Half Term in Manchester The Bullzini Family — The Bullzini Family will be performing at Quays Culture Summer Festival

Things to do at half term

Gemma Gibb, Associate Editor

Last Updated 23 May 2019

Half term in Manchester and across the North is here once again! May is our favourite of all the school holidays. This year there’s a heady mix of great outdoor escapades add to the many indoor creative experiences on offer.

Adventure around an award-winning gallery, get coding, crafting and hop on board a Storytelling Bus to experience history like never before.

Here’s our guide to top things to do together. Everything you need to make the most of this last half term together before the summer hols.

For more half term Manchester ideas also check out our guide to free family things to do in Manchester and the North.

Here are our picks

1. The Lost Words at Lyme

National Trust Images/Chris Lacey

The Lost Words at Lyme Park, 23 March–1 September 2019, Lyme admission prices apply (free for National Trust members) £2.50 for trail - Visit now

Robert MacFarlane and Jackie Morris’ spell book is brought to life in a special artist trail which brings to life the language of the natural world.

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2. Rights of the Child at Quarry Bank

National Trust Images, John Millar

Rights of the Child at Quarry Bank, 6 April–29 September 2019, Quarry Bank admission prices apply (free for National Trust members) - Visit now

Discover how children’s rights have changed over time in a brand new exhibition at Quarry Bank, Rights of the Child.

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3. A-Z of Salford’s Collections at Salford Museum and Art Gallery

Salford Musuem

A-Z of Salford's Collections at Salford Museum and Art Gallery, Manchester, 16 March 2019–23 February 2020, free entry - Visit now

Discover how Victorian gentlemen protected their moustaches from tea, which monarch’s pair of stockings reside in Salford, get up close to incredible art and more.

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4. Rocket Returns to the Science and Industry Museum

Science Museum Group

Rocket Returns at Science and Industry Museum, Castlefield, 25 September 2018–8 September 2019, free entry - Visit now

Make tracks for Manchester’s Science and Industry Museum. A one-in-a-lifetime chance to see Stephenson’s Rocket return to the site of the world’s oldest surviving passenger railway for the first time in over 180 years.

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5. A World Inside a Book: Gruffalo, Dragons and Other Creatures at Z-arts

Ludovic Des Cogents

A World Inside a Book: Gruffalo, Dragons and Other Creatures at Z-arts, Manchester, 12 February–26 October 2019, from £6 - Book now

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6. Yorkshire Sculpture Park

Yorkshire Sculpture Park, West Bretton, Wakefield, Yorkshire, WF4 4LG - Visit now

Explore Yorkshire Sculpture Park’s award-winning 500 acres in all weather with additional family events this half-term.

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7. Greater Manchester Police Museum

Creative Tourist

Greater Manchester Police Museum, 57a Newton Street, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M1 1ET - Visit now

Be on your best behaviour for special open days on Tuesdays and Thursdays during half term. Explore this gem of a museum and meet guests from the forces.

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8. People’s History Museum

Image courtesy of the People's History Museum.

People’s History Museum, Left Bank, Spinningfields, Manchester, M3 3ER - Visit now

Head to Manchester’s Left Bank for the Doodle Den and other sessions exploring creative disobedience as part of the museum’s programme marking 200 years since the Peterloo Massacre, a defining moment for Britain’s democracy.

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