The weather is FINALLY warming up a little and it’s beginning to feel like we might finally have made it through winter – it’s time for a walk.
There’s nothing quite like the arrival of spring to (so sorry) put a spring in your step, especially after such a dreary few months post-Christmas.
Some of the green spaces that wrap around Greater Manchester are in their prime right now, and that’s saying something, as they’re pretty spectacular all year round – perfect for a spring walk.
We’re talking fields full of daffodils and bluebells and trees dripping with blossom.
Here are some of the prettiest walks to tackle this season around Greater Manchester to make the most of the north west in spring.
It may be a bit of a schlep up the road, but Manchester’s relative proximity to the Lake District is something we should all be taking advantage of.
Although Cumbria is known for its big hills, you don’t have to climb high to get the best spring experiences at Loughrigg Fell.
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The lower slopes are often ablaze with beautiful bluebells at this time of year.
Countryfile has pulled together a lovely walking route here.
Salthill Quarry, Clitheroe
This spot in Lancashire actually once lay at the bottom of the ocean, but it’s now a shining example of a northern nature reserve.
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It’s home to an incredible array of wildlife and plant life, including masses of wildflowers in the spring and summer that makes for a dream walk for nature lovers.
All those blooms bring loads of birds and butterflies to the area too.
The Geology Trail is a circular walk that will show you all the best bits, with QR codes to scan for extra information on your way round.
Monsal Dale, Peak District
Monsal Dale is beautiful spring walk. Credit: Unsplash, Rob Bates
Surrounded by dales scenery, hiring a few bikes to cycle the Monsal Trail is an absolute Peak District must-do.
But for wildflower lovers, you want to duck off the former railway line and explore Monsal Dale instead.
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This handy walking route from Countryfile includes viaduct views as well as encounters with all the new-season blooms.
Brockholes Nature Reserve, Preston
Credit: Facebook, Brockholes
The Brockholes Nature Reserve spans a massive 250 acres and actually only opened around 10 years ago.
It’s drawn in more than one million human visitors and even more feathered and furry ones, including different species of deer, badgers, hares, osprey and red kites.
Tegg’s Nose Country Park really comes into its own in spring, when clambering around the rocky landscape isn’t such sweaty (or slippery) work.
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From May, the meadows around this corner of Cheshire will be a blanket of yellow when the pansies bloom.
It’s not too far to travel from Greater Manchester either, so makes for a great spring walk.
This AllTrails loop around Tegg’s Nose and Macclesfield Forest is a real winner.
Quarry Bank, Cheshire
Ahead of the National Trust’s annual BlossomWatch event, the charity has pulled together a list of where to see the best blossom trees across the country.
In the north west it’s Dunham Massey, Speke Hall, Rufford Old Hall and Little Moreton Hall, as well as the grounds around the old mill at Quarry Bank.
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The National Trust says: “The walled garden bursts into life in April with the blooming of the apricot tree, followed by the arrival of apple, pear, nectarine and peach blossom. The Apprentice House Garden is home to apple, plum and pears trees, making it the perfect place to enjoy a picnic under a canopy of blossom.”
Bloomtown Blossom Trail, Manchester city centre
Stunning pink blossom at Parsonage GardensBlossom trees in Ancoats
Manchester never looks better than it does in the spring, so if you don’t fancy heading out in the countryside, there’s plenty of nature to admire with a walk in town itself.
The National Trust and Castlefield Viaduct have created a walking trail around Manchester that’s all about celebrating the blossom.
It loops from the Viaduct down Canal Street, through Ancoats, and back again, taking in landmarks like the Central Library, Parsonage Gardens, and the Rochdale Canal.
Inside the luxury hotel suite inspired by a Christmas light trail
Thomas Melia
Located right next to Piccadilly Station, Manchester Marriott Hotel Piccadilly have curated a new hotel stay which is inspired by one of the region’s biggest light trails.
The new Christmas-themed room has been created as a continuation of Freight Island’s ‘Twilight Trail’, so you don’t need to leave the magic of the event behind in Mayfield Park.
This huge hotel, which recently underwent a £33m refurb, has been setting out to provide guests with incredible experiences and this new Christmas themed room is certainly no different.
As well as a stunning room decked out with festive decor, you can also see immaculate views of the city centre, and even the neighbouring Twilight Trail, thanks to the room being situated on the top floor of the eight storey building.
Initially launching last year, the festive-themed Twilight Trail attraction by Freight Island is only a short three-minute walk away from the all-new Christmas room at Manchester Marriott Hotel Piccadilly.
The converted ‘Deluxe Family Room’ is sure to put you in the festive spirit with everything from mood lighting to a real Christmas tree frocked in red and gold baubles.
How many reindeers could you count before you fall asleep effortlessly?It’s Christmas central at Manchester Marriott Hotel Piccadilly.The Deluxe Family Room has had a festive makeover.Credit: The Manc Group
Once you’ve unpacked your matching PJ’s and chosen where you’ll be sleeping for the night, you can head out the door knowing you get to come back to your own personal winter wonderland.
Next on your itinerary is a trip to the Twilight Trail itself, 6.5 acres of illuminations, interesting structures and fascinating displays.
If you’re not walking round this outdoor venue with a boozy hot chocolate fixed firmly in one hand then you’re definitely doing it wrong.
As you walk through the first tentacle-like tunnel, you’ll be greeted by an on-site refreshments truck serving generous helpings of hot chocolate.
After picking up your sweet drink, you’ll be plunged into a glittering world with a dramatic Christmas tree at the centrepiece of the illuminated park.
The opening tentacle-like tunnel which spans out across the floor.You can never go wrong with a hot chocolate.The grand Christmas tree towering over the various light features.Credit: The Manc Group
You can walk over a brightly lit bridge that constantly changes colours and makes you feel like you’re walking on a rainbow, literally.
This makes for a great sensory experience for all ages as you feel as though you’re a part of the trail, walking over the light displays instead of just seeing them from a distance. Class!
The twinkling tunnel lit with fairy lights makes for the perfect Instagrammable moment and is honestly core-memory worthy.
Lighting up the city centre with the Mayfield Depot sign adding some character.Look at those lights! The fairy light tunnel which are part of the Twilight Trail.Take a walk over the rainbow bridge as you soak up all this light trail has to offer.Credit: The Manc Group
Whether walking makes you hungry or you can just smell the delicious flavours of the street food vendors from next-door neighbours Freight Island, it would be rude not to pay them a visit.
It’ll probably take you just as long to decide what food you want as it did to complete the light trail thanks to the wide variety of cuisines on offer.
From 22 inch pizzas at Voodoo Ray’s to desserts on a stick at Oh My Cheesecake, you can grasp how exciting and mind-boggling the meals here are.
Burgers were the craving of the night and we left our foodie fate in the hands of the trusty Burgerism with their ‘Veggied’ and Pattersons ‘Salt ‘n’ Pepa’ single stack chicken burger.
This is one of three plant-based options from their menu and its packed with a selection of topping greats like pickles, tomatoes and a cheese slice.
Burgerism’s veggie offering was absolutely gorgeous.Pattersons flavoursome single stack chicken burger.The veggie has officially been ‘Veggied’.Credit: The Manc Group
This little Christmas themed adventure and stay is in the heart of Manchester city centre meaning it’s close to all amenities like trains, trams, bars, pubs and those all important Manchester Christmas Markets.
However when you’re sleeping in a room that has pillows galore, a built-in TV and Christmas decorations, a quiet night in was next on the agenda and you really do feel right at home.
Manchester Marriott Hotel Piccadilly may just be one of Santa’s many little helpers and you can create your own priceless memory by staying in this gorgeous Christmas suite.
The bathroom in the Marriott Christmas room.Waking up out of bed to those stunning lights and cute tree.After your activity-filled day, fill up the tub and relax.Credit: The Manc Group
A family-friendly New Year’s Eve rave for kids is happening in Manchester
Thomas Melia
There’s a family-friendly New Year’s Eve event making its way to Manchester this winter that’s sure to make everyone feel included – even your little ones.
The ultimate family-friendly dance party is travelling to Manchester and stopping off in one of the city’s biggest venues, Freight Island.
Ran by ‘Raver Tots’, this is set to be an experience filled with the best in British dance music from house to garage and drum and bass, with a huge laser show, confetti cannons, and performers.
Besides being the UK’s biggest family-friendly rave brand, they are also motto masters using a slogan we all could live by – ‘Throw shapes not toys’.
Helping you dance the night away will be DJ Millz and Charlotte Devaney, who are definitely no stranger to each other, remixing tracks together and performing live on stage at a variety of events.
Both are known for their drum and bass records, a genre which they both share a clear love of. Guests attending can expect similar ensembles including some of the best in British dance music like house and garage tunes.
This party is taking place during the day meaning your kids won’t miss their curfew and can get a full night’s sleep, as long as the fireworks over at Big Ben don’t disturb their sleeping schedule.
Starting at 12pm on New Year’s Eve, Freight Island is about to transform into a family-friendly dance wonderland. This environment is suitable for all ages and all music is an appropriate noise level. Ace!
These independently run festivals are a quick-fire crowd pleaser which have attratced up to 15,000 people a time, you’re sure to be surrounded by some good company.
Saoirse Holland, director at Raver Tots, said: “There’s always a great atmosphere at the New Year’s Eve parties, we do a huge countdown and confetti blast so kids can experience ringing in the New Year without the late night.
“The whole family can join in the celebrations, listen to some great music and make memories without the hassle of trying to find a babysitter!”
These family-friendly party events are usually in high demand and anyone wanting to attend ‘Raver Tots New Year’s Eve Manchester’ can find tickets available here.
Daisy Jackson -
28th March 2024 
