Greater Manchester is full of wonderful walks and as we race headlong into spring, let’s make the most of those gorgeous blossom trees while we can.
It’s blossom season! No, not the iconic Stockport five-piece you can never get enough of – it’s that time of year when the skies get a little more colourful thanks to those lovely blossom trees.
Manchester is filled with fun things to do all year round, but now the weather is starting to hit double digits again, what better way to enjoy it than to go for a nice walk admiring nature?
If one of 2024’s biggest films was anything to go off, it’s safe to say that “green goes well with pink”, so get your walking boots on and go exploring.
Five of the best spring walks in and around Manchester
1. Fletcher Moss Gardens – Didsbury
A 20-minute drive from the city centre, Fletcher Moss Park has some stunning scenery and it’s nestled in the lovely suburb of Didsbury.
This park has its own botanical gardens and tennis courts, as well as a glorious array of cherry blossom trees, this needs adding to your Manchester walks list.
If the spring weather isn’t warming up the way you’d like it to, you can stop off at the on-site truck providing walkers with food, treats and coffees with a selection of syrups that just sweeten the deal.
Spanning over 600 acres, this park has its own boating lake, lots of prime picnic spots and a cafe for a hot drink and a pastry to pair with it.
If all is on your side, you might even catch a glimpse of that Manchester sun peering through the cherry blossom flowers hanging in the sky, lush.
3. Castlefield Viaduct – Castlefield
This next walk is a little bit different and one we’re sure you’re all familiar with because it’s not too far from the hustle and bustle, located in Castlefield.
Our next stroll also doubles as a National Trust site and we couldn’t be more grateful as each year the blossoms that appear around this trail get lovelier and lovelier each year.
This place is the best of both worlds, offering an urban walking route with potted planters, hedges and flower walls that are good for the mind and live music events over at Castlefield Bowl – which is pretty good for the soul too.
If we put the gearstick in reverse and park our cars back in Didsbury for the day, just down the road from the famous Fletcher Moss Park is the equally beautiful Parsonage Gardens, which is just as colourful come the springtime in Greater Manchester.
Not to be confused with small municipal green space located just off Deansgate in the city centre, though they do share a name, these gardens are operated by The Didsbury Parsonage Trust which looks after the Grade II-listed building on its premises and offers a nature-filled community hub to locals.
Walk through the archway located not too far from the start of the Didsbury Dozen and follow it round to find a wonderful little floral escape that has won gold in the annual RHS competitions multiple times and is the perfect length for a casual stroll.
As well as leading the way in terms of Christmas trails, Dunham Massey on the border of Altrincham and Cheshire knows a thing or two about spring walks too.
Alongside the park’s stunning manor house, there are plenty of green fields and blossom trees to get lost in, if you stay long enough you’ll forget the fact that Manchester is less than an hour away.
Being a National Trust property, there will be guides in the park to answer any queries about the park or manor that comes with it and of course a cosy little cafe where you can scoff a cake slab or two, delish.
So, this spring why not venture for a stroll into somewhere new in Greater Manchester while treating your eyes to some pretty blush pink views as we prepare for the summer ahead?
Featured Images – Peter Turner (via Geograph)/The Manc Group
The Guides
The best things to do in Greater Manchester this week | 8 – 14 September 2025
Emily Sergeant
We’re into our second week of September now, and the weather is really starting to hint to us that autumn’s on it’s way.
The sun isn’t showing itself as much, the rain is pouring, and the temperatures are dropping – but even though summer may be coming to an end, there’s still plenty of exciting activities to be getting up to in Greater Manchester in the coming weeks.
Finding it a bit tricky to pick what to do though? No worries. We’ve chosen a few of the highlights for another edition of our ‘what’s on‘ guide.
Both free things and those that’ll set you back a few pennies are featured.
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The Common Walls International Mural Festival
Rochdale
Monday 8 – Sunday 14 September
The Common Walls International Mural Festival / Credit: Supplied
The Common Walls International Mural Festival will give Rochdale locals and visitors a chance to see artworks being created up close by the world-renowned artists who’ll be in the Greater Manchester town bringing their masterpieces to life.
Set to run until 14 September, a collection of artists are descending onto the streets of Rochdale to give walls around the town centre a lick of paint that will not only brighten up the space, but also leave a lasting legacy.
10 of Rochdale’s notable town centre buildings will undergo a drastic change as part of this art-focused event, and each art piece will pay homage to moments in Rochdale’s captivating history.
A free open-air cinema has arrived Manchester city centre for the summer.
With a backdrop of the modern Manchester skyline, Screen on The Square the go-to hangout for Mancs this summer, as audiences can recline in deck chairs surrounded by one of the city’s best views, and watch everything from classic and family films, to music, sporting events, and so much more.
It’s launched down at New Jackson – Renaker’s world-class skyscraper district and thriving new neighbourhood that’s taken shape at the southern side of Manchester city centre.
Multi-sensory experience SUPERMASSIVE has made its way over to Depot Mayfield for a maze of interactive activities this summer.
Suitable for all ages – especially kids and families – and open for the next three weeks, there’s so much to get stuck into. Think puzzles where you connect various wires, a large sandpit with projections overhead, and even a retro arcade machine where you can practice creating your own DJ set.
There’s even timeslots dedicated to adults available from 7pm too, so you can bring your mates, have a pint or two, and wander around this huge indoor attraction.
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The Cat That Slept for a Thousand Years
Manchester Museum
Monday 8 – Sunday 14 September
The Cat That Slept for a Thousand Years / Credit: Supplied
You can step into the fantastical imaginary world of The Cat That Slept for a Thousand Years this summer.
This world-premiere exhibition, created in collaboration with robotics studio Air Giants, invites you to experience a playful blend of education, theatre, and dreamscape – and it’s unlike anything you’ve ever seen at Manchester Museum before.
Once you’ve met the 10-meter long sleepy cat, you’ll then find a series of fun, free, cat-inspired activities at the Museum throughout the summer, including an augmented reality trail.
Operation Ouch! Brains, Bogies and You / Credit: Science Museum Group
You can plunge headfirst into the incredible world of our senses at a new immersive museum exhibition that’s now arrived at the Science and Industry Museum.
Back by popular demand after a successful run over these past two years, but with a fresh new adventure lined up for 2025, Operation Ouch! is giving you the chance to journey through an ear canal covered in gooey wax, squeeze past sticky snot, and delve deeper into how our brains interpret the world.
Tickets to Operation Ouch! Brains, Bogies and You are now on sale, and visitors are being told to prepare themselves for an “epic exploration of the senses”.
Here & Now – The Steps Musical / Credit: ATG Tickets
Here & Now, a musical inspired by the music and story of beloved British pop group Steps, has arrived in Manchester.
Happiness is only a heartbeat away, as this hilarious and heart-warming new musical based on the songs Steps takes to the stage at Manchester’s legendary Opera House, so don’t miss this sparkling celebration of love and friendship as it embarks on a UK & Ireland tour after its record-breaking world premiere.
An event dedicated to all things Japan has made its way to Manchester.
Simply titled ‘Japan Week’, this cultural ceremony aims to package up all the things this East Asian country has to offer, such as music and theatre, compiling them into a fantastic five-day showcase with loads of free activities.
From interactive performances to hands-on experiences, there is loads to do for all ages across the city centre during the festival.
The SmileyWorld® Art Trail / Credit: Scott Kershaw Photography
Stockport has transformed into a playful outdoor gallery this summer as a colourful new art trail has taken over the town.
Visitors should get ready to explore a full spectrum of emotions this summer, as the SmileyWorld® Art Trail is making its North West debut and taking over the town centre with a colourful collection of quirky, fun, and exciting sculptures, each reimagined by a different artist to reflect the full range of human emotions including joy, pride, surprise, anxiety, and lots more.
The trail is created by trailblazing global arts producer, Wild in Art, in partnership with Totally Stockport BID and SmileyWorld.
Kargo on the Docks / Credit: Supplied | Mark Waugh
Summer is nearly over, but Kargo on the Docks is clinging on.
MediaCity’s al fresco dining pop-up has taken over the waterfront and gardens once again with a fresh wave of local food traders and stunning artwork by Salford-based creatives, all as the sun shines down on Salford Quays this summer.
A handful of Greater Manchester’s most popular independents have set themselves up Quayside inside those signature re-imagined shipping containers.
Foodies can expect a menu packed with bold new flavours including Caribbean, Lebanese, Mexican, Ethiopian, and Pan-Asian dishes.
A pioneering production company is bringing immersive theatre inside shipping containers to Greater Manchester this week.
DARKFIELD has announced their first shows in Greater Manchester for seven years, and will present their three most critically-acclaimed experiences at iconic venues across the region as part of an ‘exciting’ collaboration.
Keen audiences will be able to head to The Lowry, Aviva Studios, and HOME this month to see theatre like they’ve never seen it before.
This is a stop-you-in-your-tracks addition to the city.
Mappin & Webb has opened the doors to its exclusive new store right in the heart of Manchester, and it’s two floors of jewellery paradise
The company has meticulously-restored this landmark pink building on St Ann’s Square and filled it with all things heritage and sparkly, with a luxury bar and lounge downstairs.
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NEW OPENING – Primark Home
Trafford Palazzo
NEW OPENING – Primark Home / Credit: The Manc Group
Home sweet (Primark) home.
New openings don’t get much bigger than this, both metaphorically and literally, as Great Britain’s first-ever dedicated Primark Home store has now opened its doors over at Trafford Palazzo, and it’s an absolute interior-lover’s paradise in there.
The huge new store is packed full of homewares and lifestyle items at Primark’s typical affordable price point so expect bathroom bits, kitchenware, soft furnishings, bedroom decor, and right now, LOADS of pumpkins.
Looking for a bite to eat in Manchester this month? We’ve got a few suggestions to share…
Ooh have we been eating good in August.
Even with the last of the warmer weather throughout August, that doesn’t mean we haven’t been having some right feasts – with plenty of cheese pulls, saucy drizzles, and for some reason, ANOTHER Labubu-themed dessert.
With the festive season soon approaching, we’re expecting the next month to get extra cosy and indulgent.
If you need some inspiration for where to eat in our region this month, we rounded up some of our best suggestions for you to pick from:
Everyone knows that brunch is better when the booze is bottomless, and there’s bangers blasting in the background, so if you’re on the hunt for a bottomless brunch that will truly get your night out started, Manchester’s The Blues Kitchen is the place to head to.
Endless mimosas, rum punch, and prosecco, banging brunch dishes like their legendary Buffalo wings and popcorn shrimp, and DJs spinning 90s and noughties tunes throughout.
The vibes of a Slow Jams Bottomless Brunch are truly unmatched.
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Nature Fest 2025
Chester Zoo
Saturday 13 & Sunday 14 September
Nature Fest 2025 / Credit: Chester Zoo
Chester Zoo has announced that its Nature Fest is back by popular demand this weekend – with the two-day event boasting a jam-packed lineup of interactive events for all ages.
Taking place across the zoo’s six-hectare nature reserve, conservationists hope the weekend-long event will connect festivalgoers with nature, all while raising awareness of precious UK wildlife.
Open to everyone for free of charge, Nature Fest will have hands-on activities, workshops, talks, and performances – including the interactive Hedgehog Hideaway adventure, which teaches participants how to make their gardens more hedgehog friendly.
Featured Image – Chester Zoo | The Manc Group | Mihaela Bodlovic
The Guides
The best things to do in Greater Manchester this week | 1 – 7 September 2025
Emily Sergeant
September is here… and that means that autumn is on its way.
Our last bank holiday before the big festive ‘C’ word was definitely a summery one, and Greater Manchester sure knows how to mark a four-day weekend, as there was Manchester Pride 2025, food festivals, and loads more to celebrate and see out the sunny season before the kids go back to school for a new academic year.
Even though summer is coming to an end, there’s still plenty of exciting activities to be getting up to in the coming weeks.
Finding it a bit tricky to pick what to do though? No worries. We’ve chosen a few of the highlights for another edition of our ‘what’s on‘ guide.
Both free things and those that’ll set you back a few pennies are featured.
___
Moulin Rouge The Musical
Palace Theatre Manchester
Monday 1 September – Saturday 4 October
=Moulin Rouge The Musical / Credit: Johan Persson | Matt Crockett (Supplied)
If you’re wandering down Oxford Road over these next couple of weeks and take a wrong turn, then you may find yourself in early 20th century Paris.
Moulin Rouge The Musical is a sultry, sexy extravaganza of lust, sin, and debauchery that you just can’t get enough of, so it’s time to lose yourself in the magic and showmanship of the Parisian clubs of yesteryear, as whether you’re a big fan of the hit 2001 movie, or new to the world of Moulin Rouge, I can say without a shadow of a doubt that you will be blown away.
This is possibly the best show I’ve ever seen on stage, and it’s at the Palace Theatre right up until early October.
Read our review of the show, and get your last-minute tickets here.
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The Cat That Slept for a Thousand Years
Manchester Museum
Monday 1 – Sunday 14 September
The Cat That Slept for a Thousand Years / Credit: Supplied
You can step into the fantastical imaginary world of The Cat That Slept for a Thousand Years this summer.
This world-premiere exhibition, created in collaboration with robotics studio Air Giants, invites you to experience a playful blend of education, theatre, and dreamscape – and it’s unlike anything you’ve ever seen at Manchester Museum before.
Once you’ve met the 10-meter long sleepy cat, you’ll then find a series of fun, free, cat-inspired activities at the Museum throughout the summer, including an augmented reality trail.
A free open-air cinema has arrived Manchester city centre for the summer.
With a backdrop of the modern Manchester skyline, Screen on The Square the go-to hangout for Mancs this summer, as audiences can recline in deck chairs surrounded by one of the city’s best views, and watch everything from classic and family films, to music, sporting events, and so much more.
It’s launched down at New Jackson – Renaker’s world-class skyscraper district and thriving new neighbourhood that’s taken shape at the southern side of Manchester city centre.
Multi-sensory experience SUPERMASSIVE has made its way over to Depot Mayfield for a maze of interactive activities this summer.
Suitable for all ages – especially kids and families – and open for the next three weeks, there’s so much to get stuck into. Think puzzles where you connect various wires, a large sandpit with projections overhead, and even a retro arcade machine where you can practice creating your own DJ set.
There’s even timeslots dedicated to adults available from 7pm too, so you can bring your mates, have a pint or two, and wander around this huge indoor attraction.
___
Operation Ouch! Brains, Bogies and You
Science and Industry Museum
Monday 1 September – onwards
Operation Ouch! Brains, Bogies and You / Credit: Science Museum Group
You can plunge headfirst into the incredible world of our senses at a new immersive museum exhibition that’s now arrived at the Science and Industry Museum.
Back by popular demand after a successful run over these past two years, but with a fresh new adventure lined up for 2025, Operation Ouch! is giving you the chance to journey through an ear canal covered in gooey wax, squeeze past sticky snot, and delve deeper into how our brains interpret the world.
Tickets to Operation Ouch! Brains, Bogies and You are now on sale, and visitors are being told to prepare themselves for an “epic exploration of the senses”.
NEW OPENING – Primark Home / Credit: The Manc Group
Home sweet (Primark) home.
New openings don’t get much bigger than this, both metaphorically and literally, as Great Britain’s first-ever dedicated Primark Home store has now opened its doors over at Trafford Palazzo, and it’s an absolute interior-lover’s paradise in there.
The huge new store is packed full of homewares and lifestyle items at Primark’s typical affordable price point so expect bathroom bits, kitchenware, soft furnishings, bedroom decor, and right now, LOADS of pumpkins.
The Reserve at Chester Zoo is now finally open to the public.
Featuring 51 beautifully-designed lodges, with some overlooking a private savannah where giraffes, zebras, and blesbok antelope roam free, while others are nestled beside a peaceful lake, The Reserve is a staycation unlike anywhere else in the UK.
Guests can choose from a variety of different lodges to stay in, available for up to nine people, and every stay contributes toward the incredible work Chester Zoo is doing for critical conservation.
Find out more and book your stay at The Reserve here.
Morning Glory is the Northern Quarter’s newest neighbourhood coffee shop from Manchester’s very-own foodie content creator, Zack Hipps, and it’s all about the best of the best – so expect great coffee, tinned matcha, stacked bagels, and proper Manchester tarts. 🍒
This new venture is Hipps’ love letter to Manchester, with the cafe itself built around nods to the city that inspired it.
Kargo on the Docks / Credit: Supplied | Mark Waugh
Summer is nearly over, but Kargo on the Docks is clinging on.
MediaCity’s al fresco dining pop-up has taken over the waterfront and gardens once again with a fresh wave of local food traders and stunning artwork by Salford-based creatives, all as the sun shines down on Salford Quays this summer.
A handful of Greater Manchester’s most popular independents have set themselves up Quayside inside those signature re-imagined shipping containers.
Foodies can expect a menu packed with bold new flavours including Caribbean, Lebanese, Mexican, Ethiopian, and Pan-Asian dishes.
Here & Now – The Steps Musical / Credit: ATG Tickets
Here & Now, a musical inspired by the music and story of beloved British pop group Steps, arrives in Manchester this week.
Happiness is only a heartbeat away, as this hilarious and heart-warming new musical based on the songs Steps takes to the stage at Manchester’s legendary Opera House, so don’t miss this sparkling celebration of love and friendship as it embarks on a UK & Ireland tour after its record-breaking world premiere.
Greater Manchester’s iconic heritage railway is currently hosting one of the most unique fine dining experiences in the region this year.
Running on selected Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through the year, East Lancashire Railway’s ‘Red Rose Diners’ are described as being ‘the ultimate first class foodie experience’, as they start with a glass of fizz and stretch over an almost three-hour steam train journey through the Irwell Valley.
The experience includes a four-course dinner with complimentary sparkling wine, followed by tea or coffee and after-dinner chocolates.
The Common Walls International Mural Festival / Credit: Supplied
The Common Walls International Mural Festival will give Rochdale locals and visitors a chance to see artworks being created up close by the world-renowned artists who’ll be in the Greater Manchester town for a week bringing their masterpieces to life.
Set to run until 14 September, a collection of artists are descending onto the streets of Rochdale to give walls around the town centre a lick of paint that will not only brighten up the space, but also leave a lasting legacy.
10 of Rochdale’s notable town centre buildings will undergo a drastic change as part of this art-focused event, and each art piece will pay homage to moments in Rochdale’s captivating history.
Just before you go, allow us a moment to look ahead, will you?
We know that these events aren’t technically happening this week, far from it actually – but there’s been some pretty BIG event announcements in recent days, and we just have to get it out our system and talk about them.
Humour us for a second, holidays are coming…
Manchester Christmas Markets 2025
It’s official, the world-famous Manchester Christmas Markets are back as the Council has announced that those famous wooden huts will be lining the city’s streets once again from Friday 7 November, and for the first time in six years, Markets will also be returning to Albert Square.
Well over 200 stalls will be dotted across nine of Manchester’s major streets and locations, and quite frankly, we can’t wait.
Read everything you need to know about the Markets’ return here.
As if the return of the Christmas Markets wasn’t exciting news enough as it is, it’s not the only festive event that’s just been announced either, as Skate Manchester – the city’s largest outdoor ice rink, set up every every year in Cathedral Gardens – will also be returning this festive season.
It’ll first be setting up as Scare Skate to celebrate the spooky season this Halloween, before things turn much more magical for Christmas time.
Everything you need to know about Skate Manchester 2025 is here.
Thomas Melia -
22nd March 2025 
