- Take a day trip to Jodrell Bank
A key player in the space race, the observatory has played a unique role, including capturing the moment when the Eagle lander touched down on the surface of the Moon in 1969. Dip into the packed programme of special events at the Discovery Centre, including the opportunity to get your hands on pieces of the Moon, walking tours beneath the Lovell Telescope, live science shows and hands-on exploration of our Solar System.
2. Explore Fletcher Moss Botanical Gardens
This 21 acre park was acquired as a gift from Alderman Fletcher Moss in 1914. Renowned for their botanical beauty, the gardens contain many antiquated and unusual plants and flowers. The park has retained many of its original features such as the rock and heather gardens, and there is an Alpine house in the gardens adjacent to Fletcher Moss.
3. Take a trip to Salford Quays
Visit the Quays, Greater Manchester’s stunning waterfront destination, and discover culture, history, heritage, shopping and sport within just one square mile. There is also a year-round programme of events, including food markets and public outdoor art installations.
4. Take a spooky Manchester Ghost Tour
Looking for something spooky to do this Halloween? Why not try out one of Manchester’s famous ghost walks and hear about the city’s haunted past, from tales of headless knights to the ghost children who roam the canals at night.
5. Take a day trip to Heaton Park
More than just a walk in the park, Heaton Park is a historic area on the edge of Manchester with all the attractions offering a full day out for all ages. Visit the play areas, cafes, Animal Centre, Tram Museum, bowling greens, golf course, boating lake, and try your hand at horse riding. Activities include guided walks, orienteering, rowing boats, tram rides and beekeeping.
6. Go hiking in the Peak District
From the high, moorland plateaus in the north, to the steep-sided, deep dales and rolling green hills in the south of the area, the Peak District has just about any landscape you can imagine in Britain, making it one of the finest areas in the country to go walking.
7. Take the Invisible Manchester tour
Invisible are a social enterprise that trains people who have experienced homelessness to become walking tour guides of Manchester. Their enjoyable and educational walking tours offer an alternative, socially-minded experience of Manchester, helping you see just a little deeper into the lesser known facts of Manchester.
8. Cruise the Bridgewater Canal
The Bridgewater Canal opened in 1761. Built to transport the Duke of Bridgewater’s coal from his mine at Worsley, it has a special place in history as the first canal that cut across country rather than following an existing river course. From afternoon tea to festive cruises, check out one of their chartered cruises.
9. Take in nature at Kersal Moor
Kersal Moor, originally called Karsey or Carsall Moor is now a wildlife heaven. An area of rough grass, beautiful heathland and woods, with an extensive path network it’s the perfect location for hiking, exploring and beginner orienteers of all abilities.