Holiday rentals in Higher Blackley

Located just five miles from the hurlyburly of Greater Manchester’s city centre, Higher Blackley features many of the finest green spaces in the region. Once a rural village to the north of the city, it became engulfed by Manchester’s urban spread during a building boom in the 1930s. But it still retains a distinctly village feel and features natural wonders such as Blackley Forest, Boggart Hole Clough, and Heaton Park, one of the largest parks in Europe. In fact, you can enjoy three completely different types of green space (forest, meadow, and urban country park), all in one day. The streets around Higher Blackley are a cosmopolitan mix of independent shops and restaurants featuring cuisines from around the world, so there’ll be something suitable for every taste.

With the metropolis of Manchester right on Higher Blackley’s doorstep, there are innumerable events and attractions occurring all year round, meaning a visit at any time of the year is sure to have its draws. The area is not exactly known for its balmy Caribbean-style climate, but if you’re particularly averse to rain then October, November, and December are the wettest months. But in spring, summer, and autumn you’ll encounter the beauty of Higher Blackley’s green spaces in all their glory, not to mention that the autumnal scurry through the fallen leaves of Blackley Forest is a particular delight. Heaton Park has many one-off events throughout the year, including major rock concerts as well as the Lightopia festival, celebrating the wonders of light in all its incarnations, during the winter months.

Heaton Park

You’ll need to set aside plenty of time to explore every corner of historic Heaton Park, which covers an area of more than 600 acres. There’s something for just about everyone, with a Tram Museum, the Neoclassical 18th-century Heaton Hall, a boating lake, farm, funfair, golf course, cafes, and much more. The park plays host to a variety of individual recitals and seasonally themed events throughout the year.

Blackley Forest

This is Manchester’s first true community forest, built in the 1950s to help the population escape the pollution of the city. With the River Irk bordering two sides, it’s hard to believe that the city is just a few miles away. You’ll find woodland trails, guided nature walks, and fishing offered on site. This is a great place to simply forest bathe and forget your troubles.

Boggart Hole Clough

If you like your tranquility to be tinged with terror, then Boggart Hole Clough is considered one of the most haunted sites in Manchester. It’s a wonderful country park that covers more than 170 acres of woodland, with sports facilities and a boating lake.