There’s another bank holiday looming and then the long, glorious stretch of summer – and helpfully, there’s a new tool in Greater Manchester to help you plan brilliant days out around the region.
You can now use a Metrolink Destination Generator which will design you your perfect day out.
You just give it an idea of what you fancy doing – like something foodie, or cultural, or musical, or sporting – and a rough borough you want to travel to, and away it goes.
You can choose free things, family-friendly things, outdoor things, to do on a weekday or weekend.
Transport for Greater Manchester’s aim is that it will help travellers stuck for ideas to get out and discover some fun days out around their local area, without needing to jump in the car or travel far.
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The Destination Generator will even tell you which stop to aim for and which tickets are the best value.
Renowned travel experts Lonely Planet named Manchester as one of its best ‘accessibility-friendly’ destinations to visit in 2023, with the city being the only UK location to make the guidebook’s annual Best in Travel list.
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Some of Lonely Planet’s recommendations, such as the Manchester Museum and Castlefield Viaduct, can be reached using Metrolink, but there are so many more hidden gems to be found across Greater Manchester.
National Trust gardeners – Castlefield Viaduct Planting – 10 June 2022
Danny Vaughan, TfGM’s Head of Metrolink, said: “Whether travelling a few stops or across the network, Metrolink is a convenient, value-for money and accessible way of getting around Greater Manchester.
“There are flexible and affordable ticketing options for all travellers, whether it’s paying as you go with contactless – never paying more than the daily cap, or making use of a one-day family travelcard which covers travel for two adults and up to three children.
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“Whatever the weather this summer, Metrolink can get you where you want to go, and if you’re stuck for ideas our Destination Generator will help you plan your trip.”
Sheona Southern, Managing Director at Marketing Manchester, said: “There are a variety of attractions across Greater Manchester for visitors to explore on Metrolink, from East Lancashire Railway in Bury, IWM North in Trafford, The Lowry in Salford, and fantastic green space in places like Sale Water Park.
“We’re delighted to work in partnership with TfGM to highlight just how accessible the region is, and we hope the Destination Generator is a fun way for visitors to uncover more of the unexpected in Greater Manchester.”
Some of the days out in Greater Manchester to be discovered:
Oldham Way Walks
Spanning a whopping 40 miles, the Oldham Way is a popular challenge for keen walkers – but if you break it down into sections there’s something for everyone, even total novices.
There are seven recommended routes, some of which you can easily get to using the tram network.
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If you get the tram to Failsworth, you’ll find yourself along a gentle section of the Oldham Way that follows the Rochdale Canal towpath.
Nearest stop: Failsworth
Pottery Corner
Tucked in in the beautiful Chorlton is Pottery Corner, a creative studio and gallery where you can paint your own pottery.
Designed to let your creative streak run wild, the studio space also offers baby imprints, clay classes, parties, and special occasions.
It’s been under its current ownership for seven years and is well worth the journey across to Chorlton.
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Nearest stop: Chorlton
The East Lancashire Railway
Train fanatic or not, the East Lancashire Railway is always a popular day out.
Slicing its way through picturesque towns like Ramsbottom and Summerseat, plus miles and miles of stunning Lancashire scenery, there are loads of different days out on offer.
Along the way you can discover real ale bars, quaint tea rooms, quirky boutiques, markets, restaurants, cafés and more.
Nearest stop: Bury
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Museum of Transport
This hugely underrated museum just outside the city centre seems like an appropriate place to visit on public transport – it’s an absolute goldmine of public transport going all the way back to 1824.
There’s an 1890s horse-drawn bus, a full-size prototype Metrolink tram, and an old Beverley’s Beers van.
It’s a bargain too – adult tickets are £5 while under 16s can go free with any paying adult.
Nearest stop: Queens Road
Portland Basin Museum
Another hidden gem, this time over in Tameside, is the Portland Basin Museum, housed within a restored 19th-century Ashton Canal Warehouse.
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The waterside, newly-refurbished heritage centre celebrates the people, events and industries, which have shaped the history of Tameside over the past two hundred years.
You can even step back in time on a 1920s street, with the sights and sounds of bygone Tameside brought back to life.
Nearest stop: Ashton-Under-Lyne
Featured image: East Lancashire Railway
Things To Do
A big Christmas sing-along concert with Alexander Armstrong and Aled Jones is coming to Manchester
Emily Sergeant
We know it’s only April, but brace yourselves… we’re about to talk about Christmas.
You are reading today’s date correctly, but whether you can believe it or not, this isn’t an April Fool, as it’s time to get ready to lift your voices and celebrate the festive season because The Big Christmas Sing-a-Long starring much-loved performers and presenters, Aled Jones and Alexander Armstrong, is heading out on its debut UK tour later this year.
This heartwarming live experience is promising to be an ‘unforgettable’ evening of music, laughter, and Christmas cheer.
Performing in some of the most beautiful cathedrals and venues across the UK, when the concert arrives in Manchester in late November, it’ll be taking over the stunning Manchester Monastery.
On the night, Aled Jones – who is one of the UK’s most iconic voices – will perform some beloved highlights, including his signature rendition of ‘Walking in the Air’, alongside a selection of classic festive carols, and joining him on stage will be Alexander Armstrong, whose rich vocals and natural charm will bring ‘humour, warmth, and festive sparkle’ to every performance.
It may be Aled and Alexander’s show, but audiences are also being told to expect some special surprises along the way too.
As this is a sing-along event, audiences will be invited to put on their favourite Christmas jumper and join in with a joyful mix of traditional Christmas carols and modern festive favourites.
The Big Christmas Sing-a-Long – UK Tour Dates 2026
Tuesday 24 November – Llandudno Venue Cymru Theatre
Sunday 29 November – Manchester Monastery
Tuesday 1 December – Glasgow Royal Concert Hall
Wednesday 2 December – Durham Cathedral
Thursday 3 December – Bath Forum
Friday 4 December – Guildford G Live
Wednesday 9 December – Nottingham Royal Concert Hall
Thursday 10 December – Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
Friday 11 December – York Barbican
Sunday 13 December – Edinburgh Queens Hall
Tuesday 15 December – Birmingham Town Hall
Sunday 20 December – Bexhill De La Warr Pavilion
Monday 21 December – London Union Chapel
The tour kicks off in Llandudno on 24 November and wraps up in London on 21 December – with a stop off here in Manchester on Sunday 29 November.
The Big Christmas Sing-a-Long is coming to Manchester Monastery on Sunday 29 November, and is expected to capture the true spirit of Christmas, offering a magical evening filled of festive cheer and uplifting songs that everyone can join in with.
Tickets go on general sale tomorrow (Thursday 2 April) at 9:30am, and you can get your hands on them when they go live here.
Featured Image – Supplied
Things To Do
A free snooker fan zone has popped up in Manchester for the 2026 Tour Championship
Danny Jones
We’re sure plenty of you are well aware that this year’s WST Sportsbet.io Tour Championship is happening in Manchester right now, but what many of you may not know is that a completely free snooker fan zone has opened up as part of it.
You don’t need a ticket for any of the actual matches to watch them on the big screen or even play one of your own.
However, it isn’t just the buzz inside the match room itself that the World Snooker Tour has brought on its return to the city centre – even the supporter hub outside is well worth a visit.
Based over at Manchester Central on the Exchange side of the building, while the games themselves are taking place in the main rooms, the foyer and surrounding areas have been turned into a fan park.
Perfect for anyone looking for a fun way to spend an afternoon or, indeed, a full day this week – not to mention an ideal activity for kids this coming Easter bank holiday weekend – if you’re a fan of the sport, you’d be a fool not to at least pop your head in.
Running until this Sunday, 5 April, when the tournament itself finishes, snooker lovers have access not only to a bar area with multiple big screens and food and drink, but also numerous free tables for them to play on.
In fact, you quickly turn a few frames into some proper practice if you’re so inclined, as there’s even on-site coaching to be made the most of.
As you can see, people of all ages have already turned up in their droves to soak up the atmosphere.
Once again, the competition is being broadcast live and free-to-air on Channel 5 if you’re happy to watch the games at home, but we don’t need to tell you what makes sitting in a room with a bunch of fellow fans and getting excited together so enjoyable.
If you visit the Manchester Central convention centre before the end of the week, you can even have a go at playing on a proper king-sized snooker table for the full pro-feel experience.
For anyone who wants to grab actual tickets for the matches as well, you can find them HERE.
Daisy Jackson -
26th May 2023 
