Travel & Tourism

Aer Lingus has launched a MASSIVE sale on flights from Manchester to Barbados, New York and Orlando

See you in a New York minute. (In partnership with Aer Lingus)

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson - 26th August 2024

A huge sale on flights has just gone live, with Aer Lingus whisking passengers off to bucket list destinations including New York, Barbados and Orlando. 

The unbelievable deals on flights from Manchester to the USA and Caribbean favourites go live today, Monday 26 August. 

You’ll be able to jet off on the holiday of a lifetime from as little as £359 return. 

Your dream trip might involve heading to New York City for ice skating in Central Park, admiring the huge Rockefeller Christmas tree, and watching the ball drop in Times Square.

Or you might be desperate for some winter sun and eyeing up a trip to the tropical paradise of Barbados, for days spent relaxing on golden beaches, swimming in crystal clear waters, and feasting on the nation’s vibrant cuisine. 

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Maybe you’re looking to take the whole family to thrill-seek your way around Orlando in Florida, home of the world’s greatest theme parks.

Whatever your perfect winter escape looks like, Aer Lingus can get you there, and with the friendliest cabin crew in the skies. 

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Aer Lingus flights guarantee properly comfortable seats, in-flight entertainment, meals on board, and a business class option, so your flight will quite literally fly by (but you might not want it to end). 

Aer Lingus has launched a MASSIVE sale on flights from Manchester to Barbados, New York and Orlando
Aer Lingus has deals on flights from Manchester to New York. Credit: Unsplash
Aer Lingus has launched a MASSIVE sale on flights from Manchester to Barbados, New York and Orlando
Aer Lingus has launched a MASSIVE sale on flights from Manchester to Barbados, New York and Orlando. Credit: Unsplash

Flights to all three destinations go direct from Manchester Airport.

So if you’re looking to carry your summer holiday mood all the way through to next year with a holiday, it might not cost as much as you think. 

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The Aer Lingus sale with discounted flights to New York, Barbados and Orlando starts on 26 August and will run until 16 September.

Travel is valid on trips between 1 October 2024 and 31 March 2025. 

Fares are expected to sell out fast, so don’t delay. You can find out more and book your flights with Aer Lingus here. 

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Featured image: Photo by Tom Jur on Unsplash

Travel & Tourism

The charming pottery shop near Manchester selling absolute bargains

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson Jules is a lovely pottery shop in Hebden Bridge selling bargains. Credit: The Manc Group

You know you’re growing up when you’re more interested in spending your money on plates than partying – and we’ve found just the spot for you.

There’s a charming little pottery shop not far from Manchester that sells some sought-after crockery and homeware at bargain prices.

On the shelves at Jules you’ll find a mixture of end-of-line and run-of-the-kiln pottery (this is where designers make more than needed to account for any mistakes or breaks).

Jules has been trading for more than 30 years in Hebden Bridge, selling everything from cookware and tableware to home decor.

If it’s made of clay, you’ll find it here, and at drastically lower prices than you’d pay in most shops.

They promise to offer ‘unbelievable prices’ on plates, bowls, jugs, casserole dishes and loads more.

And you’ll come across some names you might know, like bowls from Oliver Bonas and vases from Anthropologie, all for just a few pounds apiece.

The shops spans across two floors with crockery stacked up in wobbly piles everywhere you look.

This is not a place for toddlers, backpacks or butter fingers.

Jules is a lovely pottery shop in Hebden Bridge selling bargains. Credit: The Manc Group
Jules is a lovely pottery shop in Hebden Bridge selling bargains. Credit: The Manc Group
Jules is a lovely pottery shop in Hebden Bridge selling bargains. Credit: The Manc Group
Jules is a lovely pottery shop in Hebden Bridge selling bargains. Credit: The Manc Group

It’s tucked right in the heart of the beautiful Hebden Bridge, so you can plan a whole day trip around your shopping trip.

This lovely market town is known for its artistic community, vibrant culture, and stunning natural scenery, all centred around the pretty cobbled-street centre.

Having a mooch round the local market, browsing the shops and of course strolling down the tranquil riverside, this is what an ideal Saturday looks like.

When it’s time for a pint you won’t need to look hard to find a quaint pub garden to plonk yourself into, plenty more spots to grab something to eat and stunning natural wine bars for a final tipple.

We could keep talking about what a gem this Yorkshire market town is forever, just over half an hour in-between Leeds and Manchester it’s worth blocking off a Saturday to have a mooch.

And make sure you pop in to Jules to buy some pottery while you’re at it.

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Featured image: The Manc Group

Travel & Tourism

Marian Resort & Spa – The reborn hotel with cosy cabins and stunning views in the Welsh countryside

Kristen MacGregor-Houlston Kristen MacGregor-Houlston Marian Hotel & Resort in North Wales. Credit: The Manc Group

I always say there’s no such thing as too much spa time and I have had the pleasure and delight of trying out a couple this summer. With so much going on in and out of work at the moment, if the opportunity to enjoy some peace and tranquillity arises, I’ll be first in line to take it.

Set in the beautiful Welsh countryside and just a short 10 minute drive from Prestatyn beach is the gorgeous Marian Resort and Spa. Having been a holiday site since 1909, the new owners have converted it into the resort it is today, reopening in March 2024.

The resort is made up of cabins and lodges that are kitted out for couples and groups alike. Some of the lodges come with hot tubs for you and your pals to relax and enjoy in. They’re dog friendly too, and we were lucky enough to stay in one of their lodges where dogs were allowed.

Keep your eyes peeled for their peacock who likes to have a potter around and nosey in your lodge.

The welcome to Marian was warm and welcoming – we’re handed a map to find our lodge (the resort is huge) ready to explore everything, including the main building which is home to the restaurant, cocktail bar, sports bar, gym, pool and spa.

There are plenty of locals visiting Marian while we are there which gives the resort a community feel.

Our lodge has a modern design with brand new amenities, and feels fresh and light – perfect for us to kick back with a bottle of fizz and some beautiful balms from their spa.

After a quick change, it’s straight across to the Marian Resort & Spa cocktail bar which is like stepping into the Great Gatsby movie. They have their Thirsty Thursday deal on (2-4-1 cocktails) even though it’s Saturday and we indulged in the bar’s recommendations. We drink them on the balcony outside and enjoy the stunning view.

Dinner in The View restaurant was fantastic. Like. Fantastic. Everything was delicious.

Heirloom tomato and mozzarella bruschetta at the Marian Resort & Spa
Heirloom tomato and mozzarella bruschetta
Asian crispy beef salad at the Marian Resort & Spa. Credit: The Manc Group
Asian crispy beef salad
Fish cassoulet at the Marian Resort & Spa. Credit: The Manc Group
Fish cassoulet
GIANT sticky toffee pudding at the Marian Resort & Spa. Credit: The Manc Group
GIANT sticky toffee pudding
Dinner at the Marian Resort & Spa. Credit: The Manc Group

The ingredients were so fresh – we didn’t want the meal to end. We opted for the heirloom tomato and mozzarella bruschetta and the Asian crispy beef salad, as well as the butternut squash pappardelle and the special fish cassoulet.

For dessert, we had the BIGGEST piece of sticky toffee pudding I have ever seen. The name of the restaurant The View, is apt as the view is stunning.

As darkness descends and the sun disappears, it becomes moody outside, making the whole restaurant become atmospheric.

There is a sports bar on the ground floor of Marian which was popular with the locals. It is clear that this is a destination for the whole community as well as for visitors to the area.

Views at the Marian Resort & Spa. Credit: The Manc Group
Views at the Marian Resort & Spa. Credit: The Manc Group
The resident peacock at the Marian Resort & Spa. Credit: The Manc Group
The resident peacock at the Marian Resort & Spa. Credit: The Manc Group
The entrance to the spa at the Marian Resort & Spa. Credit: The Manc Group
The entrance to the spa at the Marian Resort & Spa. Credit: The Manc Group

We had a buffet style breakfast the next day which was of very good quality. We arrived at 9.30 and it was hectic, so I recommend getting there early if you can. All the food was of top quality again and they had Quorn sausages which is always a plus as a vegetarian.

The spa is located in a small outbuilding next to the main building which has been carefully curated to create a relaxing environment.

There are reclining beds to relax on before or after your treatment with a clear view of the surrounding area.

My massage was one of the best I have ever had. The pressure was perfect and all tension simply melted away. After a chill in the relaxation room we went for a swim in the pool and baked ourselves in the sauna.

Although there is still evidence that Marian Respost & Spa is still fairly fresh, it is a great place to take your friends and family, and the sea is just 10 minutes away. For more information or to book your stay, check it out here.

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Featured image: The Manc Group

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