Pack up a picnic and relax in the sunshine at one of the city's stunning parks

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Manchester is basking in scorching sunshine this week which means everyone has shed their raincoats, put away their umbrellas (or turned them into parasols) and is slapping on the sun cream. There’s not a cloud to be seen and according to forecasters it’ll be hotter than Ibiza on Thursday - rather impressive for a city famous for its rain.

Make the most of the warm weather (while it lasts) with a visit to one of the amazing parks we have within the city. Whether you’re looking for somewhere to enjoy your lunch break away from the office, or a pleasant green spot for alfresco dining on a balmy evening, there’s plenty of parks to choose from.

There’s small but perfectly-formed gardens tucked away in the city centre, while if you head further out you can lose yourself in nature at one of the bigger parks. Spending time outside is a great way to boost your mood and clear your mind, leaving you more relaxed.

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Here are some of the best parks you can visit to enjoy the sunshine. If you’re planning a visit, make sure you bring plenty of water, wear sun cream and stay in the shade. Always take your litter home and be aware of others around you when playing music or games.

Tucked away behind Deansgate, St John’s Gardens is a hidden green oasis in the heart of the city. It’s full of beautiful flowers, trees and shrubs and feels like a world away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre.

The garden itself has an interesting history, it used to be the location of St John’s Church and graveyard until it was redeveloped in the 1930s. Today it’s the perfect spot for office workers to enjoy their lunch.

Just half an hour’s walk from the city centre, Peel Park sits on the banks of the River Irwell and offers an impressive stretch of green space. The park is composed of pretty flower beds, a vast expanse of lawn and paths which wind their way through the trees.

There’s a play area for kids and a path which runs alongside the river. There’s usually an ice cream van which pulls up so you can buy yourself a cool treat to enjoy in the sun.

Of course, no list of Manchester parks would be complete without mentioning Heaton Park. It’s the biggest park in the city so there’s no danger of not finding a picnic spot.

The park has a range of things to see and do, including a wooded area, boating lake and an animal centre. One thing which you must do is climb up to the temple, where you’ll be rewarded with breath taking views across the city.

This Victorian park originally opened in 1868 to provide a green space for workers. The park features a lake, tennis courts, cricket square and a football pitch.

Oval and curved pathways weave their way through the park in what was a ground-breaking design feature when it first opened. There’s also a children’s play area.

Take a walk through the botanical gardens at Fletcher Moss and it’s easy to see why this park is so popular. Follow paths as they twist and turn through the rockery, past stunning flowers and round a charming pond.

But there’s even more to explore at Fletcher Moss if you head deeper into the park. There’s a grassy area with picnic benches and woodland paths which lead you to the River Mersey.

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