The East Lancashire Railway has six stops, all of which offer plenty of things to see and do. Whether it’s Heywood’s stunning Queen’s Park, Bury’s cultural and shopping quarter, Summerseat’s walking trails, Ramsbottom’s foodie scene, the pretty village of Irwell Vale, or historic Rawtenstall with its museums and the UK’s last remaining temperance bar.
Enjoy a rare visit inside the glorious Heaton Hall, while uncovering the fascinating history of the ‘people’s park’ outside.
from £25.00
Discover Rochdale’s rich history on this guided tour, featuring the newly restored Town Hall, St Chad’s Church, and the Pioneers Museum.
from £20.00
Mark International Workers’ Day with J.J. Lepink’s powerful one-woman play, bringing a vital yet overlooked figure of British labour history to the stage.
from £13.00
GASP! Horror Film Festival returns with three days of screenings dedicated to championing diversity in genre cinema.
from £5.00
Greater Manchester Improv Festival debuts. Expect a fearless, unscripted showcase of local talent, wild invention, and pure fringe spirit.
from £5.00
Join an access-all-areas guided tour of Chetham’s Library and the surrounding school – among the most venerable buildings in the North West.
from £20.00
Marking the anniversary of the Christmas Blitz, this walking tour explores Manchester’s history of conflict, from the English Civil Wars to the World Wars and beyond.
from £20.00
Dance a Céilí with Altogether Otherwise as part of their singing and dancing months in May and June.
free entry
Bury Art Shop is a local gem filled with original artworks, crafts and homewares, championing the work of local artists and makers at the heart of Bury’s growing Culture Quarter.
This beautiful building holds temporary exhibitions of acclaimed international art, contemporary and historical collections, handcrafted art in the Art Shop and Tina’s tea rooms. Alongside this runs a varied events, workshop and education programme.
Over the past thirty years, retail giants have developed in the vicinity, yet Bury Market remains the undisputed champion of the North, attracting thousands of visitors every week.
Bury arts venue in fine surroundings. The Met programmes Music, comedy and theatre.
Burrs Country Park lies on the River Irwell covering an area of 36 hectares of scenic countryside, one mile northwest of Bury town centre.
Performing arts theatre in Whitefield, presenting five plays to the public each year.
Listo Burrito on Manchester’s Oxford Street tempts busy diners with fresh ingredients and a modestly priced menu.
Sports venue in Ramsbottom and home to the annual Ramsbottom Festival.
The Eagle and Child in Ramsbottom does what good pubs do best, and more.
Colleen’s is a casual dining neighbourhood restaurant in the heart of Ramsbottom serving seasonal dishes.
Helmed by chef-owners Fiona and Joe Botham, this tapas restaurant in Ramsbottom serves exclusively Spanish drinks and some of the best small plates going.
Now ten years old, this double market combines a farmers’ market and a craft fair and provides the perfect excuse to visit the picturesque town of Ramsbottom, which nestles in the Lancashire foothills to the north of Manchester.
Eclectic as ever. You'll find inventive reworkings, world-class contemporary dance and Greater Manchester's inaugural Improv Festival in our guide.
If it's inspiring, inclusive events and avant-garde, experimental afternoons you're after, look no further than live literature this spring – we've got you covered.
Vintage Alfred Hitchcock and a family friendly film festival are amongst our highlights this May.
Crocodile-themed Easter egg hunts, sense-sational museum trips and more this Easter!
Spring is here and the North is buzzing with must-visit new restaurants and bars.
Open air clubs, new festivals and long-awaited gigs. The North West's live music scene is heating up this spring.
Willow weaving, textile collages, digital arts and ecology - all this and more in our exhibition top picks this month
We've got many a good time in store this month as we round up the best walking tours, cultural classes and makers markets in the land.
