If you’re in need of a sunny escape but are looking to keep things within your budget as much as possible, the current summer sale on flights at Manchester Airport should get your attention.
Best of all, not only can you make the most of this opportunity right now and whisk yourself away pronto, but the deals for a complete return trip.
And when we say this is an offer you can’t refuse, you really will have a tough time resisting the urge on this occasion, because some of the flights in question will set you back less than £80.
We reckon it’s time you book in some annual leave, don’t you?…
Flight deals from Manchester Airport – Summer 2025
So, you’re obviously wondering, ‘Where can I fly to? And for how much?’ Well, let’s not waste any more time. Here’s what is on offer.
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1. Majorca – Balearic Islands
Monika Guzikowska via Unsplash (supplied)
First up is Majorca, where you can fly via Ryanair on Wednesday, 9 July and return a week later on 16 July from just £28pp return. With more than 90,000 making the trip to the regular Spanish destination last month alone, its reputation speaks for itself.
Whether you want to be at the heart of the party scene in Magaluf, popular parts like Palma or Cala Millor, or more family-friendly areas like Puerto Pollensa and Alcudia, there’s something for everyone.
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2. Naples – Italy
How about visiting the home of the now four-time Italian football champions and the land where pizza itself was invented? Napoli is on many people’s travel bucket lists, and now you fly there with Ryanair on Saturday, 12 July and return on 25 July from just £49pp return.
Tom Podmore via Unsplash (supplied)
It’s the gateway to the Amalfi Coast and the isle of Capri, where fresh gelato, ice cream and Aperol flow like the Sarno River, not to mention it has some of the best street food in the world. With Mount Vesuvius and the ruins of Pompeii also looming over the city, the place needs little advertisement.
3. Brindisi – Italy
Sticking with Italy, why not consider a trip to the Puglia region, which you can fly to (once again with Ryanair) from just £49pp return.
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This particular part promises some of the country’s best sandy beaches and a balmy Mediterranean climate, as well as plenty of wine, olive oil and fresh-baked focaccia. It was even the home of Ernest Hemingway for a time, with the city even naming a beach after him.
How about visiting a French region that’s not only known for centuries of fine wine, a stunning coast with top-notch seafood and popular resorts like Valras and Cap d’Agde, but is also twinned with… Stockport?
That’s right, located in the southwest of the country, this underrated destination already has connections to Greater Manchester, not to mention famous water parks, white beaches and an archaeological site named Ensérune, located just outside the city. Return flights start from £56pp.
Pixabay (supplied)
5. Jerez – Spain
Jet2.com are up next are they’re offering you return travel to Jerez from just £77pp,departing on 12 July and returning on 26 July.
Southern Spain is usually as pretty busy in the summer, but Jerez’s position on the country’s Atlantic coast – between southern Portugal and the Strait of Gibraltar, rather than on the Med – means it’s not too crowded, plus it’s well worth a visit to nearby Cadiz.
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Jordi Vich Navarro via Unsplash (supplied)
6. Pula – Croatia
Over to Croatia now, and you get to one of the best value-for-money parts of the country compared to tourist traps like Dubrovnik or the Dalmatian coast, starting from as little as £59 per person, flying with Jet2 on Thursday, 10 July and coming back on 24 July.
Two weeks on the Istrian peninsula may not be as well-trodden as its counterparts, but the view across the Adriatic and some of the world’s best preserved Roman arenas should at least be considered.
Pixabay (supplied)
7. Rhodes – Greece
From ancient Greece to ancient Rome, Rhodes is known as one of the greatest cities that ever was, and besides the heaps of history to be soaked up, there are also 300 days of sunshine, plus plenty of shopping in the Old Town, stunning classical architecture, not mention the famous ‘Butterly Valley‘.
Once again with Jet2, return flights are going for £58pp and upwards.
Pixabay (supplied)
8. Paphos – Cyprus
Last but not least, we’ve got more gorgeous Grecian territory for you in the form of Paphos in neighbouring Cyprus, which still remains one of the most affordable holiday destinations going – and that’s even before the summer sale on flights from Manchester Airport.
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You’ve got beach resorts and some of the best Mediterranean cuisine at your fingertips. Fly with Jet2.com this July and return from just £58 per person too.
We all need a break sometimes, and with prices like these and the weather across Europe looking great this season, no one could begrudge you getting away from it all for a bit.
Meanwhile, these aren’t the only destinations that might tickle your fancy this summer, especially if you’re prone to those lazy lounging on a beach type holidays.
Featured Images — Supplied/Alex Liivet (via Flickr)
Travel & Tourism
A spectacular Chinese garden has opened at RHS Bridgewater, and it’s a must-visit
Daisy Jackson
RHS Bridgewater has opened the Yangzhou Scholars’ Garden, the centrepiece of a spectacular Chinese garden.
At seven acres, the Chinese Streamside Garden is the largest, most comprehensive, and most authentic classical Chinese garden in all of Europe.
It’s taken more than eight years to complete, and has utilised landscape architects and specialist craftspeople from China, using traditional techniques rarely seen outside the country.
This has been combined with the contemporary British garden setting of RHS Bridgewater to create a new must-visit attraction in Greater Manchester.
It’s also be designed to be as beautiful in each season as the last, with spring magnolias and cherry blossom, all the way through to dazzling autumn colours from acers and gingkos.
The Chinese garden is the result of an ambitious international collaboration of fundraising, design and craftsmanship between Yangzhou City, China Flower Association, Yangzhou Classical Garden Construction Company*, the City of Salford, Greater Manchester’s Chinese community and the RHS.
Inspiration comes from the historic scholars’ gardens of Yangzhou in Jiangsu province in East China, embodying the classical Chinese principle that gardens are places of philosophy, learning, reflection and seasonal observation.
The landscape features rock, water, planting, and timber structures, with each step revealing new views and perspectives.
There are four interconnected pavilions surrounding a courtyard and pond, each dedicated to one of the four traditional scholarly arts – chess, music, calligraphy and painting.
Pavilions are dedicated to traditional scholarly arts – like chessTimber structures and water feature heavilyEvery step reveals a new viewFootpaths weave through the Chinese garden at RHS BridgewaterThe space has taken almost eight years to completePlants have been chosen for their year-round beautyCredit: The Manc Group
Key features include traditional hand-crafted mortise-and-tenon joinery, Chinese Fir timber sourced from FSC-certified forests, kiln-fired tiles and handmade brickwork from China, intricate stone carvings, and detailed stone mosaic and poetic inscriptions.
More than 200 trees and shrubs representing 56 species and cultivars have been selected for their seasonal beauty and cultural significance, with planting conveying traditional messages of good luck, health, happiness and love.
Marcus Chilton-Jones, Head of RHS Garden Bridgewater explained: “The opening of the Yangzhou Scholars’ Garden is a landmark moment for RHS Garden Bridgewater, for Greater Manchester and the UK.
“This remarkable international collaboration has created not only a beautiful garden, but a lasting symbol of friendship, cultural exchange and shared learning.”
Tracy Snell, Curator at RHS Garden Bridgewater said: “It’s a garden full of meaning and intricacies.
“Importantly, it can be enjoyed throughout the seasons – from spring magnolias and cherry blossom to restful summer greens and the vibrant autumn colour of acers, ginkgos and euonymus.
“Chinese scholars’ gardens were created as places to slow down, reflect and reconnect with nature.
“Visitors will discover something new around every corner, and I can’t wait for people to experience the sense of calm and wonder the garden creates.”
Mr Gerry Yeung, Chinese Streamside Garden Founding Committee member added: “The opening of the Yangzhou Scholars’ Garden is a proud and historic moment for everyone who has helped bring this vision to life and the result of many years of dedication, generosity and shared ambition from people in both China and Greater Manchester.
“We hope visitors will enjoy discovering this special place and, through it, gain a deeper appreciation of the rich traditions, artistry and values that have inspired Chinese gardens for centuries.”
The Peak District stroll named one of the UK’s most beautiful autumn walks
Daisy Jackson
A Peak District walk taking in dramatic reservoirs, rolling fields and rugged moorland has been named one of the UK’s most beautiful autumn walks by The Times.
The circular route, which starts and finishes at Fairholmes car park near Derwent Dam, offers walkers the chance to experience the national park at one of the most colourful times of the year.
As autumn arrives, the surrounding fells turn shades of copper and bronze, while the changing season brings opportunities to spot some of the area’s wildlife.
The Times has listed some of the finest spots in the country to get out for a stroll as the seasons change, which includes a walk not too far from Manchester.
They’ve highlighted the Derwent Valley because of the chance to see ring ouzels gathering to feed before beginning their migration to Africa, alongside mountain hares starting to change from their brown summer coats into snowy white winter fur.
The walk begins at the distinctive, turreted Derwent Dam, before heading right alongside Ladybower Reservoir. Walkers then pick up a footpath veering left past Lanehead Cottage, crossing fields and open moorland as the route climbs towards the higher ground.
The scenery becomes increasingly dramatic along the way, with steep-sided cloughs and sweeping views across the Derwent moors offering plenty to take in.
Derwent Dam. Credit: Unsplash, Carl Beech
After reaching the moorland, the route bears left before following a downhill path near the ruins of Bamford House. From there, walkers loop back alongside Derwent Reservoir to return to Fairholmes car park.
The combination of waterside paths, open countryside and more challenging climbs makes the route a varied way to explore the Peak District, particularly as the landscape takes on its autumn colours.
And for anyone wanting to round off the walk with a meal, The Times recommends a visit to The Anglers Rest.
The 17th-century coaching inn serves traditional pub dishes alongside modern classics, offering walkers a welcoming place to refuel after a day exploring the countryside.
Danny Jones -
4th July 2025 
