Historic Sites in Heaton Norris

"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."

"Ordsall Hall is a large former manor house in the historic parish of Ordsall, Lancashire, England, now part of the City of Salford, in Greater Manchester. Ordsall Hall is situated 1 km east of Lowry Outlet Shopping. Photo: Nev1, CC BY-SA 3.0."

"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."

"The seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Salford is among the largest Catholic places of worship in the North of England. The diocese, one of the first to be founded in England since the Reformation 300 years earlier, was set up in 1850 while the building was completed in 1848. The architect was Matthew Ellison Hadfield, who designed several Roman Catholic churches in the mid-19th century, all in the Gothic Revival style."

"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 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."

"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."

"The water bowl by the door signifies that dogs are welcome at Ezra & Gil, so clearly babies are no big deal. You do have to negotiate a few steps to get inside – the Stevenson Square entrance is the more manageable of the two – but once inside you’re all set for a hassle-free visit: there’s a cracking brunch menu, plenty of spots to stow your buggy, high chairs and sturdy baby change facilities. Service is generally quick, even when the place is packed out with weekend crowds – invaluable when you’ve got an impatient babe with you – and the music/chatter’s just loud enough that any kiddie kick-offs will be largely drowned out (I am absolutely speaking from personal experience here)."

"Ezra & Gil may have made a name doing breakfast, brunch and coffee, but since it decided to turn its hand to refreshing poke bowls as well as seasonal salads and pasta, it has truly levelled up. Stylised as 'Ezra by night', head chef, Dan, wanted to add more to evening offerings and, boy, did he. View this post on Instagram"

"Ezra & Gil, 20 Hilton St, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M1 1FR - Visit now. One of our favourite spots for caffeine in Manchester. A spacious, stripped back location serving up great coffee and a delicious menu of fresh cooked food."

"137, The Orient, Trafford Park, Stretford, Manchester M17 8EQ. Cafe Rouge are a chain of French restaurants. “Whatever the time of day, we have a dish to suit your mood; from steak frites and boeuf bourguignon to a selection of croques, baguettes and vegan options too – all on our menu of classic French food with a contemporary twist.” They offer breakfast and brunch dishes such as the Grande Breakfast (two free-range eggs, two Cumberland sausages, sweet cure bacon, beans, mushroom, tomato, black pudding, sautéed potatoes and sourdough toast), Pancakes (three warm pancakes topped with your choice of sweet cure bacon, banana and maple syrup, or fresh strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and pineapple with fruit compot, and French Toast (two slices of sweet brioche bread topped with your choice of sweet cure bacon, banana and maple syrup, chocolate sauce, banana and hazelnuts or fresh seasonal fruit, honey and vanilla crème fraîche)."

"The Lounges are a group of modern, fun and slightly quirky restaurants. “What is it that people love best about Lounging?"

"Unit 5 Castlemore Retail Park | Throstles Green, Stretford M16 0SN, EnglandTakeout, Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves AlcoholSeafood, Fast Food, British, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free OptionsLunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night+44 161 873 8017"

"Manchester is a city of secrets, but what about secret bars?. Hidden behind a launderette, confuse your date by leading them to the tumble dryers, and straight past into a cocktail bar. Elusive and chocka with interesting mixes, The Washhouse is sure to be a top talking point for you both."

"And the best night out in Manchester according to TripAdvisor?. It’s The Washhouse, one of the city’s most popular “secret” bars. Hidden inside what appears to be a laundrette (note – they will not be catering for your dirty washing), booking is essential."