The English city of Manchester is called the treasure of the north.
Perhaps this statement is a little exaggerated, but everyone who has been there in person will definitely confirm that this is a very pleasant city that has something to offer tourists. Once a settlement around a Roman fort, today it is a bustling city that has survived terrorist attacks and economic downturns.
If you have already played enough online casino real money NZ and decided to go on a trip to England, visit this wonderful northern city to see its sights with your own eyes.
1. Manchester Town Hall
The Town Hall, built in 1877 by Alfred Waterhouse, is a stunning example of the Victorian era. As the main building of the Manchester City Council, which still houses many of the city’s offices, this building is striking in its beauty both outside and inside. Waterhouse gave the building a neo-Gothic style, taking elements of the early 13th century Gothic. Today, the town hall is considered one of the finest examples of the Victorian neo-Gothic style. The large hall is decorated with high arches inside, and the names of mayors, lord mayors, and consuls are engraved on the skylights. No tourist has yet passed by a delightful castle with a rich history.
2. Imperial War Museum North
As a complement to the Imperial Museum in London, the North Museum stands out for its strong emphasis on art. The museum is dedicated to researching the impact of modern conflicts on people and society. The original building of the museum is located in a beautiful area overlooking the Manchester Canal, which during the Second World War was a leading industrial center, which was bombed in 1940.
3. Old Trafford
The grandiose park, located on the outskirts of Manchester, is famous for the fact that on its territory the famous stadium of the world-famous football club Manchester United, as well as a cricket field, so (unless of course, you hate Manchester United) you just need to visit the stadium – the second largest in the United Kingdom, with a capacity of 75,635 people. No wonder the stadium is called the “Theater of Dreams”! Every fan’s dreams can come true – special tours include a visit to the Manchester United Museum and Mega market, guided by a former club player!
Art & Culture
Manchester City Council green-light new venue at Medlock Square, with Mamma Mia! The Party to open the immersive space
Danny Jones
The smash-hit ‘Mamma Mia: The Party’ is set to land in Manchester next year as the maiden event of another brand-new space set to open as part of the upcoming Medlock Square development.
Etihad Campus has seen a lot of moving pieces over the past few years, be it the building of Co-op Live, the ongoing expansion of Man City’s home ground, the soon-to-launch hotel attached to the stadium and now Medlock.
But those in control of the land are content with stopping there; this looks to be just the start of a whole new evolution for the East Manchester area, with an as yet untitled new immersive arts, experience and events venue also set to join the new slate of projects.
You see another glimpse of the purpose-built mini arena, of sorts, down below.
With plans having now been approved by the City Council, the ‘immersive’ space will be situated between the Etihad, Co-op Live and Medlock Square itself, holding up to 600 guests per performance.
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Currently set to open in late 2027, following the rest of the square’s launch window being fully rolled out, we still don’t know the name of this next addition, but the structure itself will dovetail with the surrounding buildings and areas as part of seasonal activations, live shows and sports screenings, as well as pop-ups, brand collaborations and more.
Looping back, the interactive, multimedia extravaganza that is ‘Mamma Mia! The Party’ will finally be making its Manc debut as part of the 10th anniversary of the all-singing, all-dancing and even all-dining in-demand production.
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As per an official press release from the Medlock Square media team, the show will combine “live music, theatre, food and storytelling” and “offer visitors an unforgettable night out.”
The original UK production at The O2 in London has now surpassed more than 1,500 performances, with a total of 700k guests attending these shows in 110 countries across the globe. Safe to say it’s rather popular.
As for Medlock Square and the surrounding Etihad Campus, Manchester City supporters have also been given another look at the soon-to-open, immersive hotel tie-in experience.
With a skywalk, rooftop bar, a new MCFC shop and various other bits set to spill out onto Medlock Square, it all feels like a period of wholesale changes over in the blue half of the city – especially with the football club bidding farewell to their manager Pep Guardiola after more than a decade.
Following the new and improved North Stand being named after him in the first of many tributes, the City Football Group (CFG) are also set to commission a statue in his honour over the coming months.
Meanwhile, Medlock Square is also due to open later this year, although an official completion date has not been confirmed.
You can stay up to date with all the latest on Mamma Mia! The Part’s Manchester shows right HERE.
Not forgetting a brand-new women’s football facility, too, there is so much stuff going on over at the Etihad that it can be hard to keep track, but here’s the latest look at some of the rooms set to feature in the hotel of the same name.
Featured Images — Publicity pictures (CGIs via Medlock Square)
Art & Culture
The best things to do in Greater Manchester this week | 15 – 21 June 2026
Emily Sergeant
Well, it’s time… by the end of this week, summer will officially be here.
That’s right – it’s felt like a long time coming, especially after both the heatwaves followed by the pouring rain in recent weeks, but summer finally arrives this Sunday, and of course that obviously means there’ll be loads of events and activities to be getting up to across Greater Manchester this week.
Finding it a bit tricky to pick what to do though? No worries. We’ve chosen a few of the highlights for another edition of our ‘what’s on‘ guide.
Both free things and those that’ll set you back a few pennies are featured.
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Looking for somewhere to watch the World Cup in Greater Manchester?
We couldn’t really start this list off with anything else, could we?
Of course, the 2026 FIFA World Cup officially kicked off last week, but if didn’t grab tickets to catch a game in person over in North America or Mexico, and you don’t fancy sitting at home watching on your own, then thankfully, our region is filled with places where you can catch all the action surrounded by hundreds of other football fans.
FIFA World Cup 2026 / Credit: Road to Victory
You’re absolutely spoiled for choice this year, as there’s plenty of places in Manchester city centre and beyond screening all the games.
Will England bring football home though? Only time will tell.
Check out our round-up list of all the best places to watch the World Cup in Greater Manchester here👇
Thrill seekers, this one’s for you – as Zip World Manchester has launched its new Forest Tubing experience, and it’s bringing the UK’s longest outdoor tubing slide is coming to Heaton Park.
The new family‑friendly outdoor adventure gives visitors the chance to soar along two slides, winding through woodland at one of the largest parks in the North West.
Suitable for children aged four and above, visitors can book an hour-long session – with unlimited rides during that time slot – and either ride solo, or share the experience with fellow adventurers.
Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos / Credit: Science Museum Group | BBC
Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos has made its world premiere at the Science and Industry Museum, and is inviting visitors to explore our wondrous Solar System.
Fresh off-the-back of the new BBC Children’s and Education TV show, Horrible Science, the ‘thrilling’ new exhibition encouraging visitors to ‘do science the horrible way’, and join both scientists and supervillains to unveil the secrets of space.
The new exhibition propels families up into space where mystery, intrigue, and rocket-loads of silly and surprising science await. You’ll get to venture through a series of cosmic zones, walk in the shoes of astronauts, explore the life-giving energy of the sun, marvel at mysterious moons, and discover far-off weird worlds.
This pub in Hulme has reopened following a huge restoration, bringing together historic pub charm, pies, pints, and live music all under one roof.
This is The Abbey, and it’s stood on the site since the 1890s.
It still features its original 19th-Century bar, alongside two beer gardens, a pie and pint deal, and a new 100-capacity live music venue dedicated to supporting grassroots artists and emerging talent.
There appears to be no limit to Manchester’s appetite for tiramisu, as now there’s a new bar dedicated to the stuff.
At Angel Crumbs over at Circle Square, you’ll find a whole menu of tiramisu and tiramisu-inspired treats, like lattes with a marscapone cream topping, and tiramisu balls. There’s even alcohol and caffeine-free desserts too meaning there is something for everyone.
You can take your treats to-go, and this new spot is right on the doorstep of the sunny Symphony Park.
It’s not every day you come across a sandwich with 20 different elements inside.
Tucked above a barbershop in Saddleworth is Fjord, where owner Kieran is taking his meticulous Michelin training and applying it to the humble butty.
He’s spending hours confiting, infusing, distilling, and preparing fillings to go inside Fjord’s signature pan-fried puffball focaccia (which they think might actually be a new invention). There’s also spritzes, brunches, small plates and so much more – Saddleworth’s got a great new addition.
Salford is celebrating 100 years of being its own city this year, and a raft of exciting new events have been announced to mark the occasion, featuring everything from art commissions to community events from the likes of Walk the Plank and From The Other – with many free to attend.
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Salford City Council has put together the cultural programme across Salford’s eight neighbourhoods, supported using public funding by Arts Council England.
Everything has been created to explore the past, celebrate the present, and imagine the future of Salford.
Find out everything happening for this special centenary year here.
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National Trust x Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Trails
North West
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Monday 15 June – onwards
National Trust x Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Trails / Credit: James Dobson | Annapurna Mellor
National Trust and Pokémon have teamed up for an exclusive trading card game and immersive trail.
The partnership is set to bring together the places the National Trust cares for and Pokémon’s spirit of play and discovery.
Exclusively designed for the National Trust, the Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Trails are going to be running throughout summer at 14 National Trust places nationwide, combining ‘imaginative play’ with ‘gentle physical activity’ inspired by Mega Evolution Pokémon.
Find out where to get involved and book tickets here.
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GRUB On The Docks
MediaCity
Tuesday 16 June – onwards
GRUB On The Docks / Credit: Supplied
GRUB On The Docks has returned for the summer.
MediaCity’s waterfront site has been transformed into a vibrant open-air destination built for warm weather and big moments across the season, as GRUB On The Docks returns later this week.
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Running across the summer months, you can expect some of Greater Manchester’s best street food traders to be serving up global flavours and summer-ready drinks, alongside live music, DJs, and just an all round laid-back atmosphere turning daytime hangouts into evening sessions.
Having taken place at Heaton Park since 2013, when it outgrew its original home in Platt Fields Park, this year’s event will take place on Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 June, and features an absolutely packed lineup of both local and global names lead by Calvin Harris, Sammy Virji, Skepta, and Zara Larsson.
They each play alongside Parklife favourites like Kettama, Josh Baker, and Rudimental, as well as other big names like Nia Archives and Chris Stussy.
The massive party is attended by some 80,000 people each day, and is one of the biggest events in Manchester’s cultural calendar.
Everything you need to know about Parklife 2026 is here.
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Did you know that Printworks is currently hosting a UK-wide art competition for students?
Do you know an aspiring artist? Students aged 16 and over are invited to bring the ocean to life in a brand-new creative arts competition launched by one of the UK’s leading entertainment destinations, Manchester’s Printworks.
The venue has now opened entries for UK students from sixth forms, colleges, universities, and art colleges across the country to take part in an exciting new art competition.
The winning design is set to be showcased on Europe’s largest digital ceiling.
Did you know there’s an adorable open farm in Bolton where you can meet and hold baby bunnies, lambs, chicks, AND more?
This is Smithills Open Farm, and it’s one of the most wholesome family days out.
Here on this picturesque family-run farm nestled within 70-acres of countryside, you can feed the sheep and llamas, ride a tractor to visit the donkeys, or even head into the barn to see the cows, horses, and piglets.
Plus, they host ‘Pets Corner’ sessions throughout the day too, where you can meet and hold many different baby animals (including the softest little goats and chicks we ever did see.)
They even have a farm shop and ice creamery where you can buy local honey and other goods to take home with you.
Find out more about the farm and plan your trip here.
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Or what about that Chester Zoo has been named the UK’s best zoo for the third year in a row?
Chester Zoo has been named the UK’s best zoo for 2026 / Credit: Chester Zoo
That’s right – the UK’s biggest charity zoo has officially been named the best zoo in the country by TripAdvisor reviews, with the zoo having claimed a record 11,666 ‘excellent’ ratings for the first time too, making it even more of a cause for celebration.
Not only has the zoo’s strong focus on conservation and unforgettable visitor experiences made it the best in our country, but this has also earned it a place among Europe’s elite.
Chester Zoo’s CEO, Jamie Christon, says he is ‘over the moon’ with the zoo’s new title.
Fancy saving up to 50% off at some of Manchester’s top restaurants?
A bit of a daft question really, we know… of course you do.
Well thankfully, EatClub – the free app that’s easy to download, and you can start using right away – has now arrived in Manchester, and there are discounts such as up to 35% off Habbibi, Lina Stores, and Salvi’s to take advantage of, plus many more to explore.
Simply download the app, book your walk-in slot, and enjoy. You don’t have to tell the restaurant either – just pay using your EatClub card, and it’ll sort the discount for you.
Just like we do every month, we’ve rounded up some of the best things we got to eat in May, so if you’re on the hunt for somewhere new to eat in June, then we’ve absolutely got you covered as there’s plenty of places across the city region.
It’s been another jam-packed month of insanely delicious eats, and we’ve been lucky to have a bunch of new openings too.
The Manc -
25th June 2021 
