Pennington Flash is the best site in Greater Manchester Sammy. Seven hides, lots of different habitat, all very close together (longer walks are available) and close to the large car park, usually fairly busy with folk and very safe, toilets available plus there's a butty van for a brew should you want one. You can easily loose half a day birding there and just today, Garganey, Kingfisher (2), Water Rail, Willow Tit, Goosanders and many, many more were all showing very well indeed.
There's a full site guide in the website should you need one.
I have half a day to waste in the Manchester area and am looking to get out and see some birds - the only additional issue being I'm a woman who is quite nervous and used to going with somebody else. Is there anywhere good I could spend a half day (willing to drive out around the North West and RSPB member) where the hides are quite close to the car park? Or somewhere which generally feels quite safe?