Longford Park

Sarah-Clare Conlon, Literature Editor
longford park ben williams
Ben Williams

This public park was originally the home – then surrounded by countryside – of philanthropist Cottonopolis multi-millionaire John Rylands and his wide Enriqueta, who had the grand Gothic library on Deansgate built in his memory. Longford Hall, Rylands fine residence, was lamentably demolished by Trafford Council in 1995.

Longford Park is one of Manchester’s (well ok it’s in Trafford) nicest parks. Large green spaces lined by mature trees and some very pleasant well tended ornamental gardens make it a great place for a stroll.

The John Rylands Cottage houses the family-friendly Longford Café. They’ve long served great coffee, cakes and bread but now with added brunch and fancy stuff. Close by, you’ll find a volunteer run pets’ corner and a community allotment, a disc golf course, tennis courts, an enviable Athletics Stadium and a couple of very popular children’s playgrounds.

Longford Ave, StretfordManchesterM32 8QB View map
Telephone: 0161 478 2297 Visit Now

Admission Charges

Free entry, park open from dawn to dusk

Services and Facilities

Longford Athletics Stadium, Firswood Community Centre, Tennis Courts, Basketball Courts, Pets Corner, Bowling Greens, Junior and Senior Play Areas, Climbing Boulder, Longford Hall Gardens and Seating Area, Larry Sullivan Gardens and Seating Area, Wildlife Garden, Cafe, Public Toilets, Football Pitch

Opening Hours

  • MondayOpen 24 hours
  • TuesdayOpen 24 hours
  • WednesdayOpen 24 hours
  • ThursdayOpen 24 hours
  • FridayOpen 24 hours
  • SaturdayOpen 24 hours
  • SundayOpen 24 hours

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

What's on near Longford Park

Woman in yoga pose
ActivityManchester
Yoga Rave at Waterside Arts

Join qualified yoga teacher Hebe Reilly, and disco, funk & house DJ Misscothèque, for a morning yoga rave jam-packed with your fave tracks. Yoga Rave is a fun fusion of guided floor-based yoga moves and stretches (with accessible options available), free-style movement and dancing to a live DJ, before we come back together for a guided cool down and relaxation.

from £10.00
Refract Festival 2024 at Waterside
Until
FestivalsSale
Refract 24 at Waterside

Back for 2024, Trafford’s flagship arts festival returns to Waterside for six days of experiential performance and cultural delight.

Where to go near Longford Park

Chorlton Library on Manchester road in Chorlton
Chorlton
Library
Chorlton Library

This cornerstone of Chorlton life is a Carnegie library, listed building and the second busiest library in the city.

Chorlton
Bar or Pub
Into The Woods Chorlton

Delightful cafe, bar and restaurant in the heart of Chorlton. Wonderfully welcoming with a great range of food and drinks for all ages.

Chorlton
Restaurant
Tea Hive

Tea Hive is simply the best breakfast in Chorlton. Sure, there’s nice places along Beech Road and the many (many) bars dotted around the area make a pretty good fist of it, but Tea Hive reigns supreme.

Chorlton
Shop
Chorlton Bookshop

A family-run bookshop in Manchester’s bohemian suburb, Chorlton Bookshop is a haven of great titles and unknown gems.

Chorlton
Shop
Barbakan Delicatessen

Barbakan Deli is an award-winning, continental bakery in Chorlton, named after the historic gateway leading into the Old Town of Kraków in Poland.

Manchester
Bar or Pub
Henry C

Henry C is an intimate neighbourhood bar in Chorlton, serving up superb quality drinks.

Culture Guides

Rebecca Watson author photo
Literature Events in Manchester and the North

In between working out, then working through, your holiday reading pile this summer, find inspiration for your next bookish acquisitions from our selection of live events and exhibitions.