Featured Image: Castlefield Viaduct

With summer fast approaching and the weather warming up, there’s no better time to take a deep dive into Greater Manchester and its neighbouring cities. As the days get longer and the evenings get lighter, you might not know what to do with all that spare time. We’ve compiled five different activities to get you outdoors and give your summer a kick start.

Castlefield Viaduct

Part of the National Trust, Castlefield Viaduct is a beacon of the city’s greener future, and a ground-breaking way to experience Manchester’s industrial heritage. Located in the heart of the city, the grade-II listed viaduct is dubbed as Manchester’s first ‘sky park’, embracing nature’s reclamation of its industrial structure and planting beautiful gardens to bring life to the city. The project is currently part of a test opening through the summer of 2023 in which visitors can book a free guided tour through the National Trust website. The historical site is open from 11am to 4pm daily with the exception of Wednesday mornings. Bookings open four weeks in advance and hold a limited amount of tickets, so make sure to book yours quickly so you can be a part of Manchester’s brighter future.

Hatch 

Perfect for any occasion, Hatch is situated on Oxford Road with countless traders providing food, drinks, and retail for just about anyone’s tastes. Before you peruse the vintage clothes and hand-made goods from the Hatch’s retail shops, you can get your morning coffee fix from their very own Takk.  Later on, grab a quick bite to eat from one of Hatch’s multicultural food sellers before sipping on an evening cocktail from Miami Ice. With Hatch’s diverse and limitless options, a visit there is a day out in itself, and as the spring nights grow longer, their open seating area is the perfect spot for a night out. 

Mayfield Park

Just a five minute walk from Piccadilly station, Mayfield Park is a sweet escape from the busy buzz of the city centre, into the fresh air of Manchester’s greatest public park. Open from dusk ’til dawn, Mayfield Park is suited for a refreshing morning jog, a calming afternoon cycle, or a slow stroll as the sun sets over the city, keeping you close to nature even in the city centre. With 6.5 acres of land there’s a lot to explore, as the park prides itself on its different outdoor activities and locations, whether that be the play areas or the benches next to the soothing sounds of the river.

Take shelter in a Museum

We all know that British weather is unpredictable at times, so during the inevitable rainy shower why not take shelter in one of the many museums in Manchester. The National Football Museum features a unique take on the history of football, and when the weather clears up, you can take a picnic or stroll through Cathedral Gardens, which is right next door. With something to do for everyone, this is a great way to escape the rain and learn more about the city’s football culture.

Explore a new city

Living in the North of England, it’s more than worth exploring one of the many other cities it has to offer, so go for it! For less than £20 for a return ticket to Leeds, and around £10 for Liverpool, exploring a new city for the day is the ideal way to find a new favourite spot. Treat yourself to some retail therapy in Leeds by window shopping big brands at Leeds Trinity shopping centre, or by supporting creative small businesses at the Leeds Corn Exchange. Alternatively, you can visit the birthplace of The Beatles, Liverpool, and have a wander around the Royal Albert Dock on a sunny afternoon. They also have plenty of museums and historical attractions to soak up Northern culture.