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.
Be part of the biggest Great Manchester Run ever
Danny Jones
Runners and regular Mancs alike, start lacing up your trainers and sorting safety pins early, because the Great Manchester Run is back for 2026, and you can be part of it.
With sign-ups flying and bibs selling out fast, we really recommend getting a move on and booking your place now to make sure you’re part of what is, without fail, not just one of the most exciting dates on the local sporting calendar, but always a great day for the city in general.
Returning for its 23rd edition and fourth year being backed by principal sponsors, AJ Bell, we can assure it’ll be as well-attended as ever.
In fact, judging by the numbers already and the increasing crowds of spectators every year, this is looking on course to be the biggest Great Manchester Run to date.
The only question is, are you going to help make it the BEST yet by joining the thousands of others already finding the perfect spot to hang their shiny new medal?
Half-marathon, 10k, junior and mini races
As ever, the Great MCR Run isn’t just limited to one event: there are multiple distances, routes and age groups that can race the route in and around the city centre.
Whether you’re a seasoned runner looking to get in a PB, looking to box off your first half, love a 10, or you’re a youngster looking to get in on the action and soak up some of that glory on the day
So, whether you’re a seasoned runner looking to get in a PB, looking to box off your first half, love a 10, or you’re a youngster looking to get in on the action and soak up some of that glory on the day, there really is fun for all ages.
In all seriousness, even watching the massive metropolitan event stood next to the roads with homemade signs promises plenty of atmosphere, but with fancy dress galore, various different activations in the middle of the city, there’s not a chance you’ll get bored.
Even in the years we’ve missed out on running it ourselves (it sold well in advance last year, for instance), the pure buzz we got from joining countless other Mancs cheering from the pavement is enough to keep us coming back time and time again.
All that being said, if you’re looking to sort the perfect Christmas present for a runner, or simply need more reason to give yourself the kick up the backside you’ve been waiting for and just put your name down, this is it.
Besides the full annual marathon in April, running events simply don’t get bigger in this region than this one, so don’t miss out.
Sign up for the 2026 Great Manchester Run right HERE.
Featured Images — Great Run Company/AJ Bell (supplied)
What's On
New Year’s Eve fireworks and special Albert Square party confirmed for Manchester city centre
Danny Jones
Manchester City Council have confirmed that a special firework and lights display will be held right in the centre of town this New Year’s Eve.
Better still, the festivities will be continuing over on Albert Square, as the recently restored ancestral home of the Manchester Christmas Markets will be hosting a celebration of its own.
Yes, for the first time ever, we’re being given the choice of two different NYE events at two of the most stunning central points in the city – the other being the Central Library.
Hosted by former presenter at The Manc, Joe McGrath, as well as DJ Jimmy the Gent, there’ll be tunes and plenty of family-friendly fun from St Peter’s Square right up until the big countdown, when the stunning light display will go off and ring in the New Year.
Credit: Manchester City Council (supplied)
The all-ages, alcohol-free event kicks off at 10pm with entry into the square through security-controlled entry points around the square and bag searches in operation.
Of course, hot drinks and food will be available as the MCR Christmas Markets proper wrap up for 2025, and the fireworks and light displays themselves will be launching right off the top of the library roof.
It’s going to be fantastic.
As for over on the other side of the Town Hall, the Markets will still be in full swing, with bratwurst, beers and cheer aplenty, and so will the truly massive Ferris Wheel – the biggest mobile wheel in the country, in case you hadn’t heard.
That’s right: in case you hadn’t put two and together quite yet, if you’re lucky enough and you don’t mind heights, you might just get to watch the NYE 2025 fireworks going off all over Greater Manchester from the top of the wheel. How magical would that be?
Honestly, it’s been so great seeing Albert Square looking back to its stunning and buzzing best.
Councillor Pat Karney, Christmas and New Year spokesperson for Manchester City Council, said of the plans: “We all know how much Mancunians of all ages love to get together and party, which is why we’re thrilled this year to give them not one but two celebrations to take their pick of this New Year’s Eve.
“Whether you’re a Ferris Wheel fanatic with a head for heights, or a music-loving feet-on-the-ground firework fan, it promises to be a brilliant night out. So get yourselves ready to have some fun and dance the night away – wrap up warm, grab your family and your friends and come down and join us!”
Promising to work closely with local councillors and therefore businesses and residents in turn, they’re promising to keep any inconveniences and nuisances to a minimum; they want everyone to be able to enjoy the night as much as possible.
You can find out more information, including timings, accessibility, road closures and parking suspensions in the full Council statement right HERE.
Hannah Starkie -
19th August 2022 
