CONTACT USLocated 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 Park
Suitable for: anyone and everyone
How 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 Stretford
Price: Free
Fancy 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 Park
Suitable for: families
How 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 A6044
Price: free
Students 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 lovers
How to get there: the canal runs right through Manchester, although one of the easiest places to get on to it is in Castlefield
Price: cruises start at around £29pp
Stretching 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 District
Suitable for: hikers and seekers of spectacular viewpoints
How 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 minutes
Price: free
The 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 Centre
Suitable 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 Road
Price: starting at £5
Want 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.