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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

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.

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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.

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Croxteth Hall and Country Park
Croxteth Hall and Country Park

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Blossom on trees in Manchester
Ben Williams

Seasonal Guides

Creepy capers across Manchester and the North for little and big ghosts with the most.
Halloween in Manchester and the North

As Halloween approaches read our guide to the creepy capers happening for little and big ghosts with the most.
If at First Main Image
Black History Month in Manchester and the North

Discover the North West’s best Black History Month events, including exhibitions, theatre and dance.
Mother and daughter play with smell interactive_Operation Ouch! Brains, Bogies and You
Things to do over October half term

Looking for things to do with the family over the Easter school holidays? We’ve got you covered.
The Jungle Book at Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre
Open Air Theatre in Manchester and the North

Open air theatre shows are happening across the north over the next few months – we’ve collated our top picks into a neat guide for you.

Helen Chadwick posing with a sculpture called Piss Flowers taken during the exhibition Helen Chadwick: Effluvia, held at the Serpentine Gallery, London, in 1994
Cultural Calendar 2025

Our editors’ biannually updated list of some of the best-looking arts and cultural events in Manchester and the North in 2025.
Festival-goers at Green Island
Festivals

Here’s our guide to the best summer festivals with experiences taking place in a field or on the streets near you.
Summer Holidays: the best things to do with kids
Summer Holidays: the best things to do with kids

Check out our definitive and regularly updated guide of things to do with the family over the summer holidays.

Destinations

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

Theatre in Manchester and the North
Theatre in the North

Theatre this month bursts with contrasts - from bold new writing and Black History Month highlights to contemporary arts and reimagined classics.

A white mattress is burning in a black rocky landscape.
Exhibitions in the North

Galleries in the North are far from spooky this October - instead you'll find tactile sculptures, plant magic and curatorial experiments.

Cinema in the North

A host of Halloween horrors, experimental shorts, plus pioneering black British cinema make our October Cinema Guide.

Music in the North

Noise, excess and immediacy. From New York’s experimental underground to the most vital sounds of local scenes, autumn gigs are coming in heavy.

Poet Helen Mort.
Literature Events in the North

One to add to your TBR pile, our latest round-up is a bumper edition and features some amazing events in Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds and beyond...