Spring got off to a spectacular start in Manchester and across the UK.
For three weeks we enjoyed dry, sunny and settled weather thanks to a prolonged period of high pressure.
My local high rise buildings gleamed blue under the sun. The cherry blossom season also flourished.
I took a trip to Dunham Massey south of the city to see the gardens sparkle. What a time to take photographs – and be alive!
Take a railway viaduct that’s stood dormant for decades and turn it into a brand new green space. Does that sound like a good idea?
Well it’s happened here in Manchester, right in the heart of my neighbourhood of Castlefield. This elevated platform has been turned into a space for all to enjoy.
Take a look at the images and I’ll tell you more below. Please share your thoughts!
Castlefield Viaduct was built in 1892 to carry rail traffic to and from the mighty industrial city of Manchester and was eventually closed in 1969. Fast forward to 2022 and this lofty structure has been given a new lease of life with a smooth pavement to carry many pairs of feet.
Elegant gardens featuring a wealth of plants line the walkway – even silver birch trees nestle among the weathered might of the viaduct.
It’s a pleasure to explore the gardens with the expert input of National Trust guides, an organisation more associated with country estates than the heart of the city.
But as a local who’s been observing and photographing the local skyline for six years, I was really struck by the fresh perspective the viaduct provides. New high rise developments like Deansgate Square wrestle with the framework of the structure, and you really sense how old and new Manchester sit together.
The ‘sky garden’ is being piloted for a year and visitors are being asked which direction this slice of nature in the city should take in the future. For starters, there’s another stretch that’s yet to be reclaimed – the possibilities are many!
Visits to the Castlefield Viaduct can be pre-booked here.
Formby on the Merseyside coast is one of north-west England’s most popular seaside spots.
But there’s no glitzy resort town, built-up promenade or lines of beach huts. Just acres of sand, rolling dunes and pine forests to explore.
More than three years after my first visit, I returned on a chilly winter’s day and in the wake of Storm Arwen, which felled large pine trees on the roads leading to the beach.
My walk along the sand blew all the cobwebs away, while epic clouds began to fill the sky. So long as you’re wrapped up warm, a winter beach is wonderful, don’t you think? Please leave your comments below
It’s a short distance from Manchester to the border with Wales. Travel along the country’s north coast and you’ll come to the delight that is Bodnant Garden. READ MORE BELOW
This property, now cared for by the National Trust, is a magnificent place to wile away your time.
It’s packed with plants in a variety of settings from lush riversides to formal gardens.
Bodnant’s crowning glory has to be the Pin Mill, a handsome building next to a long lilypond. Wales’ answer to the Taj Mahal?
A lot of staycationers from nearby seaside resort Llandudno visit here, so come early to avoid the crowds. A beautiful spot to have largely to yourself!
A true getaway from Manchester, with a 90-minute drive to the rolling countryside of Staffordshire and a magnificent country estate.
Shugborough was the home of famous royal and society photographer Lord Patrick Lichfield, until his death in 2005.
This connection added an extra dimension to a day out exploring and photographing the vast estate, including its beautiful walled garden, fabulous follies and lavish interiors of the big house.
It was an absolute pleasure on a summer’s day. You should visit if you get the chance.
