The ‘lush’ Greater Manchester park with a ‘serene lake’ hidden in a housing estate
One visitor said it's the 'perfect setting for a peaceful escape from the city's hustle and bustle'
Across Greater Manchester are dozens of tiny parks and green spaces. They can be found hidden behind high streets and tucked away from main roads.
Often known only to those in the local area, these green oases provide a chance to reconnect with nature and enjoy a tranquil moment or two outside of work and school.
One of these spaces is Clowes Park in Salford, merged with Broughton Park. Nestled inside a housing estate only a short walk away from Bury New Road, it features a children’s play area, outdoor gym, lush green trees and surprisingly for a park of this size, a small lake.
It’s a place which feels a world away from the busyness of Bury New Road and is a haven for wildlife, with birds such as ducks, geese and swans drawn to the water.
One regular visitor, Luke H, wrote on Google: “I absolutely love this small park with a serene lake. It's a hidden gem in our neighborhood. The lush green surroundings and the tranquil lake create the perfect setting for a peaceful escape from the city's hustle and bustle.
“It's a great spot for a leisurely walk, a family picnic, or simply unwinding with a book. The view of the lake is breathtaking, especially during sunsets. A must-visit for nature lovers.”
Another reviewer, Kate Maund, wrote: “It’s a lovely place to visit” while Marsha Aitkens said: “Nice family park - I liked it because of the central lake and it's tucked within a residential estate. Cute.”
Clowes park is the historical site of Broughton Hall, a former manor house which belonged to notable local families the Chethams and the Stanleys. It was then passed to the Clowes family through marriage in the late 18th century.
The grounds originally included a large lake, boat house and most likely a kitchen garden. Today the manor house is long gone, but the lake remains giving visitors a flavour of what this place was like years ago.
Community projects regularly take place in the park to improve and enhance it. This month a new outdoor gym opened up for visitors to use.
Tulips are also blooming which were planted over the last 18 months with the help of the RHS. The park is also home to the Life for a Life memorial forest, which opened in 2016 with the purpose of memorial tree planting.
Clowes Park is wheelchair and pram friendly. It is open 24 hours a day. Fishing is not allowed in the lake.
New Hall Road, M7 4HS