What's On
The best Autumnal walks for this weekend
Get wrapped up!
There is something about Autumnal crisp walks, especially when the skies are super blue and the colourful leaves are falling.
With the majority of our time being spent at home indoors at the moment, it’s important we take some time to get some fresh air and enjoy the outdoors.
Greater Manchester undoubtedly has some of the best walks in the North West with some stunning jaw-dropping views.
Make some time for these stunning walks this winter season and enjoy a nice warm mulled wine after – it is the season after all!
John Illingworth/Geograph
Saddleworth Cycle & Horse Trail
Considered to be the posher part of Oldham, Saddleworth is located on the cusp of the Pennines, with stunning landscapes, beautiful nature and some of the best walks Greater Manchester has to offer.
You’re in true God’s Country here, with the valley stretching all around you. I also highly recommend a walk down the canal in Diggle, and if they’re open – a visit
to the excellent Grandpa Greene’s Luxury Ice Cream for a scoop or five.
Download a trail map here.
Francis Franklin/Wikimedia
Rivington
Located in the heart of good old Bolton, Rivington is a large rural area full of some of the most stunning woodland views. With impressive stone-built stairs and outbuildings and the shabby waterfall cascading slowly down the rock face it’s not what you expect to see in Bolton, more like Bali (maybe that’s a little extreme), especially with the charming views of the Japanese inspired pond & gardens.
Keep on winding upwards and your goal will come clearly into view, the landmark Grade II listed Pike Tower sitting proudly at the summit. It’s definitely a climb, but it’s worth it, especially when you get to see the views at the top, and for the insta obv.
David Dixon/Geograph
Chadkirk Chapel
A short trip from east Stockport you’ll find a peaceful walk and a very charming chapel. For anybody who’s local to Stockport will know that it’s not exactly country walk territory, however just 10 minutes out the way you’ll find Chadkirk Chapel and Estate.
The walk itself is pretty easy and certainly children and dog friendly! During this time of year all the leaves are falling and if you look up the colours are beautiful.
Alex Watson
Derwent Reservoir
Derwent Reservoir, The Peak District, the walk itself is a whopping 16KM however if you’re short for time there is the option to rent bikes to speed things up a little. Not only stunning views, but there’s also a little history held at Derwent Res, about 10 minutes into the walk you’ll pass The Howden Dam, used by Lancaster Bomber pilots to practise bombing runs and targeting.
They also created the ‘Bouncing Bomb’ for the 1943 raid of the dams on the German Ruhr. Wrap up for this one, with being right on the water you’ll need hat, scarfs, gloves, the lot!
Ellie Edginton
Entwistle Reservoir
Heading a little further up North, just past Bolton, you’ll find The Entwistle Reservoir. On a crisp autumnal sunny day, you’ll feel like you’ve just hopped off a plane and landed in Canada, no joke.
The views over the water are completely breath-taking. Surrounded by rows and rows of woodland and trees the walk is only around 2.5miles long. A quick heads up, it can be super busy at the weekends and the parking can be a little manic so either get their early or park a little further up the road.
Whilst you’re there grab yourself some serious pub grub and a pint from The Starbury Duck just 5 minutes up the road.
What's On
The new FREE Christmas night market with over 40 traders from across our region
Get in the festive spirit!
Get in the festive spirit with a brand new FREE Christmas makers night market, with over 40 traders and small businesses from across the region.
Brought to you by Renaker, the Manchester Made Christmas night market is coming to New Jackson, Deansgate Square from Friday December 6th to Sunday December 8th.
Following on from a successful summer market in May, the Manchester Made Market is returning bigger and better than before but with a Christmassy twist.
Manchester Made Market
Expect a ‘cosy and magical’ Christmas night market experience, with food, drink, live music and even a grotto for visits to Father Christmas.
There’ll be Christmas trees galore, glittering with lighting, with one huge show-stopping tree taking centre stage.
Bringing together over 40 artisanal traders and small businesses from across the region, the three-day event will showcase a plethora of food produce, homewares, crafts and creations.
Manchester Made Market
Visitors will be sure to find unique Christmas gifts that support local businesses, including from The Cole Men and their award winning sauces, Moon & Sixpence’s handmade jewellery, and fine art photography by Craig Barker.
There’ll be live music from a 20-piece choir, playing Christmas classics, cocktails from Manchester Gin and Gooey’s sweet treats.
The experts from Millington Hall Farm in Altrincham will be bringing a taste of their Wild Grill experience, including live sausage making demonstrations and an array of German sausages served from a festive BBQ trailer.
Manchester Made Market
Families with children can visit the Christmas grotto, where Father Christmas himself will be waiting in a cosy tipi – kids will get a gift from Santa, and bookings can be made online for £8.50 per child.
Manchester Made Market will be open from 4pm to 9pm on Friday December 6th, and 1pm to 9pm on Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th – pre-register for a free guest list ticket and 50% off a hot chocolate HERE, or book the Christmas grotto HERE.
What's On
Free one-day Christmas festival returning to Stockport to kick off festive season
Get in the festive spirit in Stockport!
Stockport’s free, one-day Christmas festival is returning this festive season, with 200 performers and more than 50 shows.
Spectacular Sunday will return to the town on November 17th at various sites and venues.
Following the success of last year’s event, hundreds of performers will take over Stockport, with everything from giant roller-skating presents to a living snow globe and roaming Christmas dolls.
There will also be street theatre, including grumpy Christmas grandads, a gigantic balloon man and water show.
Matthew Nichol Photography
Produced by carnival arts organisation Global Grooves and organised by Stockport Council, Totally Stockport, Merseyway and Stockport Market, the town centre will be buzzing with Christmas excitement.
Events will be happening in iconic Stockport locations like Market Place, Underbanks, Merseyway, Redrock and Suffragette Square.
A grand finale in Merseyway will bring together the brass bands of Stockport, ending the day with a huge flash mob and rendition of All You Need Is Love.
Cirq Delight
Cllr Singleton, Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture and Sport, said: “We’re so excited to bring this event back after last year’s amazing success.
“It’s such a fun way to get everyone in the festive spirit and really shows off what makes Stockport special – our sense of community and joy.
“With loads of free performances and activities, plus a chance to enjoy the newly improved areas of Merseyway, it’s a perfect day out for families.
“Stockport’s Spectacular Sunday is all about having fun, making memories, and starting the holiday season in style.”
Spectacular Sunday is happening from 11am to 5pm on Sunday November 17th – find out more HERE.
The prestigious Manchester Art Fair is back in town for its 16th year next month, bringing with it a vibrant gallery space showcasing thousands of works from over 500 artists.
One of the biggest and most significant events in the UK art world calendar, it’ll take over Manchester Central for three days, from Friday November 15th to 17th.
The city will be flooded with art from all corners of the world, championing everything from local heroes to new emerging talent, as well as international artists with worldwide acclaim.
Manchester Art Fair
A wide range of artistic disciplines will be represented at the event, from painters, illustrators, and sculptors to graffiti artists and everything in between.
Expect exhibitions, workshops, Q&A sessions, demos, book signings and parties happening across the event.
Tickets include free access to art workshops and talks from leading artists and cultural experts, and are on sale now.
You can grab them HERE.
Find something to do in Manchester
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The new FREE Christmas night market with over 40 traders from across our region
Free one-day Christmas festival returning to Stockport to kick off festive season
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The prestigious Manchester Art Fair is back in town for its 16th year
