Bramhall Park is situated in Bramhall, Greater Manchester. Known for it’s fabulous 14th century timber framed Hall and fantastic woodland walks it has so much to offer. On a sunny day you can get wonderful views of the tutor style black and white Hall from anywhere in the park, or in winter the Hall can look so pretty and magical covered in snow.
On arrival
The park can be accessed on foot by several entrances – just off Bramhall roundabout, or on Bramhall Park Road, or off Carwood road. The main entrance for cars though is off Hall Road. There are two pay and display car parks with several spaces. There are also a few surrounding residential roads for free parking – but be warned these can get busy and please respect people’s driveways.
Fun for the kids
Bramhall park has two play areas and lots of grassy areas for children to have a good run around or play ball games. The adventure playground is suitable for 9s and under and has a number of slides, swings and climbing frames.
Just outside of the younger play area there is a larger climbing frame for older children. There are also toilets situated about 5 minutes from the playground – which is also good to know for those little emergencies!
Woodland walk
There are several paths you can take around the park and most do a loop round. The paths are great because they are wide and suitable for pushchairs, scooters or bikes. There’s also a few bridges which are good for exploring off the main paths.
Our kids love climbing the trees and hunting for the fox, badger and rabbit holes or flying a kite. There’s even a bug house to see near the main playground. Running through the park is a stream called The Ladybrook – there are areas to paddle in the stream but please be careful as there is a current and it is deep in parts. Wellies are definitely recommended on autumn and winter days – in fact part of the fun is exploring the woodland and jumping in the mud!!
The Hall
The Hall, one of the most beautiful treasures of England, is of great national importance. The magnificent 16th Century wall paintings, striking Elizabethan plaster ceiling, the Victorian Kitchens and Servants’ Quarters give this Hall its unique charm. Visits to the Hall are available throughout set days of the week (see website for details and pricing). These can be guided or self-guided and usually take about 1.5hours. There is also a coach park for larger group visits, and the Hall also offers weddings. The Hall has a number of events throughout the year – one of my favourite times of year is visiting Santa there! Due to current Covid restrictions unfortunately the Hall is closed until further notice.
Duck ponds
As you come down from the main hall there are several duck ponds – please beware that it’s very easy for toddlers to fall into these…and we know from experience as my nephew was one of them! Please always watch smaller children. The ponds have lots of wildlife surrounding them and lots of very hungry ducks! There’s also a fishing pond but check signs for further information on where to fish.
Facilities
There is a lovely café called The Stables within the main grounds which serves a selection of hot and cold drinks, sandwiches, hot meals and cakes. However, now due to Covid restrictions it is a takeaway option only and no hot food is being served. When we visited it was busy and there was a queue, but this moved quickly, and it was very well organised with good social distancing in place. We are hoping the takeaway option stays for the future!
Picnic areas
With lots of picnic benches and single benches dotted around there’s plenty of places to sit and have your picnic. The main lawn is also large and on a summers day is filled with picnic rugs and picnic baskets….I may have also experienced sitting with some of my oldest friends on a sunny day sipping prosecco, having a natter and admiring the view from here!
Highly recommended for all ages
Bramhall Park is a favourite of ours – and every time we go, we seem to spot different things! It has so much charm, and character and it’s one of those places where you can visit at lots of different times of the year – whether that be with the family, with the grandchildren, walking the dog, running (it is home to Parkrun!) catching up with a friend or just taking in some ‘me time’, after every trip we always leave smiling so it’s well worth adding to your list for a visit!
