Our top tips for making the most of the week ahead, with brilliant things to do across the whole of Greater Manchester… For even more ideas, visit our What’s On page. 

Elizabeth Gaskell's House Exterior

1. Fancy a night at the flicks in a former Edwardian swimming pool? 

In the run up to Valentine’s Day, Victoria Baths, has turned their Gala Pool into a cupid approved pop-up cinema. The Edwardian grandeur of Manchester’s Grade II listed ‘water palace’ will be the perfect backdrop for enjoying (semi)romantic films at their best, on the big screen! Snuggle up in the deep end with your loved ones for screenings of Tina Fey’s Mean Girls on Thursday 10 February or Tarantino’s masterpiece, True Romance, on Friday 11 February. 

2. Fall down the rabbit hole at the Palace 

From 10 – 12 February, join Alice and her brother Jack as they fall down a rabbit hole of imagination into Wonderland. Kick back at the Palace Theatre and meet some new friends, including the Cheshire Cat, Hatter and Caterpillar, but also encounter the evil Queen of Hearts and her dastardly sidekicks Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum. Tickets for Alice in Wonderland start from £19.40. 

3. Take on a movie inspired escape room 

Created by filmmakers with a love of puzzles, cinema and adventure and based in an atmospheric Victorian cotton mill in Bredbury, moviESCAPE is a perfect alternative day out for families, friends, couples, parties, stag dos, hen dos, groups and work colleagues alike. Use all your craft a wit to escape three movie-inspired escape rooms, SAWtopsy, Haunted House II and Merlin’s Magic Academy.  

4. Explore Elizabeth Gaskell’s House  

The beautifully restored home of novelist Elizabeth Gaskell has spectacular period rooms, a villa garden, changing exhibitions and a Tea Room for visitors to enjoy. Currently on display, the ‘A Love Affair with Cranford’ exhibition explores one of Gaskell’s most popular novels. Since it was published in 1851, Cranford has never been out of print, gaining the greatest national and international appeal of all Gaskell’s works. It is also believed to have been the author’s favourite novel.  

5. Become a “Dancing Queen” in Oldham 

On Friday 11 February, the smash-hit tribute show ABBA:Thank you for the music, arrives at Oldham Coliseum featuring all ABBA’s number one hits to the stage in a production like no other. The hugely popular show, now in its 20th year, combines the unmistakable harmonies, colourful costumes, and dazzling performances by our all-star cast.  

New opening of the week: The Butcher, Manchester Arndale 

After taking Amsterdam, Berlin and Ibiza by storm, The Butcher is set to conquer another global hotspot destination bringing its world-famous burgers to Manchester. The Butcher, who claim to have the “world’s best burgers”, will open as part of a revolutionary new entertainment venue located on the top floor of Manchester Arndale. 

Book Now: Coronation Street Tours 

Coronation Street: The Tour is set to welcome back guests to the cobbles from Saturday 12 March, promising a trip down the nation’s most famous street to discover the hidden world that lies behind the camera lens. Guests will, once again, have the chance to explore the set on location at MediaCity with a guided tour that takes in Coronation Street, Rosamund Street and Victoria Street.