In just a few weeks, the next batch of young and beautiful Love Island contestants will be moving into the villa – but you can get your own taste of the hit reality show right here in the north west.
The Secret Garden glamping experience in Lancashire has a series of pods, lodges and yurts, each one kitted out with luxury touches inspired by the ITV series.
The spaces are decorated with flowers, fairy lights and neon signs, with extra details like outdoor TVs, underfloor heating and en suite bathrooms.
Guests can gather around the fire pit – real Love Island style – lounge in hammocks or perch on swings in their own decked area.
The Secret Garden glamping experience in Lancashire, just outside Manchester. Image: The Secret Garden
There are even outdoor bars and al fresco kitchens, just like the real deal, except all set in 2.5 acres of woodland.
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Five-star glamping enterprise The Secret Garden has featured on Celebs Go Dating, Hot Tub Brits and Four in a Bed since launching.
Image: The Secret Garden
The hospitality business has just unveiled its latest accommodation, The Glade, which they say is perfect for the ‘ultimate girls night away’.
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You can watch Netflix nestled between the trees or help yourself to chilled drinks aplenty from the outdoor bar area where amenities include an ice machine and huge cooking area.
The glamping experience is less than an hour from Manchester. Image: The Secret Garden
Complete with a bright pink rope swing and hammock, this is glamping like you’ve never seen it before.
Each private tent has a luxe-cosy atmosphere with velvet pastel sofas, floral headboards and plants everywhere, from the ceiling to the floor, all proudly parading the pink colour scheme.
There’s a marble floor with underfloor heating and floor-to-ceiling flower walls in the bathroom.
For more information, including how to bag yourself a night at The Glade, visit The Secret Garden website.
Featured Image – The Secret Garden
Things To Do
The Torrs Millennium Walkway – a stunning Peak District walk that hovers above a huge gorge
The Manc
On first glance, New Mills may seem like any other Peak District town: small, picturesque with little-much-to-do. Venture just a few steps towards the River Sett, and you’ll find yourself in another landscape entirely.
Just below the hustle and bustle of the main shopping centre lies New Mill’s (not so) hidden gem – The Torrs Millennium Walkway.
Having done this route a few times, each time we’ve been amazed at the natural gorge that lies below.
The spectacular gritstone gorge was previously impassable to walkers, but the walkway built at the turn of the millennium, nicknamed the ‘steel spider’s web’, has transformed the dramatic landscape.
The Torrs Millennium Walkway is a 175-yard aerial walkway spanning the cliffsides above the River Goyt and River Sett, with links to many walking and cycling routes across the area.
If you’re new to the area, the heritage centre provides maps and guides for several nearby walks, including the iconic Kinder Trespass Trail.
Torrs Millennium Walkway. Credit: GetlostmcrViews along the walking route from Torrs Millennium Walkway. Credit: Getlostmcr
Below, Getlostmcr has mapped out a couple of walking route options, one of which soaks in all the best bits of Stockport’s forgotten history.
And if you plan your walk to finish in New Mills, you can nip in to the dog-friendly, traditional local pub, The Pride of the Peaks, for a swift pint of Guinness by the real fire.
For those short on time, we recommend this route by Getlostmcr – a short, four-mile, out-and-back loop around the walkway and along the Sett Valley Trail. This route starts in the town of New Mills, easily reached via train or by car, with ample parking space at Market Street Carpark in the town centre.
And for those looking to get the extra steps in, why not extend the route by starting at nearby Marple?
History buffs, this one’s for you: Getlostmcr have mapped out a lengthier walk that takes in the best of Stockport’s forgotten history.
Starting from Marple, you’ll head towards The Roman Lakes, past the site of Mellor Mill Ruins: once a shining start of the Oldknow Empire. Back in its heyday, Mellor Mill was the biggest spinning mill the world had seen.
What remains of the site has since been taken over by the natural world, making a perfect pitstop on the first leg of your walk.
From here, you’ll make the ascent to Mellor Cross close to Cobden Edge. Mellor Cross was originally erected in 1970 by a group of local church goers who carried the individual pieces up the steep hill to ensure the cross overlooked the community.
Once you’ve marvelled at the size of this landmark, it’s time to head towards Mellor Moor where you’ll be rewarded with views right across the western edge of the Peak District and the Cheshire Plain.
The moor’s umpteen tracks date back to prehistoric Old Mercian trackways, said to be the route of monks and pilgrims way back when. Next, you’ll follow the trackways until you reach New Mills, where you can stop off to marvel at the walkway above. As for the return? That’s up to you!
You can follow Getlost’s out-and-back route here, or simply get the train back to either Piccadilly or the starting point in Marple if you drove down. For those following the half route, this is the link you need.
Enjoy!
The good-to-knows
The Pride of the Peaks pub in New Mills. Credit: GetlostmcrA pint of Guinness in the Pride of the Peaks pub. Credit: Getlostmcr
Car parks
We parked in New Mills’ Market Street Carpark, £2 for 4 hours. 44 spaces.
New mills Carpark: Market Street, New Mills, High Peak, Derbyshire, SK22 4AA.
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For those starting in Marple, there is ample free street parking near Hibbert Lane, SK6. There is also a carpark just off Hibbert Lane.
Marple carpark: Marple Memorial Park, Hibbert Lane, Stockport, SK6 6BD.
Cafes
There are plenty of cafes in both New Mills and Marple. For those following the short loop from New Mills, Sett Valley Café is en route and have a 10/10 selection of homemade and vegan drinks and snacks.
Pubs
We went to Pride of the Peaks in New Mills, but there are plenty to choose from in both New Mills and Marple, depending where you choose to start.
Difficulty
There are various options to suit different walking abilities. For those wanting to do the out and back from Marple, we’d recommend walking boots.
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It’s also worth noting the ascent is all in one short stint so decent level of fitness is required. The short loop from New Mills is perfect for a Sunday dog walk.
The best things to do in Greater Manchester this week | 27 March – 2 April 2023
Emily Sergeant
We can’t believe how fast this year has gone already, but it’s time to wave goodbye to March and welcome April this week.
With schools breaking up for the holidays this week, and not long left to go before Easter rolls around once again, the Greater Manchester events calendar is absolutely packed this week, so we’ve cherry-picked a few of the best bits happening across the region this week for another edition of our ‘what’s on‘ guide.
As always, some of the events we’re going to mention are completely free, while others will set you back a few pounds, and many will need to be booked in advance.
Here’s our top picks.
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DNA VR
Manchester City Centre
Monday 27 March – onwards
DNA VR / Credit: Supplied
Manchester’s gaming scene continues to get bigger and bigger every year, and now one of the UK’s biggest VR arcades has opened in the city centre.
Promising some of the best and most immersive ‘alternative’ activities you’ll find anywhere in 0161, DNA VR’s arcade is packed out with an impressive library of games, over 100 virtual arcade challenges and even virtual escape rooms.
The new venue is right in the city centre and just a 15-minute walk away from Piccadilly Station.
Have you had the chance to visit Manchester Museum yet after it finally reopened to the public after an ambitious £15 million transformation project?
After an 18-month refurbishment, the cultural institution – which is part of the University of Manchester – has expanded into a modern new two-storey extension, with new exhibition spaces and inclusive facilities added into the space.
New spaces inside include a brand new Exhibition Hall, which has opened with the blockbuster exhibition Golden Mummies of Egypt, where visitors get an unparalleled access to more than 100 objects and eight mummies in a UK debut, while the new extension also includes the South Asia Gallery, which will be the UK’s first permanent space to explore the lived experience of South Asian diaspora communities.
There’s a new dinosaur in town too, joining the museum’s legendary T-Rex Stan.
Kimpton Clocktower Hotel has made access to their state-of-the-art gym facilities completely free to the general public for the rest of March.
As part of a new initiative by Technogym called ‘Let’s Move for a Better World‘ – which is aiming to get people back exercising in 2023 – the fitness, gym technology, and wellness brand is encouraging gyms across the UK to open up their doors free of charge to local communities.
Running until 31 March, Mancs can get moving and make the most of Technogym equipment for free and join them for a series of fun events – including a 12-hour ‘MOVEathon’, as well as various circuit classes.
Corn Exchange has installed a book vending machine inside its stunning atrium space.
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Whether you’re in need a book for your commute into the city, want to update your bookshelf at home, grab a page-turner for your holiday, or simply have a good read over a coffee or glass of something at Corn Exchange, the new vending machine has you covered.
Book lovers are invited to head on down with their old books, grab a token for the machine, and Read. Swap. Repeat.
With the aim to help the environment and reduce waste for book lovers, the machine includes a mix of pre-loved books of all genres, and you’ll just need to simply bring in a pre-loved book and swap it for a token with one of the Corn Exchange hosts to access the machine and choose your next read.
Families are encouraged to make the most of Manchester‘s new ‘sky park’ on Castlefield Viaduct during the school holidays.
The New York-inspired elevated urban park on the giant Grade II-listed 330-metre steel viaduct has been closed since December to allow time for the team of National Trust gardeners, volunteers, and community partners to prune, plant, and create new and exciting areas.
On top of the work to add a variety of seasonal planting displays created by, four plots on the viaduct have also been handed over to local community groups and partner organisations to create their own unique gardens for visitors to enjoy.
Spanish Tapas & Pinchos Cookery Class / Credit: Food Sorcery
Manchester’s very-own cookery school Food Sorcery is giving you the chance to transport yourself to the bars of Spain with class dedicated to Spanish tapas and pinchos.
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During this three-hour class, chef Jan Cron will guide you through how to create a selection of authentic dishes, including Spanish Tortilla, Padron Peppers, Croquetas de Jamón, and more – all of which you can eat through the class, and take home any left overs.
Suitable for all ability levels, it’s not only a great chance to learn new cooking methods and recipes, but it’s also a great social occasion with like-minded people.
There’s a special Wine & Dine Night at Platzki this week.
Hosted by special guest Polish sommelier, Adam Michocki, the beloved Great Northern Warehouse-based independent restaurant has crafted a comforting four-course set menu, with each dish paired with a Polish wine that perfectly complements the authentic cuisine.
Setting guests back £77 each for the full menu, Adam will guide you through the wines and explain the delicious pairings in more detail.
Fancy catching the last of all the March deals, discounts, and offers in Manchester’s cafes, bars, and restaurants?
Quite a few of the city’s best-loved independents have decided to extend their food deals into March, and this is your last week to make the most of them.
While there’s still some great offers to make the most of, we’re going to keep promoting them, and fortunately for us, there are some awesome set menus, lunch deals, and general discounts going around this month.
March dining deals 2023 / Credit: Firehouse & Chakalaka
If you’re looking for somewhere to grab a bite this week, we’ve rounded up some of the best Manchester restaurant deals to take advantage of.
A live West End recording of one of the best-loved musicals of the last decade is to be screened in two of Greater Manchester‘s biggest cinemas this week.
And you only have one night to catch it.
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Theatre lovers and musicals fans will probably want to make their way down to Vue in the Printworks, or Odeon at the Trafford Centre, this Tuesday 28 March as the smash-hit Broadway and West End production, Heathers: The Musical, will be screened for one-night-only as part of a special nationwide cinema event.
Manchester’s largest street food hub’s annual celebration of East Asian street food, desserts, and drinks returns for 2023 this weekend.
Taking place from 5pm this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, five of the city’s very best East Asian street food traders – Korean Grub Club, Osaka Local, Phat Rollz, Wong Dumplings, and Mary’s Cakery Makery – will be cooking all weekend long.
And as per the usual GRUB tradition, all food will be completely plant-based on the Sunday of the three-day annual event.
Pong & Puck is hosting its first-ever bingo night this week – but it’s not like any other, as this one’s a bottomless drag bingo party.
First things first, it’s still the same game of bingo with prizes to play for and the rest of it, only this one comes with the added bonus of bottomless drinks, pizza, a comedy show, sing-offs, catwalks and more – all of which will be hosted by legendary Manchester drag queen and comedian, Miss Ginger Hunter.
The Bottomless Drag Bingo Party will be happening down at the Great Northern-based venue on Friday 31 March from 7pm, with tickets setting you back £40 per person.
Gaming Extravaganza / Credit: Science Museum Group
A massive “gaming extravaganza” is happening down at the Science and Industry Museum this month.
An ideal way to keep the little ones educated and entertained while schools are out, the museum has organised a packed programme of gaming, animated adventure, and digital discovery events inspired by its hugely-popular ongoing interactive gaming experience, Power UP.
From Saturday 1 to Sunday 16 April, visitors will be transported inside their favourite games as part of the Actual Reality Arcade – a life-size nostalgic gaming experience that’s promising to “unlock memories” players star in real-life versions of some retro favourite games, including Invaders and Breakout.
Young gaming lovers can also explore a special Pac-Man floor maze, and families can level up together with some super-size gaming too.
The Alternative Indie Wedding Fair / Credit: ALT Events Co
The Alternative Indie Wedding Fair is here in Manchester this weekend.
Hosted by ALT Events Co, The Alternative Indie Wedding Fair will see over 20 independent alternative vendors set up shop in the Royal Exchange Theatre in the heart of the city centre on Sunday 2 April, making it the perfect place to get a feel of how you want your special day to be, all while being budget-friendly.
While event organisers say the show is completely sold out, walk-ins are welcome on the day between 1-2pm and 3-4pm if the capacity of the room allows it – but it’s first come first served, so you’ll want to get there on time to avoid disappointment.
A giant outdoor funfair full of vintage fairground rides and a circus is heading back to the Trafford Centre this week.
After several hugely successful runs in both 2021 and 2022, the UK’s third largest shopping centre has announced that its outdoor space is “springing to life” once again as April begins, and will be back with a whole host of thrilling rides, a glittering circus, and lots of delicious treats for the whole family to enjoy.
Spring Escape is returning to the Trafford Centre just in time for the school Easter holidays on 1 April, and as usual, will be popping up outside the Great Hall.
Chester Zoo’s launching an Easter egg hunt with a twist this weekend.
If you’re looking for something to keep the kids entertained and educated at the same time while schools are out this Easter, the UK’s largest charity and conservation zoo’s ‘Really Wild Egg Trail’ will see giant 3D eggs hidden over the 128-acre site.
Tut the catch is, each of the six hidden eggs all belong to animals that you might not expect to hatch from eggs.
Daisy Jackson -
13th May 2022 
