What's On

You can visit some of Greater Manchester’s most iconic landmarks for free this week

Discover the region's best hidden gems.

Thomas Melia - 5th September 2024

Summer may be essentially over but the fun days out are still in healthy supply, with Heritage Open Days popular autumn event almost upon us.

Helping to clear everyone’s minds during and after the post back-to-school rush, the open days will allow you to visit hidden, historic and heritage landmarks right across Greater Manchester – for free.

Between 6 and 15 September, Heritage Open Days are working with a wide range of unique and interesting places for each and every person to visit for free.

Following what was a smash-hit success when it was here last year and over the three decades prior, the National Trust‘s ‘Heritage Open Days’ are back by popular demand.

So without further ado, here are some of the heritage highlights in Greater Manchester to visit.

Manchester Victoria Baths

Only a mile and a half away from the city centre, this Grade II* listed building has lots of crafts and artsy projects on offer alongside exploring the bathhouse.

If shopping is more your style, the Victoria Baths have Manchester inspired gifts from local artists and makers alongside some souvenirs of their own.

This is running on 7, 8 from 11am-4pm and 11am-3pm on 11 September.

St. Wilfrid’s Church and Tower Trips – Northenden

St. Wilfrid’s Church is providing two dates this month for guests to lose themselves in culture.

Visitors will learn about some ‘Heritage Heroes’ of Manchester’s past including an 18th century owner of Wythenshawe Hall on Monday 9 September.

The second opportunity sees this site opening their medieval tower for guests to take in the nearby landscape during the afternoon on Sunday 15 September. 

Rochdale Old Fire Station 

Repurposed in 2021 as the Fireground Museum, this Rochdale building has kept most of its original features throughout.

Now the building is hosting an open day welcoming visitors on Saturday 7 September where you can expect guided tours and some home comforts from the cafeteria inside. 

The Met’s Emerging Showcase 

After a day of exploring the world of fire engines, why not finish your night with some disco inferno from some of the great upcoming artists of the North on 7 September from 8pm.

The Met is offering a chance to watch some future talent perform live at The Stanley Bar in Bury, and who knows in 10 years time they might just be the next Oasis.

Didsbury Mosque 

The Manchester Islamic Centre and Didsbury Mosque is welcoming everyone on Sunday 8 September and 15 September.

They will be providing a range of Q&A sessions, displays and more for all to enjoy.

There will be refreshments and finger food all at a cost of a voluntary donation.

Salford Road Solar Farm – Bolton

Not your usual day out, this one, but that’s what makes it even more intriguing.

On Monday 9 September the solar farm is giving us the chance to see how energy is made in real time from the sun, even in rainy Manchester!

There is however a minimum age requirement of seven years old.

Heaton Hall Open Days – Prestwich

Normally only open on the second Sunday of every month, this fantastic building will be keeping its doors wide open for two days on 7 and 8 September.

If you get the time to pop in expect a jam packed day as Heaton Park is home to its iconic hall as well as the animal farm, beekeepers, vintage tram rides, lakeside walks and cafes.

It’s easy to commute to as parking is a reasonable price and there’s a Metrolink tram stop right outside.

BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir – Ashton

After a first week back in school and work, it’s not unfair to say we all need an unwind… again.

This Mandir is all about relaxation, so why not enrich yourself in the heritage and tranquillity of a Hindu place of worship.

As you are entering a place of worship there is a dress code meaning tops must cover the shoulders, chest, navel, and upper arms and leg-wear must be at least below knee-length.

The open day is taking place on 7 September from 10am-6pm. 

Medieval Food at Bailey’s Wood – Blackley

Innovation is Manchester’s middle name but sometimes its nice to take it back, all the way back to the middle ages.

The event is led by none other than a medieval food expert who will be able to answer all your cooking queries.

This special occasion is happening on 14 September for two hours from 2pm-4pm. Guests are asked to meet at the Grange Park Road entrance to Bailey’s wood for a short walk to the location of the talk. 

Renew Hub – Trafford

In a world where second-hand clothing apps like Vinted and Depop are sky-rocketing in sales, why not visit the Renew Hub in Trafford for a real-life clothes recycling centre experience.

There are four tour slots allocated from 10.30am, 12.30pm, 1.30pm and 3.30pm on 6 September, where you can see the whole recycling process and even visit the Ebay store.

Steel-cap shoes will be provided with a requirement that you bring your own socks (so make sure you’ve not got odd ones on). 

There are tons of events taking place as well as these listed above, for a full rundown of everything occurring throughout the coming weeks here. 

Read more

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• Cheaper Early Bird tickets are already on sale for Manchester Pride Festival 2025 after another phenomenal year
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Photo Credit: The Manc Group