Science and Industry Museum
Working steam engines, the story of Cottonopolis, and hands-on galleries in the world's oldest surviving passenger railway station. Free, and the live demonstrations are the bit kids actually remember.
Mayfield Park
Manchester, Greater Manchester
A 6.5 acre park a short walk from Piccadilly station, and the city's first new park in more than a century. The River Medlock has been brought back to the surface and the park is built around it: planting, lawns and a play yard with six slides woven around the water. It is free and open every day from 5am until 9pm.
For a city centre day with small children it solves the eternal problem of where they can run. The toilets next to the play yard are accessible and include a baby changing unit. Bring your own snacks and treat it as the half hour that buys you a calm afternoon.
What it costs: Free.
Know before you go
- The Boardman Gate entrance on Baring Street is the main way in. It is a short walk from Piccadilly station, so it works as the reward at the end of a train trip into town.
- Dogs are welcome in the park but not in the play yard.
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What visitors say
★★★★★ 4.8 across 808 Google reviews.
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