We’ve had a good run this summer, but as we enter autumn, don’t forget you can still jet away for a break, whatever the weather.
On a recent trip to Manchester Airport, we were given an inside look at the exciting developments coming to Terminal 2, and as part of the Airport’s exciting ongoing ‘Holiday Mode Activated’ campaign, the message is clear – your holiday should begin the moment you arrive at the airport, not just when you reach your destination.
This latest chapter in the campaign highlights how passengers can start to unwind as soon as they pass through security – with a particular focus on great food, and an elevated dining experience.
The transformation of Terminal 2 is designed to enhance this pre-holiday experience, as some of the upgrades you can expect focus on modernising with new bars, restaurants, and shops, as well advanced technology, all of which will contribute to a smoother and more relaxing start to any journey.
But what really sets this terminal apart, is the culinary experience.
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We took a whistle-stop tour of a few of the eateries you can find in Terminal 2 to get a feel for the different food options on offer.
Manchester Airport’s Terminal 2 is ALREADY a high-flying experience / Credit: The Manc Group
Part of the San Carlo group, Apiary is a stunning, tranquil restaurant with warm honey-toned interiors that immediately evoke a sense of calm, and it’s the perfect place for passengers to relax before their flight, offering fine dining that feels miles away from the usual airport fare.
We tried the burrata and grilled peach salad to start, the chicken breast with nduja and feta for a main course – which was a personal highlight – topped off with two gorgeous desserts, an Eton mess and a warm sticky toffee pudding, because there’s always room for dessert.
This rustic bar and restaurant champions and supports local suppliers. We sipped some stunning gin and tonics, while grazing on a wide selection of nibbles and platters. Then we tried the khobez flatbread served with spicy chicken shawarma and dips, which definitely satisfied our tastebuds.
Again, dessert is always on the cards, so they dished up a decadent mini dessert platter full of light but rich chocolatey treats.
Terminal 2 is also soon to welcome 22 new vendors, including several Manchester indies / Credit: The Manc Group
At this playful pink spot known for its American-inspired treats, we were served the indulgent signature chocolate waffles, stacked high with whipped cream and drizzled with chocolate sauce and a choice of toppings, such as strawberries, Kinder Bueno, or Oreo.
Although we weren’t hopping on a plane after this tour, it’s easy to see the vision that Manchester Airport, and specifically Terminal 2, have in mind for the future, because this is airport dining like no other, and it truly feels like you can kick your feet up and relax.
Through the ‘Holiday Mode Activated’ campaign, Manchester Airport wants to prove the idea that your trip starts from the moment you step inside the terminal. With these revamped dining options, travelers can now enjoy high-quality meals that allow them to truly unwind and begin their holiday in style, long before they even board the plane.
Terminal 2 is also soon to welcome 22 new vendors, including several independent Manchester-based businesses, all of which further showcase the city’s rich food and retail culture, and offer travellers even more ways to kickstart their holiday with a local touch.
You can read about the new changes coming to Terminal 2 here.
Featured Image – MAG (supplied)
Travel & Tourism
A scenic trail run event from Manchester to the Peak District is happening this summer
Danny Jones
For those who love to run or simply lap up the outdoors, a scenic trail event from Manchester all the way to the Peak District is happening this summer.
Whether you fancy running, walking or hiking it, doing a full marathon or a slightly more leisurely 25 kilometres, Trail Escape Manchester 2026 might just be up your street – well, ‘desired path’, maybe.
Yes, with the North West region at large kicking off the New Year well and truly in its running era, yet another endurance event has popped up.
However, if trotting along tarmac isn’t quite your thing, this one that heads up into the hills is a great alternative; plus, you can do it at your own pace and, as mentioned, choose your distance.
Taking place right at the start of the warmest and brightest season, meaning you have the chance of the best weather and the most light possible, Trail Escape MCR 2026 is exactly as advertised: a big long route spanning all the way from one of our best green spaces and up into the Peaks.
Setting off from Phillips Park just a couple of miles beyond the city limits, which lays within the valley of the River Medlock, it’s one of the oldest, largest and most beautiful parks anywhere in the 10 boroughs.
As for the Peak District itself, we don’t need to tell you pretty the vistas are up there: all you may require is a little lay of the land, or rather a teaser.
The best part about these kinds of experiences is enjoying the terrain unfurling itself in front on you.
Starting in central Manchester and preferring as many traffic-free turns on the route as possible, they promise “rolling hills, fields, lakes and woodland beyond”, with the high-point looping around Hartshead Pike up in Tameside.
Participants will of course end back here in Manchester city centre, where the celebrations are sure to be jubilant, and there’s plenty of time for spectators to enjoy local pubs, cafes and more in Mossley before catching everyone at the finish line.
Now, it’s worth reiterating that while this is a timed event, it is NOT a race; any and all attempts at doing this particualrly quickly are completely down to you.
The real beauty of this event, besides the stunning panoromic views stretching across the Peaks and eventually the Manchester skyline off in the distance, is the joy of discovering these landscape that you might otherwise have witnessed solo.
Better still, with this being a full supported event, there’ll be plenty of aid stations throughout the duration, whether you’re doing the 25k or a full trail mara. Sound like a bit of you? Find out more information, including where to sign up, right HERE.
Gosh, all this talk of trails has us fancying a jog and a casual little pint afterwards…
Featured Images — Trail Escape (publicity pictures)
Travel & Tourism
Manchester Airport launches HUGE January sale with up to 40% off travel essentials
Emily Sergeant
Manchester Airport is kicking off the new year with a huge January sale, and there’s loads of savings to make the most of.
2026 is here, and with January often being considered one of the least-favourite months of the year, many people will be dreaming of their next holiday and planning when they’re next going to jet off on their travels, which is why Manchester Airport has decided to launch a big January sale – with up to 40% off on travel ‘essentials’.
Unfortunately, we wish it was… but one of those ‘essentials’ isn’t actually the flights themselves.
While you won’t be able to bag a couple of quid off the flight to your next holiday, tourists will be able to save on a range of other travel services instead, as after all, the journey is just as important as the destination.
We’re talking savings on parking places, airport lounges, FastTrack security checks, and even a private terminal to fly from.
When it comes to parking, you can get 15% off T2 Multi Storey West and T2 Meet & Greet, and 25% off all other parking locations for arrivals until 30 April 2026, as well as 15% off all parking locations for arrivals from 1 May until 31 August 2026.
To make your airport experience that little bit more stress-free, you can now get 40% off FastTrack Security for all arrivals until 31 December 2027.
You can get 20% off T1 & T3 Escape Lounges, and 10% off T2 Escape Lounges for all arrivals until 31 March 2027, and if you want to add some luxury to your airport experience, then you can even get 30% off at aether when you spend £400 or more on travel between 1 April 2026 until 30 September 2026.
Many of the offers just mentioned cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer and are subject to availability too, so make sure you don’t get caught out.
Fancy booking a trip then? You can find out more information about Manchester Airport’s January Sale 2026, and book online here.
Will Kendrick -
1st October 2024 
