Heading over to the Vegetarian Society Cookery School? We’re based in Altrincham, Cheshire – only a stone’s throw from Manchester. The home of the worker bee has so much to see and get involved with, so why not make the most of your stay in the capital of the North!
We’ve put together a handy guide with the best attractions and events to give you a true taste of life in Manchester.
Sightseeing
Dunham Massey
If you want, history, landscape and a large dose of greenery, then look no further. The National Trust’s Dunham Massey, Cheshire, is a Georgian house a with garden for all seasons and an ancient deer park, perfect for cream teas and spotting wildlife. Plus, it’s only a fifteen-minute walk from the Vegetarian Society Cookery School.
Football crazy
Red or blue – what’s your team? It’s time to pick your side and catch the tram to Manchester United’s Old Trafford football ground or Man City’s Etihad Campus. Whichever stadium you choose to visit, you’re in for a good game!
The Museum of Science and Industry
Definitely not just for train buffs, the Museum of Science and Industry (or MOSI as it is affectionately known) holds the fascinating history of Greater Manchester’s industrial past. Step back in time to explore incredible inventions and underground mazes.
Peoples’ History Museum
Located in Spinningfields on the banks of the River Irwell, the Peoples’ History Museum is bursting with radical stories and suffragettes. Discover Peterloo, protest and the people who really made Manchester what it is today.
Salford Lads’ Club
There is a light and it never goes out at Salford Lads’ Club. Famous for being the iconic image on The Smiths’ The Queen is Dead album, this is definitely a pilgrimage spot for fans of 80s indie music.
Eating veggie (and vegan!)
Dine your way through Manchester this weekend!
Stop off at Eighth Day (Oxford Road, City Centre) for breakfast or splash out at Greens (Didsbury) for tea.
Other top veggie and vegan restaurants and cafes include:
- V Rev (Northern Quarter)
- Bundobust (City Centre)
- The Allotment (Spinningfields)
- Vertigo (Royal Exchange, City Centre)
- Or, if you’re in a hurry, there’s always Veggie Pret! (City Centre)
Shopping
If shopping’s more your scene, Manchester has so much to offer. Whether you’re into vintage clothes or the latest fashions, check out these top shopping hotspots:
- Arndale, City Centre – The biggest high street names all in one place
- Trafford Centre, Trafford – One of the largest shopping centres in the UK
- Northern Quarter, City Centre – Full of trendy bars and quirky boutiques
- The Lowry, MediaCityUK – Get all your outlet discounts then catch a film or take in a show across the road
- Chorlton High Street, Chorlton – Plenty of independent stores, perfect for gifts
Museums and art
Is culture more your thing? There’s always something creative going on!
- Take in the paintings at Manchester Art Gallery.
- Manchester Museum always has so many new exhibits to see.
- Take in a show at the Royal Exchange Theatre.
- Watch a blockbuster at Odeon or VUE. Or perhaps you’d like an independent film at HOME.
- Check out the programme for Manchester International Festival (MIF) (hosted every July).
Walks and hikes
Glossop
Situated at the very top of the Peak District, just 25 min train journey from Manchester Piccadilly, Glossop is a picturesque market town. Head down there to enjoy the cute and quirky vintage shops and go for a lovely country stroll.
Alderley Edge
Made famous by popular children’s author Alan Garner, the Edge is a dramatic, red sandstone escarpment overlooking the Cheshire plains. A great place for walking, you might spot a few famous names on its hyper-fashionable high street.
Lyme Park and the Peak District
Lyme Park is the ideal place to stop off after a long walk in the country and grab yourself a scone and a cup of tea. The iconic BBC Pride and Prejudice was also filmed here – watch out for Mr Darcy’s lake.
Heaton Park
During the summer, there is always something exciting going on in Manchester’s largest park! Festivals, music, performances, Heaton Park has everything to offer.
Fletcher Moss
Situated in quiet yet trendy Didsbury in South Manchester, Fletcher Moss is a beautiful place to stretch your legs and take a walk down the River Mersey.
Transport links
Manchester main railway station, Manchester Piccadilly, is a bustling hub where you can get trains, buses, tram, Ubers and taxis straight to your destination. Other railway stations include Manchester Victoria, Manchester Oxford Road and Deansgate.
Buses run throughout the city, with the tram travelling right the way through the City Centre straight through to Altrincham (home of the Vegetarian Society Cookery School).
Cycling hotspots include the Fallowfield Loop, Sale Water Park and around the Manchester National Cycling Centre in Sportcity.
