Despite many of our Christmas parties and plans getting cancelled, December was expensive.
If you’re also looking at your post-festivities bank balance and panicking that you’ll have to spend January in hibernation, think again.
Greater Manchester is great at delivering amazing things to do, completely free of charge.
From walks to cultural fixes to, erm, petting goats, there’s loads you can do without spending a penny.
Our ultimate aim is to get you out the house but keep the pounds in the pocket.
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Walks
Winter walks are unbeatable – getting all chilly and then defrosting in your local with a pint or at home with a hot chocolate.
After the indulgences of a week of roast dinners, cheese boards and Baileys, a country walk is a good way to clear out the cobwebs.
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To keep it simple, we propose three easy walks through Manchester’s stunning parks.
Fletcher Moss, Didsbury
Fletcher Moss in Didsbury. Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Fletcher Moss is the king of parks in Manchester with avenues of evergreen trees, waterfalls, rock gardens and ponds.
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A beautiful stroll along the River Mersey forms part of the many walks available here, or you can take a left and head through the Stenner Woods.
The village of Didsbury is only a five-minute walk from the park for a post-walk hot chocolate.
Tatton Park, Knutsford
Tatton Park. Credit: National Trust
Tatton Park is one of the UK’s most complete historic estates. It is home to an 18-century mansion, 50 acres of gardens and a 1,000-acre deer park.
A walk in the in the deer park is completely free and well worth it.
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Less than an hour drive away, Tatton Park is extra special for early morning risers – the view is unmatchable when the sun comes up over the park.
Reddish Vale Park, Stockport
Reddish Vale. Credit: Geograph
Reddish Vale is quiet, peaceful and filled with wildlife, like birds of prey including kestrels, sparrowhawks and buzzards.
A huge lake sits in the middle of the park, with the massive viaduct standing overhead.
It’s reported the coffees and fresh brownies they sell from The Coffee and Bean Dream van are the best in Manchester (we can neither confirm nor deny).
One of the best things about winter is that you don’t have to stay up late to watch the sunset – it’s still going down at about 4.30pm.
A cracking sunset is very underrated and doesn’t cost a penny.
Here are some of the best spots in the north west to see the sun go down.
Alderley Edge, Cheshire
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Watching the sunset is a great free thing to do in Manchester. Credit: Geograph
Watch the winter sun sink beneath Greater Manchester with an unrivalled view of Stockport and the outer-boroughs.
It’s stunning and definitely worth the visit. There are so many ledges to sit and watch the sunset from.
It’s a great place to sit after an afternoon walk and maybe bring a picnic if you’re feeling crazy.
Chorlton Water Park, Chorlton
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
A lakeside sunset – doesn’t get more romantic than that, does it?
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Picnic benches are by the play area so the little’uns can tire themselves out before bed and you can enjoy a lovely evening by the lake.
Parking by the lake is available and it’s really simple to get to.
Heaton Mersey Park, Stockport
Credit: Geograph
This treasured green space in Manchester always looks beautiful in the winter months.
The park is a bowl and so you can sit back and watch a sunset very comfortably. We would recommend this one for a long sit in with the sunset – but wrap up warm!
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Salford Quays, Salford
Credit: Geograph
We present to you a cityscape sunset – different to the previous more nature inclined settings, but the sun looks the same from anywhere.
Easily accessible via tram or bus, it’s a simple but rewarding outing watching the sunset with loved ones and at Salford Quays you can do this overlooking the waterways.
Werneth Low, Tameside/ Stockport
Werneth Low. Credit: Flickr
Werneth Low is a hill just outside of Manchester and forms part of the Pennines – don’t worry we’re not sending you up a mountain, it’s an easy ascent.
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It’s a great spot to walk the dog with excellent views of Manchester. After the sun sets fully, Manchester city lights up and sparkles. You can sit and enjoy a free light show.
Feed farm animals
Feeling like you’re lacking that animal influence in your life? There’s some just down your road and they’re awaiting your visit.
Heaton Park Animal Centre, Manchester
Heaton Park Animal Centre in Manchester is free to visit.
The centre is home to a selection of farm animals including cows, pigs, goats, alpacas, ducks, hens and geese plus rabbits and guinea pigs.
Located in the 640 acre grounds of Heaton Hall, both grounds and hall have retained many of their original features.
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It’s free entry and the closest car park for the animal centre is accessed from the St. Margaret’s Road entrance, or you could get the Metrolink to Heaton Park.
Pets Corner, Longford Park, Stretford
Credit: Longford Park Pets Corner
Pets Corner is part of the Friends of Longford Park group, a great little initiative that welcome donations in exchange for a free visit.
You could sponsor your favourite animal for £3 to £4 a month. Equally important are food donations.
Animals like to eat cabbage, tomatoes, lettuce, sweetcorn, parsnips, swede, carrots and broccoli. Whatever you didn’t eat this Christmas could be given to a tiny little rabbit.
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Museums
Great Manchester Police Museum, city centre
Credit: Geograph
Materials dating back to 1981 have been preserved and tell the history of policing in Greater Manchester.
Staff are also on hand to discuss policing and how it has evolved in the community. It is also an 1879 Police Station, which has original cells and an 1895 Magistrate Court.
They have official and personal records – which is a great resource to learn about the history of policing in Manchester.
Surprisingly Stockport has a long history of hat-making. We didn’t know much about this either but it’s a really interesting visit on a rainy afternoon.
The museum is set over two floors and includes interactive exhibits, including a hatting factory floor with Victorian-style machines.
There’s also more than 400 hats on display.
Science and Industry Museum, city centre
Manchester has contributed so much to modern science and industry, and you can explore just a fraction of that at the Science and Industry Museum.
It’s home to interactive exhibits, and loads of objects and stories that chart 250 years of world-shaping discoveries and innovations that began here.
Featured image: Science and Industry Museum / Longford Park Pets Corner
Things To Do
Colourful new SmileyWorld art trail to take over Stockport town centre this summer
Emily Sergeant
Stockport will transform into a playful outdoor gallery this summer as a colourful new art trail takes over the town.
Following huge success in London and North Tyneside, Stockport visitors are being told to get ready to explore a full spectrum of emotions this summer, as the SmileyWorld® Art Trail takes over the town centre with a colourful collection of quirky, fun, and exciting sculptures each inspired by the SmileyWorld icons.
Kicking off from the start of next month, the trail will be making its North West debut in Stockport, and organisers say it’s guaranteeing family fun during the school summer holidays.
Oh and best of all, it’s completely free to attend.
Created by the trailblazing global arts producer, Wild in Art, in partnership with Totally Stockport BID and SmileyWorld – a lifestyle brand that’s dedicated to true emotional expression – the trail will feature 15 playful sculptures, each reimagined by a different artist to reflect the full range of human emotions including joy, pride, surprise, anxiety, and lots more.
Colourful new SmileyWorld art trail is taking over Stockport town centre this summer / Credit: Scott Kershaw Photography
Perfect for all ages, the trail will be spread across the town centre, with sculptures featured everywhere from the Merseyway Shopping Centre, to Stockport Underbanks, Viaduct Park, The Plaza, and more.
Designed as a self-guided experience, the sculptures will reflect a broad range of human feelings and will invite people to connect as they explore Stockport’s key locations and landmarks using free trail maps, complete with games, puzzles, and doodles for kids, all of which will be available to download ahead of time.
Printed copies will also be available for pick up in local businesses and public venues.
“We are delighted to be able to bring the SmileyWorld Art Trail to Stockport,” commented Charlie Langhorne, who is the Managing Director and co-founder of Wild in Art.
“Exploring the trail is a fun activity to do with friends and family and it’s free to visit. It’s a great opportunity to get out in the fresh air and take a stroll around Stockport town centre while discovering some truly unique and inspiring art.”
The SmileyWorld® Art Trail is taking over Stockport from 4 July through to 15 September 2025, and you can find out more here.
Featured Image – Scott Kershaw Photography
Things To Do
Co-creator of Manchester-Blackpool bike ride hoping to reunite with fellow founders for special anniversary
Danny Jones
One of the co-creators of the much-loved Manchester to Blackpool charity bike ride is looking to reunite with some of his fellow founding members for a very special anniversary of the heartwarming event.
Way back when, Tony O’Dwyer was one of just six original riders who embarked on the bike ride from Manchester – Media City in Salford Quays, more precisely – to the Blackpool seafront, which has gone on to become a beloved and regularly frequented fundraiser.
Fast forward four decades later and not only is the annual cycling event approaching its 40th anniversary, but O’Dwyer himself is looking to take it on yet again, just four days before his 70th birthday.
Oh yeah, it’s worth mentioning he’s done it every year since the beginning – including solo during the pandemic. Simply incredible.
Go on, Tony, lad! (Credit: The Christie Charity)
To make things even more memorable, the Wigan-born bike-riding legend is calling on his fellow Manchester-Blackpool bike ride founders to join him in a momentous reunion that is both a personal celebration and one that champions the famous fundraising endurance challenge.
It may have started out as little more than half a dozen blokes setting off from Albert Square in Manchester city centre on a pretty ambitious voyage, but it’s gone on to become a North West tradition and a powerful way to support vital causes, not least of all charities like The Christie Foundation.
This year, Tony will be riding once again to raise funds for The Christie in honour of his late father, Franco O’Dwyer, who was cared for by the specialist hospital and research centre after being diagnosed with stomach cancer.
Franco sadly died 10 years ago, and Tony has been a passionate supporter of the organisation ever since, taking various fundraising challenges even beyond his usual Manchester to Blackpool bike ride.
Speaking ahead of the anniversary edition, Tony said: “I can’t believe it’s been 40 years since we first did it. Back in 1985, it was just a group of mates, a few bikes, and the road to Blackpool – we didn’t have the gear, just grit and a bit of madness!
Credit: Supplied
“We passed through Leigh, Standish, Preston, and St Annes, stopping at pubs and windmills along the way, just enjoying the journey. I’d love to reconnect with the original group – Mike, Barry, Susan, John, Margaret and Christine – it would be brilliant to see where life has taken them.”
“The first time I did the bike ride, I was in fancy dress as a lion, and I’ve done it every year since. I even did it during COVID on my own when the event was postponed, and there were others on the way doing it themselves too, which was amazing to see!”
Crediting The Christie with prolonging his father’s life and giving his family that extra precious time, he’s now proud to fly the flag for the foundation, and they have just as much love for him.
Mass participation events officer Josh Hughff added: “Tony is an incredible ambassador for the Charity and for this event. His dedication over four decades is inspiring, and we’re honoured he continues to ride in support of The Christie Charity.
“His story is a reminder of the lasting power of community, memory, and giving back.”
For anyone who’d like to join Tony and be part of ‘Team Christie’ 2025 as they head towards the seaside town’s South Promenade, you can sign up HERE.
As for those pioneers who first took on the challenge all those years ago, if you were part of that original group or know someone who was, please contact Maggie Doyle at The Christie Charity on 07717 532195.
Fingers crossed we can get the gang back together.