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
Kendal Calling festival guide 2026 – stages, times, travel, and everything you need to know
Danny Jones
It’s that time again: time to head back up Lake District way and over to the town of Penrith for Kendal Calling 2026.
No, it isn’t technically in Kendal, but it is absolutely mint – so shut your face.
Comfortably one of our favourite festivals of the year and not just one of the best in the North but the entire country, if you ask us, it sells out early every year and never, ever disappoints.
For those of you who are heading to Kendal Calling for the first time or returning for another consecutive year like us, we’ve put together a handy festival guide to steer you through the entire long weekend filled with art, music, culture, and unlimited good vibes.
Now, while we already shared the lineup for this year back in December, this is a good chance to refamiliarise yourself with it if you haven’t already, especially since you’ve not got the confirmed stage splits for Kendal 2026.
Marking its 21st iteration and yet another sold-out edition with one of its best rosters ever – to be honest, it’s been selling out and getting better every year since it first started back in 2006 – the likes of award-winning British favourites Biffy Clyro, Wolf Alice and Two Door Cinema Club lead the lineup.
And that’s just the main stage.
Then you’ve got everyone from Primal Scream and The Coral, Scissor Sisters, Circa Waves and Doves, to The Libertines, The Vaccines, Deaf Havana, Groove Armada, Neighbourhood headliners Keo and SO much more. Find the full breakdown of who’s playing where down below.
Speaking of the stages, there are 11 proper different live music sites this year – not to mention all other smaller tents and pop-ups around the wider festival site which spans roughly 120 hectares.
You can find out a little bit more about each of them here:
Main Stage – Where all the action and big headliners are playing at the northernmost spot.
Parklands – The second largest stage, pretty much smack bang in the middle of the site; there’s also a brilliant Glow takeover by night.
Calling Out – Rounding out the trio of Kendal stages with even more big acts to the west.
Woodlands – Exactly what it sounds like: a cosy stage set within the Lost Eden forest.
Chai Wallahs – Another large tent towards the North East of the site, boasting a variety of genres.
The Soapbox – Just northwest of Parklands, it’s where most of the live comedy is taking place.
Tim Peaks Diner – Named after Salford icon Tim Burgess himself, this little hut is built for more pared-down sets.
Desert Island Disco – Where the electronic scene goes to shine and usher in the late-night fun.
Roots – Built to spotlight emerging talent from across the region, there are gems to be found here.
The Town Hall – One of the newer additions to the festival alongside the official Kendal Calling pub, which first began back in 2023.
Azaadi – Last but not least, there’s the all-new Azaadi stage: a late-night mini venue curated by DJ Bobby Friction, specialising in alt-Desi electronica, global bass, and South Asian sounds following a fantastic debut at Glasto.
And then, of course, there’s Lost Eden out in the neon and fairylit woods, Kendal’s own aforementioned pub, The Stagger Inn; dedicated children’s stages, Oktoberfest and plenty more.
Kendal Calling festival site map
We’ll admit it can take a minute to properly orientate with your surroundings, especially when it’s packed with more than 40,000 people, so with all those different locations to get to grips with, the map always comes in handy.
As always, we’d reccommend downloading copies of it HERE when you save a screenshot of the lineup, for instance, but there will also be printed copies available and being handed out by staff over the course of the weekend.
Until then, this should do you just fine…
Travel info – how to get there, parking and more
If you’re wondering how to get to Kendal Calling, once again: the festival takes place at Lowther Deer Park in Hackthorpe near Penrith, Cumbria (no, it’s not quite Kendal).
For the sake of ease when it comes to popping the location into the SatNav, the postcode is CA10 2HT.
By car
Located roughly 25 minutes north of its namesake Kendal, you can drive up there via the M6 and south down the A6 from Penrith. You can easily download full directions on Google Maps.
Parking
The general car park is adjacent to the general campsites, but BE AWARE, the further away you park, the longer the walk up that hill – and it is a big one, we’re afraid.
Also, pre-warning, you must bring any alcohol purchased from outside the festival site up on the first trip up to your pitch. We found out the hard way…
Hoping to encourage people to carpool and ride share where possible, with Kendal remaining a dedicated and environmentally-conscious event (see their ‘Leave Nothing But Memories’ mission statement, for example), there is a charge for parking separate from festival admission.
Passes can be purchased online in advance for £24.50, or you can pay on the day for £40, but just like downloading/printing out your tickets prior to entry, we’d obviously advise you plan ahead and get them ready beforehand.
Emperors Field, Great Plains, Deer Lodge and Tangerine Fields all have their own respective car parks, which require specific parking passes as part of campsite upgrade packages. You can see all the options and secure your parking HERE.
The nearest train station to the festival site is Penrith (also known as Penrith North Lakes), which is just a 15-minute taxi journey from the site.
Alternatively, you can hop on the special shuttle bus service that runs from the station to the festival at various points over the weekend. Various services are available from Scotland, Birmingham, London, here in Manchester and across the North West – for example:
From Birmingham New Street to Penrith (2h31m) — trains every hour
From London Euston to Penrith (3 hours) — trains every 30 minutes
From Glasgow to Penrith (1h21m) — trains every hour
From Edinburgh to Penrith (1h30m) — trains every hour
From Lancaster to Penrith (34 mins) — regular service
From Manchester Piccadilly to Penrith (1h41m) – trains every 30 minutes, change at Preston
Shuttles will run to and from Penrith (North Lakes) Station to Kendal Calling from 10am-18:45pm on Thursday and 8:30am-19:15pm on Friday. They won’t resume again until early Monday, with the final service lasting from 8:30am-13:15pm.
The festival has a dedicated pick-up and drop-off point (PUDO) outside at Green Gate. Follow the road signage as you get closer to the site for directions to the PUDO, which is also where you’ll find the taxi rank alongside our coach drop-off spot – just a short 5-10 minute walk to the wristband exchange too.
By coach/mini-bus
Speaking of coaches, you can find ticket prices for official services from destinations like Manchester, Leeds, Sheffield, and many more places across the UK by the likes of festival veterans, Big Green Coach, as well as National Express right HERE.
Other activities and entertainment on at Kendal Calling beyond the music
Once again, the music is obviously the big draw for the Lowther Deer Park party, but there is tonnes of other stuff to be enjoyed through the course of what we consider a mini bank holiday of sorts.
Last year saw Bongo’s Bingo make its maiden visit to a festival, and then of course there’s the usual Picturehouse cinema with movies on all day and special screenings for the little ones; the annual parade, which shows off all the ribbons and colours of the rainbow cinema, live comedy and lots more.
From live performers, a whole host of fantastic food and drinks traders, freebies up for grabs, and even dedicated accessibility areas such as the Sensory Calm Space, they really do cater to everyone.
You only have to wander into one of the alternative live theatre shows, their silent discos or the famous Lost Eden forest to be transported to virtually any kind of world you could want.
Getting underway from 5pm on Thursday, 30 July and running all the way until Sunday night (and well into the early hours, by the way), Kendal Calling 2026 is finally upon us.
Judging by the lineup alone and the new additions they’ve brought into the mix, it really is looking like another belter.
In case anyone’s questioning just how much we and so many others across the region love this festival, not to mention all the others who travel from far and wide to enjoy the all-ages extravaganza, you only need to check out our review from last year. Or from 2024 – and the year before that, and the year…
Manchester to celebrate National Play Day next week with 100+ FREE activities for families
Emily Sergeant
Manchester is set to celebrate National Play Day next week, and there’ll be more than 100 free activities for families to join in with.
You may remember that Manchester City Council announced it would be bringing 14 weeks of free activities for children to parks across the city this summer, as Parktastic returned by popular demand with everything from sports, games, arts, and crafts, to dance, drama, nature activities, storytelling, and messy play to get stuck into.
And now, a packed programme of activities to celebrate National Play Day – which is taking place this year on Wednesday 5 August – has been revealed.
There’ll be whole series of free events taking place right across the city on a drop-in basis throughout the day – with more than a hundred different activity sessions taking place in the city’s parks, libraries, community centres, and youth clubs.
PLAY DAY is in one week!
Wednesday 5 August
All FREE
🤾🏽Outdoor games 🎪Bouncy castles 🎨Arts &Crafts ⚽Sports coaching 📚Poetry Trail 🤹🏽Circus Skills 🚴🏻Bikes and more!
Activities for children of all ages, across the city
— Manchester City Council (@ManCityCouncil) July 29, 2026
Families can also head on down to two big Family Fun Days taking place on the day – one at Platt Fields Park, and one at Boggart Hole Clough.
Activities will run from 11am through to 2pm at both parks, and will include things like sports coaching, circus skills, cycling taster sessions, live demonstrations, storytelling, and a range of other interactive and hands-on experiences.
National Play Day is actually a country-wide celebration of a child’s right to play, but the day has a special significance for Manchester this year, coming off the back of the city earning recognition from UNICEF as a Child Friendly City last month.
Manchester is celebrating National Play Day next week with 100+ free activities for families / Credit: Manchester City Council
“Having fun and playing with other children is such an important part of growing up and helping children and young people of all ages to gain confidence and develop their skills,” commented Councillor Julie Reid, who is the Executive Member for Early Years, Children and Young People at Manchester City Council.
“We’re very lucky in Manchester to have so many fantastic parks, playgrounds, and sports and leisure facilities across the city for our children and young people to enjoy, as well as amazing libraries, galleries and museums right here on our doorstep.”
Cllr Reid said Manchester’s National Play Day on Wednesday 8 August will be offering ‘a whole host’ of different activities for young people to get involved in and enjoy.
You can find out everything happening on the day here.
Danny Jones -
1st September 2023 
