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.
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The 15th edition of The Times and Sunday Times Best UK Beaches is here!
“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
The New Didsbury Dozen: the definitive list of boozers on this legendary pub crawl
Danny Jones
Whether you’re a born and bred Manc or simply visiting, ‘The Didsbury Dozen’ is an absolute institution of the Manchester drinking scene.
However, the sad reality of going out post-pandemic is that not every watering hole survived, and unfortunately, some of the original Didsbury Dozen didn’t make it through lockdown. Rest in peace, The Stoker’s Arms (now Dockyard), The Sanctuary (now Head of Steam), The Slug and more.
That being said, while we will certainly miss them, they say every ending is a new beginning; as one door shuts, another one opens — and when we say door, we of course mean the door to a pub.
So, without further ado, we decided to formalise The NEW Didsbury Dozen. At least one drink in each, those are the rules. You can argue all you like, this is the definitive list from here on out, so you’ll just have to deal with it.
1. The Didsbury
Didsbury Dozen pub crawl – The DidsburyDidsbury Dozen pub crawl – The Didsbury
Where else to start but the beginning? Lucky for us, the consensus has always been that a pub crawl called The Didsbury Dozen should obviously start at The Didsbury. Kicking off the crawl on the curved corner of Wilmslow Road, this traditional pub offers little surprise but signals the start of a great night.
2. Ye Olde Cock Inn
Didsbury Dozen pub crawl – Ye Olde Cocke InnDidsbury Dozen pub crawl – Ye Olde Cocke Inn
The best part about the opening two pubs on this list is that not only have they remained literal cornerstones of this crawl, but they are genuinely spitting distance from each other – i.e. just five yards, there’s another old English pub that offers the same as next door, plus a ping pong table. Easy.
3. The Famous Crown
Didsbury Dozen pub crawl – The Famous CrownDidsbury Dozen pub crawl – The Famous Crown
Ok, so now you’ve had a couple of pints, you’re ready for the short walk down the road as you begin the first mobile part of The Dozen toward The Famous Crown. What’s it famous for? Coming back from the dead with solid beer, a cosy interior and some mint food to line your stomach for the bulk of the boozing.
4. The Royal Oak
Didsbury Dozen pub crawl – The Royal Oak
Had some pub grub or at least a butty from the Co-op up the road? Good. Sod that ‘eating is cheating’ nonsense, this is a long old night and we don’t need any heroes — you’ll all be heroes at the end. Next up, another non-nonsense boozer: The Royal Oak. Small and cosy; beer, wine and the rest of it. Simple.
Now we move on to one of our favourites and arguably one of the best bars in Didsbury, let alone on The Dozen, Fletcher Moss. Just 75 yards off the Village high street and offering up live sports, craft beers, plus the beloved beer garden, this hidden gem is just as pretty in the winter as it is in the summer. Iconic.
6. The Nelson
Didsbury Dozen pub crawl – The Nelson
Back toward the high street now; just on the corner of Barlow Moor Road, you’ll find The Nelson. Yes, named after the Admiral and yes, another no-frills boozer owned by Craft Union Pubs. Often serving up Moorhouse beer as its guest and playing host to the local darts league, it’s everything you’d expect.
7. The Dog and Partridge
Didsbury Dozen pub crawl – The Dog and PartridgeDidsbury Dozen pub crawl – The Dog and Partridge
Ok, halfway there and we’re definitely into the busy section now: pubs every couple of yards and, before you ask, yes, we’re skipping The Botanist (formerly Pitcher & Piano), there are loads of ’em. We’re moving on to The Dog and Partridge for some classic ale, Pieminister pies, cheese plates and more.
Now, this one has changed hands more than the Dozen has changed barrels, but the latest iteration of number eight is Manchester’s second Salmon of Knowledge site, which replaced The Dockyard back in March; it’s been a hit in the Northern Quarter, and it’s proved no different in Didsbury. Try it for yourself.
9. The Station
Didsbury Dozen pub crawl – The StationDidsbury Dozen pub crawl – The Station
Hopefully, you’ve soaked up the alcohol with some well-earned carbs as we’re now at a crucial juncture where many bow out. Make sure you’ve got all your belongings as we pull into The Station. This popular Irish pub has sports, live music three nights a week and a serious love of Guinness. Say no more.
Still standing? Good, because we’re entering the final third of this drunken journey and you’ve gotta walk again. The fresh air might do you good. When you do stop, you’ll arrive at The Woodstock: a beautiful establishment with lots of room and lots of booze. If anything, it’s too nice for your raucous rabble.
The penultimate stop on our alcohol-fuelled trip through Didsbury is The Metropolitan, or as it’s commonly known, ‘The Met’. Once a grand Victorian railway hotel, it’s now a massive bar and restaurant plating up banging Sunday Roasts and hangover-curing breakfasts. But you’re on a mission, concentrate.
12. The Railway
You’ve made it. One more drink and you’ve smashed The Didsbury Dozen. Starting in the Village and ending the night in East Dids, head over the road to The Railway, a simple, British, cask ale tavern, much loved by locals. We don’t need to sell it, you’ll love it too — that’s if you can remember it, of course.
Didsbury Dozen pub crawl – The Railway
Better still, you’re only stumbling distance from the Burton Road tram stop. You’re welcome. Now get yourself home, you absolute mess.
And just like that, you’re done. The only question is, did you make it to the end of the new and improved Didsbury Dozen in one piece? We sincerely hope you did and that there was no man left behind.
It goes without saying that you should always drink responsibly and luckily, the idea of The Dozen is you can pace yourself by spreading it out over the day and grab plenty of food on the way — we don’t need any heroes, only good vibes.
We’ll leave you to squabble among yourselves as to what locations we may or may not be missed off and how exactly you’re going to phrase your strongly-worded letters. If we don’t catch you in the comments, we’ll see you in the pub!
England’s first luxury sleeper train will be passing through the North West this summer
Daisy Jackson
The first luxury sleeper train in England and Wales will make its debut next month, and will be whisking passengers on magical journeys through the North West.
The Britannic Explorer, A Belmond Train, will be embarking on three-night adventures to popular destinations around the UK, including the Lake District, Cornwall, and Wales.
On board this magnificent train will be 18 cabins – three Grand Suites and 15 Suites – as well as an on-board spa, bar and restaurant cars, and an observation car.
There’ll be a fine dining menu designed by renowned chef Simon Rogan (he of three-Michelin star L’Enclume fame), which will showcase contemporary British gastronomy, culture and style.
The Britannic Explorer is promising to set ‘a new standard in luxury design’ and has interiors inspired by British charm and the natural world outside the train itself.
Belmond’s portfolio already includes the iconic British Pullman, and the Royal Scotsman, as well as boutique hotels around the UK.
Of course, such luxury comes at a price – and a three-night itinerary on board this exceptional sleeper train comes in at £11,000 for a double cabin.
On board the Britannic Explorer, a new luxury sleeper train in England. Credit: Bex Press
That price does include excursions, meals, wine and other alcoholic beverages.
Back to the trip itself though.
Journeys will depart from London and weave their way through some of Britain’s most scenic destinations.
There are optional off-train guided excursions around the Lake District, while by night you can relax in the train’s botanical-inspired bar and observation car.
Guests can experience world-class galleries, breathtaking national parks, and historically rich cities in a unique way, such as a private tour and dinner at the renowned Hauser & Wirth Somerset and on-site restaurant Da Costa, guided hikes through picturesque Wales, wild swimming in the stunning landscapes of the Lake district and a visit to Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens in Cornwall.
One of the suites on board the sleeper train by day and nightOne of the suites on board the sleeper train by day and night
Or you can stay on board and make use of the wellness suite, with therapies designed to relax and revive.
Simon Rogan has created a seasonal and sustainable menu for passengers, with bespoke afternoon tea, lunch and dinner menus for each of the three routes.
Speaking of the collaboration, Simon Rogan shared: “For me, true luxury lies in humble ingredients, grown with care, respect for their surroundings, and harvested at their peak. Across all my restaurants, my dishes are defined by local, often home-grown produce, and by partnering with British growers and suppliers who share our deep connection to the land and its natural elements.
“This philosophy allows our food to resonate with the environment from which it originates. I am very excited to bring this approach to the launch of the Britannic Explorer, where each plate will reflect Britain’s diverse landscapes.
The on-board spaSimon Rogan will design the menus
“I hope every passenger not only enjoys the flavours but also feels a connection between the dishes and the journey, making their time on board truly memorable.”
Gary Franklin, Vice President of Trains and Cruises, Belmond commented: “I am incredibly proud to launch this revolutionary new train, which further enhances Belmond’s global portfolio of market-leading luxury rail experiences.
“The Britannic Explorer offers something truly unique; an opportunity to discover the rugged Cornish coastline to Eryri’s untamed National Park and the vast expanses of the Lake District like never before.
“We are especially delighted to welcome the esteemed Chef Simon Rogan to helm the culinary direction. His vision brings a gastronomic journey that complements the train’s spirit of adventure, celebrating British produce and highlighting the finest local specialties along the route.”
The Britannic Explorer will debut in July 2025 – you can find out more HERE.
Emily Sergeant -
1st September 2023 
