‘Mother town’ of The Potteries, Burslem dates back to at least 1085 when it appears listed in the Domesday Book. Today, the wealth and fortune generated by the boom in global demand for Staffordshire pottery can still be seen reflected in the town’s many fine red brick buildings and grand displays of civic pride.

The last complete Victorian pottery factory in Britain, Gladstone Pottery Museum in Longton provides a unique insight into the history of Stoke-on-Trent; an area renowned for its world-class pottery and ceramics.

Croxteth Hall provides a magnificent and popular venue for walks within a beautiful countryside setting.

A high-end restaurant in the Lake District, combining traditional British ingredients with original modern ideas.

Water sports centre in Salford Quays a real find for the serious swimmers of the city.

A dam and ‘beach’ near Todmorden. This disused reservoir at the top of the moor near Walsden is a great place to cool off.

The village of Pickmere near Knutsford in Cheshire is well known as a nature spot with a popular lake. Pickmere lake is, hands down, one of our favourite wild swimming finds.

Hatchmere Nature Reserve is a popular wild swimming spot in Delamere Forest near Frodsham in Cheshire

High-end Chinese restaurant that combines traditional Cantonese cooking and modern ideas. Based in Alderley Edge.

Dukes Drive is located next to the historic Bridgewater Canal. Situated in the centre of Monton, this green oasis has excellent links to surrounding areas and is linked by canal tow paths and cycle routes (66) to Worsley and further afield.

Manchester Communication Academy is a mixed, non-selective school serving local children.

The Pen and Pencil is a New York-inspired breakfast and brunch spot in Manchester’s Northern Quarter that transforms into a bar in the evening.