Outdoor
Spaces &
Activities

Military Gatherings on the Heath
Military Gathering at Knutsford Heath (Outside Hooked on the Heath)

Discover Knutsford Heath

Knutsford Heath is a diverse reserve featuring a mosaic of habitats, including broadleaved woodland, scrub, heathland, and grassland. The central heathland area is characterised by heather, wavy hair grass, and common bent, with young heather in its pioneer stage showing signs of colonisation. An area of bare, sandy ground supports this growth, while a large stand of European gorse encroaches from the south and west. The reserve’s dry, semi-natural broadleaved woodland is dominated by English oak, sessile oak, and silver birch, with a dense understory of willow, elder, and rowan. In more open areas, wavy-hair grass, red fescue, rosebay willowherb, and bramble thrive.

A great space for walking your dog, a gentle jog or just clear your head after a busy day with a stroll around this wonderful space.

Royal May Day Festival
Every year, on the first Saturday in May, Knutsford hosts the Royal May Day Festival. Dating back to 1864, the festival features a procession through the town to the Heath, culminating in the crowning of the May Queen, accompanied by music, dancing, and Maypole dancing. The festival gained popularity with the arrival of the railway in 1862 and was honoured with the title “Royal” after a visit from the Prince and Princess of Wales in 1887. The May Day weekend also includes one of the UK’s largest travelling funfairs on the Heath.

Visit the Knutsford Royal May Day website

Horse Racing
Knutsford Heath has a rich history of horse racing, spanning over 200 years. The annual race meeting was renowned for attracting a brilliant assemblage of nobility and gentry, surpassing even Chester. In 1865, a grandstand was opened by the Knutsford Grandstand Company, aiming to draw visitors arriving by train. However, racing ended in 1873 when Lord Egerton refused further use of the Heath.

Visit the Tabley Races website

Discover Barncroft and Wallwood

Wallwood
Wallwood is a charming, triangular area of greenery located opposite St Vincent de Paul Catholic Church and the entrance to Tatton Park. This mature wooded area features benches where visitors can sit and relax, making it an ideal spot for a quiet lunch in the sun. Wallwood is popular with local office workers, businesses, and dog walkers. It also houses a bug hotel, adding to its appeal as a peaceful retreat amidst nature.


Barncroft
Barncroft is a hidden gem situated behind St Cross Church in Mobberley. This small area of parkland offers a tranquil oasis away from the town’s hustle and bustle. Known to locals as a less crowded spot for walking their dogs, Barncroft becomes especially enchanting in the summer months when it features a wildflower meadow. This meadow attracts butterflies and a myriad of other insects, creating a vibrant and picturesque scene. Additionally, Barncroft has a set of goalposts, making it a perfect place for children to play and burn off some energy.

Both Wallwood and Barncroft provide serene environments for relaxation and recreation, whether you’re looking for a peaceful lunch spot, a scenic dog walk, or a place for the kids to play. Explore these quiet oases and enjoy the natural beauty they offer.

Discover The Moor

The Moor offers a green and pleasant escape from the tightly enclosed streets of historic Knutsford. This serene site features open grass and tree areas, situated alongside the tranquil waters and reed beds at the southern tip of Tatton Mere. It provides a perfect setting for relaxation and recreation for both visitors and residents.

The Moor is particularly popular for its children’s playground, making it an ideal spot for families. The combination of natural beauty and a peaceful atmosphere ensures that everyone can enjoy a break from the hustle and bustle of town life. Visitors can stroll along the grassy expanses, enjoy a picnic under the trees, or simply sit and take in the views of the water and surrounding greenery.

This charming location also offers opportunities for wildlife watching, with the reed beds providing a habitat for various bird species. The Moor’s accessibility and appeal to all ages make it a cherished part of Knutsford’s outdoor spaces.

Whether you’re seeking a leisurely walk, a fun day out with the kids, or a moment of tranquility, The Moor provides a refreshing and picturesque retreat in the heart of Knutsford.

Discover the Cross Town
Community Orchard

The Cross Town Community Orchard is an open-to-all green space where the local community maintains and shares the bounty of a thriving orchard. It’s a place where you can grab an apple on the way to school or pick some plums to make your own jam!

This community orchard consists of 38 fruit trees, including a variety of apples (both dessert and cooking), pears, cherries, plums, greengages, and quinces. In addition to these fruit trees, we’ve planted a selection of ‘wild harvest’ shrubs such as elderberry, hazelnut, and crab apple.

The orchard is a vibrant space cared for and enjoyed by the community. It’s a place where you can pick a pear for a snack or collect apples for a homemade pie. We encourage everyone to partake in the harvest and enjoy the fruits of our collective labour.

We hold a monthly volunteering day on the last Sunday of each month from 10am to 12pm. We welcome anyone to join us in maintaining and improving the orchard. Whether you have just half an hour or more to spare, every contribution is greatly appreciated.

Come along and be part of this wonderful community initiative, helping to keep the orchard flourishing and creating a space for everyone to enjoy.

Visit the Crosstown Community Orchard website

Crosstown Community Orchard
Crosstown Community Orchard Team
Birds of Prey of Knutsford
Gauntlet Birds of Prey Meet and Greet

Discover Gauntlet Birds of Prey

Gauntlet Birds of Prey offers a thrilling and immersive experience for wildlife enthusiasts. Located in Knutsford, Cheshire, the park has been home to over 180 birds from 50 different species since its establishment in 1996. As the largest collection in the North West of England and a proud member of BIAZA (The British & Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums), it promises a memorable visit.

Visitors are greeted by an impressive array of birds from every continent (excluding Antarctica), including owls, eagles, vultures, falcons, hawks, and unusual species like the Marabou Stork and Red-legged Seriema. The park hosts magnificent flying demonstrations, informative vulture talks, and engaging meet-and-greet sessions, ensuring something for everyone.

The main goal of Gauntlet Birds of Prey is to raise awareness about birds of prey, their habitats, and conservation needs. The park features educational programmes, such as the Young Falconer’s Club, Owls by Moonlight, and various Birds of Prey Experiences, where visitors can interact closely with these majestic creatures.

Conservation and education are central to Gauntlet’s mission. The park educates thousands of children annually and supports conservation projects through the Gauntlet Conservation Trust. The educational team also visits schools and youth groups across Cheshire and Manchester, sharing the wonders of these birds.

For an unforgettable day out, Gauntlet Birds of Prey combines excitement, education, and conservation, offering a unique insight into the world of these incredible birds.

www.gauntletbirdsofprey.co.uk