I took a stroll in quaint Salford park and can see why it has been given special Grade II-listed status

Easter is here and April will be on us before we know it. The last of the winter cold is hopefully behind us, and the morning I spent at a quaint Salford park was a nice reminder that spring is just around the corner too. 

Peel Park lies on the banks of the River Irwell, and is surrounded by the University University of Salford campus. I hopped off the train at Salford Crescent, and from there the park is a short walk through the campus. 

The greenery comes into view and on this mild March morning, daffodils and pink cherry blossom trees added to the scenery. Plenty of people were going about their day jogging, dog walking, or simply relaxing in the morning sun that was slowly starting to show itself. 

The park was awarded Grade-II listed status back in December 2023. It was one of the first municipal parks in a major industrial city and dates back to the 1840s. Parts of the park are still original, and its significance to the region's cultural impact helped it earn this well deserved status. 

As I walked around the winding paths of this stunning park, I was drawn to its centrepiece. A statue of Joseph Brotherton, Salford’s first ever MP, which overlooks the park that he helped to create. A pioneer of his day, Brotherton led a campaign to create parks in the increasingly populated area. 

There was a genuine peacefulness to the park, and the dominating sound was that of birds swooping across the lawns and into the park’s many trees. Ducks and geese were making themselves known on the river bank, across from which the high-rise buildings of Manchester loomed on the horizon. 

With plenty of benches around the park, sitting down and taking stock for even just a few minutes is easy to do. Even more so with a coffee in hand, which I did. This would be a perfect opportunity for anyone who enjoys a bit of people watching, but by the time I had bought my drink and sat down I practically had the park to myself. 

The Grade-II status given to the park and the Brotherton statue has been done to make sure both are preserved. LS Lowry studied in one of the college buildings by the park, and after spending a few hours taking in the scenery I’d not be surprised if he was influenced by what he saw. 

Green spaces in big cities are often few and far between, but Manchester and its surrounding area is fortunate that several are available. Peel Park in neighbouring Salford offers a peaceful escape from the city without needing to go too far, and with the weather hopefully starting to get brighter and warmer now then you'll not go far wrong with a visit here.