Didsbury Facts for Kids

Wimsley Road in Didsbury

Didsbury is a lively area located in Manchester, England. It sits about 5 to 6 miles south of the city centre. In 2001, around 14,292 people called Didsbury home. It's known for its beautiful green spaces, interesting history, and a friendly, village-like atmosphere.

Exploring Didsbury's Past

Didsbury has a long and interesting history. It was once a small village before Manchester grew into a big city.

A Glimpse into History

The English Civil War

During the English Civil War in 1644, Prince Rupert and his army stayed in Didsbury. This was a very important time in English history. You can even find a special blue plaque on Didsbury Library. It remembers Prince Rupert's visit and his army's advance.

Old Buildings and Inns

The Didsbury Inn, once called the "Ring o' Bells," is a very old building. In the 1700s, it was a central place for both legal activities and fun gatherings in Didsbury. Imagine people meeting there for important decisions and also for celebrations!

Early Aviation

Did you know Didsbury played a part in early aviation? In 1910, a famous pilot named Louis Paulhan landed his biplane at Pytha Fold Farm. This was a huge event back then, as airplanes were still very new and exciting!

Famous Local People

Daniel Adamson was an important person from Didsbury. He was an engineer and a businessman. He helped build the Manchester Ship Canal, which was a massive project.

Green Spaces and Parks

Didsbury is famous for its many parks and gardens. They offer great places for people to relax, play, and enjoy nature.

Beautiful Gardens

Fletcher Moss Botanical Garden

Fletcher Moss Botanical Garden is a wonderful place to visit. It has beautiful plants, a rock garden, and lovely walking paths. It's named after Alderman Fletcher Moss, who gave the land to the city.

Other Green Havens

You can also explore other lovely parks like Marie Louise Gardens and Fog Lane Park. Didsbury Park offers wide open spaces for sports and picnics. These parks are perfect for spending time outdoors with friends and family.

Getting Around Didsbury

Didsbury has good transport links, making it easy to get to and from the city centre.

Trains and Trams

Historic Railway Station

Didsbury used to have its own railway station. The Didsbury railway station was built a long time ago. You can see old pictures of it with the Rhodes memorial clock. Today, you can use the East Didsbury railway station.

Modern Tram Links

Now, Didsbury is well-connected by the Metrolink tram system. The Didsbury Village tram stop makes it easy to travel around Manchester. Trams are a popular way for people to commute and explore.

Education and Culture

Didsbury has several places for learning and entertainment.

Learning and Sports

Local Colleges

The Fielden Park Campus of Manchester College is located in Didsbury. It provides education for many students in the area.

Cricket Club

Didsbury is also home to the Didsbury Cricket Club. Sports are a big part of community life, and cricket is a popular game in England.

Television Studios

Did you know that ABC Weekend Television used to have its northern studios in Didsbury? Many TV shows were made right here!

Modern Didsbury

Today, Didsbury is a thriving area with a mix of old and new.

Business and Innovation

Siemens UK Headquarters

Sir William Siemens House in West Didsbury is the UK head office for Siemens. Siemens is a very large company that works on technology and engineering projects all over the world.

Images for kids

Church of St James, Didsbury in 2013
Prince Rupert who stationed his army at Didsbury in 1644
Blue Plaque on Didsbury Library commemorating Prince Rupert's advance
Didsbury railway station shortly after the erection of the Rhodes memorial clock, c.1910
Louis Paulhan landing his biplane at Pytha Fold Farm in 1910
Formerly the "Ring o' Bells", the Didsbury Inn was at the heart of judicial and leisure activities in 18th century Didsbury.
Ordnance survey map of Didsbury from 1905
Sir William Siemens House, Siemens' UK head office in West Didsbury
ABC Weekend Television's northern studios in Didsbury
East Didsbury railway station
Didsbury Village tram stop
Fielden Park Campus, Manchester College
Didsbury Cricket Club (2013)
Daniel Adamson
Fletcher Moss Botanical Garden
Parsonage Gardens
Marie Louise Gardens
Fog Lane Park
Panorama of Didsbury Park (March 2008)