To support the safe reopening of Greater Manchester’s tourism industry, we’re providing a weekly list of ten things that you can plan and enjoy for the week ahead, starting Saturday 17 October.  

All businesses mentioned in this blog are following the relevant government guidance but please familiarise yourself with our Know Before You Go page as you plan your trip to make sure that you have the latest information.  

When out and about in Greater Manchester, please remember to keep your distance from others, wear a face covering and wash your hands regularly. 
 

1. Hidden in the Northern Quarter is the Centre for Chinese Contemporary Art, which has recently reopened its doors with two new free exhibitions. Multiplicities in Flux explores identity and belonging in Britain through portraits and photography, and a film on ‘Britishness’. The second exhibition, Omid Asadi: Autopsy of a Home is an immersive experience highlighting the experience of migrants in new places, both run from the 15 October, every Wednesday – Sunday.

2. Do something a bit adventurous and try skiing or snowboarding at the UK’s longest indoor ski slope! Chill Factore uses real snow to cover its 180m long slope, where novices can book a taster session with an instructor, or those more experienced can book hourly slots. Find out more about the ‘cool’ experience and all the Covid-safety measures on their website.  

3. The Whitworth are running their newest exhibition White Psyche, which takes a new look at the story of Cupid and Psyche and addresses white dominance in its own collection of art. Visitors to the gallery can also enjoy the surrounding park, Whitworth Café and other ongoing exhibitions, with free tickets available to pre-book online.  

4. Get out and enjoy the autumn colours in one of Greater Manchester’s leafy parks; stretch your legs at Heaton Park with its historic tramway and working farm; visit Whitworth Park, just a short walk from the city centre; take a tram to Fletcher Moss in Didsbury where you will also find a Japanese zen garden; for waterside walks try Oldham’s Etherow Country Park; or take in the natural wildlife and an abundance of birds at Kersal Wetlands in Salford. Check out our Find Your Space guide for outdoor inspiration.  

5. The Imperial War Museum North have recently opened their latest temporary exhibition, Aid Workers: Ethics Under Fire, which explores the ethical dilemma’s aid workers encounter whilst working in conflict zones. The fascinating exhibition is part of the museum’s Refugees Season, and is open daily by free in-advance ticket.

6. Ahead of Half Term and Halloween, the People’s History Museum is hosting Where’s Wally? Spooky Museum Search! where kids will be able to spot Wally throughout the museum’s exhibitions. For the grown up’s, this museum charts the history of the UK’s democracy and ideas worth fighting for, and holds some fascinating stories and objects including the Suffragette’s, Peterloo Massacre, and politics in football. Pre-book a free space to visit the museum online.  

7. Newly renovated Contact Theatre opens its Black Gold Arts Festival on 23 October to mark Black History Month, with a series of virtual events including a Vogue workshop, a Black queer Manchester Garden Party, and an immersive grime rave from the comfort of your own home, alongside other events running until 25 October.  

8. Football lovers rejoice - the National Football Museum is currently open every Thursday to Sunday from 11am-4pm. The reopening will give you a chance to catch the amazing Strip! How Football Got Shirty exhibition which has been extended until December and features more than 200 football shirts.

9. With two new restaurant openings, the historic Corn Exchange now has a collection of 12 eateries to choose from, alongside the Escape Hunt experience that challenges you and your team to free yourself in just 60 minutes! Stop by the Corn Exchange for a pre or post-bite after a shopping spree at the adjacent Manchester Arndale or New Cathedral Street, where you will also find Selfridges and Harvey Nichols.

10. Treetop Adventure Golf are back in the swing of things, welcoming mini golf fans back to play one of the 18-hole trails. With no need to book in advance, visitors have the choice of two themed courses – a tropical trail or ancient exploration! Visitors can also enjoy food and drink from Treetop’s Bar and Café and can expect to see enhanced cleaning and other Covid-compliant measures to make guests feel safe.