How many times have you heard the quote “Manchester’s got everything except a beach”? We’re going to guess it’s a fair few… and we’re just as bored of it as you are.
We’ll even bet Ian Brown regrets saying it, at this point.
While our region isn’t home to a stretch of glistening golden sands and open water like a lot of our neighbours, we do have plenty of other things to shout about and be proud of, from a world-renowned music scene, and record-breaking sports teams, to the first-ever computer, the splitting of the atom, votes for women, and Vimto – yes Vimto.
But if a beach is what we’re after, then luckily, we don’t have to travel that far to find one – in fact, one of the UK’s best is only around an hour away.
As it does every year, The Sunday Times has rounded-up list of the best beaches in the UK for 2023, with 50 in total from every region and all four corners of the country making the cut, and just over an hour’s drive from Greater Manchester is Formby Beach.
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Formby has been named as one of the UK’s 50 best beaches for 2023 / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Known and loved for its miles of pristine sand and dunes, pine forest, and, of course, red squirrels, the Merseyside beach is an absolute North West gem.
So it’s no wonder The Sunday Times has singled it out as being one of the UK’s best.
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The publication has recommended Formby – which is looked after by the National Trust – for being “accessible”, “dog-friendly”, and for having “excellent” water quality, but local writer Andrew Morris then goes on to admit that that “doesn’t quite prepare you for the scale of Formby beach”.
In a bid to sum up what makes Formby Beach so special, The Sunday Times writes: “500 acres of hilly dunes, backed by woodlands of Corsican, Austrian and Scots pine that are home not only to red squirrels but also crossbills.
“And then the great sand sea of the beach, where bands of petrified mud bear the footprints of prehistoric beachgoers both animal and human.
“The red brick remains of the nation’s first lifeboat station are here too.
“The work of the former pirate turned Liverpool dock master William Hutchinson, it was built in the 1770s and crewed by volunteers who shared a guinea for each life saved off the shifting sands at the mouth of the Mersey.”
To give it two words, The Sunday Times called Formby a “wild and fascinating” beach – and we couldn’t agree more.
Featured Image – National Trust
Travel & Tourism
You can paddle a canoe down a Greater Manchester canal to a floating cafe and bar
Daisy Jackson
Fancy swapping the city streets for a few hours on the water?
Just a short tram ride from Manchester city centre is a spot where you can hire a canoe, kayak or paddleboard, and explore the beautiful Bridgewater Canal from a completely different perspective.
Tucked away down the stairs by The King’s Ransom pub, Grip Adventures has been part of Sale for the past four years.
Whether you’re after a relaxed paddle in the sunshine, a fun day out with friends, or a family activity, there’s something for everyone.
You can choose from single canoes, kayaks and paddleboards, or hire a double canoe if you’d rather explore as a group.
One of the best parts is that the canal is lined with great places to stop.
Paddling along the Bridgewater CanalStunning scenery along the Bridgewater CanalBaby ducklings spotted from the canoeGrip Adventure is right on the canal in SaleFloating cafe Walton PerkThe canoes parked up outside the Kings Ransom pub in Sale
Walton Perk sits right on the water, making it the perfect halfway coffee break. As well as coffees and cakes, you can even pick up a takeaway Aperol Spritz from here – without even setting foot outside your boat.
If you’re visiting on a Monday or Tuesday when it’s closed, Grapefruit Coffee is just across the road, so you can grab a takeaway before heading down to the canal.
Grip Adventure is run by Glenn Rees, who has spent more than 20 years leading outdoor adventure camps and is passionate about making the outdoors accessible to everyone.
Alongside paddle hire, Glenn also delivers alternative education and outdoor learning programmes, works with Trafford Young Carers, and even runs land-based adventure games around the canal.
You really don’t have to travel far to enjoy an idyllic day on the water. In fact, one of Greater Manchester’s best summer days out has been hiding in plain sight just along the Bridgewater Canal.
Inside Dakota, the luxurious new hotel at Manchester Airport
Daisy Jackson
There’s a new hotel at Manchester Airport, and this one is all about luxury.
If the Dakota name sounds familiar, it’ll probably be from its city centre hotel, which has become a favourite with A-list celebrities and discerning travellers alike.
Now, the luxury hotel brand has opened its second Manchester location, this time just moments from the airport.
Designed to be ‘the destination before the destination’, Dakota Manchester Airport is aiming to redefine what an airport hotel can be.
The £54 million development features 154 elegant bedrooms and suites, all finished with the brand’s signature dark, sophisticated interiors and premium design details.
Just like its city centre counterpart, guests can expect a stylish bar and restaurant at the heart of the hotel. The Grill serves premium steaks, indulgent sides and an extensive wine list in an art deco-inspired setting complete with leather booths and a striking central bar.
And just like in town, there are plenty of luxury touches and details at Dakota Manchester Airport for guests to take advantage of.
The beautiful bar area at Dakota Manchester AirportThe Grill restaurantThe Grill restaurantA dedicated chauffere service to take you to your terminalAn example of the bedrooms at Dakota Manchester Airport
That includes the UK’s only hotel-operated valet parking service at an airport hotel, with the Dakota team looking after your car while you’re away.
There’s also a chauffeur service running 24 hours a day to take guests directly to their terminal, as well as private dining rooms, a cigar terrace and humidor, making it feel more like a luxury city hotel than somewhere to stay before an early flight.
Matt Townley, Group Operations Director, said: “Receiving the keys to Dakota Manchester Airport is an incredibly proud moment for everyone involved in the project and marks the beginning of the final phase ahead of opening.
“Over the coming weeks, our focus will be on the continued development of our award-winning team and culture to ensure every touchpoint of the guest experience is delivered with the service and attention to detail that Dakota is known for.”
Emily Sergeant -
1st September 2023 
