Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Stacksteads

"Dating back to 1215, Manchester Cathedral offers a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of the city. The official name is actually “The Cathedral and Collegiate Church of St Mary, St Denys and St George” and is one amazing sight that needs to be seen in the city. It’s well worth a wander around to see the gorgeous architecture, especially as it has been so well preserved."

"Manchester Cathedral is located on Victoria Street, in between the National Museum of Football and Victoria Station. Although the origins of the cathedral are not clear, the construction is believed to have started around 700 AD. At the time though, it was just a church."

"As industrial as the city may be, even Manchester needs a few beautiful churches. Possibly the most impressive of them all is Manchester Cathedral. Over five hundred years old, the building is as beautiful on the inside as it is on the outside."

"Old Trafford is a football stadium in Old Trafford, Greater Manchester, England, and the home of Manchester United. Old Trafford is situated 1 km south of Lowry Outlet Shopping. Photo: Steve Collis, CC BY 2.0."

"Cartwright Hall Art Gallery is a leading regional art gallery, situated in the beautiful surroundings of Lister Park. The gallery has been home to a variety of prints for more than a hundred years. Where they are proud to housework by William Blake, Francisco Goya, and Walter Sickert – all master printmakers."

"Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Martin Clark used under CC BY-SA 2.0. Bingley Five-Rise Locks is a staircase lock, on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal of Bingley. As the name infers, a vessel going through the lock is lifted or brought down in five phases."

"You may recognise The Salford Lads’ Club from the famous cover of The Smiths’ hugely popular 1986 album The Queen is Dead, with a bouffant-haired Morrissey and co stood outside its doors. Now you’re in Manchester, you’d be silly not to venture out to this same spot for a Smiths selfie with your fellow travellers. A popular venue for Manc-music fans; head inside to learn more about the band and to buy exclusive merchandise."

"This one is a bit of a trek from the Manchester city center (we went here as part of a private black cab taxi tour of the city), but it is a must-visit spot for music fans. Devotees of The Smiths come from all over the world to recreate their famous photo take in front of the Salford Lads Club for the inside sleeve of their 1986 album, The Queen is Dead. Go have your own Morrissey moment!"

"Located in Salford (Greater Manchester), Salford Lads Club became famous in 1986 when it was featured on the cover of the Smith’s album The Queen is Dead. Manchester is known for its music scene. It boasted some of the most famous rock bands in England and the Smiths are one of them!"

"The Pendle Heritage Centre sits right at the heart of Lancashire’s hill country beside an ancient crossing of Pendle water. The gallery and craft shop offer displays of work and exhibitions by professional crafts people and artists, while the museum contains a wealth of information about the history and development of the farmhouse."

"Seed & Cherry in the trendy Northern Quarter offers a unique artisan coffee experience. Alongside this, you can enjoy breakfast or brunch which includes a variety of healthy and creative recipes served as small plates. Its unique menu means you can try a variety of European and Mediterranean style savoury brunch dishes and still have room for its famous French toast."

"Choose from fresh-baked scones, clotted cream, strawberry jam, savouries, immaculate sandwiches and pastries. All served with exquisite teas or coffees."

"This Aussie-owned independent coffee shop serves an excellent roast from Big-Smoke-based Ozone, but these guys offer more than just a great cup of coffee. They also hold the title for some of the most Instagrammed brunches in Manchester. Ever since smashed avo has been a thing, their fresh and locally sourced eats have never failed to disappoint – which is probably why it often has people queuing out the door."

"Even though there are so many great brunches in Manchester, I always gravitate back to Federal. I love the halloumi veggie bagel and the mushrooms and poached eggs on sourdough. None of the brunch dishes are more than £7.50 in Federal which means you can include a coffee and still pay less than £10 for brunch."

"You will have seen the snaking queues on a Saturday in the Northern Quarter, and now also at their second home on Deansgate. Those queues are for good reason. Federal serve up tasty Instagrammable brunch dishes, alongside Ozone coffee."

"If you're more of a beer drinker, BrewChimp on Church Road is the place for you. Alongside venues in Stretford and Flixton, BrewChimp's Urmston haunt is the official home of the local craft beer and wine bar. Promising to ‘do things differently’, the cosy bar is full of quirks (including an old-fashioned shop bell) that’ll make you want to stay for more than just the one drink."

"A world-first, purpose-built, socially-distanced venue, Freight Island was one of the most popular hang out spots last summer. Its outside space will be back open seven days a week from April 12, with availability disappearing fast already. You'll find it at Depot Mayfield, which has previously been home to the VIP Village at Manchester Pride Live and to street food enterprise Grub."

"Not only is Escape To Freight Island looking like a top spot for immersive entertainment, roller disco, retro arcade games and festival takeovers, but the urban market also features street food in the form of Voodoo Ray's pizza, Baratxuri's grilled meats and tacos from Madre. Wash that all down with craft beers from Camden Town Brewery and Salford's Pomona Island."

"What: Something of an all-rounder, this glamorous Manchester outpost of The Ivy offers menus that take diners through from breakfast till dinner, with brunch and afternoon tea inbetween. The restaurant also comes with two outdoor dining areas, including a rooftop garden that’s available for private hire and a ground floor terrace. While working on your tan, you can tuck Ivy signatures such as the shepherd’s pie and chicken milanese."

"Located in the heart of Manchester, The Ivy Spinningfields only opened in November 2018, but is already a must-visit spot for anyone seeking a little glamour. The Brasserie serves modern British classics while the The Ivy Asia and Bar serves Asian-inspired cocktails and sharing dishes with entertainment and resident DJs. There are also three private dining rooms - The Dalton, The Geisha Room and The Skylight Terrace."

"One of Manchester's most glamorous destinations ever since it opened in 2018 has been The Ivy in Spinningfields. The swish restaurant and bar will be reopening its ground floor outdoor terrace from April 12. The space is both covered and heated, so it's perfect for Manchester's less-than-favourable weather."

"Five-star hotel The Lowry underwent a swanky new makeover in late 2019, including a new look for the two-AA-rosette restaurant and bar. Their luxurious dining & drinking terrace is the perfect place to relax out of reach of the bustle of the city centre. With a sunny view of the River Irwell and hospitality to beat, this is a luxury to be experienced in Manchester."

"Situated in The Lowry Hotel on the Manchester/ Salford border, this fine dining breakfast menu is unbeatable. The restaurant itself is glass-walled and overlooks the Santiago Calatrava’s Trinity Bridge. The decor includes purple leather chairs, semi-circular banquettes, Fornasetti plates and mirrors."