Fletcher Moss Botanical Gardens Reviews Summary

Park and Gardens

Pros:

• "It's a beautiful park with local history going back 130 years. A lot of love has gone into the mountainous plants scenery."
• "Astonishingly good for a local park - full alpine gardens, lovely tea and cake cafe (now expanded to excellent full range based outdoors), new tennis courts, fields, ancient wetland, woods, river walks."
• "What a beautiful park and botanical garden, simply breath taking, some really beautiful plants in the botanical garden area."
• "Even though it's winter, this is a beautiful place. I imagine in summer it is stunning."
• "This is such a beautiful place, to wonder around, in the woods, enjoy the gardens or simply sit & relax, in the gorgeous surroundings."
• "Beautiful gardens, with lots of different areas to explore and a interesting wide variety of plants."
• "Stunning park! Lovely place to walk around with lots of dimensions, flower garden, pond, large grass areas to enjoy as well! The flowers and trees are beautiful!"

Cons:

• "The only thing I can complain about is that some paths aren't paved and are difficult to cross after rainfall."
• "The only thing that would require attention to match the overall standard are utilities."
• "No facilities here such as toilets. Or not easy to find."
• "The ponds are looking awful and brown."
• "Sadly most of it has been left to be over grown and the red walking path its barely accessible... Now its nestles and thistles and weeds..."
• "Since 2010 the botanical garden has sadly declined due to shameful govt cuts."
• "The public area has been neglected and some renovation would be great."

Cafe and Refreshments

Pros:

• "Lovely cafe, nice atmosphere and lovely scenery. Food was delicious, I got a halloumi wrap and it was huge."
• "A cafe which had a wide variety of refreshments, including vegan and gluten-free."
• "The cafe also has a lovely vibe and great to just sit and chill."
• "The cafe was super cool! I will definitely be taking lots of people here!"
• "Cafe serving lovely food and drinks...can't fault it 👌"
• "Great icecream at the Alpine cafe."
• "The Alpine Tea Rooms near the Croft is well worth a visit."

Cons:

• "The drinks were awful. We ordered a flat white (which was actually a cappuccino) and a watery hot chocolate."
• "The new burger van style cafes are a step back from the proper indoor cafe."
• "Very poorly organised café - really slow service - management need to get it sorted - long slow queue is very dispiriting!!"

Parking and Accessibility

Pros:

• "Small Cafe available. Parking also there."
• "If you are driving there are plenty of streets to park down or on the high street."
• "There is a little parking area tucked away on millgate lane."
• "Limited parking spaces alongside the church but there are options off many side roads nearby."
• "Free Parking can be limited on a busy day, but you can pay to park in the carpark behind the pub."
• "The best place to park is in the mini car park accessible via Millgate Lane (near the tearoom)."
• "Went to the cafe which has a long disabled persons ramp."

Cons:

• "The only downside is as this is a popular spot, the parking capacity does not usually meet demand."
• "Parking really disappointing though as the sun was out this was limited due to loads of people there today."
• "The only drawback is the limited parking with room for about 20 cars which at busy times is in high demand."
• "Parking can be a bit tricky on the weekends if its a nice day."
• "Can be difficult to park your car if you don't go early on the weekend."
• "Parking limited. Only 1 small car park which you have to pay for."
• "Parking you can have trouble finding somewhere to park."

Facilities and Maintenance

Pros:

• "Looking a lot better this year. Got a bit run down in the first lock down, but plenty of work has been done."
• "The gardens are looking great with trees starting to turn shades of amber and red."
• "Toilets available."
• "A regular ice-cream van that takes credit cards - a must really these days."
• "Good tennis grounds here."
• "Decent affordable tennis courts (£3/5 off/on peak for 1 hour but can usually play more)."
• "Very clean and tidy too."

Cons:

• "Looking a bit under maintained at the moment, probably due to the covid situation and a lot of recent heavy rain."
• "The tennis courts look like they could do with a bit of attention though."
• "It is a shame that the tennis courts are no longer open/usable but there are plenty of walks, paths and beautiful features including the Tea Room to enjoy 🙂."
• "No children's play area as far as I know."
• "Couldn’t find kids play area. Or not easy to find."
• "Dogs not allowed in certain areas of the gardens so be warned."
• "The Rockery is outstanding but not good if you are disabled in a scooter, pretty steep."

Experience and Atmosphere

Pros:

• "Close to river. Lots of walks. Football fields."
• "Great place for a walk and picnic."
• "Lovely well kept park withing the heart of didsbury, stunning botanical gardens. Fletcher Moss also has a tea rooms which serve a variety of much needes treats after a walk."
• "Rally clean and tidy park, great for walking and taking the dogs or walk, lots to do for the family."
• "Loved the walk there although it may be confusing to get around."
• "Amazing place to go for a walk.. wellies recommended."
• "Beautiful park with an abundance of flowers and wildlife."