Culture Guides
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Seasonal Guides
Summer Holidays in Manchester and across the North have begun! Eeek … school’s out for six heady weeks of adventuring. Indoor, outdoor, free, ticketed…whatever you fancy. Look no further for your ultimate guide for cultural things to do together to make long-lasting memories (and also achieve precious hours of relative sanity during the hols). Here is our first lot of highlights but we’ll be updating this each week so keep checking back.
To make that budget go further these summer holidays, take a look also at our round up of the best free things to do with kids in Manchester.
Don’t miss our guides to parks and top picks of places to go rural for some more outdoor days out without leaving the city and our families guide for other longer-term capers.
Here are our picks
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1. The Lost Words at Quarry Bank
Image courtesy of Jackie Morris. The Lost Words at Quarry Bank, Cheshire, Until 30 August 2022, Quarry Bank admission prices apply (free for National Trust members) £1.50 for trail - Visit now
Robert McFarlane and Jackie Morris’ beautiful book is brought to life in this special family trail, bringing to life the language of the natural world.
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2. Families at the National Football Museum
National Football Museum Families at the National Football Museum at National Football Museum, Cathedral Quarter, Until 1 December 2022 - Book now
Dive into a day of football discovery, penalty shoot-outs, interactive play and more. Great for football fanatics.
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3. Are You Messin’? at the Bluecoat
Katie Schwab, Knots, Family Day at BALTIC, Gateshead, 2018. Photo: Colin Davison -
4. Fairy Tales at Z-Arts
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5. Little Moreton Hall
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6. Summer Fun in Gaskell’s Garden
AdobeStock Summer Fun in Gaskell's Garden at Elizabeth Gaskell’s House, Manchester, 20 July 2022, free entry - Find Out More
You’ll find a family garden trail and a range of Victorian games on offer at Elizabeth Gaskell’s House this summer. A full day of adventure. Don’t forget your picnic.
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7. Stig of the Dump at Grosvenor Open Air Theatre
Image courtesy of Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre. Stig of the Dump at Grosvenor Park, Chester, 22 July–29 August 2022, from £28.00 - Book now
A revival of Grosvenor Park’s sell-out, critically acclaimed production of the classic tale of a boy’s friendship with a mysterious caveman.
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8. The BFG in Pictures at The Grosvenor
The BFG in Pictures The BFG in Pictures at The Chester Grosvenor, Chester, 23 July–2 October 2022, free entry - Find Out More
Calling all Roald Dahl fans! Head to Chester’s Grosvenor Museum for original Quentin Blake illustrations and a hands-on programme of “phizzwhizzing” activity.
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9. Kendal Calling Festival 2022
Kendal Calling Kendal Calling at Lowther Castle and Gardens, Cumbria, 28–31 July 2022, from £178.75 - Book now
Featuring over 200 artists and performers, immersive arts experiences and kids activities, Kendal Calling is a great, family-friendly festival set in the stunning Lake District.
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10. Underneath The Stars Festival 2022 at Cinderhill Farm
Underneath The Stars Festival Underneath The Stars Festival at Cinderhill Farm, Barnsley, 29–31 July 2022, from £55 - Book now
Family favourite Underneath The Stars Festival returns to Barnsley’s Cinderhill Farm in 2022 with a line-up of 30 artists spanning soul, indie, brass bands, ska, Americana and folk.
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11. Peppa Pig: My First Concert at The Bridgewater Hall
Photo: Dan Tsantilis Peppa Pig at the Bridgewater Hall at The Bridgewater Hall, City Centre, 30 July 2022, from £15.50 - Book now
Introduce the littlest piglets to orchestral music this summer. Fun-filled and interactive – great for children aged 18 months and older.
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12. The Gruffalo at The Lowry
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13. Just So Festival 2022
Photograph by TenEight Just So Festival at Rode Hall, 19–21 August 2022, from £20 - Book now
The best family festival in the UK? We think so. Adventure together into a wonderland of the best outdoor theatre, music, comedy, literature and other curious creative escapades. With midnight feasts, pillow fights and the bonkers Tribal Tournament be sure to snap up a ticket fast.
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14. Windermere Jetty Museum of Boats, Steam and Stories
Courtesy of Lakeland Arts -
15. 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 summer including Outdoor Sculpture Building, Family Summer Walks and the Family Studio Space.
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16. Quarry Bank
Quarry Bank Mill / National Trust
Related Guides
Open Air Theatre in Manchester and the North
Open air theatre shows are happening across the north over the next few months – we’ve collated our top picks into a neat guide for you.
Exhibitions
From immersive playgrounds and mythological journeys to tackling injustice, this month is filled with fresh art to see all around the North.
Parks and Gardens in Manchester
There are plenty of parks and gardens in Manchester. We’ve picked out some of the best parks and gardens in and around the city.
Summer Festivals
Here’s our guide to the best festival experiences taking place in a field or on the streets near you.
Wild Swimming in the North of England
The definitive guide to wild swimming in the North, taking in lakes, rivers and reservoirs across the region.
Families
Festivals, shows, museums, and much, much more – there’s plenty of summer fun to be had for families in Manchester and the North, whatever the weather. Here are our top picks.
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