Culture Guides

A doll with makeup peeks out of a hanging wall of butter yellow fabric. Red and black threads descend and cascade around the doll.

This season, exhibitions across the North West feel attuned to the world beneath the world – the forces and stories shaping how we see, feel and imagine.

Music in the North

Manchester’s starting the new year with a run of gigs from some of the country’s best underground exports.

A performer in a bright red costume sits on a snowy stage set, holding a large snowball between their legs with a surprised expression. The colourful winter backdrop features snowflakes, hills, a snowman, and a traffic light with glowing lights.

Family things to do in the North

Whether you’re after storybook theatre, museum wanderings or illusion-bending play spaces, there’s plenty to keep curiosity ticking through winter and beyond.

Tours and Activities in the North

Step away from the usual. Tours and activities that spark curiosity, inspire creativity and offer something refreshingly different.

Theatre in the North

Theatre across the North West splits between festive escape and sharp, urgent work exploring politics, power and resistance.

Cinema in the North

There's no shortage of great films out at the moment, whether you're looking for the latest blockbuster, that hot arthouse flick fresh from Cannes or a cosy classic.

Food and Drink in the North

Hear ye, hear ye. Take some eating-out tips from our wintertime guide to food and drink in Manchester and the North.

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

Seasonal Guides

Alcohol-free things to do in the North

January doesn’t have to mean hiding at home with fizzy water and The Traitors. Manchester’s packed with things to do without a pint in hand.

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.

Christmas food and drink

The holidays are coming – time to eat, drink and be merry for Christmas 2025. Don’t do anything we wouldn’t do.

A smiling market trader shows a customer a painting in Victoria Baths

Christmas Shopping in the North

Back away from the high street and support some of Manchester’s best independent makers, sellers and curators this Christmas.

New Year’s Eve in the North

We’ve rounded up some of the city’s best options for seeing out 2025 in style – from wallet-friendly parties to some truly lavish experiences.

Champagne flute swirling in front of a Christmas tree.

Christmas in the North

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

Christmas Markets in the North

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

Destinations

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.
Things to Do in Manchester
Our guide to the best things to in Manchester, from award-winning theatre and exhibitions to the busiest music scene in the North.
Things to do in Leeds
Our guide to Leeds, a hub of northern creativity, the metropolis of Yorkshire and one of the greenest cities in the UK.
Bradford 2025 – UK City of Culture
Bradford 2025 – UK City of Culture is a city in celebration, not just for Bradford and the surrounding districts, but the whole of the North.
Things to do in Blackpool
Fancy a day trip? Explore our guide to Blackpool and build yourself an itinerary featuring attractions, galleries, restaurants and more.
Things to do in York
We take a closer look at York, one of the UK’s most beautiful heritage cities with a wealth of contemporary culture.
Things to do in Lancashire
Our guide to the culturally rich coastal county of Lancashire, encompassing Lancaster, Morecambe, Blackpool and Blackburn.
Things to Do in Cheshire
Our guide to the best things to in Cheshire, including culture, shopping and food and drink in Chester, Crewe and Macclesfield.
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.
Things to do in West Yorkshire
Our guide to the best things to do in culture-packed West Yorkshire, including Hebden Bridge, Wakefield, Halifax and Huddersfield.
Things to do in the North East
Our guide to the North East spans industrial heritage in Sunderland, medieval architecture in Durham and world-class culture in Newcastle.
Things to Do in Sheffield
Our guide to the hilly city of Sheffield, which boasts a fantastic community of artists, makers and cultural organisations.