Discover more about Peel Park with our virtual tours. Each one covers a different side of the park: about the park, getting active, its history and its wildlife.
You can explore the trails online from home, or follow them in the park itself by scanning the QR codes you’ll find along the way. Each trail includes photos, video, artwork and information about what you’re seeing.
The trails were created by staff and students from the University of Salford, working with Salford City Council, to celebrate 180 years of Peel Park.
Overview of the park
Exercise trail
Get moving as you explore the park. The exercise trail takes you to different spots around Peel Park and shows you an exercise to try at each one. Each exercise is demonstrated using motion capture technology, so you can see exactly how to do it. It’s a great way to warm up before using the park’s outdoor gym, or to build some activity into a walk.
Heritage trail
Peel Park opened in 1846 and was the first public park in the United Kingdom funded entirely by the people’s subscription. The heritage trail tells the story of the park through its sculptures, music and artwork. It also covers the visit by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in 1851. The trail was developed with help from local historian Mark Charnley.
Wildlife trail
There’s more nature on your doorstep than you might think. The wildlife trail highlights the species that have been spotted in and around Peel Park, from the park itself to the riverside. Pupils from St Philip’s CE Primary School and University of Salford science students helped create the trail.
More about the project
Virtual Peel Park is an innovative project which sees Peel Park, Salford transformed into a publicly accessible digital tool. With information on transport links, accessibility, biodiversity and cultural heritage, Virtual Peel Park aims to make the park more accessible and welcoming to all.
The Virtual Peel Park project has been initiated and led by Dr Simon Hutchinson from the University of Salford School of Science, Engineering and Environment. It was created in collaboration with Salford Ranger Team and the University of Salford Sustainability Office, as well as Salford students, staff and local residents.
To date, three co-creation sessions have taken place at the University of Salford’s Peel Park campus (including two AQA-certified courses), where participants from the university and beyond contributed to the creation of Virtual Peel Park while learning to use the Thinglink platform, as well as Go Pros action cameras which take 360-degree photos, smartphones and mini drones.
Earlier this year, Virtual Peel Park was nominated as finalist in the prestigious Green Gown Awards which recognise the exceptional sustainability initiatives undertaken by universities and colleges across the world. Winners to be announced in November 2023.