May Bank Holiday 2025: Things to Do

Creative Tourist

The Early May Bank Holiday is just around the corner! Whether you’re a planner or prefer to play it by ear, we’ve got plenty of ideas to help you make the most of the long weekend. Since we can’t rely on the weather for that much-needed dose of vitamin D, we’ve included places to visit and activities to do, rain or shine.

From elegant food halls and spacious beer gardens, to dance festivals, art exhibitions and live gigs, there’s something to suit everyone’s taste.

And if you’re curious about what else is on around the North this spring, take a look at our culture guides including exhibitions, music, cinema, theatre, literature, tours and activities and family events. Or, head straight to our destination guides for curated picks in Manchester, Liverpool and Leeds.

Our top picks

Spring/Summer Season at Progress

Spring/Summer Season at Progress Centre, Manchester, Until 31 July 2025, From £0.00 - Book now

After scaling up to 5000 capacity, Manchester’s open-air club Progress has launched a huge spring/summer season, including not one but two parties over the Bank Holiday.

PROGRESS
Progress.

The Rose & Monkey Hotel

The Rose & Monkey Hotel, 31 Swan St, Northern Quarter, Manchester , M4 5JZ - Visit now

A vibrant live music venue with an old school pub vibe may not be what you would expect from a hotel. Let it surprise you though, and enjoy the roomy beer garden.

The Rose & Monkey Hotel
Ian Jones

Walks in Liverpool

Liverpool is full of hidden gems when it comes to picturesque walks, both in the city and the surrounding areas. If long weekends inspire you to get out and explore on foot, check out our guide.

Croxteth Hall and Country Park
Croxteth Hall and Country Park

Małgorzata Mirga-Tas at the Whitworth

Małgorzata Mirga-Tas at The Whitworth, Manchester, Until 7 September 2025, Free entry - Visit now

See the vibrant textile works of celebrated Polish-Roma artist at the Whitworth – this beautiful display tenderly captures the history and daily lives of Roma communities.

A painted and collaged artwork, showing three women standing together one holds a baby, they are all wearing clothes made from bright or patterned fabrics.
Małgorzata Mirga-Tas, Trzy Gracje / The Three Graces 2021. Presented to Tate by the artist in 2022. Photo Marek Gardulski. © Małgorzata Mirga-Ta

Beer Gardens in Manchester & Salford

If the whole sun thing works out, you’ll likely be in the need of a top tier bar garden or three to pepper into your plans. Here’s 30, yes 30, of our favourites in Manchester and Salford.

Society Manchester

Spas in the North West

Looking for a place to relax and unwind, but not too far from home? Look no further, check out our guide to the best spas in the North West.

The Spa at Carden Garden
Ian Jones

The Shoegaze Cafe

The Shoegaze Cafe, 108 Tib St, Manchester, M4 1LR - Visit now

It may not be here for long so pop in while you can – The Shoegaze Cafe offers the simple pleasures of coffee, music and down-to-earth company. Sit by the enormous open window and take it all in.

Sunday Roasts in Manchester

With Sunday roasts set to be replaced with lighter bites as the weather warms, the Bank Holiday’s a good time to go out with a belly-busting bang. Check out our roundup of the best Sunday Roasts in Manchester.

Laura Ellen Bacon: Into Being at Yorkshire Sculpture Park

Laura Ellen Bacon: Into Being at Yorkshire Sculpture Park, West Yorkshire, Until 7 September 2025, From £0.00 - Book now

Make the trip to YSP and see Laura Ellen Bacon’s installation at the Chapel – a monumental nest-like structure, woven in willow and made entirely by hand, cocooning the viewers in its warmth. You might not want to leave!

Laura Ellen Bacon, Into Being, 2025. Photo © India Hobson, courtesy Yorkshire Sculpture Park
Laura Ellen Bacon, Into Being, 2025. Photo © India Hobson, courtesy Yorkshire Sculpture Park

Exhibition

Exhibition, Exhibition, St George's House, 56 Peter St, Manchester , M2 3NQ - Visit now

Exhibition is not just another food hall, but possibly the best-looking and most elegant one that Manchester has. With Scandinavian and European-inspired menus, high ceilings and delicious drinks, it’s sure to elevate your long weekend to a truly memorable experience.

Parks and Gardens in Manchester

You can’t go wrong with a visit to the park, weather permitting. Take a break from the city noise, bring a friend, bring your dog, breathe in the spring air and have an ice-cream en plein air.

Blossom on trees in Manchester
Ben Williams
Image by Jonathan Schofield.
Spotlight on

Walking Tours in Manchester by Jonathan Schofield

Presenting the best walking tours in Manchester for history buffs, culture enthusiasts, and those looking to scratch beneath the surface of the city.

Take me there

Culture Guides

Three men sit next to each other. One's head is bandaged, one holds a torch and one wears a sleepmask.
Cinema in the North

Live scores, midnight movies and the latest from Wes Anderson are just some of our upcoming film highlights.

Theatre in Manchester and the North
Theatre in the North

Experimental performance, thought-provoking new writing and our picks of Manchester International Festival - here’s what’s taking centre stage this summer.

Isabel Galleymore in conversation
Literature Events in the North

There's a lot of experimentation going on in our Literature guide, from poets playing with form to short story writers looking long.

Music in the North

Gigs are coming in hot this spring – from long-awaited returns to one-off happenings you’ll blink and miss if you're not careful.

Experience a unique deep listening art installation inviting audiences to lay down and be bathed in sound and light.
Exhibitions in the North

From city-wide art festivals to open-air sculptural installations, we have exhibitions from all around the North, both indoors and out.