At the far end of Cockermouth, on Castlegate, is the Quince & Medlar. This is a relatively rare (for Cumbria) vegetarian restaurant, and one with a national reputation, having twice won the Vegetarian Society’s “restaurant of the year” award. In a listed Georgian building, it serves organic wines and beers alongside its excellent veggie and vegan menu.
Eat your way through the dairy based delights of Manchester, with the Manchester Cheese Crawl walking tour.
from £25
Join Craft Beer Tour Manchester for a journey through some of the cities best local breweries and artisanal beer serving bars. Discover the personality of Manchester’s beer through a diverse range of pints.
from £35
Try your hand at stand up comedy with an eight week intensive course with Dave Williams in the Frog and Bucket’s School of Comedy.
from £300.00
The Old Dock tour is a treat for younger and older visitors alike, fans of Liverpool’s maritime past, and anybody curious about local history.
£8.50 with concessions
Join Manchester Sacred Harp for an afternoon of uplifting four-part harmony social singing at Whitworth Art Gallery.
free entry
Explore incredible objects from the world-renowned theoretical physicist’s office in this special display.
free entry
Whether you’re a high-fashion fanatic or just couture curious, Unpicking Couture gets up close and personal with pivotal moments in fashion history.
free entry
An insanely committed seven-nights-a-week, Creatures of the Night Comedy Club opens its doors (20.30-22.30 typically, though please check) for evening after evening of side-splitting comedy.
from £5.00
Combine the thrill of an amusement park with the colourful world of Nickelodeon at the UK’s only Nickelodeon Land, located within Blackpool Pleasure Beach Resort.
Ego Death is a speakeasy-style secret bar in the Northern Quarter with a cocktail menu as good as its atmosphere.
Relaxed restaurant in the centre of Manchester, serving impressively high-quality steaks at an affordable price point.
Family owned independent bookshop with branches in Romiley (Greater Manchester) and Stockport
Family owned independent bookshop with branches in Romiley (Greater Manchester) and Stockport
The riverside location of Hilton Liverpool makes it one of the most centrally placed hotels in the city, close to the all attractions, big and small.
The Maldron Hotel is perfectly located on the edge of the Baltic Triangle and offers comfortable stays and luxurious breakfasts.
The Halyard is one of Liverpool’s newest hotels, with top floor suites offering sweeping views of the city and delicious treats in the restaurant.
Cow Liverpool is one of the city’s favourite vintage shops, with clothing, accessories and homeware in a spacious shop on Bold Street.
Pop Boutique houses Vintage, clothing, homeware and vinyl. This bold street shop is in the centre of the ropewalks area of Liverpool which is fast becoming the indie centre of Liverpool.
Press Bros is one of Lark Lane’s best coffee spots, with coffee made from locally roasted beans and delicious breakfasts.
Hollywood greats and early bird film fest tickets are on our horizon as we start the New Year.
Readings are springing up everywhere as the live literature and spoken word scene starts to defrost.
We might be past the holiday season, but Manchester and the North's arts and cultural calendar is still packed with brilliant events and activities for families
Documentary performance, groundbreaking dance, world premieres and fresh takes on classic works - check out our early theatre highlights for 2025.
Warm, intimate storytelling is the thread connecting our new picks, which include a number of brilliant folk artists.
From genre-defying art film to vibrant embroidery and Surrealist sculpture, check out the best winter exhibitions to see right now.
Get creative, allow yourself to be curious and learn something new with this month's tours and activities guide.
Looking for the best winter meals the North has to offer? This month's guide to food and drink has the lot.
