The tour explores the rich legacy of Gothic architecture in Manchester. Gargoyles, saints, saviours, devils and exquisite creatures illuminate the tour which is delivered by Jonathan Schofield in an entertaining yet authoritative style.
Cathedral Gardens is a partially lawned public space in Manchester city centre, located between Manchester Cathedral and the National Football Museum.
The 2022 Festa Italiana was a roaring success, with great food options and captivating live music performances throughout the weekend.
Elegant and welcoming restaurant and bar in the Corn Exchange, with an attractive domed ceiling and plenty of original features like the staircase and tiles.
The baby in the family of Manchester’s concert halls, The Stoller Hall greatly enhances the city’s already enviable live music provision.
Proper Tea sits opposite Manchester Cathedral, serving up artisanal teas (with instructions on how long to leave them brewing), sandwiches, soups and excellent cake.
Greengate Square is a public space in Salford, close to Manchester Cathedral.
The Sparrows serves up a range of exciting pan-European food.
Grindsmith Coffee in Manchester’s Greengate Square serves locally sourced coffee and single origins from across the world.
Hanging Ditch Wine Merchants is on the site where either linen, or – it’s rumoured – people, were hung out to dry. It’s also the best place to shop for wine in the city.
The Embankment Kitchen serves up modern seasonal dishes in a great-looking space on the edge of Manchester city centre.
An offshoot from the much-loved Umezushi, this specialist deli is a one-stop-shop for all your sushi making needs, and also hosts occasional workshops to improve your culinary skills.
A Joseph Holt’s pub in Manchester’s Shambles Square.
Freight Island has transformed into Winter Island for the Christmas season, focusing on all things fun and festive.
free entry
This winter you can see a series of light installations through Sale Town Centre, designed by children and young people from the borough.
free entry
The Saltaire Living Advent Calendar has been a staple of the village since 2006, with community buildings and houses lighting up their windows with intricate illuminations.
free entry
Ahead of the official launch next spring, Fairfield Social Club hosts a winter pop-up event, featuring top-notch street food, two bars, comedy events and more.
free entry
An unmissable ten days of luminary adventures. Interact with boundary-breaking new commissions, create your own digital masterpieces and take a selfie with a Dalek. Yep, really.
free entry
Get the kids in the Christmas spirit at this amazing indoor funfair for families!
from £23.50
Come to Cheshire’s winter wonderland. A magical festive lights trail, Santa’s Grotto and more… This is a jam packed adventure for all the family.
from £20.00
Taking place in Blackburn each year, The National Festival of Making is a unique celebration of UK making, from the kitchen table to the factory floor.
free entry
Provocative new writing, glitzy burlesque and big budget shows, our theatre guide spans the festive season and beyond.
Keep warm with festive feasts, Hollywood stars and 90s nostalgia across the North's cinemas this December.
It might be curl-up-with-a-book season, but there's lots to get out and about for and plenty of events where you can stock up on new reads.
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.
Festive frolics, monstrous theatre and magical outdoor adventures all feature in our latest picks of things to do with the family.
While rainy late autumn may not be the most energising of seasons, there is plenty of new art to see and inspire this month!
We're unapologetically entering into the Christmas spirit here at Tours and Activities with some alternative festive fun.
The best food and drink options in Manchester and the North for the upcoming winter months.