Historic Sites in Handforth

"Kids from age four are going to enjoy exploring this property on 32 acres of picturesque parkland. It offers an ideal space for picnics, kickabouts, and there are bouncy slide and trampolines, pitch n putt, and other outdoor activities that will keep the children busy. Also available for exploration in the garden is the children’s zoo, where they will meet parrots, shetland ponies, ferrets, chipmunks, rabbits, Herdwick sheep, chickens, pygmy goats, red squirrels, geese, guinea pigs, and ducks."

"A treasured monument and attraction in Warrington, Walton Hall is a Jacobean Revival mansion, built in the 1830s for Sir Gilbert Greenall, an MP who had a 45-year career at the House of Commons. The house has been owned by the council since 1941 and hosts chamber music concerts and can be hired out for weddings and other events. Immediately outside the house is a formal garden, while there are ample facilities for families in the park."

"Salford Cathedral is situated on Chapel Street in the City of Salford, which sits opposite Manchester city centre on the west bank of the River Irwell. The City of Salford covers a large swathe of western Greater Manchester, with its centre adjacent to Manchester’s. Chapel Street, a long west to east boulevard connecting the cathedral with Salford Central rail station, was the first street in the world to be illuminated entirely by gas light."

"Before he founded the Scout Movement, Robert Baden-Powell set up the Salford Lads’ Club in Ordsall in 1903. The idea behind clubs like these was to keep young boys in deprived areas out of trouble, and channel their energy into constructive pursuits and sport. The list of former members here is illustrious and includes the actor Albert Finney, the Busby Babe Eddie Colman and guitarist Graham Nash of the Hollies and Crosby, Stills and Nash."

"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!"

"This stirring Jacobean Revival country house owes its current appearance to the Victorian architect Edward Blore, who also worked on Buckingham Palace and St James’s Palace. His remodelled facade is from the 1830s, though the house dates back more than a century before. Capesthorne Hall is now primarily a wedding venue, but does receive visitors on Sundays and Mondays during spring and summer."

"An interactive journey back in time, the Stockport Air Raid Shelters offers a glimpse into how people lived during the wartime blitz. Explore the labyrinth of tunnels filled with displays, posters, recreated living and sleeping areas, and a bunker, all accompanied by an audio guide highlighting the cultural, political, and social aspects living in the shelters. I Opening Times: Tuesday-Friday 1-5pm, Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 11am-5pm."

"The Stockport Air Raid Shelters are a jolting walk back in time near Manchester. Located about 6 miles from the main Manchester area and in great Manchester, this place is an interesting, short excursion from the city Centre. The place will transport you into a dark time- the Britain of the 1940s during the war."

"Stockport Air Raid Shelters, Great Underbank, Stockport, Cheshire, SK1 1NE - Visit now. Stockport museums are beginning a phased reopening of their sites. The first to re-open were Bramall Hall and Stockport Air Raid Shelters."

"You can walk along the canal, through the Castlefield Urban Heritage Park on your way to the Museum of Science and Industry. Castlefield Urban Heritage Park. Admire the old industrial buildings, soak up the atmosphere of the canal, and see how Manchester used to be in years gone by."

"Discover the fascinating history of Adlington Hall as you tour The Great Hall, the chapel, oak-panelled dining room, the Minstrel’s Gallery, the number 10 bedroom, and more. Alongside the Great Organ, visitors can enjoy the original furniture, paintings, and décor of the building, or wander the gardens, attempt the maze, or enjoy a slice of homemade cake and a cup of tea in the tea room. I Opening Times: Public open days run on Sundays and Bank Holidays during April and September."

"A tremendous mixture of styles, Adlington Hall was founded at the end of the 15th century and then reworked in the 18th century. So while the north and east facades have romantic black and white timber framing the south and west wings are brick built, with a solemn Palladian portico. Adlington is hired out for weddings, but on Sundays between April and October the house and gardens are open to visitors."

"Buile Hill Park is a Grade II listed public park and hall and is the second oldest park in the city, after Peel Park. The park is also the largest in the city, as well as one of the most popular. Buile Hill Park has a significant history, with close links to the artist LS Lowry, as well as being used as a military base in both world wars."

"Only complaint is that I have to drive 20mins each way and the pizza gets cold by the time I get home. 14/04/2021: Without doubt the best Pizza for miles around..... Absolutely fantastic....."

"The Koffee Pot is a Mancunian institution that’s been serving up hearty no-nonsense British classics to the good people of Manchester for the last decade. Their fry-ups have been known to cure the worst of hangovers and their smoked kippers, haddock rarebit and haggis have made the Koffee Pot the go-to-caff for lunches, brunches and all-day breakfasts. 84-86 Oldham St, Manchester M4 1LE"

"There's no brunch institution in Manchester quite like The Koffee Pot. A favourite after a night out and for slow Sunday mornings alike, this restaurant has made breakfast an artform. With tradition English, Irish, Scottish, and Welsh breakfasts to offer, The Koffee Pot is a must-visit restaurant when you're in Manchester."

"Koffee Pot, 84-86 Oldham Street, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M4 1LE - Visit now. All hail the Koffee Pot. Why do people love it so?"

"By now we all know that an Instagram guide is never complete without the mention of at least one ridiculously aesthetic cup of coffee. Arguably one of the most trendy cafes in the entire country, Foundation Coffee is an Instagrammer’s dream come true. Its slick black, white and wooden interior, monochrome floor tiles, booths and coffee that’s served on wooden trays combine to create an ultra-modern spot built for social media users – even the bathrooms are Instagrammable!"

"Surely one of the most stylish coffee shops in the entire country, Foundation is an Instagrammer’s dream. Even the bathrooms are worthy of a photograph in this impeccably designed café that focuses on a slick black, white and wooden interior. You’ll want to snap everything from the sleek booths to the perfectly designed menu, monochrome floor tiles and steaming cups of coffee that arrive on wooden trays."

"Java Bar Espresso is Manchester’s oldest independent coffee shop. ‘Java’ being the slang word for ‘coffee’ in the states, incorporating Italian coffee and a European past, this is one historical coffee shop you’ll want to visit. Located in Victoria Station, this place opens especially early just for you on your way into work, and closes late for those of you making your way home."