Manchester’s historic Heaton Park, located in the Northern part of the city, is one of the largest municipal parks in Europe, covering over 600 acres of landscapes. It's a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, offering a perfect blend of nature, history, and events like concerts, festivals and sporting events. Whether you're looking to spend a relaxing day outdoors, attend a gig, or explore the park's history, Heaton Park has something for everyone.
In this article, we will guide you on how to get to Heaton Park, how to find parking in the area, while also covering directions, entry fees and more.
What is Heaton Park?
The park is located in the Prestwich area of Greater Manchester, just a few miles north of the city centre. The park is a significant green space in Manchester, featuring gardens, rolling hills, woodlands, and lakes. At the heart of the park lies Heaton Hall, an 18th-century neoclassical country house that adds a touch of historical charm to the surroundings.
Heaton Park is not just about natural beauty; it also offers various recreational facilities, including a boating lake, animal centre, golf course, adventure playground, and numerous walking and cycling paths. The park is a popular spot for family outings, picnics, and outdoor sports.
What types of events are held at Heaton Park?
The venue is renowned for hosting a wide range of events throughout the year, making it a popular spot for locals and tourists to visit. Some of the most popular events held at the park include:
- Music festivals and concerts: Famous for hosting large-scale music festivals, the park attracts thousands of visitors on a single evening. The park has been the venue for events like Parklife Festival, hosting world-class acts from all genres like the Wu-Tang Clan, Becky Hill, Calvin Harris and many others.
- Seasonal events: During holidays like Easter, Halloween, and Christmas, Heaton Park hosts themed events and activities that cater to families and children. These events often include fun fairs, light displays, craft markets, and more.
- Sports events: The expansive grounds of Heaton Park are perfect for hosting various sports events, such as charity runs, cycling events, and football matches. The park's extensive network of paths and open spaces makes it a great venue for outdoor sports.
- Cultural and community events: Heaton Park is also a site for cultural celebrations, community fairs, and food festivals, showcasing the rich diversity of Manchester. These events bring together people from different backgrounds and offer a taste of local and international cultures.
Is entry free to Heaton Park?
Yes, entry to Heaton Park is free for everyone on non-event days. Visitors can enjoy exploring the walking trails, gardens, and general park facilities without any admission fee. However, certain attractions within the park, such as the animal centre, the boating lake, or guided tours of Heaton Hall may have separate charges.
For special events, you’ll need to check the official website for admission fees. Most concerts or festivals will require a ticket to be purchased.
How much does parking cost at Heaton Park?
For regular day visits, there are select car parks located at Sheepfoot Lane, St. Margaret's Road, and the Hall Car Park, each with pay and display payment systems starting at £1.50 per hour.
Event days are a different story. For example, with the recent announcement that Oasis chose Heaton Park as one of their 2025 reunion tour venues — with an expected 80,000 people for each night the band is playing — car park capacity is going to be an issue. We strongly recommend booking a parking space ahead of time in the area to avoid the stress of not being able to secure a space or over-paying for pop-up car parks that often leave cars unsecured and congested. These spaces are often in a verified neighbour's driveway or garage, or through an official car park that allows for reservations. The venue itself has suggested people will struggle to find parking for festivals happening this year.
On top of being a less stressful experience, pre-booking parking can also save you money. Spaces in the area start as low as £1 per hour, and you have the option to filter for things like CCTV, a covered garage or you can add protection insurance if you’re in a particularly busy area.
There are designated disabled parking spaces available at Heaton Park, and Blue Badge holders can park free of charge. These spaces are conveniently located near the main attractions and entrances to ensure easy access.
Directions to Heaton Park
Heaton Park is well-connected by various modes of transport, making it accessible to visitors from Manchester and beyond. The postcode used to navigate to Heaton Park should be M25 2SW, although make sure to check if you’re visiting a specific section of the park like the animal centre or boating lake as directions could change slightly.
Here’s how you can get to Heaton Park:
By car
Heaton Park is easily accessible by car from Manchester city centre and other nearby locations. The park is located near the M60 motorway, which encircles Greater Manchester, making it convenient for visitors travelling from different directions. Here are the driving directions:
- From Manchester City Center: Take the A56 (Bury New Road) northbound. Follow signs for Heaton Park, and you will reach the park’s main entrance via Sheepfoot Lane or St. Margaret's Road.
- From M60 Motorway: Exit at Junction 19 for Heaton Park. Follow the A576 (Middleton Road) signs towards Heaton Park. The park's main entrance will be on your left.
- Parking tip: Use the Sheepfoot Lane entrance for the main car park, which is close to many of the park's attractions, or use St. Margaret's Road for additional parking options.
By public transport
Heaton Park is well-served by public transport, making it easy to reach for those who prefer not to drive. Here are the options:
- By tram: The Heaton Park tram stop is located on the Manchester Metrolink Bury Line, providing direct tram services from Manchester city centre. Trams run frequently, and the journey takes about 20 minutes from the city centre.
- By bus: Several bus routes connect Heaton Park to different parts of Manchester. The 135 bus route is one of the most convenient options, running from Manchester Piccadilly Gardens to Bury and stopping near Heaton Park.
- By train: The nearest train station to Heaton Park is Manchester Victoria. From there, visitors can take a tram on the Bury Line to Heaton Park or use local bus services.
By cycling
The park is easily accessible via dedicated cycling routes. The park is connected to the Greater Manchester Cycleway, which provides safe and scenic cycling paths leading to the park. Cyclists can enter the park through designated entrances, and bike racks are available for securing bicycles. Cycling to Heaton Park is not only environmentally friendly but also a great way to enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
