Travel & Tourism

Manchester has been named one of Europe’s top destinations to visit this winter

Wow, go us.

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson - 15th November 2024

Manchester has been named one of the best places to visit in Europe this winter – apparently our city is ‘brilliant when the cold snap hits’.

The list of 14 winter destinations includes snowy paradises like Grindelwald in Switzerland and Lapland in Finland, as well as vibrant cities famed for their Christmas vibes, like Riga in Latvia and even Amsterdam.

But coming in at a respectable 6th place – and the only UK city on the list – is our very own home city.

Time Out’s list of the best winter destinations in Europe, picked by travel writers, shouted out the Manchester Christmas Markets, as well as the quieter places you can hide from the elements (and the crowds).

Picked for being the best place to find indoorsy things to do, Time Out listed Mackie Mayor and Skof, as well as John Rylands Library, as reasons people should visit Manchester this winter.

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They wrote: “Even though it’s pretty much guaranteed the North of England will be battered by wind and rain throughout the winter, Manchester is a brilliant place to be when the cold snap hits.

“Spend your days dipping into vintage shops and record stores, and fuel up with street food at Mackie Mayor (or for an occasion, book a table at new-ish fine dining spot Skof). 

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“What’s more, Manchester’s home to a surprisingly brilliant selection of Christmas markets, from classics to goth-themed, all selling great food and gifts from independent shops. 

“If the weather really goes wild, hide out in John Rylands Library, one of the most hauntingly beautiful spots in the city.”

High praise indeed!

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Featured image: The Manc Group

Travel & Tourism

Manchester Airport unveils brand-new Terminal 3 sports bar, plus 250 more seats

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson

Manchester Airport’s new-look Terminal 3 is officially open to the public, bringing a brand-new sports bar plus more than 250 extra seats.

The airport’s smallest terminal is one of those that Mancs sort of love to hate, with significantly less choice for food and drink.

The £1.3bn investment into Terminal 2 has made T3 look even less impressive – until now.

Manchester Airport has now launched a new section of Terminal 3, including Sporting Chance, a brand-new 470-seat sports bar.

The bar has airfield views from one of the highest points in the airport, plus 69 television screens showing a range of sports, including screens in booths that can be controlled by the guests.

It does mean that the Lion and Antelope, which operates right in the centre of Terminal 3, will close, so that there can be more capacity for passengers.

This is all part of Manchester Airport’s ongoing project to expand and enhance Terminal 3, which now services just Ryanair.

Terminal 1 has now closed, with Terminal 2 catering for around 75% of the airport’s traffic. As the work goes on, Terminal 3 will expand into the former T1 building.

The new bar, Sporting Chance, has opened in a section of Terminal 3 that was previously occupied by private lounges and a viewing area.

Still to come will be a new entrance and security hall, plus extra new spaces.

Manchester Airport Managing Director Chris Woodroofe said: “Here at Manchester Airport we’re proud to connect the North to the world with a route network of more than 200 destinations through upwards of 50 airlines.

“It means we have something for everyone in terms of where you can go – but that’s matched by what we offer right here at the airport.

“We’ve talked a lot about our £1.3bn investment in Terminal 2 but a key thing that has enabled is our work to improve Terminal 3 – and the opening of Sporting Chance is a huge step forward in that project.

“Sporting Chance is a fantastic new bar – perfect for watching your favourite team before your flight, eating a great meal or just enjoying a spectacular view – but it’s also in a whole new area for most passengers adding more seats and space to the terminal.

“It means even passengers who don’t use the bar will be able to enjoy the extra space and capacity in the Terminal. I’m looking forward to sampling the bar myself and hearing people’s feedback.”

Beth Brewster, Senior Coordinating Director F&B & Essentials UK, Avolta said: “Sporting Chance represents a further evolution of Avolta’s UK F&B portfolio and responds to continued passenger demand for premium hospitality spaces and access to live sport while travelling.

“The ability to integrate brand activation and retail selling within the bar environment is an important step in bringing retail and F&B closer together. We’d like to take this opportunity to thank our colleagues at MAG for their valued partnership and support. Together we have delivered a space that combines operational excellence with an engaging, all-day offer.”

Richard Jackson, retail director at Manchester Airport, said: “Everything we’re doing in Terminal 3 is focused on improving the passenger experience – our new bar, Sporting Chance, will be a great addition to the terminal and will provide more than 200 extra seats.

“But that doesn’t mean we’re not really sad to see last orders the Lion and Antelope. It’s been here since 2015 and I know that it’s got a special place in a lot of people’s hearts; it’s been the starting point for people’s first holidays, a place for newlyweds to raise a toast before they go on honeymoon, it’s where business travellers have relaxed ahead of long trips and much more.

“So people can feel assured that we know how special it is – and we wouldn’t be closing it if we didn’t know that what we’re putting in its place will be brilliant.”

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Featured image: The Manc Group

Travel & Tourism

Two incredible locals are running all the way from Rochdale to London for a deeply touching cause

Danny Jones Danny Jones

This April, our eyes will be firmly focused on ‘Project240’: the incredible charity challenge being taken on by two inspiring Greater Manchester natives that will see them run all the way to London for a cause very close to their hearts.

And once they’re there, they’ve got one last rather big run to get done, too.

Project240 is being taken on by locals Alex and James, who will be running (you guessed it) 240 miles from Rochdale all the way to the capital before then taking on the 2026 London Marathon.

Staggering stuff, we’re sure you’ll agree, but it becomes an even more moving story when you find out why they’re doing it.

Taking on multiple ultras split across stages on behalf of Springhill Hospice in their hometown, this pair of lads will be cramming in the remarkable distance into less than a week.

More importantly, they’re also hoping to reach a seriously impressive and significant fundraising target of £26,000 for the facility to mark the year and in honour of one very important person.

For anyone unaware of their story, the duo are running in memory of Alex’s father, Darren, who was sadly diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) at the age of 45 back in 2021.

In an effort to give back to the organisation that did so much for his dad and raise more awareness around MND, they’ll be spreading the five ultra-marathons and this year’s major London race across six days, as well as facing the shared struggle head-on with Darren in their thoughts as always.

He sadly passed away on 23 January 2020, spending just a single precious night at the Hospice – one that has left a lasting impression on their family, with Alex saying simply, “I don’t know what we would have done without Springhill Hospice.”

alex and james project 240 charity run for springhill hospice
Credit: Supplied

He went on to add: “The care given to my dad and our family was incredible, which made the most traumatic time of our lives that little bit easier.

“Springhill Hospice is a pillar of our community, and we need to do everything we can to keep the doors open.” We couldn’t agree more; both Alex and James have our utmost admiration for what they’re about to take on, and we wish them all the best.

The route – which they will begin on Tuesday, 21 April and are scheduled to complete the following Sunday – will take them from the old Lancashire town, through Buxton, Ashbourne, Hinckley, Old Stratford, before making it all the way to Greenwich and finally London.

Last but not least, you can donate to the fundraiser right HERE.

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Featured Images — Handouts (supplied)/Amanuel C (via Pexels)

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