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.
ADVERTISEMENT
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.
ADVERTISEMENT
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.
ADVERTISEMENT
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.
ADVERTISEMENT
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.
ADVERTISEMENT
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.
ADVERTISEMENT
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.
ADVERTISEMENT
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
Major DJ forced to pull out of Parklife festival on doctor’s orders
Thomas Melia
A well-known techno and trance DJ will no longer be playing at Parklife this weekend, he’s announced, with just one day to go until his major set.
Anyone heading to Heaton Park over the weekend for Manchester-based festival, Parklife, may notice the lineup looks a little different after one distinctive DJ has pulled out due to doctor’s orders.
Marlon Hoffstadt, who also goes by the moniker ‘DJ Daddy Trance’, was expected to play out on the Matinée stage on Saturday 20 June from 6.30pm – 8pm.
The Germany-based act was taking to the decks right before Manchester’s own Morgan Seatree, who has become recognised for his material which is an ode to house music and is likely to be one of the busiest sets of the weekend.
Hoffstadt had two gigs this weekend; the first being Parklife in Manchester and the second Fête de la Musique in Paris, both of which he has since pulled out of in a newly-published social media announcement.
The Berlin-born music maker has reluctantly called off these upcoming appearances and justified his decision by saying: “As much as I hate missing shows, I need to put my recovery first”.
To much dismay, Hoffstadt received doctor’s advice who deemed him ‘currently not fit to fly’ following surgery, urging him to rest and recover.
Marlon posted today: “I’m so sad to have to share this, but unfortunately I won’t be able to play Parklife in Manchester and Fête de la Musique in Paris this weekend.
“I recently had a surgery and, following my doctor’s advice, I’m currently not fit to fly and need rest and recover.
“I know many of you made plans and were looking forward to it, and I’m so sorry to let you down.
“As much as I hate missing shows, I need to put my recovery first so I can get back to doing what I love as soon as possible.”
As much as the presence of this world-class performer will be missed, there’s still plenty of notable names set to make their mark on Parklife including Zara Larsson, Calvin Harris, Skepta and more.
The outdoor big music weekender has established itself as a rave haven with mainly dance artists and DJs making up its lineup through a variety of curated b2b sets and live performances.
If you’re after immersing yourself in some jungle music, Bradford-native Nia Archives will have you transfixed over at The Valley with her jungle-heavy tunes from 6.30pm – 7.30pm or there’s three more stages to take your pick from.
We’re sure that anyone eager to see the ‘Hands Up In The Sky’ producer live may be frustrated by this brand-new social media announcement however as Hoffstadt mentions it’s so he can “Get back to doing what I love as soon as possible”.
The best deals, offers and freebies you can get for Father’s Day 2026 in Manchester
Danny Jones
Father’s Day has come back around for 2026, and with dads set to be celebrated this Sunday, 21 June, we’re sure NO ONE in Greater Manchester has forgotten, right?…
In all seriousness, we all know these dates can creep up on you and slip your mind from time to time, so for anyone who may or may not yet have sorted something for their pops, we’ve got you.
Whether your dad likes the annual bit of fuss or is quite happy sitting with a pint and watching the footy, there’s something to suit all parents on the list.
Let’s not waste any more time: here’s a round-up of some of the best Father’s Day deals, offers and even flat-out freebies in and around Manchester city centre.
20 of the best Father’s Day deals and offers in central Manchester
1. Yard and Coop – Northern Quarter
What is it:NQ favourite chicken shop co-founded by Manc dad Carl Morris, doing great offers all-year-round, including free meals for kids, affordable lunch bites and more – always good portions, too.
The offer: They’re bringing back the ‘Father’s Day Feast’ for £25, as well as their cult-favourite take on a Sunday roast. You can book HERE.
What is it: Castlfield’s iconic canalside country-style and family-friendly pub, featuring a large outdoor terrace, multiple cosy rooms across two floors, and even an outdoor cocktail hut.
The offer: Complimentary pint of Budvar for dad with Father’s Day bookings. Simple as.
What is it: A beloved Manc boozer recently reborn under the Greene King umbrella a few years back, now complete with multiple floors, a rooftop terrace, live music, as well as great food and drink.
The offer: Book a table for at least two over Father’s Day weekend to enter into a prize draw worth £500 of Glenfiddich whisky.
Credit: The Manc Group
4. Founder’s Hall – Albert Square
What is it: The old Duttons site, now operating as an ancestral home and taphouse for J. W. Lees, serving real ale like the revived ‘Cream of Manchester’, Boddingtons, as well as a solid food menu.
The offer: Grab an entire beer flight for FREE, with up to 12 different kinds of ale for dads to choose from. To claim the mini beer tasting of three thirds, quote ‘BEER4DAD’ in the Special Requests box when booking HERE.
5. Dirty O’Sullivans – Albert Square
What is: One of the city centre’s latest Irish bars, specialising in great Guinness, traditional breakfasts, live music and more.
The offer: Dads eat completely free when booking a table of four or more, and they get a pint on the house, too. Reserve your table now.
What is it: A quaint tea room located on Sackville Street just on the edge of the Gay Village; a great option for a gift voucher/surprise for a special occasion, too.
The offer: Turn the usual Boston Tea Party afternoon/cream tea package into a day of dad bites, with sausage/bacon sarnies, brews, cheese scones with smoky jam and/or Marmite. You do have to book ahead, and a deposit may be required to secure your seat.
What is it: A beautiful city centre hotel with luxury hospitality and dining services, too, operated by Marriott International’s Autograph Collection.
The offer: Free glass of Macallan whisky and Sunday roasts reservations at their stylish and award-winning in-house restaurant, tender.
Credit: Stock Exchange Hotel (supplied)
8. Manchester Gin – Online
What is it: Homegrown distillery and spirit brand, famous not only for their gin but also for rum, with a stunning brick-and-mortar Spirit of Manchester space in town over on Watson Street.
What is it: Similar to the above, these local booze-makers founded over in Salford still have their on-site taproom and flagship Ancoats venue, but they still sell plenty online and on shelves across the country.
The offer: 10% discounts on 7 Bros brewery tours, as well as their usual Father’s Day bundle of 24 beers for half price; you can order one from £49.95, or just grab a gift card if he’d rather pick for himself.
10. Sexy Fish – Spinningfields
What is it: Dad’s eat free as part of their extensive sushi and more brunch offering, as well as the return of the ‘Roll The Dice’ game, where even more prizes can be won.
The offer: Dad’s eat totally free as part of their extensive sushi and more brunch offering, as well as the return of the ‘Roll The Dice’ game, where even more prizes can be won. You can book HERE.
What is it: One of Manchester city centre’s most historic buildings, which now serves as the stunning red-brick Kimpton Clocktower Hotel, Refuge, serving up banging breakfasts and stunning contemporary dishes and drinks from noon until night.
The offer: Exclusive guided whiskey tasting sessions from the dining room, with premium gifts and Sunday roasts also on offer. Tickets are priced at £33.25 – secure his spot while you can.
What is it: One of the best pubs turned bistros you’ll find anywhere on the outskirts of town, certainly in Salford, known for the pies, top range of pints, Sunday roasts, and so much more.
The offer: Free refills of Boddingtons when your dad buys a pint of our famous ‘Boddies’ to go with his meal. Simple as that – reserve online whilst using code “FATHER’S DAY”
What is it: Manchester’s famous Bavarian beer hall and party venue that never disappoints – just remember to dance on the benches and NOT the tables…
The offer: A stein of Krombacher on the house for dad – you can even press the ‘push for papa’ button for table service, because he deserves the proper posh treatment at least once a year. You can even treat him to some stripy socks. Book HERE.
What is it: Another great Irish pub in the heart of the city centre, located on a main Manc thoroughfare and a handy distance from our main train station and Piccadilly Gardens.
The offer: Win a year’s worth of free Guinness by entering the competition on their social media; dads can also have their face printed on the pints with their special selfie machine.
What is it: Italian bar and restaurant operated by the Individual Restaurants group, known for its great al fresco terrace on the edge of Exchange Square.
The offer: ‘Festa Del Papa’ package, featuring two courses for £22.95 and Italian Sunday roasts on offer, not to mention a free shot of limoncello to all those dining on the day.
Credit: Riva Blu (supplied)
16. Black Cat Club – Central
What is it: Activity bar and hangout near the classy King Street area, offering high-tech shuffleboard, darts, DJ sets, plenty of live sport on the box, as well as great sharing food by the same team behind El Gato Negro tapas.
The offer: Free pizza and a pint when you make a booking for a game of shuffleboard or darts; you do so right HERE.
Credit: The Manc
17. Electric Shuffle
What is it: A shuffleboard bar along the main Deansgate strip, also offering a great bottomless brunch package, as well as great pizzas, cocktails and more.
The offer: Free bottle of Madri beer for Dad this Sunday, 21 June only. Nice and easy.
18. Hello Oriental
What is it: An underground pan-Asian food paradise, serving everything from authentic Chinese, Thai and Vietnamese to Japanese and Malaysian, just to name a few.
The offer: The brand-new all-you-can-eat Sunday buffet, which is starting this Father’s Day. Priced at £26 per adult and £14 for U16S; kids under four eat free, and so does dad on Sunday, 21 June 2026
What is it:Malmaison‘s newest and most luxurious hotel branch, located not far from Albert and St. Peter’s Square, as well as Deansgate down the road. Also features two restaurants, including its stunning rooftop space, Sora.
The offer: Free pint of Cruzcampo when ordering their Father’s Day special called ‘The Stack’, which costs just £15. Burger and a beer, no fear.
Credit: The Manc
20. Gameface – Printworks
What is it: One of the newest interactive gaming and activity bars in Manchester city centre, bringing old-school house party vibes to life with both co-op and competitive games.
The offer: Dads go free with the code ‘FATHER26’, just make sure you don’t let them win – you don’t want this special day to go all the way to their heads, after all. You can book HERE.
Danny Jones -
1st September 2023 
