Things to Do Around Heaton Park for Parklife Festival-Goers
Heading to Parklife at Heaton Park? Beyond the music, this corner of north Manchester offers plenty of local flavor to enjoy during your downtime. Heaton Park sits on the edge of Prestwich, a leafy suburb known for its green space, blossoming food and drink scene, and easy tram links. Every summer tens of thousands flock here to party at Parklife, but there’s more to explore just minutes from the festival gates.
Chill Out in the Park
If you’re looking to relax before the beats kick in, you won’t even have to leave the park. Heaton Park is one of the UK’s largest urban parks and has a bit of everything – beautiful gardens, a boating lake, miniature golf, even friendly Highland cattle grazing in the fields. Stroll up to the hilltop Temple (a tiny rotunda on Manchester’s highest point) for panoramic views or seek out the heritage tramway museum for a quirky slice of history.
The park’s cozy cafés (try the Lakeside Café by the water or the rustic Stables Café) are perfect for a morning coffee amidst the greenery. For the more adventurous, Heaton Park now even boasts an aerial adventure course: Zip World’s high ropes and zip-lines let you fly through the trees on site - an exhilarating way to start your day if you’ve got energy to spare.
Local Bites and Sights in Prestwich
When it’s time to fuel up, wander into Prestwich Village, just outside the park (a quick walk or tram stop away). This up-and-coming neighborhood has plenty of tasty options. Grab brunch at All The Shapes, a laid-back café known for hearty breakfasts and creative evening bites with a Mexican twist. Another favorite is Prestwich Social, an all-day café-bar where you can dig into a lazy weekend breakfast or even a bottomless brunch with cocktails. Craving something quick and local? You’re in the right place - Prestwich is home to one of the UK’s top chip shops, Chips @ No.8, renowned for its proper chippy tea.
Between meals, take a little time to explore the area’s local gems. Check out the street art, including a mural of The Fall’s frontman Mark E. Smith on Clifton Road, a tribute to the music legend who lived and made music here. The high street isn’t touristy (that’s part of its charm), but you’ll find indie shops and friendly locals who might point you toward their favorite pub or café.
Low-Key Nightlife Nearby
If you’re not ready to call it a night after the festival, you don’t have to venture far for a wind-down drink. Prestwich has a relaxed but fun nightlife scene with pubs and bars ideal for festivalgoers. The Crooked Man is a friendly neighborhood bar pouring excellent craft ales – and often spinning some tunes on weekends with guest DJs. Just down the road, Cuckoo serves up creative cocktails and wood-fired pizzas in a twinkling back garden setting, perfect for kicking back al fresco. For a more traditional vibe, The Church Inn is a cozy historic pub beloved for its real ales and warm welcome - an ideal spot to swap Parklife stories over a pint of local brew.
From peaceful park vistas to hearty local eats and hidden-gem bars, the Heaton Park area has something for every festivalgoer. Best of all, everything is close by, so you can enjoy a taste of Manchester’s local scene without straying far from the music. Make the most of your Parklife weekend by soaking up the friendly, down-to-earth atmosphere around Heaton Park – you might discover a new favorite hangout while you’re at it!
