Father’s Day is fast approaching. Sunday 19 June is a day dedicated to celebrating that special man in your life. Greater Manchester has a tonne of fun activities to help make this Father’s Day one to remember whether your father figure is a beer lover, football fan or music buff to name just a few.
When we say there’s something for everyone in our city region, we really mean it. So whether you’re looking for a way to celebrate your dad, grandad, stepdad or another main man in your life this year, we’ve rounded up some great activities across the region to inspire you.
Dad’s climb for free
Take your Father’s Day celebrations to new heights. Summit Up in Oldham’s Clip 'n Climb, which happens to be the largest Clip 'n Climb in the Northwest, is offering Dads the chance to climb for free this Father’s Day. On Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 June, Dads can take part in this action-packed climbing activity with one of the highest Clip’n Climbs in the UK and 35 exciting challenges to try your hand out. No previous climbing experience is required so it makes a great day out for any active family ready to put their skills to the test. Book now and use the code DADSDAY on Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th June 2022 for your father figure to go free.
Father’s Day Japanese Whisky Masterclass at Peter Street Kitchen
For many dads and father figures, whisky is a firm favourite, and a bottle often makes the perfect gift. So, this Father’s Day why not treat him to something a little bit more special involving his favourite tipple. Peter Street Kitchen’s atmospheric Rikyū Bar at the Edwardian Hotel in Manchester is offering a unique whisky masterclass featuring the highly acclaimed Suntory Whisky – pioneers of the Japanese whisky industry. As experts share Suntory’s history and distillation processes, discover the secrets behind his favourite tipple, including the optimal whisky tasting techniques. The afternoon features a tasting flight of four premium whiskies, including the award-winning Hibiki blend – a rare 17-year-old age statement – as well as signature Japanese small plates. Masterclasses take place every other Saturday from 2pm -3:30pm.
Rum and a Roast at Three Little Words
Mouth-watering Sunday roasts, free rum for dads and, as always, exquisite cocktails are what perfect Father’s Day celebrations are made of. This Father’s Day, Three Little Words will be giving away bottles of rum & branded glasses to the first 100 dads who join them for their ever-popular, Feed The Soul Sunday. They will also be offering £6.50 doubles across the One-Eyed Rebel range which make the perfect accompaniment to their succulent roast dinners. Choose from slow-cooked pork belly, roasted topside of beef, chicken supreme or a weekly vegetarian special all served with fluffy roast potatoes, unlimited gravy and all the trimmings for just £15pp. There are also mouth-watering alternatives, delicious desserts, cocktails and live music from 2:30 pm until 6:30 pm. Expect an ideal Father’s Day celebration with a mix of soul, jazz and delicious food for the coolest father figure in town.
A Splendid Sunday Roast at The Midland
The way to a man’s heart is often food and this Father’s Day, Dads can sit down to a sumptuous Sunday lunch in The Midland Hotel’s modern British dining room Mount Street. On the menu is a choice of a roast rump of beef, roast pork belly or slow roast shoulder of lamb selected by The Midland’s in-house butcher. Each will be served with beef dripping roast potatoes, Yorkshire pudding, glazed carrots and greens, and accompanied by a complimentary Peroni. However, if you’re looking for a lighter option, Dads can enjoy a Ploughman’s Lunch in The Midland Champagne Lounge, with a selection of cold meats, breads, cheese, and pickles. Both offers are available for Father’s Day only and you can find out more here.
Enjoy a craft beer tour
If you want to celebrate a beer lover this Father’s Day, make sure you do it the Manchester way. Craft Beer Tour Manchester gives you the chance to sample some of the finest local products from a range of microbreweries and craft beer houses. Enjoy a tasty afternoon as you walk through the streets of Manchester and try at least ten different craft beers learning about the secrets of each brewery from flavours to the history of the venue. It makes the perfect Father’s Day activity for your beer-loving Father figure, and you can always book it as a gift for a later date. What could be better?
Head to the football museum
For a great day out in Manchester, football fans love the National Football Museum. This family-friendly day out is a great way to celebrate a special man in your life this Father’s Day. Celebrate the legends, see iconic trophies and objects, learn more about the beautiful game and test your skills with some interactive games. With free guided tours or the option to explore on your own, this is sure to be a top of the league day out for the whole family.
Book a trip on the East Lancashire Railway
Escape to the countryside to celebrate Father’s Day and travel back in time on the East Lancashire Railway. The whole family can step onboard the heritage steam train, take in 12 miles of stunning views of Lancashire and enjoy learning more about these incredible engines. Stop off as you please and enjoy exploring our unique market towns for a full day of fun including real ale bars, quaint tea rooms and quirky shops. As if an adventure on a traditional steam train isn’t enough of a day out, the Bury Transport Museum has now reopened. Father’s Day is the perfect day to treat your main man to a day full of transport and this treasure trove of vintage vehicles will be a real treat for any transport enthusiast.
Tour a football stadium
Manchester is home to two of the world’s most famous football clubs and so, if you’re looking to really treat a football-loving father figure, why not book a stadium tour? The Manchester City Football Club Stadium and Club Tour and Manchester United Museum & Stadium Tour give exclusive behind the scenes access to two of the most well-known stadiums in the Premier League. See the changing rooms, press rooms and pitches as you put yourselves in the shoes (or should we say boots) of your favourite football stars. A stadium tour makes a great gift for any football fanatic, and even if you can’t make it this Father’s Day, you can book it to take the family another time.
Take him on a Manchester music tour
Got a father figure who’s mad about Madchester? Maybe they’re a Stone Roses Superfan, a Joy Division fanatic or even fancy themselves as another Gallagher brother. Well, Manchester’s music scene is unrivalled, and this Father’s Day you can book a unique tour to explore the city region’s musical heritage from Salford Lads Club through to the infamous Sifters Records. Founded by the drummer of Inspiral Carpets, Craig Dill, Manchester Music Tours is a unique way to learn about the history and legacy of Manchester’s music scene. With unique tours tailored to your favourite bands, this would make the perfect Father’s Day gift for any Manchester music lover.
Enjoy a coffee masterclass
Most dads need a bit of coffee to get them going in the morning, so why not treat him to an extra special brew this Father’s Day? Food Sorcery in Didsbury is serving up a Coffee Lovers Class to learn a bit more of the science behind your favourite drink. A professional barista will talk you through the secret to the perfect cup of joe, show you how to recreate it at home and even let you practice your skills. Not only is this a fun and educational activity this Father’s Day but it will significantly improve the coffee game of your favourite fella. So really, you’re giving him the gift of better coffee for life, and what could be better than that?
Take part in a murder mystery
Does your father figure love a good mystery? If he fancies himself as a bit of a Poirot then East Lancashire Railway could help to make this Father’s Day one for the history books. Make sure you pack your best detective skills for a night of mystery and murder on board one of the stunning heritage steam trains. Be transported back to the golden age of filmmaking as you travel through the Irwell Valley. Enjoy a four-course meal and a glass of champagne while the mystery unfolds and the culprit is found. Each murder mystery tour has a different theme and the Father’s Day weekend tour is Hollywood Homicide. Tickets cost £79.50 and the Father’s Day weekend tour takes place on Saturday 18 June.
Toast to Dad with some rum
The Manchester Rum Festival happens to be on the same weekend as Father’s Day. Coincidence? We think not! Say cheers to your favourite father figure at Manchester’s first and only, dedicated rum festival featuring flavours from across the world. Enjoy cocktails, food and live music in the 4* Mercure Hotel in Piccadilly Gardens. On Saturday 18 June from 12noon to 7 pm you can be enjoying a tipple or two and toast to dad. Just expect him to have a slightly sore head on Father’s Day.
Join in with Manchester Day Celebrations
Father’s Day weekend happens to be on the same weekend as Manchester Day which means there are tonnes of fun events going on across the city. Celebrate all things Manchester with the legendary Manchester Day parade, music, entertainment and great food and drink all across the city centre. It’s a great family day out that can suit all tastes. What could be a better way to celebrate your father figure than at a colourful celebration of the greatest city in the world?
The Gincident Gin Cruise
Father’s Day weekend can be a whole lot tastier with a gin cruise. On Saturday 18 June, treat your main man to a boat trip he’ll never forget. On the three hour Gincident Gin Cruise, you’ll learn all about the history of gin and the huge impact it’s had on our lives while taking in the stunning scenery from Manchester’s canals. Plus, you’ll receive seven drinks including gin and tonics as well as specially mixed cocktails designed to help you make the most of the fantastic flavours. There will also be sharing platters of meats, cheeses and snacks as an extra treat. The tour is running from 1 pm to 4 pm and 6 pm to 9 pm on Saturday 18 June.
Dinner with a side of laughter
Whether there’s a huge Only Fools and Horses fan in your life or you’re just looking for a different way to celebrate this Father’s Day, the Macdonald Hotel could give your father figure an experience he’ll love. Combining fine food with comedy gold, Only Fools and Three Courses is sure to be a laugh a minute. Marlene & Boycie are hosting a Gala Dinner, but will things go to plan with Del, Rodney and Uncle Albert? While you tuck into your delicious dishes, the finest comedy actors will be on hand to provide a side portion of laughter. Tickets are just £30 and the dining experience takes place on Sunday 19 June at 3 pm.
Cars, cars, cars
This Father’s Day, the old Camelot site in Chorley will be home to a fresh new car show for car lovers of all kinds. Pit Stop is the ultimate car fest that any car lover will enjoy. It doesn’t matter if you’re a fan of the classics or modified one-offs, there will be a set of wheels perfect for any motor enthusiast. Admire the best cars around in a whole range of styles for a fun family day out. Plus, if you have your own unique wheels to show off, you can apply to become an exhibitor and be the envy of everyone else.
Family fun at the ABC Buildings, Manchester
As part of the weekend-long launch event for the ABC Buildings on Quay Street in Manchester, a day of wellness and family-orientated Fathers’ Day activities will be taking place on Sunday 19th June. The day will kick off with yoga on the roof deck and juices and breakfast in the dome space. Later on in the dome, renowned family events company, Big Fish Little Fish, will be hosting a kids’ rave and mural painting, and there will be a 60s classic football match on the roof. In the evening, a stand-up comedy show will be held in Side Street Studio from 7pm – 10pm with free entry. The ABC Buildings are dog-friendly, so families are welcome to bring dogs along for the day. Also taking place over the weekend is a Northern Soul takeover at Side Street Studio on Saturday evening, food trucks on the roof deck, a vintage flea market, film screenings, DJs and live music.
So, there you have it, there are plenty of ways to celebrate Father’s Day in Greater Manchester no matter what their interests. Whether you’re looking for family fun or to raise a toast to a great guy, there are countless ways to make this year’s celebration one to remember.
To learn more about events going on in Greater Manchester, click here.