We’ve rounded up some of the best sporting activities you can do in Greater Manchester right now.
Gain some air
The largest indoor activity park in the North West of England, Kickair houses an array of activities, including, trampolining, a ninja warrior course, total wipeout, adult and childs climbing wall, basketball, dodgeball, football darts, speedgoal, performance trampolines, augmented climbing wall, cardio wall and has exclusive access to the Robokeeper within the UK.
Located in a converted Victorian church, Manchester Climbing Centre has climbing walls of all shapes and sizes to suit everyone from beginners to lifelong climbers. Fully kitted out with a 20m lead wall, 75 climbing lines, traverse walls and bouldering areas, there’s plenty to get stuck into and enjoy.
Fancy yourself as the next Sir Chris Hoy or Vicky Pendleton MBE? Opened in 1994 as Britain’s first Olympic cycling track, the HSBC UK National Cycling Centre could be your gateway to Tokyo 2020. From elite athletes to novices, the track offers sessions to anyone seeking to experience this exciting sport. For those wanting to take it freestyle, the centre has recently been equipped with a brand new £19m indoor BMX track.
With two 50-metre swimming pools under one roof, a diving pool and a fun pool with slides, sauna and steam room, there’s certainly enough to keep you entertained at Manchester Aquatics Centre. Purpose-built for the 2002 Manchester Commonwealth Games, the centre is still the training facility for the British Paralympics swimming squad if you fancy seeing some world-class swimmers in action.
Test your speed, reactions and accuracy with a Football Plus experience at the world’s biggest football museum, right in the heart of Manchester City Centre. Soak up the pressure of Wembley, keep your nerve and go for gold in the penalty shootout or test your passing skills with the Pass Master. If you fancy learning more about the history of football, the National Football Museum also has a multitude of free and interesting exhibitions suitable for the whole family.
Let the dream of flight become a reality and experience what it’s like to free-fall in the safety of iFly Manchester’s vertical wind tunnel. Whether you’re gearing up for a real-life skydive, or just fancy experiencing what it’s like to jump out of a plane, this is one for the thrill-seekers.
We know what you’re thinking, there aren’t any mountains in Manchester – how could I possibly hit the slopes? Chill Factore is equipped with the answer. The UK’s largest indoor ski slope offers not only a huge slope to ski and snowboard, there’s a snow park where adults and children can spin, slide and race with activities galore.
The best fun runs coming to Greater Manchester in 2017
Who said running had to be boring? Whether you want to bounce your way to the finish line or get covered from head to toe in paint or mud, there's a run for everyone. Check out our round-up of some of the best fun runs coming to Greater Manchester this year.
Channel your inner Lewis Hamilton
Nestled under Manchester Arena, TeamSport Go Karting accommodates up to 16 karters at a time enduring speeds of up to 40 miles per hour. Navigate the 15 bends on this 550m multi-level circuit and see if you can make it to the top of the podium.
Go for a run, jog, walk or cycle round some of Greater Manchester’s beautiful countryside
It’s no secret that Greater Manchester has miles of inspiring countryside and historic waterways perfect for any kind of runner. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned professional, there’s plenty to get your heels stuck into in Manchester and the surrounding area. Try a relaxing jog down part of the Rochdale Canal, an energising run round the picturesque Dovestones Reservoir or for something a little more challenging, try the steep climb up to the Peel Tower Monument on Holcombe Hill – you’ll be guaranteed great views when you reach the top. Great for cyclists, Haigh Hall and Country Park in Wigan offers 40 miles of secluded woodland trails and canal towpaths running through 250 acres of park and woodland.
Something a little bit different…
The annual World Black Pudding Championships take place every September. Dating back to the 1980s, this competition sees black puddings being hurtled at a pile of Yorkshire Puddings on a 20ft high plinth. If you’re still struggling to find your sporting calling, maybe this could be it? Time to get practising…