Bank Holiday Fun: Top Things to Do in Manchester and Beyond
As the bank holiday weekend approaches, residents of Manchester and surrounding areas are looking for ways to make the most of the rare break in the weather. The Manchester Evening News has put together a round-up of the top things to do in and around Manchester, ensuring that families have a fun-filled and memorable long weekend.
The sun is shining, and there is plenty happening across the region, making it an ideal time to get out and about, especially for families with kids to entertain. According to the Manchester Evening News, one of the top events taking place over the bank holiday weekend is the Open Air Bounce, an outdoor inflatable bounce park located in Over Hulton, Bolton. The attraction features huge inflatables, including bouncy castles, slides, and obstacle courses, as well as fairground rides available for an additional charge. Sessions are available at 11am and 2:30pm, and visitors can book tickets by visiting the website or following Open Air Bounce on Facebook.
Another popular event is the Day Out With Thomas, taking place at Bury’s East Lancashire Railway. This highly anticipated event celebrates 80 years of Thomas and features a train ride, live performances from Rusty and Dusty and Sir Topham Hatt, and the chance to meet Diesel. Visitors can also enjoy storytelling, sing-alongs, and more. Tickets are still available and can be booked through the website.
For families looking for a more traditional outdoor experience, Tatton Park is a great option. On bank holiday Monday, the park will be hosting the Fun Dog Show, where visitors can take their furry friends along and compete for prizes in categories such as ‘Waggiest Tail’ and ‘Golden Oldie’. Every class winner will receive a rosette, and there’s a chance for your dog to be crowned the Show Champion at the end of the day.
If you’re looking for something to cool off with, Wild Shore Delamere and Blackpool are offering water sports and activities over the bank holiday weekend. Families can enjoy the aquapark, paddle boarding, and the floating obstacle course Aqua Chimp at the Delamere site. Bookings can be made through the website.
The Manchester Evening News also recommends visiting Smithills Open Farm in Bolton, which has welcomed several new arrivals, including newborn piglets. Visitors can enjoy a range of activities, including feeding animals, tractor rides, and donkey rides, as well as exploring the reptile room. The farm’s Ice Cream Shop is also open longer hours, and those visiting between 5pm and 8pm can access the play park on site.
For those looking for a more educational experience, the Imperial War Museum North is offering Story Seekers sessions over the bank holiday weekend. These sessions give visitors the chance to explore the collection and discover compelling real-life stories. On bank holiday Monday, the museum will be hosting a special VE Day Street Party, where visitors can take part in street party activities, craft paper hats, flowers, and paper plate portraits, and enjoy playing a range of games.
The Royal Horticultural Society’s Garden Bridgewater in Salford is also hosting a ‘magical garden adventure’ based on the children’s book Guess How Much I Love You. Young visitors can bounce, hop, and stretch their way around the interactive garden trail, exploring colours, textures, and shapes while learning about nature, growing, and the changing seasons.
Finally, Delamere Forest is hosting a free forest trail themed around the hit children’s book Stick Man. Young adventurers can follow the beloved character on his journey back to the family tree, discovering nine interactive activity panels and six spotter panels along the way. Families can also purchase a £4 activity pack, which includes materials to create their own Stick Man and a special passport system.
The Manchester Evening News has provided a comprehensive guide to the top things to do in Manchester and beyond over the bank holiday weekend. Whether you’re looking for outdoor activities, educational experiences, or simply a fun day out with the family, there’s something for everyone.
