The morning after New Year’s Eve can bring with it a multitude of emotions – excitement for the year ahead, reflection on the year that was, and maybe a raging hangover.
Whatever you’re dealing with on New Year’s Day, there’s nothing quite like a big dose of fresh air to bring things back in order.
Us Mancs are seriously blessed to live so close to the Peak District and all its rolling hills.
The walk we’re bringing you today is something a little different, and looks like it’s been lifted straight from a Lord of the Rings set.
The focal point of this Peak District stroll is Lud’s Church, a deep, almost eerie chasm in the heart of the woodland near Gradbach.
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The chasm itself was caused by a landslip, and over the ages the walls have been covered in bright green moss.
The base of the 18-metre deep gorge has been lined with steps and boards so that visitors can stroll right through it.
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You’ll notice the temperature drop suddenly as you walk down, and a strange dampness and darkness will greet you.
It’s not hard to imagine you’ve blinked and been transported to Middle Earth.
There are myths aplenty shrouding this area – one tale says that Robin Hood and Friar Tuck hid from the authorities in Lud’s Church.
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Others say the chasm was actually created by the devil’s fingernail as he dug through the earth.
The landmark was historically used as a place of worship in the 15th Century.
Lud’s Church is, however, only around 100m long, so while it’s awe-inspiring, you might want to extend your walk to see what else the area has to offer.
A short distance away is The Roaches, a rocky ridge with staggering views of the surrounding countryside.
Curious kids can meet star of hit CBBC show Operation Ouch! in Manchester next month
Emily Sergeant
Got a curious kid on your hands? You can take them to meet the star of one of their favourite TV shows at the Science and Industry Museum next month.
In case you hadn’t heard, Operation Ouch! is back in Manchester again with a fresh new experience for 2025, and this time around, visitors can journey through an ear canal covered in gooey wax, squeeze past sticky snot, and delve deeper into how our brains interpret the world.
Thousands of families from across Greater Manchester and beyond have already visited the city centre museum make the most of the new exhibition, and get stuck into the wide range of immersive and interactive activities it has on offer.
But for those who haven’t been able to pay a visit yet, this summer couldn’t be a more ideal opportunity to do so.
Operation Ouch! star Dr Chris Van Tulleken will be at the Science and Industry Museum next month / Credit: Science Museum Group
That’s because Dr Chris Van Tulleken – who is one of the presenters of the BBC showOperation Ouch! – will be at the museum in a couple of weeks time to meet visitors as part of his myth-busting mission to answer some of the public’s deepest questions about our senses.
Dr Chris will be at the Science and Industry Museum for one day only, and will not only join mini medics on their voyage through the senses, but will also be on-hand to answer brain teasers from the audience during a series of live Q&As.
Whether it’s banging on a super-sized eardrum, venturing into a massive eyeball, or even taking a whiff of a ‘smell library’, this world-premiere exhibition dives into the science behind hearing, sight, touch, taste, and smell – and Dr Chris will be there every step of the way.
Also to celebrate Dr Chris’ visit, the museum is introducing additional sense-themed activities that very same weekend, where sight and sound will be examined during an interactive experience led by the museum’s expert Explainers.
Book your tickets to visit Operation Ouch! Brains, Bogies and You on Sunday 9 November, for any of the time slots between 11:30am – 1pm, and 2:45 – 4:15pm for the opportunity to grab a selfie with Dr Chris from inside the exhibition.
Tickets will cost visitors £10 each, with those under three going free, and a range of family discounts available.
First look inside Gulliver’s World Land of Lights as magical lantern trail returns
Daisy Jackson
One of the North West’s most popular festive events is officially back open for a third year, with the return of Gulliver’s World Land of Lights.
The huge lantern festival transforms part of Gulliver’s World in Warrington into a twinkling wonderland, filled with glowing ‘dreamworlds’.
Visitors can wander the trail meeting all manner of lanterns inspired by the natural world.
This year there are brand-new collections to discover along the trail, including a new dinosaur dreamworld.
You’ll come face-to-face with beasts like zebras, giraffes and a flock of flamingos, plus mythical creatures and loads more.
The woodland comes to life (and light) through lit-up giant flower lanterns, surrounding adorable woodland creatures like hedgehogs, foxes and squirrels.
And you can take a trip under the sea to meet a giant octopus, turtles and sharks.
Land of Lights is back at Gulliver’s World for 2025
There are lanterns perfect for spooky season too, like a giant spider suspended on an illuminated web and cackling pumpkins.
All the way along the breathtaking trail you’ll pass plenty of beautiful photo opportunities, before warming up with cosy street food.
You’ll even be able to take your four legged friends along to enjoy the event, with select dates dog-friendly.
Land of Lights in Warrington was officially opened last weekend by Mayor of Warrington, Cllr Mo Hussain.
Ross Partridge, Land of Lights festival manager, said: “What a wonderful opening weekend we have had!
“We’d like to thank Mayor Hussain for taking the time to visit our event and officially open it for us.
“It was lovely to see him and all the wonderful people who came along to get a first look at this incredible lantern festival.
“It’s back for its third year and is a wonderful boost to the local economy over the winter period and provides guests with an enjoyable, family friendly activity that is suitable for all so make sure you don’t miss out.”
Find out more about Land of Lights and book tickets HERE.
Daisy Jackson -
31st December 2021 
