The Stables Café, Heaton Park

The Stables Café sits at the top end of Heaton Park, which is the largest municipal park in Europe. The building itself dates back to 1777, and it's a lovely spot to land after a wander round the park, especially if the resident peacocks have been putting in an appearance. You're well placed here for ZipWorld's treetop adventures and the animal centre, with views stretching out over Manchester city centre.

The menu runs from a full English breakfast and sausage sandwiches in the morning through to cooked-to-order lunches including stacked sandwiches, toasties, and loaded baked potatoes. There are homemade cakes and bakes if you just fancy a sit-down with something sweet, and the coffee is barista-made using a house blend roasted in partnership with Clifton Coffee Roasters. All takeaway packaging is plant-based and fully compostable, which is a nice touch.

The café is open seven days a week, from 8:30am on weekdays and from 8:00am at weekends, closing at 6:00pm daily. There are toilets on site, the whole space is wheelchair accessible, and dogs are welcome too. They can't take table bookings, but they do their best to accommodate groups of all sizes.

This is a solid base for a family day out in the park, with indoor and outdoor seating, a menu that covers most bases, and a relaxed atmosphere that works well whether you've got a sleeping baby in a pushchair or a gaggle of muddy kids in tow.