Golden canopies are transforming the urban landscape as temperatures drop across Greater Manchester.

Tucked into the valley of the River Medlock in east Manchester, Philips Park is a rewarding destination for an autumn walk.

Several paths run through the park, and in autumn they are lined with trees in seasonal colours.

Despite sitting a stone's throw from the Etihad Stadium and Co-op Live, the park feels a world away, with woodland, a pond and the river making it a haven for wildlife.

The 31-acre park opened in 1846 and is one of Manchester's oldest public parks. It was created largely thanks to MP Mark Philips, who campaigned for parks for the city's working people, and it was given Grade II listed status in 2001.

Walkers can extend their journey along the River Medlock into the Clayton Vale nature reserve.

The Wildlife Trust's self-guided Philips Park Tree Trail is a 2km circular walk that takes 45 to 60 minutes. Paths can be muddy and steep in places, and the trail is not suitable for prams or people with limited mobility. Parking is free.

Sources: Manchester Evening News; Lancashire Wildlife Trust: Philips Park Tree Trail. This article was produced with the help of AI tools and checked by an editor against the sources above.