This is Stockport’s oldest public park lying just to the east of the town centre. It’s an exceptional Victorian / Edwardian asset to both the local community and the North West region. The park is well used by schools for historical and environmental studies and provides unique areas for traditional pastimes such as crown green bowls in conjunction with beautifully restored areas of formal and informal parkland. The site also boasts a mature woodland along the river terraces which is being sensitively managed whilst maintaining public access.

This park has benefited from a Heritage Lottery grant of 1.6 million pounds, which amounted to 2.1 million pounds including match funding. This work has included restoration work to many of the features of heritage value in the park. Other features, which had been lost, have been replaced with new replicas of the originals.

The Park celebrated its re-opening on 29 September 2000.

Also to Vernon Park's acclaim, it has recently been awarded the prestigious Green Flag Award.

Vernon Park 150th Spectacular

Sat 20 Sep 2008 – Sun 21 Sep 2008 - Stockport's oldest park will be one hundred and fifty. To mark this special occasion, the Friends of Woodbank and Vernon Parks and Stockport Council present an afternoon of entertainment for all the family. Music, dance, competitions, craft and country stalls. exhibitions and much much more. (see Parks Events section for more details)

Facilities & features

• Grade 2 status in the Historical Parks and Gardens register


• Vernon Park Museum


• Historical plant collection (many themed planting beds)


• Cannons


• Drinking fountain


• Bandstand (new, but design matches original)


• Water cascades


• Fountain / lily pond


• Traditional cast iron / stone carved main entrance gateway


• Authentic Victorian style seating


• Walkways in mature river terrace woodland


• Historical stone seat


• 2 bowls pavilions and greens

Historical plant collection including: the Sunken Rose Garden, Plants from Around the World, the Fernery, Plants from Great British Plant Collectors, Rhododendron Bed, Herbaceous Borders, Victorian Annual Bedding, The Rockery and Stockport’s first Pinetum.

History

The opening of the park took place on Monday 20th September 1858.

Once known as “Pinch Belly Park” or the “People’s Park”, Vernon Park was built by Stockport Corporation on land donated by George John Warren (Lord Vernon). It was an instant success with mill workers helping to construct park features.

Vernon Park is designated Grade II in the English Heritage Register of Historic Parks and Gardens, and is an important example of an early public park.

Address
Vernon Park
Turncroft lane
Offerton
Stockport
SK1 4AR

Parking

Car park (off Stockport Road West).

Buses

Bus routes 330, 364, 380, 381, 382, 383, 384, 386 from Stockport run near to the park.

Disabled

Most parts of the park are wheelchair accessible (some paths are steep). A free of charge mobility scheme exists (24 hour advance booking required). Disabled toilet.

Refreshments

Refreshments are available in the museum.

WC's

Toilets available during park opening hours. Baby changing facilities available.

Dogs

You must clean up after your dog – scoop bins provided. Dog restrictions exist in some areas of the park.

To book the mobility scheme or check the availability of facilities, please call 0161 480 0962.