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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

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, Liverpool, 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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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

sunny bank mills
Christmas Shopping

Back away from the high street and support some of Manchester’s best independent makers, sellers and curators this Christmas.
Photo of the festive display outside the Corn Exchange
Christmas Markets

Makers, bakers and curators will be out in force this festive season as the North’s best Christmas Markets whirr into action.
The Ivy Spinningfields
Christmas Food and Drink

Don’t worry about the calories, the holidays are coming so that means it’s time to eat, drink, be merry for Christmas 2023.

Northern Ballet’s The Nutcracker at Leeds Grand Theatre
Christmas Theatre and Concerts

As the big day approaches, you can count on theatres and concert halls across the North to pull out all the festive stops.
Cultural Calendar 2023

Our editors’ biannually updated list of some of the best-looking arts and cultural events in Manchester and the North in 2023.
Christmas in Manchester and the North
Christmas in Manchester and the North

If you’re looking for alternative or interesting things to do over Christmas in Manchester and the North, look no further.
Family things to do at Christmas

Our guide to the best things to do with kids this Christmas to keep little and big giddy-kippers out of trouble (and the selection box).

Destinations

Spotlight on

Things to Do in Cumbria

Our guide to the best things to do in the Cumbria and the Lake District, including Penrith, Kendal, Carlisle, Keswick and Cockermouth.

Take me there

Culture Guides

Music in Manchester and the North

Spotlighting global artists who all, in one way or another, break the mould, we preview the best gigs happening this side of Christmas and beyond.