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Blossom and Bloomtown in Greater Manchester

Urban blossom in Manchester
Urban blossom in Manchester | © National Trust Images/Annapurna Mellor

You don't have to go far to experience nature this spring – there's plenty of blossom to discover on your doorstep in Greater Manchester – and lots of ways for you to get involved in spring.

The Bloomtown Map – Let's go blossom spotting ​

There’s lots of blossom to discover in and around Greater Manchester. Whether walking through the city on your way to work, looking for fun thing to do with the family, or seeking out urban green spaces, our digital map shows you 39 of the best places to find blossom.

Click here for the Bloomtown map

This year, the digital Bloomtown map includes blossom trails that will take you on an adventure through several floral hotspots. Simply click a route to discover a host of nature around the city from pocket parks to canalside walks.

Each hotspot has a plaque telling you a little about the place you're standing and the nature around you. There's also a QR code linking to directly to the digital map so you can find your next spot wherever you are.

A woman and a man with their little boy and girl looking at a large colourful map in a park
A family blossom spotting | © National Trust Images/Paul Harris

You can also pick up a recyclable paper copy of the Bloomtown map at:

Manchester Central Library
Manchester Art Gallery
NOMA
Platt Fields Visitors Centre
Local parks across Greater Manchester
Mayfield Park
Waterside Arts
RHS Bridgewater
Hulme Community Garden Centre
Castlefield Viaduct
Quarry Bank
Dunham Massey
Lyme

Blossom is often at its best in April, but nobody tells nature what to do! So keep your eyes peeled for buds, blooms, and fallen petals too.​

Small trees covered with blossom in large metal planters on a industrial looking bridge.
Blossom on Castlefield Viaduct | © ©National Trust Images/Annapurna Mellor

Remember to share your pictures on Instagram tagging @NTCastlefieldViaduct or @NTCastleDuct on Twitter/X using the hashtag #BlossomWatch to spread the joys of spring.​

We have worked closely with a number of partners including NOMA, CJ Wildlife, the Bupa Foundation, the Granada Foundation and Transport for Greater Manchester to create Bloomtown 2024.

You can help Castlefield Viaduct and blossom grow by donating at the link below.

Places to see blossom outside the city

Planting begins at Castlefield Viaduct, Manchester

Donate

Everyone needs nature, now more than ever. Donate today and you could help people and nature to thrive at the places we care for.

Our partners

CJ Wildlife

Our strong reputation for producing high quality wildlife products and passion for supporting conservation efforts, goes hand in hand with the National Trust’s heritage for expert environment and wildlife conservation.

Visit website 

NOMA

NOMA is a growing neighbourhood in the centre of Manchester with real community at its heart.

Visit website 

BUPA Foundation

Bupa Foundation is a charity funded entirely by Bupa. The foundation helps to create healthier communities and run and help fund practical projects that improve both people and planet health. The Bupa Foundation is helping people live longer, healthier, happier lives and making a better world.

Visit website 

Granada Foundation

The Granada Foundation wishes to encourage and promote the study, practice and appreciation of science and the arts, including drawing, architecture and landscape architecture, sculpture, literature, music, opera, drama, dance, cinema and the methods and means of their dissemination.

Visit website 

Transport for Greater Manchester

Transport for Greater Manchester is a not-for-profit organisation that delivers the Greater Manchester Combined Authority's (GMCA's) transport policies. It coordinates transport networks across the region, decides where to invest transport funding, and owns and runs the Metrolink tram service. It builds and manages bus stations and transport interchanges, provides travel planning and timetable information to passengers, and promotes walking as cycling as safe and healthy choices.

Visit website 

A woman taking photographs of the blossom at Beningbrough Hall, North Yorkshire

Best places to see blossom 

From ornamental magnolias in gardens to blackthorn scattered across the countryside, discover some of the best places to see blossom in our care and beyond.

A view of a large brick and steel bridge spanning over green grassy areas and roads with glass skyscrapers behind and blue skies above.
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Things to see and do at Castlefield Viaduct 

Castlefield Viaduct is open as part of a pilot project, offering an opportunity to explore the viaduct’s history and experience an urban park in the sky.

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Our work at Castlefield Viaduct 

Learn about our vision for Castlefield Viaduct in Manchester and about the work we're doing in partnership to transform this historic structure into an urban park for people and nature.

A family enjoying the Lower Garden in spring at Quarry Bank
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Explore the gardens at Quarry Bank 

Wander through the dramatic valley garden, stroll by the river and tune into the sights and sounds of the season as you explore this rare retreat where nature and industry collide.