Travel for £12 – our favourite trips in and around Manchester: Foodie day

Our new mini-series looks at the many and varied ways you can travel in and around Manchester for only £12 – this week, feed your appetite.

First things first: did you know that you can travel anywhere in Greater Manchester using buses, trains and trams, as much as you like, for a whole day – for only £12? If not, let us introduce you to TfGM’s Wayfarer ticket. And, to help you make the most of it, we’ve put together our favourite trips in and around Manchester; so far, we’ve explored some super small museums, made an escape to nature and looked at the best places to take the family.

Now, we’re thinking of our stomachs, and the various speciality foods in and around Manchester. Start by taking the tram to Bury market (voted the best market in Britain and one of our favourites in the North) to try some famous Bury black pudding, and stock up on treats to take home.

This week, we’re thinking of our stomachs, and the various speciality foods in and around Manchester

Head back into Manchester Victoria with your swag, then grab a train to Stalybridge. Close to the Pennines and one time textile mecca during the Industrial Revolution, this town is home to the Wimberry Pie – a sweet treat made from the sumptuous, mauve berries, which are not unlike blueberries, but hard to find elsewhere. A short walk from the station, you’ll find Mettrick’s butchers, where you can buy a huge one to take home, along with something tasty for a weekend barbeque.

Step back in time to the 1940s by taking in a traditional afternoon tea in the former Victorian first-class ladies’ waiting room in the Staybridge Buffet Bar. You’ll be met with 1940s prices, too; for only £6.95 you’ll be served with freshly-cut sandwiches, a slice of cake, a raison scone with clotted cream and jam, and a tea of your choice. Chuff back into Manchester city centre, give yourself a bit of time to digest at the Manchester Art Gallery, then head into Chinatown for dinner.

Not included in the Wayfarer ticket, but so beautifully related we couldn’t tell you about it, is the Bury Ale trail train – a 4-5 hour journey through the Irwell Valley that includes a pub lunch, a Blue Badge tour guide who’ll entertain with stories of illegal brewing and undead landlords while sampling ales, and a bottle of the local stuff. Not bad for £33-£35.

The smallprint: Wayfarer lets you travel for a whole day by bus at any time and by train and tram after 9.30am weekdays and anytime Saturday, Sunday and public holidays. Half price for kids and over 60s – plus there’s a family ticket available. See the TFGM website for details.