As the winter season fast approaches, we’ve compiled the ultimate itinerary to see out the winter months, from attending some of the hottest events in Greater Manchester to joining a club. Who's up for a Parkrun? 

Discover what’s going on below:

Key Dates to Add to Your Calendars  

Join a Club 

With a growing interest in club activities and search engines going crazy for book clubs, cooking clubs, and running clubs, we’ve pulled together a list of clubs you can join within the Greater Manchester area: 

Start a New Hobby

Altogether Otherwise based over at NOMA is all about ‘Getting comfortable wasting time and being bad at stuff’ so it doesn’t matter if you’re not very good at your new hobby, it’s more about having fun.  

They have a range of clubs you can sink your teeth into including gardening, pottery, photography, and much more! Plus, it is all free.  

Attend a Cooking Class

Join Vegetarian Society who provide a vibrant selection of vegetarian and vegan workshops, supper clubs, half-day and full-day sessions. 

Whether you want to become an expert in vegetarian cookery or learn how to make delicious vegan street food, their flavour-filled experiences make plant-based cooking more exciting and inclusive than ever before.  

Join a Running Club

Have you ever just wanted to start running for the fun of it or compete in a half or full marathon? Well, what better way to start your running journey than by joining a club where you can meet like-minded people and kickstart this dream. 

There is a range of running clubs within the Greater Manchester area, and to make life easier, head to Manchester’s Half Marathon page where you can use their interactive map to find a local running club or Parkrun near to you. 

Meet like-minded people at a Book Club

House of Books & Friends has its own Book Club that runs every month. They hold the book club three times, including one online, so if you can’t make it in person, you can still join in!  

Head to their events page to find out more.  

Free Things To Do in Manchester

The Whitworth

The Whitworth

The Whitworth is proudly part of the University of Manchester and serves as a bridge between the…

Mayfield Park

Mayfield Park

Open space, sky, trees, the natural meander of the Medlock and increased biodiversity; Manchester…

Castlefield

Castlefield

Castlefield in Manchester, located at the south-west end of Deansgate, is the industrial and Roman…

Discover Manchester's Trendy Neighbourhoods

Discover Manchester's diverse neighbourhoods, each with its own blend of culture, history, and modern living. From the Northern Quarter to Spinningfields, explore the character of each district. Plan your visit to experience the local atmosphere, with cultural spots and community spirit shaping the unique vibe of each neighbourhood.

Don't forget there's more to see than just central Manchester. Hop on a tram or train and visit other quirky areas such as Didsbury Village, Chorlton, Stockport, and Altrincham where you can spend your day charity shopping and visiting an array of independent vendors selling food and drink, homeware, fashion accessories and more!

Visit our Manchester's Neighbourhoods page for more information or you may also like our Ancoats: A comprehensive guide and Independent Guide to Stockport. 

Must-see Attractions

HOME

HOME

With five cinema screens, two theatres and an art gallery, HOME is an open and social space for the…

Aviva Studios

Aviva Studios

Image Credit: OMA. Courtesy: Factory International. Aviva Studios is a global destination for arts…

Lowry

Lowry

A magnificent building alongside Salford Quays, inside visitors will find three stunning theatres…

Z-arts

Z-arts

Z-arts is the UK’s only dedicated arts centre for children and families. A place to express…

Shopping and Winter Sales  

What better way to bring in the New Year than by heading to the winter sales and grabbing a bargain or two.  

Some of our favourite shopping outlets include: 

Selfridges

Selfridges

Selfridges Exchange Square is located in the heart of the city and offers a luxury shopping…

Additionally, venture down Market Street and explore the shops around St. Ann’s Square and The Royal Exchange. Or if you’re looking for something more independent, have a mooch over to the Northern Quarter and King Street.  

Manchester’s best January dining deals are back

Whether you're looking for the best dining deals this January or looking to save a penny or two at your favourite retail stores, we've got you covered.

Head over to our Greater Manchester's best January offers for 2025 blog to find out where you can dine at discounted rates this January. 

To discover more all-year-round deals, visit our Special Offers in Manchester page for the latest offers. 

Day Trips / Unique Experiences  

Whether you’re seeking culture, nightlife, history, or just good fun, there are plenty of things to do in Manchester.

Make your visit one to remember by taking part in the famous GM Ringway, leave the city for the day with Mountain Goat Tours and BusyBus Tours, or book onto one of the endless city tours Manchester has to offer. We've heard Scranchester is perfect for any food and drink lovers looking to explore the city's history even more (while also sampling some of the best food and drink the city has to offer). 

Find out more over on our Unique experiences in Manchester page. 

And lastly, if you’re looking to escape the city for the day, why not explore some of Greater Manchester’s surrounding boroughs?  

Find out about Manchester's districts and discover its diverse boroughs, cultural hubs, and scenic landscapes.

If you head to our Instagram page, you’ll come across our Walk of the Week Highlight that will give you all the inspiration you need. Seize the day and get those walking boots ready! 

Additionally, as the Gateway to the North, it's easy to expand your Manchester visit even further with a trip to the beautiful countryside, including the Lake District and the Peak District, and cosmopolitan cities such as Chester, Leeds, Liverpool, Newcastle and York.

Smithills Hall

Explore Greater Manchester

Explore Greater Manchester with our guide. Discover its diverse boroughs, cultural hubs, and scenic landscapes. Plan your visit to experience the unique charm of this dynamic region, offering a mix of urban excitement and tranquil escapes. Start your journey and explore the opportunities for…

For more events, visit our What’s On page. 

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