Manchester Pollen Hotspots
Despite being the industrial capital of England, Manchester isn’t without its green spaces. The northwestern city has seen a number of parks and gardens crop up in the last century, covering 54% of land in the area.
It’s these tree-filled parks that can lead to a high pollen count in Manchester and trigger hay fever allergies for many. Grass pollen tends to be the most common from June until August – but it can start as early as May, and as late as September. However, the high tree pollen count in Manchester typically stems from hazel and alder – which can start in January and peak in February. The pollen count could last up to April. \Birch and pine trees also contribute to the Manchester pollen count – peaking around March to May and May to June respectively.
When exploring the iron city, it’s worth knowing which areas to avoid if you’re prone to seasonal allergies like hay fever.
- Heaton Park: Heaton Park is the largest park in Greater Manchester, spanning approximately 600 acres. It includes a range of attractions, including cafés, golf courses, animal centres, horseback riding facilities, and an adventure playground. This destination is home to a wide array of tree and grass species, which could aggravate hay fever symptoms.
- Fletcher Moss Park & Botanical Gardens: Once owned by the Old Parsonage, Fletcher Moss Park boasts 8.5 hectares of sprawling land. The park includes a rockery, rose pergola garden, ponds, a new well-being garden, and a wildlife meadow. While it makes for beautiful scenery, it can be symptom-triggering for those who suffer from hay fever.
- Alexandra Park: Located close to the city centre, Alexandra Park spans 60 acres of rolling parkland, circular shapes, and curving pathways. It holds several facilities, including a children’s play area, four tennis courts, a cricket square, a football pitch, and a fishing lake. Like other green spaces, Alexandra Park contributes to Manchester’s pollen count, so it may be best to avoid visiting during peak pollen seasons.
To minimise your hay fever symptoms, it’s wise to avoid areas with high pollen counts. However, if you have any activities planned in the above locations, you can use our pollen forecast to check the pollen count in Manchester beforehand. Generally, a reading of between 50 and 150 grains of grass pollen per cubic meter is considered high. For birch trees, a count of between 81 to 200 is high.
Allergy-Friendly Activities in Manchester
If you’re prone to sniffles and sneezes, don’t worry. There are plenty of hay fever-friendly activities that you can do in Manchester.
- Experience the arts and culture: If you’re in the mood for some rich history and culture, Manchester boasts a wide range of museums, art galleries, and theatres. The Bolton Museum – a combined museum and aquarium – hosts a variety of exhibitions, from zoology to Egyptology. Meanwhile, the Royal Exchange Theatre offers a diverse lineup of performances, ranging from musicals to timeless plays.
- Go for an indoor climb: Those with a thirst for adventure can still avoid hay fever with indoor activities. The Manchester Rope Climbing Centre offers rope climbing and low-level climbing and bouldering. Alternatively, kids will adore the indoor play centre at Stockeld Park’s The Playhive, which boasts high-level walkways, tunnel slides, and more.
- Cruise along the Irwell River: From Castlefield to Salford Quay, you can explore Manchester's waterways on the luxurious restaurant boat L.S. Lowry, operated by City Centre Cruises. Get the whole family together for a Sunday expedition and enjoy a fancy roast while admiring the city’s natural beauty. It’s perfect for exploring the outdoors while keeping the sniffles at bay.
Managing Hay Fever in Manchester
Hay fever can be challenging to deal with when the pollen count in Manchester is at its highest. However, there are a few ways you can manage your allergies at home and reduce symptoms during the warmer seasons.
When you sense a hay fever flare-up, try some of the following remedies1:
- Place Vaseline around your nostrils to trap pollen.
- Keep windows and doors shut as much as possible.
- Block pollen from your eyes with wraparound sunglasses.
- Wash the pollen off with frequent showers and change clothes after you’ve been outside.
- Vacuum your home regularly and dust with a damp cloth.
- Take antihistamines like BENADRYL® Allergy Relief.
While there’s no cure for hay fever1, following some of these steps can help you to better manage your allergies and reduce symptoms. Remember to check the pollen count in Manchester before you venture out to ensure you’re well prepared.