It can often feel like so much of the countryside that surrounds Manchester can be a little out of reach if you don’t own a car – but that’s far from the case with this lot.
We’ve teamed up once again with walking expert GetLostMCR along with The Bee Network to work out a list of stunning winter walks you can access with public transport.
There’s everything from canal-side strolls, the water’s surface sometimes frozen over, to brisk walks up to some of the north west’s best viewpoints.
You can get to National Trust sites, woodland, and loads more for just £2 with Bee Network bus tickets, too.
So get your thermals on, download the Bee Network app, hop on a bus, and find a new adventure on your doorstep.
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Here are some of the best walks you can do around Greater Manchester using public transport.
Midshires Way, Stockport
Midshires Way walk in StockportMidshires Way walk in Stockport
Midshires Way is a long boy – a footpath that stretches some 225 miles. So obviously we are not suggesting that anyone attempt to take on the whole thing.
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This route from GetLostMCR incorporates just a small section of it, on a weaving loop of Woodbank Park and along sections of the River Goyt.
This idyllic trail may just be a stone’s throw from the M60 but as you wander down quiet old farm lanes and through towering trees you’d never know it.
This route can also be linked to other footpaths in Stockport, such as the Alan Newton and Fred Perry Way.
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How to get there: The 364 Bee Network bus loops from Stockport to Hazel Grove and will drop you right at the entrance to the park.
The route:
Dunham Massey, Trafford
Deer at Dunham MasseyWalking along the canals at Dunham Massey
Dunham Massey is one of the region’s most scenic destinations, from its impressive country house to its ancient deer park.
And while most of us are familiar with the area, we’ve probably just driven straight to it and parked up without exploring the surrounding area properly.
The route outlined below is an easy breezy three-mile loop that in part follows the Bridgewater Canal.
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And by the time you walk along to Dunham Massey, you can explore the grounds for free – the National Trust only charges entry to vehicles.
If you make it there over the next couple of weeks you can also take in the twinkling wonder of Christmas at Dunham Massey, its already-beautiful grounds illuminated by light installations.
How to get there: Take a Metrolink tram to Altrincham then hop on the 280 bus.
The route:
Rivington Pike, Bolton
Rivington Pike in BoltonRivington Pike in Bolton
Are you ready to blow out some end-of-year cobwebs? Then you are going to want to get yourself up high.
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You may be exposed to the elements up at the top of Winter Hill, and the walk is a little more strenuous than others on this list, but boy oh boy are those views worth it.
You’ll be 1,496 feet high up at the summit with views of Manchester city itself and the rolling hills of Lancashire too.
And then you can take your time strolling around Rivington Pike, on the border of Bolton and Chorley, on your way back down, where The Terraced Gardens include a hidden Japanese Garden, lakes, waterfalls, bridges, sculptures and caves.
How to get there: From Bolton town centre you can take the 913 bus, or the 912 and 915 bus routes also go to Rivington.
The route:
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Lyme loop, Stockport
You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a box of Christmas cards when you visit Lyme Park in winter, especially if you’re blessed with a sprinkling of snow.
You can completely avoid needing a car to get here too, and take a pretty walk along the canal from Marple all the way to the National Trust estate at Lyme.
It’s a long walk – you’ll want to take your time and allow for a full afternoon – but it’s so worth it, with GetLostMCR’s loop taking you past locks and bridges, rugged moorland and formal gardens.
You can refuel at Lyme Park’s cafe at your halfway point too, but if the return leg feels like too much effort for you, you can just hop on another Bee Network bus for £2 to take you back to your starting point.
How to get there: You can take a train to Marple from Manchester to start your walk
The best things to do in Greater Manchester this week | 17 – 23 November 2025
Emily Sergeant
November is passing us by faster than we’d like, so I guess that’s why they say time flies when you’re having fun, right?
Greater Manchester is looking as festive as ever now, as there’s now dozens of light trails, and Christmas events to be getting involved with, not to mention the iconic Manchester Christmas Markets have kicked off for 2025 too, so there’s loads to do throughout our region this week.
Finding it a bit tricky to pick what to do though? No worries. We’ve chosen a few of the highlights for another edition of our ‘what’s on‘ guide.
Both free things and those that’ll set you back a few pennies are featured.
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Manchester Christmas Markets 2025
Manchester City Centre
Monday 17 November – onwards
Manchester Christmas Markets 2025 / Credit: Manchester City Council
It’s that time of year once again… Manchester Christmas Markets are here for 2025.
The iconic annual event is an absolute staple in Manchester’s festive events calendar, and always draws in thousands of visitors from all across the globe – with hundreds of stalls across several sites now lining the streets of our city this year.
Visitors can tuck into a wide range of festive foods and drinks, and shop for Christmas gifts from countless independent traders.
Find out everything you need to know about Manchester Christmas Markets 2025 here, and check out the full round-up of drinks prices from all the traders here.
A magical illuminated trail will make its return to the historic Dunham Massey this winter, once again filling the grounds with twinkling lights and dazzling installations.
Christmas at Dunham Massey has become one of the North West’s most popular festive light trails, created by award-winning light trail producers, and for 2025, there’ll be a whole host of brand-new installations to see.
Visitors will get to walk through multicoloured landscapes of laser beams, while a projection on the facade of the historic house at Dunham Massey will narrate festive stories.
What’s a festive season in the city without Skate Manchester?
Back once again for 2025, ready for families, friends, and festive fun seekers to enjoy the sights and sounds of Christmas, Skate Manchester is festive staple in Cathedral Gardens, and skaters can expect to glide across a gleaming ice path and spin around a dazzling seven-metre Christmas tree taking centre stage in the middle of the rink for another year.
This year, there’s also a giant turbine by Octopus Energy that’s partially-powering the rink too, and you can skate around it while enjoying the ski scene in the globe.
Yuletide at Tatton Park / Credit: Tatton Park / Emma Croman
One of winter’s top events, Yuletide, is returning to Tatton Park Gardens this weekend.
The magical winter adventure will once again bring a glittering light trail and theatrical, immersive performance to the famous beauty spot.
This unique fusion of Christmas light trail and winter family festival is now in its third year, and will debut brand-new features and performances for 2025. As visitors wander the Yuletide event, they’ll be treated to everything from sparkling light installations to impressive fire juggling shows.
Land of Lights at Gulliver’s World / Credit: The Manc Group
The magical Land of Lights has returned to Gulliver’s World once again.
After proving to be a huge success the past two years, the one-mile trail showcases a huge array of lanterns and displays, creating a wondrous, wild, and magical atmosphere that’s suitable for all ages, and this year, there’s even some new additions.
Ready to skate around Cheshire Oaks this Christmas?
That’s right, back by popular demand, the Winter Village is officially open at Cheshire Oaks for another year, and the newest addition this season is the HUGE ice rink.
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You can skate inside under twinkling lights, or head outside and whizz around the lit-up oak tree, with brilliant views of the big wheel – the perfect photo opportunity. Whether you’re a first-timer, or a seasoned pro, everyone is welcome on the ice.
Christmas has taken over Freight Island, as Winter Island and Twilight Tales open for the festive season.
Twilight Tales is a brand-new outdoor immersive light and story experience, with interactive installations, marshmallow toasting, a Moth Drinks bar, and more.
While Winter Island has returned for another year, bringing you the most delicious festive comfort food from traders like Nell’s, Ornella’s Kitchen, the all-new V. Goode Pies, and Oh My Cheesecake to finsih things off and satisfy your sweet tooth.
Believe! The Polar Express Experience has landed in Manchester.
Having taken over Victoria Warehouse, this is an immersive walk-through experience, inspired by the timeless Christmas classic. You’ll be taken through the story in its entirety, stepping into the Polar Express carriage as a passenger and arriving to a festive Northern Lights display at your final destination – the North Pole, of course.
Photo opportunities are available throughout the experience too… yep, even with the big guy himself, so make sure to get snapping.
Put Big Light On Festival / Credit: Joel Chester Fildes (via Bolton Council)
Bolton’s festival full of fantastic immersive light art installations is back by popular demand and set to shine on the town centre this week.
Curated by artistic events company, Things That Go On Things, Put Big Light On Festival is returning for another year of festive magic, and there’s some huge and impressive art installations set to descend on the Greater Manchester town’s centre.
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This year’s lineup will feature magical creations from a diverse range of artists.
One of the UK’s largest art fairs is returning to Manchester this weekend.
Manchester Art Fair will transform Manchester Central into the North’s biggest art gallery, and more than 180 individual artists, galleries, and artist-led spaces will be joining together under one roof along with around 11,000 art lovers.
Designed for the collector, the curator, and those who are just simply curious, art enthusiasts can connect directly with galleries and artists in a bid to find that perfect piece to take home.
This year’s event also features an extended programme of high-profile talks, immersive experiences, and workshops too, so there’s something for everyone to get involved in.
Ignite Fire Festival / Credit: Andy Kruczek & Rochdale Borough Council
Then there’ll be the Christmas lights switch-on taking place from 5.30pm on the Sunday, with Father Christmas and his special guests, including the Mayor of Rochdale.
Ignite Fire Festival is back in Rochdale this weekend for three nights of spectacular shows, light trails, and family-friendly entertainment.
Rochdale Borough Council has promised that this year’s Ignite Fire Festival will be the biggest yet, with a 20-strong drumming collective, blazing fire sculptures, illuminated installations, and with artworks created, once again, by multi-award-winning outdoor arts specialists Walk the Plank.
The event will kick off with a torchlight procession to officially launch the new Broadfield Slopes, which have been carefully restored to deliver new pathways and parkland in the town centre.
Find out more about this jaw-dropping festival here.
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Northern Lights
Heaton Park
Thursday 20 November – 31 December
Northern Lights / Credit: Supplied
Heaton Park will be transformed into a glowing world of wonder as one of the UK’s most celebrated festive light trails makes its Manchester debut.
Already a hit in other major northern cities such as Leeds and Newcastle, Northern Lights – the acclaimed light trail from the team behind established music festivals Kendal Calling and Bluedot – descends on our city’s largest park this week, and brings its cinematic visuals, choreographed soundscapes, and festive atmosphere along with it.
The mile-long route will feature 16 large-scale installations, each synchronised to bespoke soundtracks creating a 90-minute experience like no other.
The Grotto is returning to the Trafford Centre for the festive season this week.
This year, the shopping centre is taking things up a notch too, as The Grotto is described as being a ‘joyful’ and ‘interactive’ adventure where you’ll become part of a magical mission – saving Christmas cheer.
To make the experience accessible to all, specially-tailored Whispering Winter sessions with softer lighting, quieter music, and fewer visitors will create a calm and inclusive environment for every child to enjoy the magic of Christmas.
East Lancashire Railway’s beloved Santa steam train rides are back for more festive fun this Christmas.
Running right through until Christmas Eve, ELR’s ‘Santa Specials’ are your chance to hop on board an old-school steam train and travel through the magical Irwell Valley to make “enchanted memories” that last a lifetime.
The famous festive steam trains have become an essential part of Christmas for many families in the North West, and there’s still some tickets left available.
Comedian Romesh Ranganathan to play huge Manchester arena show on new UK tour
Clementine Hall
Ready to laugh your socks off? Romesh Ranganathan is coming to Manchester.
The comedy legend is embarking on an major UK arena tour, and of course he’ll be stopping off at our very own AO Arena.
Whether you know him for his fantastic stand up, or for the massively popular Rob & Romesh Vsseries on Sky, one thing’s for sure, the man knows how to make us laugh.
After his last visits to us in Manchester have been nothing short of a roaring success, Ranganathan will be returning to our city with his next tour Romesh Ranganathan Will Change Your Life on Saturday 10 April 2027.
Yes we’ve got a while to wait, but we’re sure it’ll be absolutely worth it.
It’s safe to say that Romesh has been on fire across the TV, radio, and live stages over the past few years.
From hit shows like The Ranganation, where he guides a panel of everyday people and celebrities through the week’s big topics, to the radio where he hosts For the Love of Hip Hop on BBC Radio 2, Romesh is now a part of our daily lives – and we’re not at all mad about it.
On his upcoming tour, he’ll be treating us to a show comprised of brand-new material, and if his last arena shows were anything to go by, this one’ll be constant belly laughs throughout.
Comedian Romesh Ranganathan is coming to Manchester on his new UK tour / Credit: Supplied
Romesh Ranganathan is bringing his Romesh Ranganathan Will Change Your Life tour to AO Arena in Manchester on Saturday 10 April 2027, and tickets go on sale next week – with both pre-sales and general sales available.
There’ll be a Three+ Presale on Wed 19 November, a presale for AO Arena members on Thursday 20 November, both at 11am, and then General Sale will be on Friday 21 November, again at 11am.
Daisy Jackson -
22nd December 2023 
