The award-winning Greater Manchester park with formal gardens, wildflower meadow and more

Greater Manchester is basking in glorious weather this week, with plenty of sunshine on the cards and temperatures reaching the late 20s. After a rather depressing start to the summer with chilly conditions and lots of rain, it would be rude not to make the most of it.

While day trips are great during the summer, especially when the kids are off school, sometimes it's nice to stay a little closer to home. Luckily the region is home to a number of parks and green spaces, which are perfect for a sunny stroll or a picnic in a shady spot.

For those who are still at work, local parks are great to head to on a lunch break, or for an evening walk at the end of the day. Among one of Greater Manchester’s prettiest green spaces is Denehurst Park in Rochdale.

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The park, which has been awarded a Green Flag, features a beautiful formal garden with colourful beds, a wildflower area, a fruit orchard and more. Originally gardens belonging to Denehurst House, it was donated to the town in 1932 by Samuel Tuner in memory of his father Alderman Robert Turner.

It has recently undergone a major renovation project which saw several elements of the park upgraded. The formal garden has been refurbished while the stumpery, a magical Victorian-style garden similar to a rockery but created with pieces of wood instead, has been developed.

There’s lots to explore, including an orchard and a wildflower area. You can follow several trails through the park, which encompasses six hectares in total.

Kids won’t be bored at Denehurst Park either. There’s a fun pirate-themed play area for children which allows their imagination to run wild. Dotted around the park are