The hugely popular wizard-themed steam train will be travelling through Greater Manchester once again next month.
February half term is right around the corner, and that means East Lancashire Railway (ELR) is back with a whole host of immersive events that give curious Mancs the chance to step back in time by hopping on one of the historic Pullman-style steam train carriages through the picturesque Greater Manchester countryside.
Thomas the Tank Engine, dinosaur, Peppa Pig, and seasonal themed train rides are just a few of the events that have been entertaining families in the region over the last few years.
By far one of the most popular experiences on the lineup, however, has to be the chance to go on a ‘wizarding adventure’, where little Mancs can come together for a magical day of sharing spells and getting stuck into lots of magic-themed fun.
You can ride a wizard-themed steam train through Greater Manchester next month / Credit: ELR
Aspiring witches and wizards of all ages are invited to enrol in the spellbinding school of sorcery this February half term, as they take a “wacky and wonderful whistle stop tour” of the Wizard Academy and learn to become a master of mystery and magic during their interactive journey through the “Irwell Valley of wonders”.
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During the enchanting 90-minute return trip that’s hauled by a genuine steam – and spell – powered train, you’ll take lessons in the basics of broomsticks, practice your potion making, be instructed in incantations, and learn to tattle and talk with a tawny owl.
Aside from wizard-themed tasks, there’ll also be plenty of photo opportunities along the way.
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The Wizarding Adventure is an “enchanting experience for all the family” / Credit: ELR
Food and drink will be available to tuck into from the café on Platform 3/4 at Bury Bolton Street Station, and from the Rawtenstall Buffet too.
It truly is an “enchanting experience” for the whole family.
The Wizarding Adventure is back this half term, with several special journeys lined-up next month on Wednesday 19 February, and tickets still available to get your hands on from £17.50 each.
10 of the best museums and galleries in Greater Manchester
Lydia Mastrolonardo
In need of a day trip, but the weather’s rubbish and money’s a bit tight? You’ll want to have a read of this then.
We just so happen to have put together a list with some of the best museums and galleries that our wonderful region has to offer – whether transport, dinosaurs, or artwork is your thing, there really is something for everyone.
There are so many amazing options in Greater Manchester that it would be silly not to make the most out of them.
So without further ado and in no particular order, here’s 10 of the best museums and art galleries across the region.
Manchester Museum
Oxford Road
Starting off strong with one of our personal favourites, Manchester Museum.
Manchester Museum is not only side one of the city’s most spectacular 130-year-old neo-gothic buildings, but it also has a little bit of everything, which makes for a lovely day trip for everyone, as no matter your interest, there’s plenty to explore.
Think all things natural history – from taxidermy tigers, to mummies, and cultural exhibitions from across the world. While you’re there, why not take the kids to meet Stan the Tyrannosaurus Rex?
Open every day apart from Mondays, all galleries and exhibitions are free but you must book in advance for the temporary exhibitions.
Hat Works
Stockport
Over in Stockport is where you can find the UK’s only museum dedicated to the hatting industry, tucked away inside a Victorian mill.
Many people don’t even realise that this South Manchester town was, in fact, once the centre of the British hat-making industry, but that’s why this museum walks you through the history of all things hatting, whilst being easy on your pennies.
Admission is free for all, however booking in advance is recommended. If you want to go the full mile, you are also able to book a guided tour, which costs around £8.50 for adults and under 16s go free.
Open Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 10am-4pm.
Credit: The Manc Group
Museum of Transport
Cheetham Hill
Transport enthusiasts, this one’s for you.
Inside the Museum of Transport Greater Manchester, you’ll find over 70 vintage buses, coaches, trams and fire engines.
Not only is this historic 1930s bus garage home to every kind of bus and tram you could imagine, but they also have a traditional tea room and museum shop that completely transport you back in time… get it? And throughout the year lots of different special events take place too, allowing visitors to travel in style on some of the historic vehicles from their collection.
Tickets for adults cost between £6 and £7.50, while people with disabilities, or accompanied children under 16, can enter for free.
Open 10am-4:30pm on Wednesdays, weekends, and bank holidays.
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Imperial War Museum North
Trafford Park
IWM North takes you on a journey all the way from the First World War, to current conflicts.
The waterfront museum is completely filled with art installations and interactive exhibitions exploring the impact of war on society
They also run accessible, sensory-friendly ‘relaxed hours’ on the first Sunday of every month, for those that benefit from the opportunity to explore in a quieter environment, and there are also quiet breakout rooms available, as well as an indoor area for anyone wishing to bring a packed lunch.
Open daily from 10am-5pm, except over Christmas, IWM North is completely free to enter and no booking is necessary.
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Science and Industry Museum
Manchester City Centre
There’s always something going on at the Science and Industry Museum, that you can guarantee.
From its fabulous selection of permanent free galleries, like Revolution Manchester or the Textiles Gallery, to its ever-changing selection of exhibitions and events, there’s something for all ages and interests to get involved with.
Not to mention a fantastic range of activities for the little astronauts and scientists among us all year round.
The museum is open every day from 10am-5pm.
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Credit: The Manc Group
Fireground
Rochdale
Fireground explores the different scenarios that our brave fire service have overcome across the past 200 years – including two World Wars, many terror incidents, house fires, and vehicle crashes – and is fully equipped with uniforms medals, paintings, and the fire engines themselves to really immerse visitors in the world.
The museum is open every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 10am-4pm, with children’s tickets costing £6, adults £8, and those under three going free, but we think it’s well worth a visit.
There’s also free onsite car parking, as well as being easily accessed from the Metrolink stop directly outside and the train station a stone’s throw away.
People’s History Museum
Spinningfields
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Everyone should visit the People’s History Museum at least once in their lives if you want to feel empowered.
The museum explains Britain’s major political parties and movements, as well as covering historic activism, protests and events such as the Peterloo Massacre, the emergence of the NHS and the continuous fight for LGBTQIA+ equality, among many other important causes.
This colour-coded gallery explores multiple different themes – including courage, revolution, reform, loyalty, dignity, and peace.
Open 10am-5pm every day, except Tuesdays, and entry is completely free.
Credit: The Manc Group
Bolton Museum
Bolton
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The family-friendly Bolton Museum is another one that’s got a bit of everything.
It’s home to over 3,500 pieces of fine art, dating from the 18th century to now, as well as a botanical collection boasting about 60,000 different specimens, over 100 ceramics, and a surprisingly vast collection of Egyptology due to Bolton’s links to the cotton trade.
While the Nature Gallery is currently partially closed, there are plenty of other areas to explore celebrating art, culture and history.
The museum is free to all and open 9am-5pm every day, with slightly different hours on Wednesdays and Sunday.
Portland Basin Museum
Ashton-under-Lyne
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This award-winning museum can be found within an old canal warehouse.
Its purpose is to showcase local history of the Tameside area, hence why the location seems particularly fitting with it being located on a historic canal junction – which during the Industrial Revolution would have been a bustling hub for trade.
Their current exhibition, Period Street, serves as a portal back in time to the 1920s, with traditional shops and housing that portray life back then. There’s also an educational play area for the little ones.
It’s open from 10am-4pm on Tuesdays to Sundays, with completely free entry and parking.
Greater Manchester Police Museum
Northern Quarter
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Ever wanted to know what a 1879 police station or 1895 court room looked like? Now’s your chance.
Since being founded back in 1981, Greater Manchester Police Museum has curated a collection of police-related objects and archive material packed with history.
To get full access to the archive, you must book an appointment, but the museum is easily accessible from all over Greater Manchester, due to it being in such close proximity to Manchester Piccadilly Station.
It’s open to the public on Tuesdays from 10:30am-4pm, free of charge, but if you wish to book a private tour or larger group visit, this is available on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays.
Credit: The Manc Group / Drew Forsyth (Science Museum Group)
Who knew educational activities could be so fun and cheap?
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Now all you have to do is plan your route, absorb as much information as possible, and most importantly, enjoy yourself.
While many of these have free car parking, we would always advocate for you to use green methods of travel, as well as aiming to save money where possible, which is why using the Bee Network is the perfect way to get around.
Featured Image – The Manc Group
What's On
High School Musical at Lowry, Salford – a night spent reliving our childhood | Review
Amy Williams
What a night spent reliving our childhood.
Now, I don’t want to exaggerate or seem biased, considering this is one of my favourite film trilogies of all time, but this could be the best stage show I’ve seen in a long while.
We all know how High School Musical goes, right? Set at East High, we follow Troy and Gabriella (the star basketball player, and the geeky new girl) who meet over New Year, and then become ‘star-crossed lovers’ when back at school as they’re part of two different ‘cliques’.
The duo mess with the ‘Status Quo’ when they audition for the school musical. But will they stick to what they know? Or become stars of the stage? I’m sure you know the ending.
High School Musical is currently on stage at Lowry, Salford / Credit: Matt Crockett (Supplied)
From the costumes and the characters, to the memorable songs (there’s actually 52 songs in this production, including a mega mix at the end), they’ve kept right to the script of the films – and that’s exactly what we wanted to see.
Of course, the biggest throwback of them all is Kaycee Stroh – who originally featured as Martha Cox in the film trilogy – taking the role as Ms Darbus, and she was just as incredible as we expected her to be. And to see her do the iconic dance in the finale was unbelievable, 13-year-old Amy was screaming.
Also featuring Jason Donovan as Coach Bolton, Tobias Turley as Troy, Leonor Correia as Gabriella, Caitlin Tipping Sharpay, and Luke Bayer as Ryan, it was a proper impressive cast all round.
It’s a night to properly relive your mid-00s childhood / Credit: Matt Crockett (Supplied)
There was crowd interaction right from the off, as they taught the crowd a cheerleading routine to be included later in the show, plus for the finale, they had the lyrics on the big screen too so everyone could sing-along.
If we could go and see this show every single night, we would – it is absolutely brilliant.
Emily Sergeant -
29th January 2025 
