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 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.

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Manchester Victoria Baths

The Greater Manchester Heritage Open Days includes Victoria Baths. Credit: The Manc Group
The Greater Manchester Heritage Open Days includes Victoria Baths. Credit: The Manc Group

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.

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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.

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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 

You can visit Fireground in Rochdale for free for Heritage Open Days. Credit: Google Maps
You can visit Fireground in Rochdale for free for Heritage Open Days. Credit: Google Maps

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.

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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!

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

Heaton Hall Open Days – Prestwich

Heaton Hall in Greater Manchester is one of the spots you can visit during Heritage Open Days. Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Heaton Hall in Greater Manchester is one of the spots you can visit during Heritage Open Days. Credit: Wikimedia Commons

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.

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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.

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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. 

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Photo Credit: The Manc Group

What's On

Manchester’s Science and Industry Museum unveils programme of FREE family fun for half term

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

Little Mancs can climb aboard a miniature train and set off on a journey of discovery at the Science and Industry Museum this half term.

As schools across Greater Manchester break up for half term at the end of this week, and parents and carers gear up to entertain the little ones, the Science and Industry Museum has, thankfully, just announced a wide range of events and activities especially for the holidays – with many activities free to get involved in.

The popular cultural hub in the heart of Manchester city centre is promising visitors a May half term full of hands-on experiences designed to spark curiosity, creativity, and imagination.

The main event, which is kicking off this weekend (Saturday 23 May), invites families to ‘explore the playful side of power’.

From climbing aboard a miniature steam railway and taking part in interactive engineering sessions, to seeing steam-powered traction engines, live demonstrations, and performances inspired by the sounds of industrial Manchester, visitors will be transported back in time to play the role of passenger.

Almost 200 years ago, this was the site of the Liverpool and Manchester Railway – the world’s first inter-city passenger railway – and May half term will bring this story to life again, as families take a ride around part of the museum’s newly reopened outside space.

Hosted by Little British Rail, rides are priced at £4 (with those under one-year-old going free) and can be booked in advance by visiting the museum’s website here.

The Science and Industry Museum has unveiled its programme of free family fun for the half term / Credit: Science Museum Group

Expert Explainers will be on-hand throughout the half term hosting Curiosity Stops, so you can discover how water becomes steam, see what powers a piston, and explore how our bodies mirror the mechanics of machines.

The final weekend of the holiday (5-7 June) will also see members of Urmston & District Model Engineering Society steaming onto site with its early 20th century Fowler Showman’s traction engine and Foden steam wagon.

Elsewhere at the museum over the half term, you can take a look around the historic Power Hall: The Andrew Law Gallery, which has recently reopened to the public, and you can take part in interactive workshops with Manchester-based percussion group, Drumroots – giving visitors the chance to experiment with rhythm, movement, and music inspired by the sounds of historic steam engines.

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And, of course, half term is the perfect chance to go on out-of-this-world adventure across the Solar System and visit the new Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos exhibition, if you haven’t already. Or visit the ultimate gaming experience, Power Up, instead during its extended holiday opening hours.

For the full programme of daily events throughout half term, and to book tickets for difference experiences in advance, head to the Science and Industry Museum website here.

Featured Image – Science Museum Group

What's On

The family-run farm in Bury where you can walk adorable alpacas in the countryside

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant Meadowcroft Farm Alpacas

Tucked away in the Greater Manchester countryside, less than 10 minutes from Bury town centre, you’ll find a herd of loveable alpacas.

This is Meadowcroft Farm Alpacas.

Based in the Walshaw area of Bury, just a nine-minute drive from the town’s centre, the family-owned Meadowcroft Farm is run by couple Deb and Deano, who have turned their land into a home dedicated to letting alpacas live their best life – and this includes regular visits from the Greater Manchester public keen to learn all about them.

If you’re looking to swap the hustle and bustle of city life for rolling hills and views as far as the eye can see, then Meadowcroft Farm’s already-popular alpaca walking experience offers just the reset you need.

Oh, and you can make friends with alpacas and other adorable animals too, while you’re at it.

This is Meadowcroft Farm Alpacas / Credit: The Manc Group

The interactive experience starts off with a talk from Deb about everything they do at Meadowcroft Farm, and then you’ll get introduced to each of their 12 fluffy alpacas.

As alpacas are pack animals, this means you need to have at least three living together at one time by law in the UK.

Then each person gets paired up with an alpaca for the walk – with The Manc Group team members, Aimee and Emily, getting to look after the farm’s two new babies, Woody and Buzz.

Once everyone is paired with their alpaca, it’s then time to go for a short walk around the landscape of the farm, with some really gorgeous views to take in along the way.

At this family-run farm in Bury, you can walk a herd of adorable alpacas in the countryside / Credit: The Manc Group

While you’re walking around the flat, grassy route (the walk is suitable for most people, but it’s advised that you dress in correct clothing for the weather and surroundings), Deb takes the time to check in with all the walkers, even stopping to take pictures of everyone with their alpacas before heading back to the farm to feed them.

After working up an appetite, you’ll then get to feed the alpacas, alongside the other animals Meadowcroft takes care of – including baby goats, polish chickens, and rabbits.

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Visiting Meadowcroft Farm Alpacas is the perfect way to switch off and spend a day in nature this summer, with the experience costing £25 per person.

Head to their Facebook page to book here.

Featured Image – The Manc Group

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