It’s the start of half term, and halloween week is finally here.
The chilly autumnal weather has set in, the spookiest time of the year has arrived, and there’s absolutely no shortage of things to be getting up to in our region at the moment, so we’ve put together a fresh edition of our ‘what’s on’ guide for the city of Manchester and beyond this week to cherry-pick a few of the best bits.
Some of the events we’re going to mention here are completely free, others will set you back a few pounds, and many will need to be booked in advance.
Plenty are still taking COVID-safety measures to give you peace of mind though.
Here are our top picks.
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Halloween in the City
Manchester City Centre
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Monday 25 – Sunday 31 October
Credit: Halloween MCR (CityCo / Manchester BID)
Have you seen that giant monsters with hanging tentacles, fanged teeth, and bloodshot eyes will begin to take over the rooftops of Manchester this week, as the city readies itself for the start of the spooky season?
The monsters will be looming down from their towers at us and bringing a distinctly ghostly flair to the city centre as part of the annual Halloween in the City celebrations.
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They won’t just be making an appearance on our rooftops though, as there’s plenty of other events happening this year – think a welcome procession of roaming monsters, a monster carnival, top monster bands, monster DJs, a monstrous photo trail across the city and even some looming monsters at Cathedral Gardens’ Halloween outdoor ice skating rink.
You can find out about Halloween in the City here.
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ScareCity 2.0
Soccer Dome
Monday 25 – Sunday 31 October
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It was the sell-out success of 2020 – and now the immersive drive-in cinema experience ScareCity has returned to Manchester for the month.
With Halloween only a matter of weeks away, the much-loved drive-in cinema phenomenon that took 2020 by storm in the midst of COVID-19 restrictions and lockdowns is back in Greater Manchester.
ScareCity 2.0 has taken over a brand-new location at the Soccer Dome in Stretford until 31 October to bring entertainment safely to guests in their own cars from the biggest screen in the UK, and it’s set to be packed with surprises and delights as visitors are guided through the haunting drive-in tunnel before parking up to watch a film.
Live actors lurking in the shadows and unexpected surprises throughout will make for a truly hair-raising experience.
You can find more information, and book tickets here.
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Scare Skate
Cathedral Gardens
Monday 25 – Sunday 31 October
Credit: Skate Manchester | Georgie Glass
The magic of the Cathedral Gardens ice rink has this year been turned on its head for its Halloween-themed opening week.
Scare Skate will see Halloween fans and fear-loving families take to the ice, as the spooktacular rink will be complete with Halloween-themed music and lighting, whilst a band of ghoulish skating monsters will join skaters on the ice every hour.
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Tickets for Scare Skate are available now, with prices starting at £13 for adults and £11 for children – with discounted family and season tickets also available.
Totally Gruesome was a big hit with families last year, and this year is certainly no different.
From the team behind the super-popular Totally Roarsome – which you may remember as one of Greater Manchester’s most raved-about “socially-distanced outdoor adventures” – Totally Gruesome is a series of Halloween-themed mini escape rooms tailored towards primary school-aged children, and it’s returned to Greater Manchester this year to set up shop in Walkden town centre.
There’s a total of 10 themed rooms to have a crack at, including ‘Gru’s House’, ‘Pumpkin Party’, ‘Shark Attack’, ‘Dino Domain’, ‘Ghost Ship’, and many more.
Tickets are priced at £7.95 per person, and you can find more information here.
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SPOOKFEST
Trafford Centre
Monday 25 – Sunday 31 October
Credit: Trafford Centre
A haunted maze, ghastly ghost train, spooky big top show, lots of tasty treats, and more have arrived at Trafford Centre just in time for Halloween.
SPOOKFEST is a “spooky spectacle of hair-raising horrors”.
Not only will thrill seekers get the chance to try out a scary selection of rides – including a ghost train, escape rooms, hook a pumpkin, and a spooky hay bale maze that are ideal for all the family – but there’ll also be independent food and drink traders serving up some “deliciously devilish dishes”.
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Epic Pizza, Old School Dogs, and Cha Cha Chai will all be setting up shop over the festival’s three-week stay outside The Orient.
Van Gogh Alive has officially opened at MediaCityUK.
It’s “the world’s most visited immersive, multi-sensory experience” that exhibits the life and work of the seminal Dutch artist and after having welcomed over eight million visitors in 70 cities around the world – including sell-out runs in London and Birmingham – the art and culture experience is now destined for Salford.
Van Gogh Alive takes people on a trip through the periods of Van Gogh’s life that defined him as an artist and showcases 3,000 images, including some of his most iconic works like Starry Night and Sunflowers, and lesser-known paintings inspired by his love of Japanese woodprints.
The exhibition is home to a life-sized walk-in representation of Van Gogh’s ‘Bedroom in Arles’ painting, a ‘Sunflower selfie room’ – a 360° mirrored space complete with hundreds of sunflowers, and so much more
The highly-successful Flight Academy programme for kids has returned to Runway Visitor Park at Manchester Airport this October half term.
After proving popular with families during its sold-out run this past summer holidays, the programme is back with 90-minute academy sessions that give curious kids the chance to learn all about the different job roles that help keep Manchester Airport in action throughout the year.
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The first part of the session takes place aboard a retired DC10 airliner, so kids can sit in the cockpit and find out about roles as varied as cabin crew and ground operators.
They’ll even get to dress the part, and “take control” of the flight deck too.
You can find out more here.
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Half Term at the Science and Industry Museum
Manchester City Centre
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Monday 25 – Sunday 31 October
Credit: Science and Industry Museum
October half term is here, and there’s plenty of “science-filled fun and discovery” to get stuck into at one of Manchester’s most-popular attractions.
From a taking a journey around the human body, and discovering the birth of computing, to exploring thunderous cotton spinning machines, the origins of the Madchester music scene and more, there’s something for everyone at the Science and Industry Museum this month.
Created especially to mark the opening of the world-first exhibition, Cancer Revolution: Science, Innovation and Hope, every day until Sunday 31 October, the museum’s team of Explainers will be presenting activities that will bring the body to life at ‘Science Stops’ across the venue – including performing a drinks bottle biopsy, giving fruit and veg an MRI, and getting a closer look at cells with visitors even getting the chance to make their very own model cell badge to take away.
A range of ‘Get Curious’ events across the half term week will also give families the chance to learn more about the body, and meet people working in STEM to ask questions, and have a go at lots of hands-on activities.
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You can find out more about everything happening at the Science and Industry Museum here.
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Halloween at GRUB
Cheetham Hill
Wednesday 27 – Sunday 31 October
Manchester’s largest street food fair, GRUB – which is currently based at the Red Bank Project in Cheetham Hill – is hosting a wide range of spooktacular events for everyone to get involved with all throughout this week in the lead-up to, and on, Halloween.
Here’s everything on this week’s agenda:
Wednesday 27 October: Spooky Fizzy Quizzy
Thursday 28 October: Pumpkin carving nights (family and adults sitting)
Friday 29 October: Family Fridays, bottomless Rocky Horror Picture Show screening, and Monsters Ball
Saturday 30 October: Creepy Costume Carnival and bottomless brunch
Sunday 31 October: Children’s dumpling workshop with Oi Dumplings, and Plant Powered Sundays.
You can find more information about each of the events on the GRUB website here.
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Terror Mall
Wigan
Wednesday 27 – Sunday 31 October
Credit: The Galleries
An abandoned shopping centre in Wigan has been transformed into an immersive zombie apocalypse experience this Halloween.
The Galleries shopping complex in the heart of Wigan town centre is joining the rest of the region in putting on some frightening-themed events by transforming into ‘The Terror Mall’ and challenging participants to battle and survive a lair of blood-thirsty zombies – all played by actors, of course.
It won’t be for everyone, but those brave enough to take part will be given a storyline to follow along with, before being tasked with the mission of “saving humanity” from the zombie plague that has taken over the town.
If you’re looking to get stuck into something a little different to kick off October Half Term, then this cookery school in Didsbury has got you covered.
If you’re unfamiliar with what Food Sorcery is all about, then down at the school, they host a range of classes – run by a team of professional chefs, all with their own specialist areas of expertise – to give you the opportunity to learn how to create your own restaurant-quality food from scratch at home.
There’s plenty classes to get involved in this week, and you can find out more about what’s on offer here.
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Halloween Ghost Trains
East Lancashire Railway
Thursday 28, Friday 29 & Saturday 30 October
Credit: East Lancashire Railway
A whole host of “terrifying tricks and terrific treats” are waiting for the whole family on the East Lancashire Railway (ELR) this week.
Or at least those brave enough to climb aboard one of the eerie Halloween Ghost Trains.
Looking for “loads of spooktacular fun”? Can you lend a helping hand to banish ghosts, ghouls, and monsters? And do you have the guts to ride on a haunted steam engine through the heart of Greater Manchester with the heritage railway’s scream team this Halloween?
Then you can join ELR’s horrible heroes, Count Brian the vampire, Veronica the witch, and Zombie Bob for the train ride of a lifetime.
There’s a brand-new “insane and super wacky” live event that’s inspired by popular Japanese game shows arriving in Manchester this week.
It’s fair to say that Ginger Vanderpump – known by many as ‘the Duchess of daytime TV’ – and her co-star Mr Leonard Lilypops are about to give Manchester an experience like no other, where those who are up to the challenge can expect “mind-blowing entertainment” from a crazy cast of misfits.
There’ll be some wild games, banging tunes, live DJ’s, Drag Queens, everyone’s favourite drinks, and chaos like you’ve never seen before.
This is Big in Japan.
You can find more information and grab tickets here.
For the fourth year running now, Manchester’s award-winning food, drink and retail destination is bringing an alternative Halloween celebration to its fabulous dog-friendly space on Oxford Road from 12pm on Sunday 31 October.
The highlight of every Howl’oween is always the ‘Spooky Pooch Competition’, where the best-dressed dogs will be crowned the winner by a killer combo of dog groomer extraordinaire, Tom Heaton-Clarke from BBC’s Pooch Perfect, along with a panel of some of Manchester’s finest stylists and costume designers.
Hatch will also be throwing a doggie disco hosted by local DJs The Swaywards, where you can expect a playlist of pup-themed hits to be blasted out, and a ‘mut-market’ with plenty dog-themed stalls will also be running throughout the day.
Boasting stunning views across Manchester city centre from its perch at the top of no.1 Spinningfields, 20 Stories is one of the city’s swankiest spots.
Dining here at any time is a special event, with breathtaking panoramic views adding an extra bit of oomph to the equally top-tier food and drink offering, however, for those looking for something a little extra, there’s an event coming up this Sunday that is sure to pique your interest.
Shutting off all the electrics, the team will instead light the restaurant by candlelight alone (and the twinkling lights from the city’s night sky) as they host a very special ‘Blackout Dinner’ especially for Halloween.
Ever wondered what goes on inside the head of a serial killer?
Well, if you’re keen enough to find out the answer to that question and you’re looking for a particularly-chilling way to spend your Halloween, then the hugely-popular Serial Killer Next Door talk is returning to Manchester this week, with expert Emma Kenny – one of the UK’s most notable Psychological Therapists and Crime commentators – leading audiences into the minds of murderers.
Emma will take audiences on a journey looking at what ingredients of possibility lead to body counts by killers including Ted Bundy, John Wayne Gacy, Jeffrey Dahmer, and John Paul Knowles, attempting to answer the questions – what creates a serial killer? Could anything have prevented their potential being activated? Or were they simply born to kill?
The best things to do in Greater Manchester this week | 31 August – 6 September 2026
Emily Sergeant
It’s time to say goodbye to August, and welcome in a new month this week.
We’ve got one final day of August – and the last bank holiday before Christmas, too – to make the most of this week, before all the beautiful colours of autumn arrive, and, of course, that means there’s loads happening across Greater Manchester this week.
If you’re finding it a bit tricky to pick what to do though, no worries, as 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 Village Pride
Manchester City Centre
Monday 31 August
Manchester Village Pride / Credit: Supplied
One of the most important events in the city’s annual social calendar has returned as Manchester Village Pride this bank holiday weekend.
This year’s event includes a ‘diverse’ programme of events that build on some of the best-loved elements of previous years – a Pride Parade, candle-lit vigil, party with performance and music across various stages, as well as talks, exhibitions, and community activities.
All funds raised through the sale of wristbands and passes will support LGBTQ+ charities, grassroots organisations, and vital community services.
Everything you need to know about Manchester Village Pride 2026 is here.
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Bolton Food & Drink Festival
Bolton
Monday 31 August
Bolton Food & Drink Festival 2026 / Credit: Paul Hayes (Supplied)
Bolton Food and Drink Festival is back this August bank holiday weekend.
The award-winning festival is the biggest of its kind in the North West, bringing together celebrity and regional chefs, cooking demos, live music, street entertainment, special events, and over 200 market traders.
Hosted right across the town centre, foodies can roam freely as they explore food stalls, bars, dedicated music stages, and plenty more at the free-to-attend festival.
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Summer Scran Fest
Manchester Arndale
Monday 31 August
Summer Scran Fest / Credit: The Manc Group | Supplied
Looking for the best foodie deals in Manchester city centre this summer? We’ve got you covered. Summer Scran Fest is back at Manchester Arndale, bringing a month-long celebration of tasty food, refreshing drinks, and unbeatable offers.
Running right through until the end of the month, there’ll be discounts across 30+ restaurants, cafes, kiosks and leisure venues, all under one roof – from big-name chains, to local indies.
Pride Fringe / Credit: Supplied | Jason Lock Photography
Of course, we all know Manchester Village Pride has returned for 2026 over the August bank holiday weekend, but aside from the official festivities around the Village, an extensive new Pride Fringe event is also taking place for the first time this year.
You can expect an exciting mix of LGBTQIA+ arts, culture, live entertainment, family events, food, drink and shopping experiences.
On top of that, the city’s hotels will also be joining in the celebrations – with dedicated Pride packages, parties, free gifts, and discounts this month.
You can find out everything happening these new few weeks here.
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Summer in Space
Science and Industry Museum
Monday 31 August – Tuesday 1 September
Summer in Space / Credit: Science Museum Group
Get ready to spend the summer in space, as the Science and Industry Museum has announced its summer events programme and it’s full of free interactive events and activities to get involved with these next six weeks.
From live space shows and giant rockets, to tinkering activities Martian discovery trails, and the chance to visit the blockbuster exhibition Horrible Science: Cosmic Chaos if you haven’t already, budding astronauts are in for a summer to remember.
By far one of the stand-out free events this summer is the arrival of 30-foot-tall rocket ship, Skybolt 2 – hosted by Manchester-based aerospace company, Starchaser.
Find out more and book tickets for your visit here.
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High School Musical
Lowry
Monday 31 August – Saturday 19 September
High School Musical / Credit: Matt Crockett (Supplied)
If you want to relive your childhood, High School Musical is now on stage at the Lowry.
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.
Read our review of the show and get last-minute tickets here.
Manchester is bringing 14 weeks of free activities for children to parks across the city this summer.
Thanks to additional Council funding that was allocated earlier this year, Manchester’s biggest-ever Parktastic programme has now launched – expanding from the summer holidays alone to include after-school sessions before schools break up, activities throughout the holidays, and even sessions continuing into September.
Back by popular demand and aimed at children ages six-12, Parktastic offers sports, games, arts and crafts, dance, drama, nature activities, storytelling and messy play.
Sessions are free, no booking is required, healthy snacks are provided, and children can simply turn up and join in.
Remember earlier this summer when Chester Zoo invited families from across the North West to visit for just £10? Well, as the offer proved so popular, they’ve brought it back again for a limited time. Without this offer, standard admission tickets usually cost up to £38, so you really are saving some important pennies. And the best bit about the offer returning is that the zoo is currently operating its extended opening hours until 6pm too, so you’ll even get to see the animals as the sun goes down.
Thrill seekers, this one’s for you – as Zip World Manchester has launched its new Forest Tubing experience, and it’s bringing the UK’s longest outdoor tubing slide is coming to Heaton Park.
The new family‑friendly outdoor adventure gives visitors the chance to soar along two slides, winding through woodland at one of the largest parks in the North West.
Suitable for children aged four and above, visitors can book an hour-long session – with unlimited rides during that time slot – and either ride solo, or share the experience with fellow adventurers.
The huge new MCR Made exhibition by incredible local artist Stanley Chow has now taken over Manchester Arndale.
Running through until the autumn, shoppers and locals will be able to admire 13 portraits of Manc icons, which measure up to six-metres in length – whether it’s Oasis legends or Suffragettes, football heroes or creative pioneers.
The gigantic inflatable portraits are suspended right across the iconic shopping centre for an art trail that celebrates the figures who have shaped the city.
Manchester City Stadium Tours / Credit: The Manc Group
If you’re looking for something to do this summer, did you know you can currently get 15% off Manchester City’s tours of the Etihad Stadium?
You’ll get to walk in the players’ footsteps down the tunnel, sit in Enzo’s seat, get pitchside, see the Domestic Double Winners’ trophies, and loads more. Plus, from 17 August, you’ll be able to see City’s brand-new dressing room too.
Now, this might just be one of our favourite new finds in Greater Manchester.
This is Holy Grounds, serving up fresh doughnuts at their newest spot in Wigan, right out of a church – quite fitting for their name, really. Doughnuts here are made fresh every single day, with the flavours changing each month.
Our favourite? The OG, dunked in a coffee – what a treat.
A Middle Eastern-inspired restaurant with a whole host of breakfast, brunch, and sweet treat dishes you need to try, and with a dinner menu coming soon too (plus, everything is halal), get yourself down Deansgate and try it out.
Proloco is gearing up to open its doors on Great Ancoats Street, and this is a neighbourhood restaurant we can all get behind – think £7 negronis, great wine, and ‘butter pie’ pizzas (where mozzarella is replaced with slivers of butter).
As well as pizza made with top local ingredients, there are little scoops of gelato that pack a big punch, plus fantastic small plates, so you can fill your table with the things that make you very happy indeed.
Everything you need to know about Proloco is here.
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NEW OPENING – Aldi
Market Street
Okay, we’re kidding a bit with this one… but also kind of not.
Everybody can calm down now, because after several weeks of refurbishment, Aldi on Market Street in Manchester city centre is now back open. The shelves are stacked, the floor’s brand new, there’s loads more self checkouts, and the Specialbuys aisles are full.
On a budget and need somewhere to take the kids to eat for £1 or even FREE over the summer holidays?
In case the ongoing heatwave didn’t remind you, summer is in full swing and so are the school summer holidays.
If you’re after ways to enjoy some quality family time without having to break the bank, we’ve found lots of places where kids can eat for £1 or free – 15 of them, to be exact.
So, whether you’re in the mood for a hearty Italian, a bit of brekkie, or even a big Greek feast, just because you’re on a budget shouldn’t mean you have to limit your and your family’s taste buds.
It’s strawberry season, and Kenyon Hall Farm has officially opened up its strawberry fields (plus plenty of other pick-your-own produce) for the season for you to frolic amongst, with loads of summer treats in its cafe and award-winning farm shop too.
Strawberries have been growing at Kenyon Hall Farm for nearly 50 years now, and it’s proven as popular ever since.
Did you know that Go Ape now runs adult-only sessions?
We nipped over to Go Ape at Rivington as we heard you can now act like a big silly kid there without having to share anything with actual children.
It’s one of the region’s top attractions for good reason, giving you a chance to clamber and fly through the treetops on a sky-high obstacle course, and now every Thursday and Friday evening, you can escape your work inbox and switch it out for a maze of ziplines, ladders, swings, and more.
Less than an hour from Manchester, you’ll find what is essentially a gigantic floating bouncy castle which makes for an incredibly silly afternoon out.
At Wild Shore Delamere you can take on slides, monkey bars, ninja jumps, tyre runs, and plenty of other opportunities to slip and spectacularly fall into the lake. And if you don’t fancy wiping out in front of a lake full of children, there’s also paddleboarding, wakeboarding, open-water swimming, and even a lakeside sauna.
If you’d like to say on land, how about a shopping trip?
You already know Cheshire Oaks is the ultimate shopping destination, but have you seen its summer transformation yet?
The huge designer outlet has areas like a summer chill-out zone, its rooftop bar Under The Oaks, fairground rides, and absolutely loads more, plus kids eat free deals at restaurants across the village. That’s in addition to the big-name stores packed with summer essentials, the huge kids’ play area, and photo opps like murals and a massive floral installation.
We’re deep in the school holidays now, and if you’re running out of things to do, don’t worry as we’ve got you covered. To make life even easier, all the activities are accessible by the Bee Network AND they’re tried and tested by us, so we can guarantee you’ll love them.
Featured Image – Supplied | Matt Crockett (Supplied) | The Manc Group
What's On
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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
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
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?
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.
Emily Sergeant -
22nd October 2021 
