Groups who are hopping on trains across the North this winter can now get themselves a massive 75% discount on tickets.
With all the fun and festivities of Halloween, Christmas, and more coming up over the next few months, autumn and winter arguably couldn’t be a better time to gather your mates together and get out and about to experience all Greater Manchester and northern England has to offer.
And luckily, Northern wants to help you save a few pennies while you’re doing just that.
For a limited time only, groups of 10 people or more will be able to make the most of a whopping 75% off the cost of their train tickets.
Fresh off-the-back of releasing a massive five million tickets from as little as 50p last month, the train operator’s latest sale gives groups the chance to explore all of the region’s biggest towns, cities, seaside resorts, little villages, rural locations, and more in the most cost-effective way at one of the busiest times of the year.
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Northern launches massive 75%-off ticket sale for groups of 10 or more this winter / Credit: Northern
All bookings made before Monday 6 November, and for travel between then and Thursday 29 February 2024, are eligible as part of the new offer.
Northern is encouraging anyone travelling with friends, family, or colleagues in large groups to “plan ahead” and make use of the discount – but, in return, is asking them to be “mindful” of other customers and “show respect” to train crew and station staff.
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A warning has been issued to stag and hen parties, in particular – with the train operator asking them to “moderate their alcohol in-take” while on board trains throughout the region.
Mark Powles, who is the Commercial and Customer Director at Northern, said there’s “never been a better time” to book tickets than now.
The rail operator has urged people “show respect” to other passengers and train crew while the sale’s on / Credit: Northern
“Our network connects people to the best nightlife, attractions, activities, and landscapes the North of England has to offer,” he explained as the sale launches today, “and now with our Groups Winter Sale, there’s never been a better time to book.
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“We want everyone to make the train their number one choice for group travel, and hope that our sale will help convert groups from road to rail.”
Mr Powles said Northern recognises, however, that it has a “responsibility to all customers” to ensure that large groups “show respect” to other passengers, colleagues, and the trains themselves – which is why it is pleading for cooperation while the sale’s on.
First look at Albert Square as Manchester Christmas Markets return to their spiritual home
Thomas Melia
Manchester Christmas Markets are back and all our Christmas wishes have come true, as its spiritual home Albert Square joins in on the festivities for the first time in six years.
Grab a mulled wine, toast yourself a marshmallow and take a seat, because we’re going to take you on a quick tour of this brand-new offering.
You’ll be able to tick off your Christmas Markets wish list in one place, as Manchester has got all your usual favourites and so much more taking place right here outside of its iconic Town Hall.
As soon as you walk in you’re greeted by a huge sign spelling out the city’s iconic abbreviation ‘MCR’, just in case you forgot where you were, that also doubles as a nice photo opportunity.
Albert Square in Manchester city centre is getting into the Christmas spirit for the first time in six years / Credit: The Manc Group
As you walk into Albert Square there’s a mix of nostalgic wooden huts and brightly coloured modern street food vendor stations waiting to tempt you with all their tasty treats.
There’s no messing around at this Christmas hotspot because not even 10 feet after you enter, you can warm up with a glühwein and bratwurst, yes please.
Think you’re done sampling some festive feasts? Think again as there’s a marshmallow toasting station, a roasted chestnut cart and lots of huts are offering their own hot chocolate creations.
Local street food vendor Rita’s Reign has made her mark in Albert Square too, serving up her foodie feasts with a seasonal spin such as the ‘Festive Feast’ and ‘Christmas Crunch’ combo boxes.
Rita’s Reign is just one of many food vendors at Manchester Christmas Markets / Credit: The Manc Group
As you keep making your way round there’s some lovely gifts and trinkets to browse including tree decorations, ornaments and some vibrant pieces of art.
There’s plenty of ways to keep the kids (and big kids) entertained with some carnival-themed games and stalls as well as a vintage carousel, if that doesn’t get you in the Christmas spirit what else will?
Of course, there’s even more food to mention like mini dutch pancakes, toasted sandwiches, French toast, the list is endless (Much like many of our Christmas lists).
And we couldn’t finish our visit without acknowledging the elephant in the room, also known as The Manchester Big Wheel, which is the perfect people-watching spot, but maybe hop on this ride before you try all the tasty treats mentioned above.
Drivers warned of ‘bad habit’ that could land them with £1,000 fines this winter
Emily Sergeant
Drivers are being warned of a ‘bad habit’ on the roads that could seem them hit with hefty fines as winter rolls around.
Once the temperatures drop, and the days get shorter and darker, fog tends to become a more common weather occurrence around this time of year – but an eye-opening new survey has found that most drivers don’t really how to use their fog lights correctly.
According to guidance from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), fog lights should only be used on British roads when visibility drops below 100 metres, yet the new research by eBay has found that 60% of drivers use their fog lights at the wrong times, and what’s more is that one in 10 say they switch on their fog lights when visibility is less than 300 metres.
48% of drivers who took part in the research admitted that they activate full-beam headlights when it’s dark, regardless of oncoming traffic and other road users.
Drivers are being warned of a ‘bad habit’ that could land them with £1,000 fines this winter / Credit: Nabeel Syed (via Unsplash)
The RAC says these stats reveal a ‘worrying trend’ among motorists, and have warned that these habits could actually means drivers are risking fines of up to £1,000 and three penalty points on their licence.
If the incorrect usage of fog lights wasn’t bad enough as it is, the new research also found that many Brits say they do not stay on-top of regular car maintenance when it comes to car fog lights, either – with just 15% saying they check them every month, and shockingly, 24% stating they’ve never checked them before.
Due to the ongoing issue of headlight glare, in whatever form that may be, The RAC has found that as many as one in four drivers (25%) who find headlights ‘too bright’ are actually driving less as a result.
“Unfortunately for a lot of drivers, the annual onset of darker evenings coincides with another unwelcome arrival – that of overly-bright headlights that they believe make driving more difficult due to dazzle and discomfort,” explained Rod Dennis, who is the Senior Policy Officer at the RAC.
“While most of us have no choice other than to adapt to driving at night more often as the clocks go back, the fact headlight glare is the leading cause of nervousness underlines it’s a problem that needs tackling.
“At the same time, it’s important to remember that brighter headlights can give drivers a better view of the road ahead, so there’s a balance to be struck.”
Emily Sergeant -
9th October 2023 
