The opening of outdoor dining, pubs, non-essential shops and outdoor attractions has been a welcome step for the tourism industry in Greater Manchester. Here we’re providing you with a weekly list of ten things that you can now plan and enjoy for the week ahead, starting from Saturday 24 April.

Please remember to check if venues require pre-booking before visiting. All businesses are following Government guidelines on Covid-19 safety, please remember to keep your distance where possible, where a face covering where required (unless exempt), wash your hands regularly, and seek spaces with good ventilation.
 

Here are our top highlights for the week ahead:
 

1. Delve into Greater Manchester’s past and present with a walking tour

Join local tour guide Jonathan Schofield on a fascinating walking tour taking you back to the city’s Roman roots. Starting at the Science and Industry Museum you’ll discover the stories behind Castlefield (the original Roman settlement), alongside emerging neighbourhood St. John’s and First Street.This Saturday 24 April at 1pm, tickets should be pre-booked here.

If you’d like to take in some history from the comfort of your armchair, join one of Alexatours virtual walks around the city including Chetham’s Library history and architecture on Saturday 24 April, and a tour of the Trafford village of Bowden on Thursday 29 April.
 

2. Enjoy alfresco dining at Great Northern Warehouse

Manchester’s ultimate family-friendly dining destination Great Northern Warehouse is welcoming visitors back for outdoor dining with a range of brand-new restaurants including;  Platzki for a Polish feast; South Manny Flavaz taking chicken, waffle and burger lovers by storm; plus those with a sweet-tooth can grab tasty cakes at Alex’s Bakery, or handmade award-winning treats from Dormouse Chocolates.

They join long-standing businesses including; Almost Famous, Revolución De Cuba, and Impossible, plus many more – take a look here.
 

3. Treat yourself to luxury shopping

A spot of retail therapy might be just what you need. Luxury department store Selfridges is now open in both Exchange Square in the city centre, and at The Trafford Centre. You can now use its personal shopping or beauty concierge services, alongside shopping top name brands. Selfridge’s indoor restaurants remain closed until Monday 17 May.
 

4. Enjoy the sun on Manchester’s most welcoming street

With the easing of restrictions, the sun seems to have blessed us in recent weeks – and there is no better place to enjoy it than Manchester’s welcoming Canal Street, heart of The Village. Bars that have embraced the outdoors serving drinks (and sometimes food) include G-A-Y, No. 1 Canal Street, and Via, to name a few – plus the bars just behind on Bloom Street including New York New York, The Goose, and The Molly House. You can read all about these and more in Conde Nast Traveller’s recent LGBTQ+ guide to Manchester.

However, if you’re still not venturing out and want a fix of queer culture, Queer Contact festival kicks off on Wednesday 28 April with a range of virtual events including an evening with drag Queen Cheddar Gorgeous, and a chat with It’s a Sin writer Russel T Davies.
 

5. Visit the grand opening of Ashton’s Artisan Market
A brand new market in Ashton Market Square, Tameside, opens this weekend featuring up 100 traders selling a range of artisan goods, street food, and local musicians. The event kicks off this Saturday from 10 am – 4 pm and will run monthly. Find out the range of traders visiting the market on The Market Co’s website.

Alternatively if you’re in the city, Ancoats Pop Up market returns on Saturday 24 April, featuring speciality coffee roasters, locally brewed rum liquors, and locally sourced bakes and crafts, alongside changing food vendors.