happening to watch. Beyond the lake the woodland paths climb properly, which suits older legs and walks off a Sunday lunch.
Know before you go
- The cafe, toilets and visitor centre all sit by the car park, so the walk starts and finishes somewhere useful.
- Free motorised wheelchairs can be borrowed for visitors who need them - book through the visitor centre, especially at weekends.
Looking for more parks & outdoors near Stockport?
Also in Stockport
Lyme Park
A proper deer park on the edge of the Peaks: 1,400 acres, a herd of red deer, the Crow Wood adventure playground, and the house from the BBC's Pride and Prejudice.
Reddish Vale Farm
A proper small farm park tucked into the Tame valley on Stockport's edge: cows, goats, shire horses and alpacas, zip wires outside and a play area under cover for when it rains. Book online, the gate price is higher.
Bramall Hall & Park
A black and white Tudor manor house sitting in around 60 acres of parkland with woods, brooks and lakes. The park costs nothing, under 16s go into the hall free, and all-day parking is £3.
Hat Works Museum
The UK's only museum of hats and hatting, back open after a four-year refurbishment. The galleries are free and you can try hats on; the Victorian factory floor is a £7.50 guided tour. An hour well spent, not a full day.