The Victorian park with a boating lake, cafe and some of Greater Manchester’s best autumn scenery

It has some incredible displays of autumn colour

September is in full swing and it’s certainly starting to feel a little more autumnal. The weather is changeable, the evenings are growing darker and coffee shops are serving up pumpkin-inspired drinks.

As we settle into the season nature will put on spectacular displays as trees are transformed with autumn colour. Lush green leaves will be replaced with every shade of yellow, orange, red and gold as they prepare to shed their leaves for winter.

You can catch these colourful scenes in parks and woodlands across Greater Manchester, creating the perfect backdrop for an autumn walk. If you’re looking for some of the best displays in the region, then we’ve got just the right place for you.

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Alexandra Park in Oldham is a popular place to visit all year round thanks to its wide paths, picturesque boating lake and Victorian features. But during the autumn months it’s particularly special.

The vast variety of trees at the park results in huge variety of autumn colour, from bright yellows and golds to burning reds and browns. What makes it even more special is that the park’s lake and pond act like mirrors, reflecting back the amazing colours.

There are plenty of paths to follow which take in the gorgeous autumn scenery, including one which takes you through Donnelly’s Hollow, a wooded valley which feels a world away from the formal park. Close to the park are several areas of clough woodland, located to the south east, and there are marked paths which lead you to Snipe Clough and Brushes Clough.

As well as the spectacular autumn scenery, the park is home to several striking features which hark back to its Victorian roots. This includes the huge boating lake which is overlooked by the boathouse, now a cafe.

Another feature to look out for is the ‘Lion’s Den’, an ornate public shelter which forms a focal point at the end of a promenade. Visitors can also explore the park’s ornamental gardens and herbaceous borders, as well as tennis courts, bowling greens and a kids’ play area.