Manchester is an industrial city in the North of England, thriving off various businesses and industries.

Although Manchester only gained city status during the nineteenth century, the city can trace its roots back to a Roman fort in the first century and has existed as a settlement for hundreds of years. The River Irwell runs through the city, giving it a flourishing harbour and providing the inspiration for many artists throughout the years.

Heavily urbanised, Manchester might not seem like an oasis for plant life but many parks and gardens have cropped up throughout the years, adding patches of greenery to a city of iron. This might make Manchester a bit easier on the eyes but unfortunately the pollen is not nearly as kind to our noses, meaning that there are still a few particular hotspots in the city worth avoiding.

When walking out and about in Manchester, the most common hayfever allergens appear to be familiar faces like beech trees, birches and lime. You might be relieved to learn that May is the peak month for birch tree pollination, however lime trees usually pollinate throughout July making them a particular hazard to watch out for.

Grass pollens like perennial ryegrass and timothy grass might still be a potential threat as most grass species pollinate through June until August. Take care in areas where these irritants are plentiful and remember to try preventative measures like drying your clothes indoors instead of leaving them to hang outside.

Manchester might not be famous for its garden or noticeable collection of wildlife, but the city does have a lot to offer when it comes to public parks and country estates. These gardens and parks tend to be very popular with those seeking a retreat away from the busy, hectic city centre, however they might be best to bypass if you happen to have seasonal allergies like hayfever.

• Tatton Park: A stunning Tudor style manor, Tatton Park was the former residence of the Egerton family and stretches over 1000 acres of land. There are a variety of beautiful gardens attached to the estate including a Japanese garden, a walled garden and different pleasure gardens. However, the park is also rich in tree pollen, containing specimens such as the Japanese maple, beeches, sycamore and ironwood, making it a hive of allergens and irritants
• Platt Fields Park: Platt Fields Park was originally home to the Worsley family, including the stately mansion of Platt Hall, which now functions as a gallery, displaying a range of decorative art and costumes from throughout history. The park was opened to the public in 1910 and now contains a large boating lake which operates as a popular summertime attraction. The grounds of the residence house a diverse range of trees, from black poplars to lime. Despite the allure of the estate, it is best avoided if you want to enjoy a pollen-less outing
• Peel Park: Peel Park was opened to the public in 1846, making it one of the oldest parks in Manchester, named for the then Prime Minister, Sir Robert Peel. The park is home to the Marie Curie Garden of Hope, containing around 15000 daffodils in homage to Marie Curie Cancer Care. The gardens of this park are a thriving hub for grass pollen and tree pollen, with many of the usual offenders making an appearance, including ash, sycamore, oak and the infamous birch
• Daisy Nook Country Park: An elegant country park that spreads over 40 hectares of land, either side of the River Medlock, Daisy Nook Country Park gets its name from a drawing by Charles Potter, an Oldham artist and was the subject of a famous painting by L.S Lowry. Nowadays, the park is popular with bird watchers trying to catch glimpses of great spotted woodpeckers and different species of owl. The park contains many different species of tree and grass pollen, so it might be best to bypass this attraction in favour of a less saturated environment
• Heaton Park: Heaton Park is the largest park in the North-West of England, covering approximately 600 acres of land. It has been in operation since the 1700s and hosts a variety of events throughout the year and contains a mixture of attractions, including cafés, animal centres, golf courses and horse riding facilities. It is also home to a diverse variety of tree and grass species so unfortunately this tourist hotspot might be worthwhile avoiding in your quest to reduce hayfever symptoms
• Fletcher Moss Park and Botanical Gardens: The park is open year round and initially belonged to the Old Parsonage until it eventually came into the possession of Fletcher Moss in the early twentieth century. The garden still bears remnants of Fletcher Moss’s design and plans, containing species of Yew and Cedar as well as other plants like perennial ryegrass, timothy grass and sedge, making it a dangerous place for those with allergies like hayfever.

Manchester is a busy city so you can rely on it to provide you with a range of indoor and outdoor activities, some of which will keep you safely away from any pollen allergens. Just remember that some attractions will likely be very popular and may require you to book advance.

• Bolton Museum: A museum and aquarium rolled into one, the Bolton Museum is extraordinary in the variety of exhibitions that it has to offer, from Egyptology to zoology to killer piranhas from the wilds of South America. You are assured a great day out for all the family and, best of all for hayfever sufferers, you are unlikely to experience any irritating symptoms. Admission to the aquarium is also free of charge, so you are guaranteed a bargain
• Anson Engine Museum: The Anson Engine Museum contains over 250 gas and oil engines, most of which are in prime working condition. Steam engines are operational on a monthly basis and ticket prices range  from £6.75 for adults to free access for children under the age of 12
• The John Rylands Library: The John Rylands Library was opened in 1900 and merged with the University of Manchester Library in 1972. It definitely stands out, with its imposing Gothic architecture and impressive collection of historical texts. Entry is free of charge meaning that you can spend all day perusing the astonishing assortment of books on display – a treat for bibliophiles everywhere! 
• The Royal Exchange Theatre: The Royal Exchange Theatre in Manchester has seen some A-list actors in its time, including Helen Mirren, Kate Winslet and Vanessa Redgrave. The theatre offers an exciting range of stage performances, from classics like ‘A Streetcar Named Desire’ to musicals like ‘Sweet Charity.’ Ticket prices may vary depending on what you wish to see and you should be prepared to book in advance just in case
• The Manchester Climbing Centre: The Manchester Climbing Centre is a thrilling physical challenge, with rope climbing, bouldering and low level climbing available. The Centre works in partnership with other respected organisations like the Nation Trust and Climbers Against Cancer, and is open throughout the week from 1000-2200 except for weekends where the closing time is amended to 1800. Admission for adults is £9.25 and entry for children is £6.50, though they must be supervised at all times by an adult
• Boat Tour: City Centre Cruises offer a range of boat tours aboard the L.S Lowry, a lavish restaurant boat that explores the waterways of Manchester, from Castlefield to Salford Quay. Why not book a Sunday outing and enjoy a delicious roast dinner while taking in all the scenery that Manchester has to offer? Prices for the Sunday tour start at £29.95 for adults and £14.95 for children under the age of 12.

If you find that, despite your best efforts, your hayfever symptoms are persisting then it might be worth trying to scour your local area for A.Vogel products.

Our hayfever remedies like Pollinosan Hayfever Tablets or Luffa Nasal Spray should be available in retailers like Holland and Barret but you could also try One the Eighth Day, a health food store just opposite All Saints Park on Oxford Road. If you’re staying a bit further out of Manchester towards Stockport, you could the Healthy Spirit store on Barlow Moor Road near the Juniper Coffee Shop.

Looking for relief of red and itchy eyes due to hayfever?

A.Vogel Pollinosan Hayfever Eye Drops contain hyaluronic acid (from vegetable source) and can be used for quick relief of red and itchy eyes due to hayfever. Suitable for contact lense users.

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