There’s another bank holiday looming and then the long, glorious stretch of summer – and helpfully, there’s a new tool in Greater Manchester to help you plan brilliant days out around the region.
You can now use a Metrolink Destination Generator which will design you your perfect day out.
You just give it an idea of what you fancy doing – like something foodie, or cultural, or musical, or sporting – and a rough borough you want to travel to, and away it goes.
You can choose free things, family-friendly things, outdoor things, to do on a weekday or weekend.
Transport for Greater Manchester’s aim is that it will help travellers stuck for ideas to get out and discover some fun days out around their local area, without needing to jump in the car or travel far.
The Destination Generator will even tell you which stop to aim for and which tickets are the best value.
Renowned travel experts Lonely Planet named Manchester as one of its best ‘accessibility-friendly’ destinations to visit in 2023, with the city being the only UK location to make the guidebook’s annual Best in Travel list.
Some of Lonely Planet’s recommendations, such as the Manchester Museum and Castlefield Viaduct, can be reached using Metrolink, but there are so many more hidden gems to be found across Greater Manchester.
National Trust gardeners – Castlefield Viaduct Planting – 10 June 2022
Danny Vaughan, TfGM’s Head of Metrolink, said: “Whether travelling a few stops or across the network, Metrolink is a convenient, value-for money and accessible way of getting around Greater Manchester.
“There are flexible and affordable ticketing options for all travellers, whether it’s paying as you go with contactless – never paying more than the daily cap, or making use of a one-day family travelcard which covers travel for two adults and up to three children.
“Whatever the weather this summer, Metrolink can get you where you want to go, and if you’re stuck for ideas our Destination Generator will help you plan your trip.”
Sheona Southern, Managing Director at Marketing Manchester, said: “There are a variety of attractions across Greater Manchester for visitors to explore on Metrolink, from East Lancashire Railway in Bury, IWM North in Trafford, The Lowry in Salford, and fantastic green space in places like Sale Water Park.
“We’re delighted to work in partnership with TfGM to highlight just how accessible the region is, and we hope the Destination Generator is a fun way for visitors to uncover more of the unexpected in Greater Manchester.”
Some of the days out in Greater Manchester to be discovered:
Oldham Way Walks
Spanning a whopping 40 miles, the Oldham Way is a popular challenge for keen walkers – but if you break it down into sections there’s something for everyone, even total novices.
There are seven recommended routes, some of which you can easily get to using the tram network.
If you get the tram to Failsworth, you’ll find yourself along a gentle section of the Oldham Way that follows the Rochdale Canal towpath.
Nearest stop: Failsworth
Pottery Corner
Tucked in in the beautiful Chorlton is Pottery Corner, a creative studio and gallery where you can paint your own pottery.
Designed to let your creative streak run wild, the studio space also offers baby imprints, clay classes, parties, and special occasions.
It’s been under its current ownership for seven years and is well worth the journey across to Chorlton.
Nearest stop: Chorlton
The East Lancashire Railway
Train fanatic or not, the East Lancashire Railway is always a popular day out.
Slicing its way through picturesque towns like Ramsbottom and Summerseat, plus miles and miles of stunning Lancashire scenery, there are loads of different days out on offer.
Along the way you can discover real ale bars, quaint tea rooms, quirky boutiques, markets, restaurants, cafés and more.
Nearest stop: Bury
Museum of Transport
This hugely underrated museum just outside the city centre seems like an appropriate place to visit on public transport – it’s an absolute goldmine of public transport going all the way back to 1824.
There’s an 1890s horse-drawn bus, a full-size prototype Metrolink tram, and an old Beverley’s Beers van.
It’s a bargain too – adult tickets are £5 while under 16s can go free with any paying adult.
Nearest stop: Queens Road
Portland Basin Museum
Another hidden gem, this time over in Tameside, is the Portland Basin Museum, housed within a restored 19th-century Ashton Canal Warehouse.
The waterside, newly-refurbished heritage centre celebrates the people, events and industries, which have shaped the history of Tameside over the past two hundred years.
You can even step back in time on a 1920s street, with the sights and sounds of bygone Tameside brought back to life.
Nearest stop: Ashton-Under-Lyne
Featured image: East Lancashire Railway
Things To Do
Popular daytime rave where you can be in bed by 9pm is coming back to Manchester
Clementine Hall
The famous Day Fever is returning to Manchester later this year, and it’s set to be bigger and better than ever before.
A rave where you can be in bed by 9pm? Now that’s our kind of rave.
If you haven’t heard of Day Fever before, then we are about to blow your mind. Launched in early 2024 by actress Vicky McClure and Reverend & The Makers frontman Jon McClure, Day Fever has become somewhat of a cultural sensation.
From its debut in Sheffield to a tour that sees thousands of ravers hitting the dance floor each month, the message is clear – people want to dance and let loose, but still be in bed before 9pm… and to be honest, we don’t blame them.
Day Fever is returning to Manchester later this year / Credit: Supplied
Running from 3pm to 8pm, Day Fever provides a proper night out that doesn’t completely write you off for the entire weekend.
“It started as a WhatsApp idea,” says Jon McClure. “Jonny just said, ‘A daytime disco, how good would that be?’ We’re all a bit nuts, so we just said, ‘Come on then!’
“It feels like a massive house party at your nan’s,” laughs Vicky. “No drama, no egos, just people acting daft, getting dressed up, and having the best time.”
The massively-popular rave starts in the afternoon, meaning you can still be in bed by 9pm / Credit: Supplied
From Manchester to Newcastle, Glasgow to Leeds, every Day Fever event has its own unique flavour.
There’ll be local DJs who know their crowds keep the energy high with a nostalgic mix of Northern Soul, disco, indie, and 90s classics. “Manchester goes mad for Oasis,” says Jon, “and if Vicky’s there, we have to play Whitney, it’s non-negotiable.”
Day Fever is about to set out on its biggest tour yet, and another Manchester date has been announced for later in the year, as it’ll be taking over New Century Hall once again on 20 September 2025.
Tickets are now available, so get your hands on them here.
We’ll see you on the dance floor.
Featured Image – Supplied
Things To Do
Chester Zoo is opening ‘after hours’ again this summer so you can see all the animals at sunset
Emily Sergeant
Chester Zoo has revealed plans for its ‘biggest ever’ evening event this summer.
The UK’s biggest charity zoo has, once again, announced the return of its hugely popular Afterglow event, which is known and loved for offering visitors the rare opportunity to explore the zoo and its 37,000 animals after hours… but this time around, there will be ‘even more’ surprises to discover.
Similar to previous sellout years, Afterglow will offer guests the unique chance to encounter some of the world’s most endangered species during golden hour, which, for many animals, is one of their most active periods.
But, in a series of brand-new additions for 2025, staff at the zoo are promising the ‘ultimate summer evening out’.
They’re promising it’ll be ‘bigger, bolder, and better’ than ever before.
Chester Zoo’s is opening ‘after hours’ again this summer so you can see all the animals at sunset / Credit: Chester Zoo
You can expect the zoo to be transformed into five themed zones, each packed with entertainment, food, and immersive experiences.
There’ll be life-sized prehistoric dinosaur puppets roaming the zoo’s grounds with full theatrical performances and interactive meet-and-greets throughout each evening, while other new additions this year include a silent disco, giant inflatables, a Master Lego Builder experience, and an array of roaming performers – including acrobats, jugglers, and stilt walkers.
For those who prefer a bit more peace and quiet though, and would prefer to take in the natural sounds and sights around them instead, there will be also be self-led wellbeing trail and guided meditation sessions.
The evenings will also feature competitions and giveaways, alongside themed food and drink, and proceeds from ticket sales will support the zoo’s vital conservation efforts as a registered charity.
Tickets are now on sale and are expected to sell fast / Credit: Chester Zoo
“Afterglow is back, and this year it’s bigger, brighter and bolder than ever before,” commented Gemma Wright, who is the Visitor Experience General Manager at Chester Zoo.
“From inflatable dinosaurs and puppet parades to cocktails and a silent disco under the evening sky, there’s something for absolutely everyone. We’ve added more immersive theming across five completely unique zones this year too, each one filled with activities, entertainment and of course, the 37,000 amazing animals that the zoo is home to.
“Importantly, every ticket supports our vital conservation work – both here in the UK and globally.”
Chester Zoo‘s Afterglow returns for 2025 summer evenings and will run on exclusive dates between 1 – 17 August from 3pm until 8pm, and tickets are now on sale, starting at £21 for adults and £14 for children (aged 3–17), while zoo members go free but they must pre-book in advance.
Tickets are limited and expected to sell out quickly, so you can find out more and get booking here.
Daisy Jackson -
26th May 2023 
