September has arrived and that means that it’s once again time for the 2023 series of Heritage Open Days, the UK’s largest festival of history, culture and entirely free attractions not only in Greater Manchester but all across the country.
We all know Greater Manchester and its surrounding areas have a lot to offer all year round, but since there are so many free events going on between 8-17 September – more than 5,000 nationwide, to be specific – it’s worth making the most of them.
If you’ve got kids, it’s also a great time to go and make the most of some much-needed ‘you-time’ after the little terrors exhausting you over the course of the summer holidays.
Taking place across the 10 boroughs, you can get involved in everything from guided museum tours and canal walks to workshops, arts and crafts, quizzes and much more. Here’s just a taste of the interesting and completely free attractions you can enjoy in Greater Manchester starting from next week.
10 best free events going in Greater Manchester this weekend
Now, it’s worth starting by reminding you that there are literally so many events going on that we’d be here forever if we were to try and include them, let alone if you were to try and attend them all, so we’ve just tried to pick out a few that jumped out to us.
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In no particular order, these are the ones that tickled our fancy:
1. Ashton Old Baths Historical Tour
First up on our list of free attractions in Greater Manchester, the Ashton Old Baths. (Credit: Ashton Old Baths)
The Ashton Old Baths are opening their doors to the public for an exclusive tour this month. You’ll have the opportunity to see the original internal brickwork design and artefacts, along with where the old swimming pool first opened in 1870 and the stunning modern-day architecture.
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By 1975, the space was reinvented as an orchestra venue, restaurant and even an indoor tennis court. Standing empty for over 40 years, Tameside MBC and Oxford Innovation stepped in with a new vision for the remarkable space and in 2014, they began transforming the iconic landmark into a vibrant and thriving digital hub and workspace.
2. Dunham Lawn Tennis Club anniversary party — Trafford
Just over in Trafford on the border of Cheshire, you’ll find Dunham Lawn Tennis Club which is celebrating 103 years of history and is opening up its grounds to the public: everything from the car park and tennis courts to the members club House, for people to enjoy some tennis and some refreshments.
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Located in the heart of Dunham Town, Altrincham, the club will also be showcasing a 10-panel exhibition exploring the last 103 years of the institution, serving up summery drinks and hosting both regular lawn games and mini tennis for people of all ages. You don’t even need to book, just come along.
3. Daisy Nook Canal History Walk — Failsworth
Credit: Wikimedia CommonsCredit: Michael Ely (via Geograph)
A scenic guided walk at an easy pace where you can learn about the surprising number of historic features in this small section of the Droylsden to Hollinwood Branch canal, as well as dive into the history of the waterways and the surrounding area — all within the space of 90 minutes or so. You know we love a good canal walk.
Ramblers will meet outside the café at Daisy Nook Country Park car park, just off Stannybrook Road, before beginning their gentle stroll around the small area of the Country Park while your guide will get you to grips with the canal’s history and local significance, as well as being illustrated with old photographs. Wholesome stuff.
Again, no booking is required, just come along at 1pm on either Friday, 8 September or Saturday 16 September.
4. Paper Craft Activity — Northern Quarter
We’re moving back into the city centre now and the Northern Quarter, specifically, with a fun day of papercraft at Manchester Craft and Design Centre, where visitors will be crafting colourful fish in honour of the building’s heritage. This is definitely one of those fun for all the family days.
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Before it became the Mancunian design hub we know it as today, the historic hall used to be part of the retail fish market and was home to more than 40 traders with stalls and offices every week — in fact, you can still spot two of the original fishmonger booths on the ground floor.
Taking place on Sunday, 10 September with multiple 45-minute sessions from 11am until 3:30pm, rock up to the ground floor of the storied Victorian market hall and get flexing that art and crafts muscle.
Credit: Manchester Craft & Design Centre
5. Bury Castle Talk
Next up is Bury Castle, one of the most significant historic sites in Bury and Greater Manchester, in general, dating all the way back to 1469 and only having been discovered in 1865 after workmen began digging up the land to build a new sewer.
While much of the centuries-old landmark’s legacy still remains a mystery, this intriguing talk will dive into the history of Bury, the castle and the area’s medieval past, tracing its journey from the Middle Ages and the murder of the Lord of the Manor, Henry de Bury in 1315, all the way to the War of the Roses and the rediscovery of the buried ruins hundreds of years later.
Meeting inside Bury Art Gallery at 2pm on Friday, 15 September, the talk and tour will last roughly an hour and you can book via the gallery’s website. A fascinating part of local history most people will be unaware of.
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6. East Lancashire Railway tour
One of our absolute favourite Greater Manchester attractions all year round, the East Lancs Railway tour is always a joy but during the free Heritage Open Days, you can walk around the Undercroft, visit the Castlecroft Sheds where all the vintage, tour the platform and get an incredible insight into the work that countless volunteers carry out to makes the ELR so special.
You’ll also get complimentary access to the Bury Transport Museum plus train rides available to purchase on the day. With two sessions beginning at Bury Station on Sunday, 10 September and 17 September, tours will take approximately two hours and there is a max of 12 people per session on a first come first serve basis, so book NOW if you’re a real rail enthusiast.
Credit: East Lancashire Railway
7. ‘Mining School’ underground tour — Tyldesley
Probably one of the coolest things on this list in our opinion: you can genuinely experience for yourself what it would have been like to train as a miner.
Concealed within the bowels of the old Technical School on Upper George Street, a replica coal mining gallery used to train young miners in shaft ventilation and safety has been unearthed where visitors can navigate around the cramped shaft and access the glass-walled teaching room within the facility.
Running hourly sessions on 9 and 16 September from 10-1pm for a maximum of eight adults at a time, you will be provided with all the necessary safety helmets and knee pads to enjoy this unique heritage tour. You can book your place over the phone on 07976 314012.
Sticking around the Tyldesley, there are all manner of craft activities for you to get stuck into, from wet felting and loom weaving to even metal casting. We always wanted to feel like an old-timey blacksmith — this is our chance!
Taking place across multiple venues on Elliot Street, you’ll have expert instructors teaching you everything you need to know. Some of the most unique stuff you can do for free anywhere in Greater Manchester.
Click the links above to find out more information on opening times and how to sign up for each specific workshop. Not just your ordinary arts and textile offerings, eh?
9. Free events at HOME — City Centre
Credit: HOME
Heading back in the city centre, HOME cinema, theatre and arts centre has always got something going and the 2023 Heritage Open Days festival is no exception.
Throwing open their doors from 10am-4pm for a series of free fun events and activities on Saturday, 16 September, there’ll be a variety of stuff to do, including cultural talks and displays, tours, workshops, info sessions, quizzes and much, much more.
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There’ll also be special food and drink served from the cafe and restaurant all day. We love this place.
10. Stockport Plaza Super Cinema and Variety Theatre
Last but not least, the Stockport Plaza is throwing open its doors for a full day of free-to-attend events from 11am on 9 September. The iconic Art Deco super cinema and variety theatre is playing its part in this year’s Heritage Open Days festival and to celebrate the best part of a century serving the community.
Already one of the most beautiful attractions anywhere in Greater Manchester, the Plaza will also be holding a number of special Heritage Day presentations for absolutely free which are scheduled for 11am, 1pm and 3pm.
There will also be a guided modern history and architecture walking tour starting from the theatre too. You don’t need to book to come along to either of these either and you’ll even get the rare privilege of hearing the theatre’s Mighty Compton Cinema Organ in action. Aren’t you lucky?
So, as you can see, there are a whole host of cool attractions and completely free things to do in and around Greater Manchester over the next couple of weeks, with the region’s selection of Heritage Open Days truly offering something for everyone.
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You can see the full list of events open to the general public starting from next week HERE.
Last but not least, if you’re still stuck for something to do this weekend, there’s still plenty on in Greater Manchester right up until Sunday.
We've got a bank holiday and brand-new month to get excited for this week. 🙌🐝https://t.co/Nv5vpVVFT5
Manchester City have announced a special away day fan zone for festive fixture
Danny Jones
In a real added bonus for away fans making the roughly two-hour journey to their only fixture over the festive period, travelling Man City supporters are being treated to a dedicated away-day fan zone for their upcoming game against Nottingham Forest.
Now this is the kind of backing we want to see from big teams.
That’s right, for those visiting Nottingham for the meeting against the fellow Premier League side and one-time European Cup winners, Manchester City will be putting on a special and exclusive fan zone.
Confirmed on Christmas Eve ahead of the match this coming Saturday, 27 December, the club revealed a quick glimpse of the pop-up supporters’ park.
As detailed in the announcement, the public events space known as ‘The Nest’ will be open exclusively to away-ticket holders heading to the City Ground.
Perfect for a quick pit-stop before and after the clash, the venue is one of the closest you’ll find to the stadium itself and, better still, is located roughly just a 10-minute walk away from the railway station.
There will be a huge bar offering a wide selection of alcoholic and soft drinks, plus plenty of street food to enjoy. Here’s hoping the players don’t indulge in too many of those this Christmas, especially following Pep Guardiola’s ‘fatty’ comments.
They kick off at 12:30pm, but will everyone make the weight?…
Once again, Man City have advertised this as an away-day ticket-holder-only event, so we would probably call ahead and double-check if you’re a Blue who just so happens to live/be in the area and want to go along.
It also goes without saying that this will serve as an ideal and presumably trouble-free place to celebrate after the result, as it’s a strictly sky-blue event and we’d wager the title contenders and serial trophy winners to come out on top.
So, if you needed any extra assurance that making the approximately 81-mile trip to Nottingham, we’d say potentially going top at Christmas and cheersing a few pints with your mates on a would-be concourse designed just for you is plenty of added motivation.
As for those of you staying firmly in Greater Manchester this holiday season, there’s no reason you can’t still have a little away day of your own:
Featured Images — Manchester City (via X)/The Manc Group
What's On
10 of the very best British Christmas specials and episodes to watch on TV this holiday season
Danny Jones
‘Tis the season to sit on your backside and do nothing but gorge on mountains of food and watch TV for hours on end as you make your way through all the Christmas specials and best of British telly you can muster.
Now, there’s nothing worse than when it feels like there’s nothing on you’re stranded in that spot on the sofa that’s too comfy to vacate, so that’s where we come in.
Along with all the usual stuff you’ll find in the TV guide at this time of year, we thought we’d round up some of the very best Christmas specials made here in the UK and Ireland to have ever aired – that way, you’ll have a steady supply of festive viewing and barely need to move an inch.
In no particular order, let’s get stuck into it, shall we?
The best British Christmas TV specials of all time
Where else to start than with the pride of Wales and a series that millions watch from start to finish every year? Gavin & Stacey.
Still revered as one of the most beloved comedies to ever come out of the UK, their two festive specials are also part and parcel (pardon the pun) of many Brits’ Christmas.
It still feels a bit weird going back and watching Corden as Smithy before the days of American fame, that first Nessa entrance; Uncle Bryn being, well, Bryn – even the soundtrack takes us back – but after the huge success of last year’s Gavin & Stacey finale, we’re ready to cry buckets all over again.
9. The Office – ‘Christmas Special’ (Part 1 and 2)
Next up is not only this particular telephile’s ultimate Christmas TV event but possibly one of the very best episodes of British telly in history. Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant broke new ground with this genre-defining comedy, and while they fine-tuned cringe throughout the series, this was pure heart.
Rom-com juggernaut Richard Curtis dubbed this two-part Christmas special spread across just 96 minutes as the culmination of what he believed to be “one of the great romantic stories of all time” between Tim and Dawn, and the perfect end to a “masterpiece”.
You’ll hear no arguments from us.
Is it the best Christmas special in British TV history?
8. The Royle Family – Christmas Specials (1999, 2000, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012)
Another classic not only British but fundamentally Manc comedy, The Royle Family might just be one of the best things Greater Manchester ever produced – and that’s saying something – and perfectly captures the comfortable monotony of sitting in front of the telly for hours on end.
That goes doubly so for the multiple Christmas specials, of which there are many and while they all do a great job of creating that familiar feeling of a Northern front room that the series was so good at throughout its entire run, the 1999 Christmas with the Royle Family special where the late great Caroline Aherne’s water breaks and that tear-jerking scene with Ricky Tomlinson…
It gets us every time.
Set just down the road in Wythenshawe, it still has us weeping just as much now as it did back in the day.
7. Peep Show – ‘Seasonal Beatings’
Cauliflower may or may not be traditional, but one thing we can agree on is that watching Peep Show‘s hilariously miserable, ill-mannered, tense, ever-awkward and bloody brilliant Christmas episode from 2010 is very much part of our annual holiday ritual.
The fifth episode of the seventh season – which many would rightly champion as peak-era Peep Show – may only last less than half an hour, but it feels like an eternity of familiar festive agony and walking on eggshells before the fantastic crescendo that is Mark pouring gravy into a shredder.
‘Merry Chris-Mark!’
If you don’t think Peep Show’s Christmas special/festive episode is one of the best in British TV history, you’re just wrong, sorry.
6. Ted Lasso – ‘Carol of the Bells’
Approaching the halfway mark, and we’re going to be somewhat controversial and introduce not only a very contemporary pick but one that isn’t technically a UK production, but the show is set entirely in England, and if there’s one thing it has tried to be since the start, it’s almost too cookie-cutter British
Now, we’re going to qualify that we have a weird relationship with Ted Lasso; it’s by no means the funniest thing we’ve ever seen, and the broad-strokes American look at football is frustrating at times, but one thing this show does do well is being deeply sincere, and never more so than in its Xmas special.
Plus, you get to hear Hannah Waddingham sing her pipes off – what’s not to like?
Christmas is about reminding your loved ones how much they mean – regardless of what you make of the show, this episode nails that.
5. Extras – Christmas Special (Part 1 and 2)
Our penultimate pick is also our second Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant creation: the Extras Christmas special, which aired back in 2007 and still has some of the funniest gags in the history of British TV as far as we’re concerned.
Managing to rope in even more big names for this equally cringeworthy and even painful to watch at times conclusion to the show, which also ran for just two series like The Office, the frustrating arc of Gervais’ main character Andy Millman is such a great payoff when all is said and done.
Only an hour and a half in total, well worth sticking on if you’ve never seen it before.
Just look at how many famous faces they managed to rope in for this fantastic two-parter. (Credit: Press Image via BBC)
4. Doctor Who – ‘End of Time’ (Part 1 and 2)
From a David Tennant cameo to him in arguably one of his greatest-ever performances in his final full-time appearance as the space-travelling Time Lord in what we are officially declaring the best Doctor Who Christmas special to date, and some of Russell T. Davies’ very best work.
It’s hard to believe it’s been nearly 15 whole years since the national treasure said goodbye to the role in the gut-wrenching two-parter, which also saw the return of John Simm as ‘The Master’, but we’re still confident that there hasn’t been a better Xmas/New Year’s Day special pairing than the one below.
Here’s hoping RTD’s recent comeback will see a return to form by the next one in December 2026.
That delivery of ‘I don’t wanna go’ still makes us well up.
As we gradually approach the end of our list, we want to give so much deserved love to what we think isn’t just the underdog of British telly but an unsung hero when it comes to spotlighting friendship, positive male relationships and downright fraternal love.
It’s Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Finishing – the festive editions. We know we’re biased, but we really love the one with Paul Heaton. If you’ve ever sat down to watch an episode of this laid-back, laughter-filled show, you’ll know that these two can often achieve that warm, heartfelt and cosy feeling regardless of whether it’s Christmas or not.
It’s also a great antidote to any latent toxic masculinity left on screen, and with some serious emotion being laid bare in these Christmas special episodes, especially for us, this is what reality TV should be. We’re already looking forward to the next instalment at 9pm on Christmas Eve.
— Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing (@MWGoneFishing) December 22, 2025
2. Click & Collect
Ok, we promise this is the last Merchant mention on this list, as we’re intensely aware of some bias on our end, but this straight-to-TV BBC short film really took us by surprise when we first saw it and is well worth setting aside a nice round hour to enjoy.
Not only does the core premise feel like a very relatable scenario for many parents rushing to sort out everyone’s Christmas presents in time, but it’s a touching tale of family, kindness and sparing that extra bit of patience during what can be a tough time of year for lots of people.
Trust us, you’ll love it.
Asim Chaudhry is fantastic.
1. Only Fools & Horses – ‘Heroes and Villains’
And finally, what better place to round off this list than with only the series consistently voted the greatest British comedy of all time, but the episode that is widely considered its best-ever Christmas special? It can only be Del Boy and Rodney dressed up as Batman and Robin in ‘Heroes and Villains’.
Now, there is a whopping total of 18 Only Fools Christmas specials, and we’re sure everyone has their own personal favourite, but surely there isn’t a single one more iconic than the first episode of the legendary 1996 festive trilogy.
It also sets up events for ‘Time on Our Hands’, one of the most moving scripts they ever wrote – but it all starts with the much-loved duo plodding through the mist in capes.
It’s still regarded as the best British comedy ever, but where does it rank on the list of all-time greatest Christmas TV specials?
A very Christmas special mention…
Father Ted – ‘A Christmassy Ted’
Not technically British, we know, but the cult Irish hit remains one of the funniest comedies to ever come out of our corner of the world, and if you’ve never seen Ted, Dougal and a bunch of other clergymen get stuck in a women’s lingerie section like it’s a warzone, you’re seriously missing out.
Mrs Doyle is her typical quick-witted self, and Father Jack can be found making the occasional outburst from his chair as usual and overall, ‘A Christmassy Ted’ is a very funny bit of seasonal telly.
Not strictly British but still one of the best Christmas specials in TV history if you ask us.
Come on, you have to agree – we absolutely smashed that.
Some old, some new, some maybe a little bit out of left field, but all absolutely guaranteed to keep you entertained this festive period.
If you think we’ve made the cardinal sin of missing an all-time TV great, then please feel free to give it to us in the comments and educate us on the best British Christmas specials.
In fact, one of our other writers, Emily, has forced me to add a line about The Vicar of Dibley Christmas Specials too… so here’s the line. You can also find her round-up of all the best new bits coming to the box this holiday season down below.
Danny Jones -
1st September 2023 
