Parsonage Gardens

On Unilocal I mentioned that vast, multi-​acre beast that is Heaton Park. If you can’t bear to travel that far for greenery and perhaps suffer from severe agoraphobia, you might be more comfortable in Parsonage Gardens.
This tiny, adorable and gated park lies just behind Kendal’s and Stitches to the right of Revolution. It’s delightful. When I worked a hellish retail job at House of Fraser, this was my go-​to in the summer months when I’d brought a packed lunch. I’d spend a tranquil hour sat on one of the benches, realising that practically everybody in there between the hours of 12−2pm was a member of staff at Kendal’s too. It’s a great place to read a book, while away the hours and completely relax. I find that if you get completely overwhelmed on Deansgate with its office hustle and bustle, this is a fantastic little calm oasis to escape to.
The only things surrounding Parsonage Gardens are a few office buildings and some apartments which overlook it. I’ve never found it to be crowded despite its size, merely dotted with individuals up for some short-​term chillaxing. It’s so small that I wouldn’t recommend it for dog-​walking or jogging. You’d have to encircle it at least twenty times to even count it as exercise. But for a peaceful spot to eat lunch, cuddle up with a loved one or reflect on one’s life, I’d say pull up a bench, gaze at the pretty trees and let the relaxation wash over you.

Parsonage Green is a really small square of grass that sits just off Deansgate. It’s the perfect spot to come and grab some lunchtime sun and benefits from being just off the main roads, which means that it’s not too loud or noisy around here.