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Guides
What's on
Where to go
See all

Spring bank holiday in Manchester and the North

Creative Tourist

The Spring Bank Holiday is back in style, with a tonne of exciting events and venues to explore in Manchester and further afield. It’s looking like the weather will treat us well this year so we can all enjoy a little drink, meal or stroll in the sun. But just in case… there are plenty of indoor activities below, alongside the outdoorsy ones, making for a fabulous long weekend come rain or shine.

For more ideas, take a look at our culture guides which feature exhibitions, music, cinema, theatre, literature and family events in more detail, plus our food and drink guide for our latest tips on the best restaurants across the North.

Our top picks

Ducie Street Warehouse

Ducie Street Warehouse, Ground Floor, Warehouse, Ducie St,, Manchester, M1 2TP - Visit now

Ducie Street Warehouse has announced an extra special Brunch party this bank holiday weekend. On Saturday 28 May the warehouse will host an Ibiza Calling Disco Brunch party with Guy Williams and Mr Dorris with performances from Ghetto Fabulous.

You’ll also have two chances to try the exceptional Ducie Street roast. Pencil it in for Sunday 28 May or Monday 29 May. And Reform Radio will be back on duty behind the decks to conclude Ducie Street Warehouse’s May Weekender.

Find out more

Freight Island

Freight Island, Mayfield Depot, 11 Baring St, Manchester, M1 2PY - Visit now

On the Sunday Bank Holiday, on 28 May, Freight Island will welcome the much-celebrated É Soul Cultura for an all-day-to-night festival, hosted and curated by none other than Luke Una. He will be joined by a huge crew of party people, including Artwork, Greg Wilson, DJ Paulette, Colin Curtis and many more top talents. The free event is available to book here.

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North Taproom

North Taproom, Vita East Circle Square, Nobel Way, Manchester , M1 7FA - Visit now

Visit the brand new North Taproom this long weekend, serving drinks in all shapes and sizes, with a choice of 24 beers on tap (the current mango sour is a must try!).

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Free family things to do in Manchester

If you’re looking to keep the whole family busy, the world’s at your fingertips with free history, art, science and creative capers for all ages in Manchester.

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Toddler standing on grass with a paintbrush in hand turning to the right to look at the camera. He is wearing a navy blue rainsuit with a burgundy and navy blue long sleeved tiop underneath. He is standing in front of large cream coloured sheets that have been strung up on a washing line. The sheets have mud marks making on.
Fiona Jenkins

Beer Gardens in Manchester & Salford

If you don’t feel like doing anything too strenuous, there’s always the beer gardens. When the sun is shining, they’re where you want to be; here’s our guide to the best in Manchester. Remember to drink plenty of water between pints, and for goodness sake wear sun cream.

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Society Manchester

Places To Eat Outside in Manchester

If the weather decides to stay sunny, you might be looking for somewhere to eat outside in Manchester. Here’s our guide to the restaurants in Manchester with the best areas for al fresco dining.

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20 Stories eat outside in Manchester

Parks and Gardens in Manchester

If its nice weather, it’s either in the beer garden, or stomping around a park long enough to justify the time spent in the beer garden.

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Blossom on trees in Manchester
Ben Williams

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.
Festive Happening Camerata
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.
Visit Blackpool.
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

Image by Jonathan Schofield.
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

Culture Guides

A pair of white angel wings displayed against a dark, black background. The lower parts of the wings are stained with vivid red, resembling blood splatter.
Theatre

This month’s theatre highlights span dystopian classics, political thrillers and bold new opera.

Music

From underground festivals showcasing emerging talent to global icons unveiling new work, here are our latest live music highlights.

Food and Drink in the North

Spring is coming, at some point. As for now, it’s cold and grim so take our advice and shelter in a nice warm restaurant, pub or bar.

Exhibitions

From monumental to minutiae, this month’s exhibitions trace power, care and community across galleries big and small.

Emily Lloyd-Saini as Grace in Space and Harrie Hayes as Lieutenant Strong in Horrible Science
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.

A Girl Walks Home Alone At Night
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.