Goat Girl at SFTOC 2018 | Jody Hartley

May Bank Holiday 2021: Things to Do

Creative Tourist

The early May bank holiday in 2021 is Monday the 3rd of May. Of course, we’re allowed to go drinking and dining outside right now, but it’s May 17th until we can legally enter venues, which means events are limited to outdoors only. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty to do.

You’ll find a host of beer gardens over Manchester and Salford, many with heat lamps in case the weather takes a turn for the chilly, and major spaces like Escape To Freight Island are putting on live music events on the Sunday.

Enjoy a stripped-back but certain to be joyful Manchester this May Bank Holiday

In the main, you’ll be waiting until the Spring Bank Holiday at the end of May before you can explore the full delights of Manchester’s cultural scene, so why not take a look at the guide and make your plans now, in advance of the next major reduction of lockdown restrictions. Until then, enjoy a stripped-back but certain to be joyful Manchester this May Bank Holiday. Explore some of the local parks and gardens, or consider taking a trip over to Leeds or Liverpool to take in the delights of these other great northern cities.

The suggestions below are geared around outdoors events and venues so don’t forget to bring a jumper for the chilly evening, or even an umbrella if the weather looks changeable. But whether rain or shine – our guide will guarantee that you make the most of those extra, and precious, days off work.

For more ideas read our culture guides which feature exhibitions, music, cinema, theatre, literature and family events – and don’t forget to check our guide to the Spring Bank Holiday, it’s just a couple of weeks away!

Here are our picks

  • 1. Beer Gardens in Manchester & Salford

    If you don’t feel like doing anything too strenuous, there’s always the beer gardens. When the sun is shining, they’re where you want to be; here’s our guide to the best in Manchester. Remember to drink plenty of water between pints, and for goodness sake wear sun cream.

    Read more

  • 2. Places To Eat Outside in Manchester

    20 Stories eat outside in Manchester

    If the weather is anything like as good as it was over Easter, you might be looking for somewhere to eat outside in Manchester. Here’s our guide to the restaurants in Manchester with the best areas for al fresco dining.

    Read more

  • 3. Parks and Gardens in Manchester

    Blossom on trees in Manchester

    If its nice weather, it’s either in the beer garden, or stomping around a park long enough to justify the time spent in the beer garden.

    Read more

  • 4. Things to do in Liverpool

    Things to Do in Liverpool
    Image courtesy of Visit Britain.

    For more ideas of things to do in Liverpool, check out our latest recommendations and the pick of places to eat, drink, shop and stay.

    Read more

  • 5. Pubs in Leeds

    Whitelock’s Ale House Leeds

    If you’re heading over for any of the great events at Leeds International Festival, you’ll probably appreciate this guide to watering holes. We’ve also put together guides for vegan food in Leeds, hotels in Leeds and the best places to grab lunch.

    Read more