If you love the idea of camping, but are less keen on missing out on home comforts , Ribblesdale Park is the place for you.
There are no tent pegs or cold showers to contend with, and definitely no sleeping on cold hard ground here.
Instead, in this corner of the Ribble Valley, you’ll find stunning fields dotted with white bell tents, in the shadow of a historic mansion house.
There are beds – proper ones, with king size duvets, and plump pillows, and soft blankets – as well as all the modern trimmings we’re all used to, like plugs and mirrors inside.
Glamping tents come with their own decking area, and giant hammocks are nearby. Credit: The Manc Group
They’re decorated beautifully, a subtle bohemian mix of macrame hangings, patterned rugs and draping plants.
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You don’t have to queue at huge crowded shower blocks here – you can stroll across the field to individual shower huts and sparkling clean loos.
On our visit, the north west was right at the tail end of its insane heatwave, so within minutes of arriving it was kit off and straight into Gisburne Park Estate’s outdoor pool.
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The glamping village at Ribblesdale Park near Manchester. Credit: The Manc Group
After more than an hour of sweltering in the car from Manchester, the sparkling water in the courtyard was a perfect welcome.
It’s heated too, so even on cooler days you can take a dip.
Suitably refreshed and settled into our cosy glamping tent, it was over to Gisburne Park’s on-site restaurant, Hindelinis.
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Here, the portions are massive and the flavours plentiful, from the creamy curry sauce served alongside the battered fish and chunky chips, to the tender chicken burger inside a pillowy bread bun.
Ribblesdale Park at Gisburne Park Estate. Credit: The Manc Group
You might not expect to find top quality cocktails in the middle of the countryside, but you’d be wrong – the bartenders at Hindelinis whip up arguably the best espresso martini in the country, with subtle notes of caramel.
There aren’t many moments as peaceful as sitting on the outdoor terrace with a pornstar martini in hand, its edible flower garnish pairing perfectly with the pastel skies as the sun sets.
Ribblesdale Park at Gisburne Park Estate. Credit: The Manc Group
With its rural location, there’s not much in the way of nightlife once darkness sets in, but thankfully each glamping tent comes with its own fire pit – so it was back to the glamping village for wine and a game of cards around the campfire on our own private deck.
Waking up at Ribblesdale Park is the epitome of tranquility.
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Where else could you open your window in the morning to spot both a peacock and majestic Sika deer strolling past?
The breakfast menu is also pretty majestic, featuring pancakes, granola bowls, full English breakfasts, and (our choice) a hearty sausage and bacon sandwich.
Still not sounding quite luxurious enough for you? Did you know you can also book your own masseuse to come to your tent, or do some pilates pool-side?
Ribblesdale Park really has thought of everything.
The shop where people queue OVERNIGHT for viral toys is coming to Trafford Centre
Thomas Melia
There’s a viral shop in Manchester where people queue for hours to get their hands on viral toys, and it’s now making its way to the Trafford Centre.
After already taking Manchester by storm when it initially opened back in March this year, viral toy shop Pop Mart now has its sights set on another new spot in one of the North West’s most iconic and popular shopping malls.
Known for stocking all the latest viral collectable crazes, Pop Mart is set to open its second Manchester site at none other than the Trafford Centre (TC) and will definitely bring in the same queues as its Market Street predecessor.
The Chinese toy and collectable shop has become in high demand for stocking just one certain toy character: Labubu
This cheeky toy character is quite a marmite topic for some, with many finding the plush toys to be cute and cuddly, while others deem Labubu ‘monsters’ to be a bit creepy and off-putting.
Are we pulling from an internal office debate? Maybe…
Regardless, Labubu are widely recognisable around the world, famed for their bunny-like ears and big, wide eyes; soft, shiny fur and, most notably, a large smile with their teeth on display.
It seems everyone is after one of these Labubu character toys, with Mancs making their commute to work through the city centre, startled by the sheer length of the queues at Pop Mart.
There’s a huge amount of Labubu characters to collect.Labubu has blown up online and will now be stocked across two Pop Mart locations across Greater Manchester.Credit: Pop Mart
One social media user even commented, “I went past on the tram at 7.30 this morning and there were half a dozen people in the queue already!”
Trends may come and go, but it seems this latest viral craze is here to stay as it’s now having a second resurgence thanks to lots of celebrity endorsements, including Love Island star Olivia Attwood.
We’re sure the Trafford Centre venue will be just as healthily stocked.
At present, there’s no official opening date for Pop Mart’s Trafford Centre store besides the ‘Coming Soon’ signage outside the shop front, but we’re sure it won’t be too long before you can get your next Labubu fix – we wouldn’t be surprised to see even more Greater Manchester locations follow.
Popular outdoor dining event returns to MediaCity waterfront this summer
Emily Sergeant
Greater Manchester’s popular outdoor dining concept is back again this summer, and there’s a proper tasty lineup of traders.
Kargo on the Docks, which is MediaCity‘s al fresco dining pop-up, has taken over the waterfront and gardens once again with a fresh wave of local food traders and stunning artwork by Salford-based creatives, all as the sun shines down on Salford Quays this summer.
A handful of Greater Manchester‘s most popular independents have set themselves up Quayside inside those signature re-imagined shipping containers.
Foodies can expect a menu packed with bold new flavours including Caribbean, Lebanese, Mexican, Ethiopian, and Pan-Asian dishes.
Loads of local indie food vendors have taken over the Salford Quays waterfront for the summer / Credit: Supplied
Afro Shack – the sister brand to Kargo.MKT favourite House of Habesha – will be serving fusion food combining East African flavours with indulgent American fast food, while new kids on the block Wok Bros will deliver sizzling, wok-tossed Pan-Asian street food and 100% halal dishes inspired by authentic flavours and fresh ingredients.
Iconic Jamaican dishes will also be on offer from Sunrise Caribbean, while Quiero Tacos will bring slow-cooked Birria tacos, cheesy quesadillas, and vibrant rice bowls packed with the spirit of Mexico.
Last but not least, Mediterranean food lovers can expect juicy lamb koftas, golden halloumi, and richly spiced chicken shawarma from Habibs.
Foodies can expect a menu packed with bold new flavours / Credit: Mark Waugh (via Supplied)
As well as the tasty food on offer, as mentioned, Kargo on the Docks also features a range of artwork and installations from local independent talent – with each container adorned with murals from creatives including Fernandes Makes, Kelly Ma, and Caroline Daly, bringing a feel-good summer vibe to the MediaCity Gardens.
Visitors can also enjoy an art trail display through the gardens, featuring structures designed by, A Studio Called Jane, Luke Passey, and Tasha Whittle.
There will also be a range of pop-up events hosted at the venue throughout the summer, with more announcements to be made very soon, so keep your eyes peeled.
Hannah Starkie -
19th August 2022 
