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Festive Things to Do in Manchester at Christmas

When it comes to festive activities, Manchester has plenty to offer. This northern powerhouse is one of the most vibrant cities to visit during winter, home to a market, an ice rink and mesmerising light displays.Some of the best Christmas things to do in Manchester are:Ice skating at Cathedral Gardens See the illuminated trail at Dunham MasseyManchester Christmas MarketFestive drinks at Miracle on Cross Street Christmas at Tatton ParkSnowstorm 2 Ice Kingdom at The Trafford CentreWinter Island at Escape to Freight IslandLightopia at Heaton Park  Keep reading as we help you plan the perfect schedule for a trip to Manchester this season.  Ice skating at Cathedral GardensIce skating is one of the most enjoyable activities at Christmastime, and Manchester offers a great setting! Returning for 2022, the ice rink at Cathedral Gardens is the ideal place to try out your skating skills, whether you’re a beginner or an expert. What’s more, the rink is completely covered, so you can skate to your heart’s content, whatever the weather. This year, there will also be a spectacular ice path, allowing visitors to skate around the glistening tree.The ice rink at Cathedral Gardens will be open until the 2nd of January 2023, and skate sessions run at various times.  See the illuminated trail at Dunham MasseyThis December, come and see the beautiful light trail at Dunham Massey, Greater Manchester. Walk through dazzling tunnels of light and beneath trees illuminated with bright colours. You’ll be able to spot Santa Claus along the way, and there will also be food stalls where you can purchase warming festive treats. This is the ideal event if you’re looking for things to do as a family.Christmas at Dunham Massey will run from the 18th of November 2022 until the 2nd of January 2023—don’t miss out!  Manchester Christmas MarketManchester’s famous Christmas market is one of the favourites across the UK. It dates back to 1998 and has attracted thousands of visitors every year since. Featuring more than 300 wooden chalets, this year’s market is the perfect place to shop for gifts. There are lots of places to indulge in mouth-watering food, too, whether that’s mini pancakes or Yorkshire pudding wraps.The markets will be spread across different locations in the city, including Piccadilly Gardens, Market Street and Exchange Square. They will be open from the 10th of November until the 22nd of December 2022.  Festive drinks at Miracle on Cross StreetLocated just across from Manchester King Street’s Christmas market, Miracle on Cross Street is a brilliant pop-up bar perfect for festive tipples. Initially operating in Liverpool, the bar opened in Manchester for the first time in 2021, and after huge success is returning to the city again this year. Step inside and choose from a selection of cocktails, beers, spirits, wines and soft drinks. The bar also does its very own mulled wine and Irish cream.Miracle on Cross Street will open its doors on the 14th of November 2022. It will, of course, be decorated with all things Christmassy, providing a lovely backdrop for that Instagram-worthy photo. Christmas at Tatton ParkIf you’re wondering what to do in Manchester at Christmas with the kids, plan a trip to Tatton Park. There are all kinds of festive events happening here, from Carols in the Stableyard to its Christmas Shopping Extravaganza.And if you visit between the 26th of November and the 20th of December 2022, there will be the opportunity to meet Father Christmas. Kids will have so much fun at this festive grotto, where they can also make their own reindeer food to take home. Plus, there will be live music and treats to enjoy in the Café. Tickets for this event must be booked in advance.   Snowstorm 2 Ice Kingdom at The Trafford CentreLooking for fun Christmas activities in Manchester? Don’t miss the ice show at The Trafford Centre! This is a brilliant event featuring professional skating, music, comedy, acrobatics and fun, festive characters. The show lasts for around one and a half hours and guarantees plenty of entertainment for the whole family.This event will run from the 25th of November 2022 until the 2nd of January 2023. Ticket prices start at £11.99.  Winter Island at Escape to Freight IslandIf you want to get into the festive spirit, head to Manchester’s Freight Island to enjoy its winter event. Kicking off on the 12th of November 2022, Winter Island will see Freight Island transformed into a Christmas wonderland, with everything from an outdoor winter market to an ice rink dotted across the venue. Tuck into delicious food from a choice of eight fantastic restaurants, and enjoy cocktails, a hog roast, live music, karaoke, and much more!This much-anticipated Manchester event will run until the 24th of December 2022—book your tickets today.  Lightopia at Heaton ParkCome and see Heaton Park lit up big and bright with the award-winning Lightopia event. With a focus on new beginnings and hope, this one-of-a-kind light trail will take you on a magical adventure through the park, featuring glowing installations and plenty of surprises along the way.This event will run from the 24th of November 2022 until the 2nd of January 2023. Ticket prices begin at £17.50 for adults and £11.00 for children.  Christmas breaks at The MidlandIf you’re searching for somewhere luxurious to stay in Manchester, look no further than The Midland Hotel. A truly iconic venue in the city, this hotel has everything you need for a relaxing Christmas stay, from stylish rooms to outstanding dining facilities. Plus, there’s lots to enjoy here at Christmastime, such as Festive Afternoon Tea with mulled wine and freshly baked scones.The Midland Hotel also benefits from a central location next to St Peter’s Square, so you’ll have Manchester’s attractions on your doorstep.

Magical Christmas Events in Manchester

 Manchester has been crowned the UK’s capital of Christmas, boasting spectacular winter markets, excellent shopping and an unrivalled atmosphere. This year, the city and surrounding areas will host a range of festive events, from Santa’s grottos to pantomimes.So, what’s on in Manchester during Christmas 2022?The Pantomime Adventures of Peter PanWinter FunlandChristmas at CockfieldsBackyard Cinema ManchesterChristmas Pop PartyOrdsall Hall Winter FestivalQuayside Media City Makers Market Ready to make the most of the festive season? Read on for seven magical events taking place in Manchester this year.   The Pantomime Adventures of Peter PanIf you’re looking for festive family events in Manchester, don’t miss The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan. Based on the classic story by J. M. Barrie, this show follows the tale of a mischievous boy who refuses to grow up. The cast will be led by Jason Manford—playing Captain Hook—and feature musical theatre stars such as Jessica Croll, Samara Casteallo and Ross Carpenter.The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan will be performed at Opera House Manchester, from the 10th to the 31st of December 2022.  Winter FunlandVisiting Manchester with the kids? This Christmas, head to the BEC Arena for its Winter Funland event. Aimed at children under nine, this magical experience features child-friendly rides, an ice rink and lots of amazing food and drink. There will be entertainment from clowns and acrobats, and Santa Claus will make an appearance, too!Winter Funland will run from the 18th of December 2022 until the 2nd of January 2023. It’s the perfect event to kickstart the festive celebrations.  Christmas at CockfieldsLooking for Christmas events in Greater Manchester? Christmas at Cockfields is a great event for families, giving children the chance to meet Father Christmas in a winter wonderland setting. Promising an unforgettable experience, it will include a fun toy-making workshop and a visit to the North Pole Toy Shop to receive a gift. Little ones will also have the opportunity to decorate a gingerbread man, make reindeer dust and build their own teddy bear. Cockfields Farm is located in Oldham, Greater Manchester. The Christmas at Cockfields event will run on selected days from the 26th of November until the 24th of December 2022. When booked online, tickets are £13.00 for adults and children, and £3.00 for under 1s.   Backyard Cinema ManchesterA fantastic event for film-lovers, Backyard Cinema Manchester provides an immersive cinema experience at Christmastime. Located on the rooftop of Depot Mayfield, this event uses incredible film sets and live actors to bring movies to life. Relax on a giant beanbag, enjoy delicious cocktails and watch classic festive films such as Elf, Home Alone, Love Actually, The Holiday and many more. There’s no better way to cosy up and watch your favourite winter movie on the big screen.The Backyard Cinema Experience will run on selected dates until the end of 2022.  Christmas Pop PartyThere’s no better way to get into the festive spirit than by heading to a Christmas party, and Manchester has plenty to choose from. This year, Grosvenor Casino Didsbury is hosting a brilliant Christmas Pop Party. Your ticket will include a three-course meal and a reserved seat in the casino’s entertainment lounge, where you can sing and dance to festive music.  The Christmas Pop Party will take place on the 16th and 23rd of December 2022. Tickets are £32.00 per person. Please note that this event is only for those aged 18 and over.  Ordsall Hall Winter FestivalWondering what to do in Manchester in December? Celebrate the festive season at Ordsall Hall’s very first Winter Festival! Only a short distance from Manchester City Centre, Ordsall Hall is a former manor house which has been around for more than 750 years.Its winter market will take place in the building itself as well as in the gardens, and will feature activities, live performances and refreshments. This is a free event for the whole family to enjoy, taking place from 12:00 until 15:00 on the 11th of December 2022. Booking is not required—simply turn up and enjoy!Ordsall Hall will also host Christmas wreath workshops on the 1st, 4th and 15th of December 2022. Book a place and learn how to create your own wreath using flowers, evergreens and dried fruit from Ordsall Hall’s gardens. You do not need any previous experience in wreath-making to attend these workshops, and all the materials will be provided.  Quayside Media City Makers MarketSearching for somewhere in Manchester to buy unique gifts? In that case, head to Media City’s Makers Market this December. Here you can browse wonderful crafts, jewellery and other products to put a smile on someone’s face.The Makers Market event brings together the North West’s best creators, bakers and makers. If you don’t fancy shopping for gifts, there are plenty of food stalls where you can indulge in tasty treats, too. Although the Makers Market takes place throughout the year in Manchester, there are extra dates organised during the festive period. It’s a lovely event to look forward to in the run-up to Christmas.In December 2022, the Quayside Media City Makers Market will take place from:The 1st to the 4th of DecemberThe 9th to the 11th of DecemberThe 16th to the 18th of December   Where can I stay in Manchester this Christmas?If you want to make the most of Manchester’s events this Christmas, you’ll need an excellent hotel to relax in. Book a stay at the historic Midland Hotel for complete luxury during the festive period. Enjoy dinner at an award-winning restaurant, have a treatment at the Rena Spa, and sink into a comfortable bed at the end of a busy day. Plus, The Midland is centrally located and only a two-minute walk to St Peter’s Square tram stop, making it easy to travel to Manchester’s best attractions.  

Festive Food Trends

Festive food and drink is one of the best parts of the holiday season, but what do Brits really want to see on their Christmas dinner? Using Google search trend data and survey data, we found out the nation’s most loved and disliked Christmas foods, from time-honoured classics to items that should never be on your plate at Christmas – according to some.The most searched-for festive foodsSurprisingly, the most searched-for festive food is Yorkshire puddings, despite many people saying these don’t belong on a Christmas dinner with turkey. Even more bizarrely, eggnog shares the top spot with Yorkshire puddings—both at 368,000 searches—although many people say they dislike this traditional festive drink.Mulled wine and roast potatoes take second place, with under 250,000 searches each. Next are two of the best-known festive sweet treats: mince pies and Christmas pudding, at 165,000 searches. Christmas cake, pigs in blankets and Yule log have considerably lower searches than you might think, at just 110,000. Which foods do we eat the most over the festive season?In true festive fashion, turkey is the most consumed food at Christmas, with 30.95% of people eating it. Unsurprisingly, pigs in blankets (23.33%) and roast potatoes (27.81%) are next, being more popular than mince pies (21.89%), sprouts (12.34%), gravy (12.49%) and stuffing (15.32%). Despite what the search data suggests, Yorkshire puddings are the least consumed food at Christmas, at just 11.49%.  The most-disliked festive foodsSmoked salmon is the most disliked festive food, with 20% of people saying they wouldn’t eat it. Many of the quintessential Christmas dinner trimmings are also disliked, including bread sauce (19%), sprouts (17%) and cranberry sauce (14%). What do Brits want to remove from their Christmas dinner?27% of Brits say they would rather not have bread sauce with their Christmas dinner, which isn’t surprising given that 19% of people said it’s their most disliked festive food. Similarly, 20% wouldn’t have sprouts, and 12% would skip the cranberry sauce. Despite it being one of the nation’s best-loved Christmas foods, 9% of people say they wouldn’t have pigs in blankets.But what would people replace these items with? 22% said they would rather have Yorkshire puddings with their Christmas dinner, 15% would add cauliflower cheese, and 7% would have mashed potatoes.  The best-loved festive foodsPigs in blankets are a real crowd-pleaser at Christmas, with 48% of people saying this is their favourite festive food. Next is cheese and crackers at 47%, followed by stuffing (46%), turkey (43%) and mince pies (34%).  The best-loved festive drinksHot chocolate is the nation’s favourite festive drink, with 46% of people voting for this winter warmer. Baileys takes second place at 30%, over champagne (29%), Buck’s Fizz (23%) and Christmas-themed cocktails (18%). The most-disliked festive drinksDespite being one of the most searched-for festive foods, eggnog is the nation’s least-favourite Christmas tipple. Mulled wine and mulled cider also fall into this category, with 18% of people saying this is their most disliked festive drink. Although it sits among the UK’s top three Christmas drinks, 11% say champagne is their least-favourite drink.   Interview with The Midland, a Royal Leonardo Hotel Head Chefs and Venue Director Executive Head Chef at The Midland a Leonardo Royal Hotel, Brian Spark and Head Chef of Mount Street Dining Room Bar, Robert Owen, along with Venue Director Gillian Feast share their thoughts on the festive food trends for 2022 and how they decide which foods to include on their Christmas menus.What foods do you expect to trend this festive season?Brian: Christmas is a very traditional occasion. It’s family-oriented, but that’s the nostalgia of Christmas. Last year we saw a lot of trends around vegan and plant-based foods, and we will probably see more of that. But I think for us, it’s very much about tradition—turkey is always on the menu.What are the challenges you face when crafting a festive menu?Brian: Sticking to traditions can also be challenging. We always want to try new things and be a little different, but you have to rein yourself in a bit with Christmas, as people want tradition. If you try and mess with tradition, they’ll be less likely to go for that menu, so it’s about finding that balance.When do you start planning your festive menu?Brian: We usually write the menus around January and February, ready for that year. You need to be well-organised and factor in around nine months of planning.Robert: The best time to write a festive menu is probably just after Christmas when you’re still using the season’s produce.Do you have an external taste tester to try your Christmas menu?Gillian: First, the chefs try the dishes to make sure they work. Then, we'll turn to other departments within the hotel, like the Food and Beverage Department. We all know what a turkey dinner tastes like, but if we’re doing something a little different for a starter, we get everyone involved.We also like to involve the front-of-house staff because they talk to the guests and know what they’re looking for. We may think it's the best dish in the world, but when we present it to front-of-house, they have received other feedback.Do you work with The Midland, a Leonardo Royal Hotel’s mixologists to create seasonal beverages that complement the festive menu?Brian: This is something we are looking to do more—pairing cocktails with food.Gillian: Moving forward, we would like our mixologists and bartenders to have more menu input. They interact with guests, and one thing guests love to do is get involved in mixology. They love watching what’s going on, like in an open kitchen. All eyes are always on the chefs because people are intrigued by the process.Are there any dishes that appear on the festive menu every year?Robert: The main dish is obviously turkey. We try to change the starters around more and play around with flavours for dessert. For example, we might choose a mulled wine jelly and layer it with a spiced sponge.Brian: Pâté is also a festive favourite. You can add a little chutney and a nice slice of toast. Pickled vegetables and Kimchi are also good—like pickled cabbages with wintery spices. At Mount Street, we cater for banqueting, so it’s often turkey dinners. But we do have a more varied menu alongside this. We always offer two different desserts: a traditional Christmas pudding and a chocolate layered cake.What inspires you when creating a festive menu?Brian: A lot of inspiration comes from the seasons. Coming back to what we were saying about writing the menus in January, you know what foods are available during that season.Robert: We have the Christmas markets in Manchester, so tasting the food there inspires us for our festive menus. But then you also have part of your brain telling you to stick to traditions.Are there any foods or dishes you predict will become more popular in the coming years?Brian: More vegan dishes and pickled vegetables are becoming popular, which are good for gut bacteria. But I think people will stick to turkey.How long does it take to get from a concept to a finished dish?Brian: It depends on the type of dish. For turkey, you know what the flavours are and what works. But if it’s something a little bit different, it can take weeks of trials, adapting recipes to make it work for that dish. You then go through various cook-offs to make sure it works. So, anything from 10 minutes to three weeks.When do you start preparing the food for the big day?Brian:If you start on Christmas Day, you’re already too late. There's a lot of work involved. We usually begin at least two days before the Christmas Day service.Robert: Everything needs to be ready by Christmas Eve, and then on Christmas morning, it gets cooked. Christmas Day should be one of the easiest days because everything's prepped. It’s making sure everything gets in the oven on time and is seasoned properly, ready for that 12 pm service.How important is sourcing local produce for The Midland, a Leonardo Royal Hotel menus, and how does this influence the festive menu?Brian: It’s hugely important to us—seasonal, local produce shapes our menus. And we're lucky to have great produce on our doorstep. We have a local butcher for turkeys and chickens and source most of our other products from Yorkshire and the Lake District.What is the ideal dish for a Christmas breakfast?Robert: Eggs royale washed down with a glass of champagne. Brian: There’s a new tradition in my household: a slab of toasted brioche with some crispy pancetta, a fried duck egg and a bit of duck on top. That’s a Christmas breakfast of champions.Manchester has many well-known, critically acclaimed restaurants. What makes you proud to represent the iconic Midland hotel?Robert: Manchester has some lovely restaurants, and the food scene has grown hugely over the past few years and continues to do so. It feels really good to be part of it.Brian: The Midland is an iconic hotel in the centre of Manchester, so it’s an honour to work here and to be involved in Manchester’s food scene over Christmas. There’s a nice buzz around Manchester at Christmastime.Learn more about Christmas at The Midland, a Leonardo Royal Hotel, including hotel packages, festive afternoon tea, and their festive menu. Methodology  Using Google Keyword Planner, we identified search volumes over the past year and identified the most searched-for festive foods.Using Census Wide, we surveyed 2010 people across the UK to discover their opinions on festive foods.

Top Tips for Planning a Wedding in 2021

If you had a wedding booked during 2020, it’s fair to say you’ve probably had a bumpy ride up to now. Alternatively, the challenges of the past year might have made you feel like there’s no time like the present to plan your nuptials and finally tie the knot with someone you love.The good news in either circumstance is that, as far as wedding planning goes, 2021 is certainly looking up. Weddings are firmly back on the agenda in 2021 and many soon-to-be newlyweds can look forward to marking the big day in the way they’d always hoped they would.To help get you going, here are some of our top wedding planning tips for 2021.Go virtualThough there’s plenty of light at the end of the tunnel in 2021, there are still some uncertainties. While we can expect larger weddings to be up and running again later in the year, there’s a chance that limitations on travel around the country or party sizes may still linger.The move to virtual events over the past year has made it second nature to host big occasions over screen, and a wedding should be no different. Even the least tech-savvy among our friends and family will have mastered the art of video conferencing and tuning into live streams as of late. Whether you have loved ones overseas to think of or you simply want to share your special day with as many people as possible, offering a way to attend virtually can be a great thing to do.The Midland hotel has conferencing facilities that can be used to allow your special day to be streamed to guests of your choosing via a link, meaning that those that are not able to attend in person won’t miss out on seeing you exchange vows.You could go one further even than that, by hiring your own videographer to capture and edit together footage from your big day to a professional standard. Not only will you have a treasured keepsake for yourselves, but you can plan a get together with loved ones for as soon as circumstances allow, and raise a toast to your nuptials as you watch the footage back.No matter what the situation allows for, we’re always happy to be flexible at The Midland. Whether you’ve got your heart set on a big party, or are looking at a more intimate occasion, our wedding coordinators will help you plan every detail and get the day you’ve always dreamed of. At our Central Manchester location we have a variety of beautiful rooms in which to host your ceremony, as well as a selection of elegant and sophisticated bedroom types to suit both the newlyweds and any guests planning to stay over.Make the most of your venueOne of the benefits of planning a more intimate wedding may be that you have more time and money to indulge in some luxurious add-ons that you may not have otherwise considered.Depending on your venue’s facilities, this could include anything from an afternoon of being pampered before the big day, to super deluxe suites to unwind in after the party’s over. If you do find yourself making changes to your wedding that leave you with some time and budget to spare, there’s no reason not to enhance the experience with some support from your venue.At the Midland, we offer plenty of ways to add some extra magic to your big day. Our Grade II listed building is known as the home of famous romances, and offersluxurious facilities like a spa and fine dining restaurant catering, not to mention our beautiful Bridal Suite for a truly spectacular stay. What’s more, our central location puts all the draws and delights of Manchester’s city centre well within reach.Put any extra time to good useIf you’ve had to delay your wedding from last year, you’ve probably spent more time anticipating it than you ever imagined. Lockdowns and COVID restrictions also may have left your schedule a little empty over the past few months – and there’s no reason you can’t make use of this time to fine tune the details of your wedding.Things like seating arrangements and song playlists can be planned well in advance, and there’ll be less pressure on you knowing these are long since sorted as the big day approaches.You could even take up a hobby to enhance your special day. Perhaps you’ve a keen eye for flower arranging and could get more heavily involved with designing floral displays for your big day. If you’re good at making things, why not experiment with ideas for table centrepieces or create personalised gifts for your guests’ welcome bags. The possibilities are almost endless.Get excitedAfter all the dither and delay you may have faced with your 2020 wedding, no one would blame you for feeling apprehensive. But all the information we currently have points to a spectacular season of weddings in the latter half of 2021, and one you should be excited to be a part of. Whether you’ve finally put in place the wedding you were dreaming of or if events have pivoted your plans along a slightly different course, your special day will be magical no matter what.If you’re looking to marry in 2021 or find yourself needing to alter your plans, the Weddings Packages available at The Midland Hotel could make the day of your dreams a reality. If you’d like more information, don’t hesitate to contact our friendly team to discuss your wedding plans today.

Day Trips Within an Hour of Manchester

As one of the North’s most magnificent cities, Manchester certainly has a lot to offer its visitors. Museums, art galleries and world-class sporting venues grace its streets, plus the city offers easy access to the great outdoors.If you’ve planned a visit to Manchester, but are keen to spend some time away from the bustling city centre, why not head off on a day trip to somewhere awesome nearby? There’s plenty of places within an hour’s drive of the city where you can steer clear of the crowds and have a brilliant time in the fresh, open air! Here’s a few of our favouritesThe Peak DistrictSuitable for: outdoor explorers of all agesHow to get there: Take the M67 out of the city and turn off at Hadfield, or catch a train to Edale from Manchester Piccadilly.It would be hard to enjoy a getaway in Manchester without taking a day trip to the picturesque Peak District. One of the UK’s 14 National Parks, it’s right on the doorstep of the city and a go-to for a countryside walk.Some of the park’s best walking trails are on the Manchester side, including the bracing yet rewarding Kinder Scout. You can begin your hike in the idyllic village of Edale and complete a loop along the Pennine Way and up the craggy peak, all in under 5 hours. For something a little shorter, but with equally impressive views, head up to the top of Mam Tor to enjoy 360-degree vistas of the entire region. Walking shoes are essential as it can get pretty muddy on the pathways! Edale also has a handful of pubs and cafés where you can tuck into a hearty homemade meal before you head back to Manchester.Tatton ParkSuitable for: the whole familyHow to get there: Drive south along Princess Road, join the M56 and then turn off at Junction 7 towards Knutsford. Alternatively, take the train to Knutsford.Price: The parkland is free to enter, while the farm and gardens are £8.00 for adults or £6.00 for kids. National Trust members go free.You’ll have to head south of the city and over the county border into Knutsford, Cheshire to see this gorgeous stately home. The National Trust building is one of the most stunning country estates in the UK and features an elegant neo-classical mansion as well as an Old Hall which dates back to Tudor times!While Tatton Hall and the Old Hall are currently closed to visitors, it’s still possible to visit the Park’s magnificent gardens (including the tranquil Japanese Garden), vast stretches of pretty parkland and a charming working farm. There’s plenty of space to spread out and breathe in fresh, country air. What’s more, Tatton Park has a whole calendar of exciting events – from pumpkin picking and outdoor cinema nights to festive Christmas fairs!Formby BeachSuitable for: beach bums and wildlife wandersHow to get there: Take the M62 to Liverpool and turn off at Junction 6 towards Southport. After 20 minutes, turn right onto the B5424 to Formby.Price: The beach is free to visit, however, you’ll have to pay £7.50 to use the car parks unless you’re a National Trust member.Craving a day by the sea? Manchester isn’t as far from the coast as you might think. Simply drive west for about an hour and you’ll hit the fabulous Formby Beach.This beautiful beach is absolutely huge and famed for its undulating sand dunes which are fringed by fragrant pine forest. Formby is protected by the National Trust and has some pretty unique inhabitants. Just back from the beach in the wild woodland areas are where you’ll discover a rare red squirrel scurry. They’re best seen in the autumn months when they’re typically out scavenging for their winter food supplies!Note that Formby Beach isn’t blessed with loads of amenities, so you might want to pack a picnic or head back into Formby town for fish and chips after your beach walk.Chester ZooSuitable for: animal fanaticsHow to get there: Drive south along the M56 and turn off at Junction 15 towards Chester. Take the next turning onto the A56 and then turn left onto the A41. Price: £23.63 for adults and £19.09 for childrenManchester is lucky enough to be within driving distance of some of the best wildlife spots in the North of England! While you’ll find Knowsley Safari Park just off the M62, there’s another great outdoor attraction nearby that’s a must for animal lovers – we’re talking about Chester Zoo, of course!Located 50 minutes by road from the heart of Manchester, the zoo is one of the most amazing places in the UK to get up close to over 35,000 creatures from around the globe. The venue is split up into various habitats, with popular picks including Lemur Island, Tropical Realm and Elephants of the Asian Forest. You could also check out the reptile house, view otters swimming underwater or enter the monkey house! Chester Zoo has various play areas for children to let off some steam in, plus a whole host of themed food venues for when you start to feel peckish. Lancaster Park & Animal FarmSuitable for: families with little onesHow to get there: Head north out of the city on Rochdale Road to Middleton and then turn right onto Oldham Road. You can also catch the train to Mills Hill station (opposite the farm) in less than 10 minutes.Price: £4.ooIf you’ve got the kids with you, why not keep them entertained for a few hours with a trip to Lancaster Park & Animal Farm? Only a 25-minute drive from the city, it’s a fantastic place for little ones to have close – and safe – encounters with all their favourite farmyard animals.The family-run farm is home to all sorts of incredible creatures – from chickens and ducks to horses and cows – which visitors can meet first hand. You might even get to feed and cuddle some baby animals! Lancaster Park & Animal Farm also has a great play area and organises various exciting activities, including Digger Island which allows kids to sit behind the wheel of a JCB Digger and hunt for buried treasure.Pendle HillSuitable for: folklore fans and hill walkersHow to get there: Drive north along the M66 and A56 until you reach Fence. Turn left onto Noggarth Road and follow signs for Barley.Offering stunning views of both the Yorkshire Dales and Lancashire’s moors, Pendle Hill is a must visit for keen hikers! The hill is steeped in mystery and was once the home of the infamous Pendle Witches – the subjects of one of England’s biggest witch trials in 1612. It still retains a spooky aura today, especially when it’s shrouded in mist.The main walking route up the hill is about 8km long, however, there are variations if you fancy a longer hike. Park up in the village of Barley and follow the signs past the Black Moss Reservoirs to Pendle Hill. The ascent is pretty steep, but well-worth it for the spectacular panoramic views of the countryside from its summit.  Make the most of these wonderful day trip destinations within an hour of Manchester by booking a stay at The Midland Hotel. Located within walking distance of all three of the city’s main stations, the historic hotel offers a range of plush rooms and amazing amenities. Enjoy a delicious meal at the award-winning French restaurant in the lobby or pamper yourself with a session at the relaxing Rena Spa at the Midland.

• Manchester

Manchester: The Best Outdoor Activities in the City and Around

Located in the heart of the North West, Manchester is a dynamic and exciting metropolis that’s perfect for a weekend getaway!It’s rated one of the top cities to see in the UK thanks to its abundance of attractions which range from national sporting museums and high-end shopping streets, to prestigious art galleries and legendary music venues. You can easily spend a few hours exploring the trendy streets of the Northern Quarter before hopping over the River Irwell to Salford to soak up cool and contemporary Media City. When it comes to outdoor activities in Manchester, you’ll find the city has plenty up for grabs. From parks on the fringes of the city to mountains a short drive away, you’ll be truly spoilt for choice! Why not book a few night’s stay at the elegant Midland Hotel on Peter Street in Manchester City Centre and then plan day trips to some of the following destinations?Sale Water ParkSuitable for: anyone and everyoneHow to get there: take the tram towards Manchester Airport and get off at Sale Water Park or drive from the city centre down the A56 through StretfordPrice: FreeFancy a swim? Manchester might be nowhere near the sea, but that doesn’t mean you can’t go for a quick dip! Just 15 minutes’ drive from the city is where you’ll find Sale Water Park – a public park featuring a huge artificial swimming lake at its centre. While you may prefer to don a wetsuit before diving into the water (there’s a place to hire them within the park), many choose to bathe in just their swimsuits in the summer months. Don’t worry, though; there’s hot showers available nearby to warm you up after! Besides from its swimming opportunities, Sale Water Park is also a lovely spot to enjoy some fresh air and a leisurely stroll through pretty meadows and enchanting woodland. Look out for the resident swans on the water and cormorants flying overhead.Heaton ParkSuitable for: familiesHow to get there: catch a tram towards Bury and get off at the Heaton Park stop, or drive north up the A56 (Bury New Road) and then turn off onto the A6044Price: freeStudents might recognise Heaton Park as the location of Manchester’s lively Parklife music festival. Nevertheless, this lush area just north of the city is actually a peaceful outdoor oasis for the majority of the year. The park sits in the grounds of Heaton Hall, a rather grand grade I listed manor house dating back to the 1700s, and it offers up masses of green space to explore. In fact, Heaton Park is estimated to be about 600 acres! Heaton Park is an easy-to-reach spot if you’re staying in Manchester, with highlights including a fun boating lake, woodlands, a children’s adventure playground and a farm centre. There’s also a golf course and a driving range if you fancy testing out your skills on the green!Bridgewater Canal Suitable for: history loversHow to get there: the canal runs right through Manchester, although one of the easiest places to get on to it is in CastlefieldPrice: cruises start at around £29ppStretching out for over 65km, the Bridgewater Canal is one of the main arteries of the Manchester canal system. While it was once used to transport coal from mines in Worsley to the City Centre, it’s now a haven for those after waterside views and more relaxing adventures.In addition to strolling or cycling leisurely down the paths either side of the canal, you can also traverse it on the water itself. Take a trip down the Bridgewater Canal on a small, rainbow-hued canal boat or hop on an organised canal cruise with a larger group. City Centre Cruises offers a range of river cruises to suit everyone, from romantic evening cruises to private party cruises with full catering and DJs! You could also hire a more traditional boat elsewhere along the Bridgewater Canal, including from Star Narrow Boat Holidays in Salford. The Peak DistrictSuitable for: hikers and seekers of spectacular viewpointsHow to get there: drive south along the A6 from Manchester for about an hour or catch the train from Manchester Victoria to Edale in under 45 minutesPrice: freeThe Peak District is one of the UK’s most beautiful National Parks – and it’s right on the doorstep of Manchester! A magnet for ramblers and mountain bikers alike, it offers up stunning scenery and plenty of trails for all fitness levels. Mam Tor is one of the highest points in the Peaks and boasts jaw-dropping views all the way to the horizon. You can park close to the top or start your hike from Edale down in the valley. Just be warned: it’s a pretty steep climb! Alternatively, why not tackle the Kinder Scout route in the opposite direction or take it easy with a slow stroll around the Ladybower Reservoir? Those heading a little further south will also be in for a treat thanks to miles of awesome walking trails which twist their way through verdant fields and past tinkling waterfalls. There are dozens of pretty hilltop villages to stop off in for a pint or a cup of tea too, plus a few major towns like Buxton (famed for its spas and Georgian architecture) and Bakewell (known for its delicious tarts).rgy. Helly Hansen Watersports CentreSuitable for: anyone adventurous!How to get there: take the tram to Salford Quays or drive south west down the A56 before turning off onto Trafford RoadPrice: starting at £5Want to stick a little closer to your hotel? You don’t have to travel too far from the hustle and bustle of Manchester to have fun outdoors! That’s because the Helly Hansen Watersports Centre is situated just a short hop over the River Irwell in Salford. Part of the city’s sleek Salford Quays complex, it’s an absolute must visit for those who want to have a go at a whole range of watersports. Hire kayaks or canoes, have a stand-up paddleboarding lesson, try out wakeboarding with a pro or simply dive in for a refreshing open water swimming session! The centre also runs various courses taught by experienced instructors throughout the year, including windsurfing and sailing. After your thrilling watersports activity has finished, you can take a stroll around the quayside to Media City. It’s the home of the BBC and ITV in the North, in addition to hosting a range of shops, restaurants and entertainment venues. You couldn’t be better placed for a stay in Manchester than at The Midland Hotel. Situated within walking distance of all three of the city’s major train stations, it’s also minutes away from the city’s top shopping streets and the prestigious Manchester Art Gallery. Stay in a spacious suite boasting original Victorian and Edwardian features, and enjoy a sumptuous meal at the award-winning restaurant The French.

• Manchester