Sandwich Technician
AJ Handley-Rowe -
10th November 2021
AJ Handley-Rowe -
10th November 2021 Top Manchester attraction Museum of Illusions has been transformed by spooky Halloween surprises
Daisy Jackson
A spooky new Halloween experience has arrived at Manchester’s Museum of Illusions, and it’s perfect for half term.
The top attraction is getting a spooky makeover, with strange surprises, mind-bending tricks and plenty of photo opportunities taking over this October.
Running until Sunday 1 November, Weird Wonders is transforming some of the museum’s best-loved exhibits into a Halloween-inspired experience, making it a fun option for families, friends and anyone looking to get into the spooky spirit.
And with the whole experience taking place indoors on Market Street, it’s a dream option for those unpredictable Manchester autumn days when the weather has other plans, and a perfect spot to fill a day of the half term holidays..
Five of the attraction’s most popular exhibits are getting a Halloween transformation, giving visitors even more reasons to question what they’re seeing, strike a pose and get some seriously strange photos along the way.
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Among the spooky highlights is the Bone Throne, where visitors can take their seat on a suitably eerie chair that warps your perspective, while the Spider Clone Table promises a creepy twist on one of the museum’s classic illusions.
There’s also the Web of Faces, where a giant kaleidoscope multiplies your face (now with added cobwebs), alongside the Echo Cave, offering another opportunity to step into a world where your senses can be deceived.
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And the museum’s Hollow Faces experience features 3D-printed faces inspired by Einstein, Frankenstein and Count Dracula – bringing together science, classic horror and a little optical trickery.
There’s more to Weird Wonders than spooky photo opportunities, too.
Of course, it wouldn’t be Halloween without a few treats. Every child ticket holder will receive a complimentary brain puzzle from the Illusion Shop, plus a sweet treat to take home at the end of their visit.
Adults haven’t been forgotten either, with a free treat available when purchasing two adult tickets.
Weird Wonders is running at the Museum of Illusions Manchester from 3 October to 1 November 2026.
Tickets and further information are available HERE.
Read more
- Manchester parks are hosting loads of FREE Halloween-themed activities this month
- The best Halloween events around Greater Manchester
- Science and Industry Museum announces programme of FREE ‘spooktacular’ October half term activities
Featured image: The Manc Group
The Peak District stroll named one of the UK’s most beautiful autumn walks
Daisy Jackson
A Peak District walk taking in dramatic reservoirs, rolling fields and rugged moorland has been named one of the UK’s most beautiful autumn walks by The Times.
The circular route, which starts and finishes at Fairholmes car park near Derwent Dam, offers walkers the chance to experience the national park at one of the most colourful times of the year.
As autumn arrives, the surrounding fells turn shades of copper and bronze, while the changing season brings opportunities to spot some of the area’s wildlife.
The Times has listed some of the finest spots in the country to get out for a stroll as the seasons change, which includes a walk not too far from Manchester.
They’ve highlighted the Derwent Valley because of the chance to see ring ouzels gathering to feed before beginning their migration to Africa, alongside mountain hares starting to change from their brown summer coats into snowy white winter fur.
The walk begins at the distinctive, turreted Derwent Dam, before heading right alongside Ladybower Reservoir. Walkers then pick up a footpath veering left past Lanehead Cottage, crossing fields and open moorland as the route climbs towards the higher ground.
The scenery becomes increasingly dramatic along the way, with steep-sided cloughs and sweeping views across the Derwent moors offering plenty to take in.
After reaching the moorland, the route bears left before following a downhill path near the ruins of Bamford House. From there, walkers loop back alongside Derwent Reservoir to return to Fairholmes car park.
The combination of waterside paths, open countryside and more challenging climbs makes the route a varied way to explore the Peak District, particularly as the landscape takes on its autumn colours.
And for anyone wanting to round off the walk with a meal, The Times recommends a visit to The Anglers Rest.
The 17th-century coaching inn serves traditional pub dishes alongside modern classics, offering walkers a welcoming place to refuel after a day exploring the countryside.
Read more
- The surprisingly luxurious caravan park that’s the perfect place for a Peak District getaway
- The best Halloween events around Greater Manchester
- No trams to run on THREE major Greater Manchester lines for two weeks this month
Featured image: The Manc Group
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