The Greater Manchester park with water play fountains, a train and a boating lake that families love

When the weather decides to play ball, nothing beats a day out at the park.

And, when the sun is shining, there's one park in particular that's a huge hit with families across Greater Manchester.

Stamford Park is on the border of Ashton and Stalybridge in Tameside and attracts visitors from miles around.

As well as the usual attraction of a playground, it's got water fountains for children to play in, a boating lake to hire rowing boats and pedalos and even has its own little train.

Read more: Things to do with the kids this May half term

There's also a woodland area, The Dingle, for youngsters to explore - and there's an aviary too.

Mum Ashleigh, from Wythenshawe, recently visited the place with her daughters Jersey, eight, and five-year-old Ivy and says it's the perfect place for anyone wanting a day out this May half term or throughout the rest of summer.

She said: "If you’re looking for a fun day out for very near to nothing, Stamford Park has it all. It's an amazing big park with a huge sandpit area. There's a zip line for the older ones and the fountains turn on every day. These were an amazing hit on a lovely hot day with my children, they absolutely loved it."

There is a café in the park, open 10am to 4pm daily, as well as an ice cream van, but Ashleigh saved money by taking a picnic along with a blanket for them to sit on.

They enjoyed a ride on the train for £1.50 per person and spent £8 on hiring a pedalo at the boating lake, life jackets included.

"This park is absolutely brilliant for a day out," she added. "We will definitely be revisiting."

It's got some great reviews on Google too, where it has an overall rating of 4.6 out of 5 and hundreds of five star reviews.

"Top dollar park," said one. "Absolutely beautiful." While another said: "Very busy park on the day we went, but it was very warm and sunny. The water fountains are always our go-to, but the slides and swings are great too. We also went round the café, which was clean with a good choice of food too."

A third added: "Great park with good facilities. Our grandchildren especially love the fountains and the sandpit. Well worth a visit."

The park is open from 8am until dusk when the gates are locked. The aviary opens daily 9am to 3.30pm, with the café open 10am to 4pm and the fountains on from 11am until 4.45pm between Easter and October.

The park is managed by Tameside Council, but the boating lake is operated separately by Ridgehill Enterprises. Boats and pedalos can be hired at weekends between 1.15pm and 5pm. You can also do zorbing and paddle sports. Find out more on the website here.

Do you have a park or a cheap day out that you'd recommend to other families? Let us know in the comments here, or email emma.gill@reachplc.com.