Sale Water Park is a public park and recreational area. It is owned and managed by Trafford Council and is best known for the water-based activities available here.
The lake at the park is artificial. In the 1970s gravel was extracted to build the adjacent motorway. The pit filled with water to form the lake. Chorlton Water Park, around one mile away, was also formed like this.
Trafford Water Sports Centre is based in a building on the southern edge of the lake. It offers activities such as canoeing, sailing, kayaking, and paddle boarding. The building also houses a restaurant and public toilets.
The other building at the park is the Sale Water Park Hub. Facilities at this visitor centre include a cafe, picnic area, and toilets.
A path runs around the lake. It’s flat, well-maintained and is popular with walkers and joggers.
Check out our guide to walking around Sale Water Park.
Broad Ees Dole is a nature reserve to the north of the lake. This too owes its existence to the motorway. Heavy machinery used to build the road was kept here and caused the land to sink. It subsequently filled with water. The shallow mud flat attracts birds such as herons, kingfishers, mallard ducks, and cormorants. A hide allows visitors to observe them.
The lake is popular with local anglers. Those wishing to fish here must join Sale Water Park Angling Group. Open Swim UK run open water swimming sessions here.
The River Mersey runs through the park. It is prone to flooding. Sluice gates at the western end of the lake are raised when river levels rise to dangerous levels. The excess water flows into the lake where it is stored until the risk of flood subsides.
Sale Water Park is located on Rifle Road in Sale, Trafford, Greater Manchester. It is next to Junction 6 on the M60 Motorway (Manchester Orbital). Use the postcode M33 2LX to find it using a satellite navigation system.
There are two car parks for park users. One is located near the Sale Water Park Hub. The other is situated next to Trafford Water Sports Centre. Parking is free at both car parks.
Sale Water Park Metrolink Tram Stop is at the entrance to the park. Trams run from Manchester city centre and Manchester Airport. The car park here is for Metrolink users only.
The River Mersey runs through the park. The riverside path leads to Chorlton Water Park. The path is part of the Trans Pennine Trail, the coast-to-coast path across Northern England.
