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May Bank Holiday 2023: Things to Do

Creative Tourist

Planning your perfect long weekend? You’ve come to the right place. We’re all hoping for a balmy, sun-soaked time but if the weather fails us, there are plenty of events in and out of doors that you can enjoy. Below you’ll find incredible theatre shows, historical and art tours, captivating exhibitions, cocktail bars and much more.

And if you’re curious about what else is on around the North this spring, take a look at our culture guides, where there’s something for everyone, including exhibitions, music, cinema, theatre, literature, tours and activities and family events.

Our top picks

Lindsey Mendick: Where The Bodies Are Buried at Yorkshire Sculpture Park

Lindsey Mendick at Yorkshire Sculpture Park, Wakefield, Until 3 September 2023, £9 with concessions - Book now

Rising start of the contemporary artworld Lindsey Mendick has arrived in the Yorkshire Sculpture Park (open on Bank Holidays too!) with her immersive display of gruesomely wonderful artworks.

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Lindsey Mendick, Where The Bodies Are Buried, installation view at YSP, 2023. Courtesy the artist. Photo © Jonty Wilde, courtesy YSP
Lindsey Mendick, Where The Bodies Are Buried, installation view at YSP, 2023. Courtesy the artist. Photo © Jonty Wilde, courtesy YSP

Culture in South Lakes

Culture in South Lakes, Until 30 December 2023, free entry

The long weekend offers to perfect opportunity for a trip to the South Lakes. Soak up the stunning landscape and a whole lot of culture while you’re there.

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Culture in South Lakes
Ben Nicholson's Cold Fell (1922) oil on canvas (part of Abbot Hall's collection). Image courtesy of Lakeland Arts.

Old Dock Tours, Liverpool

The Old Dock Tours at Maritime Museum, Waterfront, Until 31 January 2025, £8.50 with concessions - Book now

Fancy a historical adventure this Bank Holiday weekend? Book onto the Old Dock Tour in Liverpool and get up close and personal with the city’s history.

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© Robin Clewley, Courtesy of National Museums Liverpool 

The Wishing Well

The Wishing Well, 1d School Ln, Didsbury, , Manchester , M20 6SA - Visit now

Visit Didsbury’s new bar and restaurant and enjoy the long weekend with a fruity, colourful cocktail in hand.

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The Wishing Well

Outdoor Art in the North

Often free and publicly accessible, outdoor art has a special relationship to community, cultural heritage and the landscape it’s situated in. Why not take the opportunity to discover the iconic outdoor artworks the North has to offer over Bank Holiday Weekend.

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Whitworth Art Gallery Tours

Whitworth Art Gallery Daily Tour at The Whitworth, Manchester, Until 31 July 2023, free entry - Visit now

Visit the gorgeous Whitworth Art Gallery for a tour of its current exhibitions. Afterwards, you can take a stroll in the surrounding park

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Free Daily Tours, the Whitworth.

Sunday Roasts in Manchester

If you don’t feel like cooking this weekend, we’ve got you covered – check out our roundup of the best Sunday Roasts in Manchester. And if you choose Ducie Street Warehouse, you’ve got twice as many chances to scoff one, thanks to the Double Ducie Roast, available both Sunday and Monday.

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Seasonal Guides

Vintage Shops in the North

A curated selection of the most renowned vintage shops in the North of England, showcasing where to pick-up quirky, one-off collectables.

Father’s Day

This year’s Father’s Day is Sunday 18 June. Get out and about and spend some quality time with the old man in Manchester.
Forest Side Hotel
Staycation ideas for local holidays in the North

Looking for a staycation holiday in the North of the the UK? There are countless excellent destinations and hotels to choose from. Here are our recommended choices.

Outdoor Cinema

Here’s our pick of the best outdoor cinema in the North – pack popcorn, a torch and someone to grab during the scary bits.
Wild Swimming in the North of England

The definitive guide to wild swimming in the North, taking in lakes, rivers and reservoirs across the region.
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.

Manchester International Festival
Don’t Miss at MIF23

Larger-than-life inflatable art and world premiere performances, we bring you details of those ‘must-see’ events at MIF23.

Destinations

Things to Do in Liverpool
Spotlight on

Things to Do in Liverpool

Our guide to the thriving city of Liverpool, where new creative futures are written against the backdrop of a unique history.

Take me there

Culture Guides

Exhibitions

There's no rest for the art lover - this month brings outdoor sculpture, musings on water, political drawings and Liverpool Biennial 2023!

Music

We look towards a summer filled with quality festivals, from cultural behemoths to grassroots gems.

Winnie the Pooh at Manchester Opera House
Families

The sun has finally got his hat on! Enjoy our top picks of family-friendly events and activities, both indoors and outdoors.

Classical Music

Summer's classical music calendar is filling up nicely! Read our top picks of concerts happening in Manchester and the North.

Gerry Potter (credit Lee Baxter)
Literature

Books are big this summer, with festival readings, poetry slams, creative writing activities and famous faces all putting in an appearance.

Food and Drink

All signs point toward June being a scorcher of a month, so let’s take a look at all things summery food and drink.

Tours and Activities

From literary activities to brilliant independent shops, keep your minds and homes filled with the good stuff this month.

Theatre in Manchester
Theatre

Check out our updated guide for lively theatre festivals, rip-roaring rooftop circus and dreamy outdoor shows.