Six whole weeks? A family summer guide.

Creative Tourist

It’s summertime in Manchester, and there’s lots to do. From al fresco film to musical shipping containers, from a new Living Worlds gallery to a celebration of frogs, from tales of industrial life to building your own strand of DNA: this is your indispensable guide to the museums and galleries, the parks and gardens, the kid-friendly cafés, shops and hotels of Manchester.

Download the PDF guide now, browse it below, or use the columns on the right to discover what’s on in Manchester, and learn about travel information, guided walks, maps,  hotels and more.

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Things to do in Blackpool

Fancy a day trip? Explore our guide to Blackpool and build yourself an itinerary featuring attractions, galleries, restaurants and more.

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Culture Guides

Theatre in Manchester and the North
Theatre in the North

Documentary performance, groundbreaking dance, world premieres and fresh takes on classic works - check out our early theatre highlights for 2025.

Family things to do in the North

We might be past the holiday season, but Manchester and the North's arts and cultural calendar is still packed with brilliant events and activities for families

A man and a woman stood in front of a window at night look into each others' eyes
Cinema in the North

Hollywood greats and early bird film fest tickets are on our horizon as we start the New Year.

Music in the North

Warm, intimate storytelling is the thread connecting our new picks, which include a number of brilliant folk artists.

A sculpture of a dark brown dog looks to the right, hanging out of its middle and the back are what appears to be its insides (in cream) spilling out.
Exhibitions in the North

From genre-defying art film to vibrant embroidery and Surrealist sculpture, check out the best winter exhibitions to see right now.