The beautiful garden hidden from view named the most 'peaceful' spot in Greater Manchester

Peace and tranquillity are not words you might immediately reach for when looking to describe a busy and bustling city. But even within built-up, urban settings, there are often pockets for a moment of reflection and quiet.

And while we all have our favourite spots, a new report from Earth.fm, a website which lets you listen to nature sounds from all over the world, has revealed some of the most tranquil spots in the city and across Greater Manchester.

It follows the music listening site’s report which named Manchester as the sixth noisiest city in the UK. From this, a guide to the ‘noisiest’ cities in the United States, UK and mainland Europe has been compiled, alongside locations where it’s possible to escape the hustle and bustle.

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In terms of the methodology at play, those selected as serene places to escape the noise are considered to be ‘quiet’, ‘peaceful’, or ‘relaxing’ by the people who visit to them, and each has been given a ‘Quiet Score’. Crucially, the higher the score the more peaceful the place.

Fletcher Moss Gardens in Didsbury

Here is Manchester, the ten most peaceful places have been revealed, encompassing everything from botanical gardens and walking roots to canal towpaths. Topping the list, with the highest quiet score is Fletcher Moss Park & Botanical Gardens in Didsbury.

The gardens and park is known for its beautiful blooms in spring and summer, but also its fiery display of orange and red leaves come autumn. Tucked between the southern end of Didsbury and the River Mersey, those not familiar with the park may not spot it from the main through, but once discovered it is clear why it is considered to be an oasis amongst the urban sprawl.

The park is named after Alderman Fletcher Moss, who donated the park to the city of Manchester in 1915. It is both a park and wildlife habitat, but also features facilities including tennis courts, sports pitches and a cafe and ice cream parlour.

Split into two areas, the first is a garden area featuring a rockery, pond and tiny waterfall, as well as a huge variety of shrubs and trees. Then the gardens give way to the park itself, featuring a rose garden, grassy areas and a woodland walk which leads you to the River Mersey.

Fletcher Moss Botanical Gardens in Didsbury

Following behind Fletcher Moss are Manchester Ship Canal and Sackville Gardens in second and third place respectively.

In the case of the Ship Canal, the 36-mile-long canal was constructed in 1887 to link ocean vessels to Manchester from the Irish Sea. It can be best enjoyed from various footpaths running along different sections of the canal.

Also featuring on the list are Hulme Community Centre, a unique community-led project established 20 years ago which offers a range of wellbeing services through volunteer sessions. Anyone can drop in a enjoy the peaceful space, open seven days a week.

Heaton Park, the biggest park in the North West also makes the cut and features a range of activities and amenities including play areas, cafes, an animal centre, a tram Museum, bowling greens, a golf course and a tranquil boating lake.

The large woodland and urban country park, Boggart Hole Clough is also deemed to be a quite place amongst the hustle and bustle, alongside the Fallowfield Loop, an urban route that takes visitors from Chorlton-cum-Hardy to Fairfield. Surprisingly in the centre of Manchester, Piccadilly Gardens, a main thoroughfare of the city is also considered to be a peaceful and quiet spot.

The top 14 best-rated quiet spots in Greater Manchester

1. Fletcher Moss Park & Botanical Gardens
2. Manchester Ship Canal
3. Sackville Gardens
4. Hulme Community Garden Centre
5. Parsonage Gardens
6. Heaton Park
7. Didsbury Park
8. Debdale Park
9. Alexandra Park
10. Boggart Hole Clough
11. St. John’s Gardens
12. Piccadilly Gardens
13. Fallowfield Loop
14. Platt Fields Park