This was a great place to learn more about the history of Manchester, and more of England. At the…read moretime of my visit there was also an awesome exhibit around disability. I soaked up so much information and will return whenever I'm back in the area. This place well worth visiting. The entrance is free, but leave a donation if you can!

We were advised to go to the museum in a bar the night before. It was a pleasantly surprising…read moreexperience. You have free entry to an excellent walk through of English history in light of worker rights and living conditions. It takes you from Peterloo to current day by exploring the impact of class distinction, the industrial revolution and onwards. Very interesting and insightful.

I saw a fabulous production of Romeo and Juliet here last week, but it's sold out so I probably…read moreshouldn't go on about that! This is a really beautiful place to visit. I wish I'd seen more of it as the audience was taken through 3 huge rooms but there was obviously lots more to see if you went on a guided tour. There's beautiful stained glass everywhere and decorative tiling with little fish, etc. I like the feeling of space and light from the very high up glass ceilings. The pool was filled with water (as part of the performance) when I was there and it would definitely beat my local council pool for charm and ambience. Another plus, a strawberry rekorderlig was only £3.50 and 60p for some roasted nuts. I could cheerfully spend more time here, whether it's a tour or a repeat performance.

A trip back in time that is attempted to be restored. Next time I go should try and do some…read moreswimming.

Wonderful old building with extensive well cared for grounds. I organised a wedding in the Old Barn…read moreand it was fantastic. It is licensed for the marriage to take place there and what a place to take photographs ( you have to get permission from Lancashire county Council for this), We were allowed to bring in caterers and a band, stagin, florist etc and really given carte blanc to create this most fantastic day. the people were fantastic to deal with the only down side was that as it is a National Trust Building the bar had to shut at midnight which is not to everyones liking, but other that this FANTASTIC

Gawthorpe Hall is an Elizabethan stately home with extensive grounds on the outskirts of Burnley,…read morenow in the care of the National Trust in partnership with Lancashire County Council. It is well worth visiting if you are in the area. The origins of the building lie with the Shuttleworth family, who had owned a nearby manor since the 12th century. They erected a "pele" or "peel tower", a simple but strong defensive structure to defend against incursions by the Scots. In 1600, Richard Shuttleworth began building a new hall, using the original tower as its core (it now forms the staircase). The architect was reputedly Robert Smythson, better known for houses such as Longleat and Hardwick Hall. In 1849, Sir James Kay-Shuttleworth commisioned Sir Charles Barry (the architect behind the Houses of Parliament) to restore the house and add modern amenities. The present house is therefore a blend of 17th and 19th century elements. The exterior is an impressive example of an Elizabethan hall, marking the transition from Gothic to Renaissance architecture. The main areas of interest inside are the dining room and drawing room on the ground floor, and the Elizabethan long gallery upstairs. These are largely in their original form, with the drawing room and gallery retaining impressive 17th century panelling, fireplaces, ceilings and friezes. The bedrooms also have some original furnishings, including an impressive Elizabethan four-poster bed. The rooms and hall are home to paintings on loan from the National Portrait Gallery from the 16th-18th centuries - the largest such collection in the north west of England. The house also contains a selection of the extensive historic textile collection of Miss Rachel Kay-Shuttleworth. These are displayed museum-style, alongside changing exhibitions. The hall is set in extensive grounds, with lovely views down to the River Calder. The extensive outbuildings include an impressive barn and farmhouse, both contemporaneous with the house, although they are not normally open to the public. There is a tea-room - check website for opening times, which vary through the year. The house is open Wednesday-Saturday. There are 4 steps up to the entrance and thereafter level access to the ground floor rooms only: the staircase to the upper floors is narrow - large bags and pushchairs need to be folded and lodged at reception. Light levels are kept low to preserve the fabric of the building; large print and braille guides are available. The reception in the house has a small retail area selling guides and souvenirs. The grounds at Gawthorpe Hall are open every day. There are toilets (including a disabled toilet) in the outbuildings and a large free car park.

Glossop Town Hall, a listed landmark in the middle of the town by Norfolk Square, is still…read moreimpressive despite wear and tear. I particularly love the clock tower. It focuses on providing local residents with info on council services for High Peak and Derbyshire. Adjoining is the Market Hall (in addition to the outdoor market) with over twenty stalls. Also grand with Doric columns, it opens on Thursdays to Saturdays and is good for a rummage. There is such a variety of goods to buy its hard to pin this one down. The nearby heritage centre will tell you that the coat of arms you see on the Market Hall is that of the family of Norfolk, as in the Square.

A wonderful modern theatre in Salford at the Lowry Centre. The Lyric Theatre is the biggest of the…read moretwo theatres inside of the huge Lowry Centre. It hosts many amazing plays, musicals and many other entertainment options. I have been to see two National Theatre productions here which include the amazing War Horse and recently the Curious incident of the dog in the nighttime. It also has a couple of restaurants and cafes and amazing views to go with it. I have sat in many places in the Lyric theatre and there really isn't one bad seat plus the seats are really comfortable! All the staff who work here are really friendly and they seem to love there job. So take a look at the Lowry website to see if theres a show coming your way soon. Even if you're not sure that you might like the theatre, give it a go you may love it! The Lowry also hosts many art exhibitions which currently has Behind the Mask, the biggest collection of BAFTA-winning actor portraiture ever assembled, which has come to The Lowry for its first time out of London which is worth the trip out of town alone! You can easily get to the Lowry from the city centre of Manchester on one of the Metrolink trams which head towards Media City UK!

This is the outlet at the Lowry. We hadn't been here in a few years certainly long before wu flu…read morestruck. I'd guess it's now half empty store wise. Key shops like M&S Clothing, Black & Decker, Tefal and many more all long gone. Harry Ramsden's fish & chips still there along with subway. A chicken shack of sorts, an independent Indian and a BK. The Indian has most food pre cooked and heated on order so no thanks. When there's a Harry's I'm afraid this sort of competition has no chance with me. They used to have a spud u like but it's gone as has an ice cream parlour. The Cadbury alleged chocolate shop is still there but prices are rip off with supermarkets offering identical products much cheaper. Costa coffee is still there and they are now advertising the fact that they are selling M&S food so at least that's quality food. I'm not sure I'd make another trip back here but they still do the artisan market days so that would bring me back.

Victoria Square is a stunning open space in the centre of Bolton…read more On one side sit the majestic Albert Halls, with its imposing steps up to the doors and tall clock tower. The whole area really is quite stunning and on a clear blue day it's a lovely place to come and have a sit down and watch the world go buy as you take a break from shopping or work. There's plenty of benches around the outside of the square, with a few trees about as well if you need a bit of shade. Victoria Square really enhances Bolton's character, and makes an ace change from all the average shops around.

An historical building and one that provides all sorts for the public. The hall has three rooms to…read morerent out to people, whether it be weddings, conferences or productions. They are available with first class service. I once performed here with my school for the mayor, and yes I was nervous but I kept getting lost as the place is soooo big. A map would be helpful! There is also a museum inside this gigantic building. It is the museum of the Manchester Regiment. They have many things on offer and lots of school kids go and have a wander and learn about what their grandad did etc. It is fun to go and look at all the history! The added bonus is that it is free to get in so HIGH FIVE! If you are thinking of having a wedding reception here. It is an ideal place as this building is fantastic from the outside and inside is even better. Look at the photos or take a look at the website.

Manchester Central has a lot of history behind it and is a pretty cool building, dating back to…read more1880, it was originally a train station, opened in its current form as a Convention Complex in 1986, and more recently became a pop-up Nightingale Hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic. I've visited for a couple of events here over the years, the venue looks rather impressive, is spacious, and seems to host a large number of varied events, so it has versatility too. Located right in the city centre, a couple of minutes walking away from St Peter's Square, on Windmill St, the biggest issue is parking, the closest car park is NCP Manchester Central, the rates are very high, so you might be best parking elsewhere in the city centre, or using public transport, with Metrolink services stopping at St Peter's Square. Security and staff efficient and crowd management is fairly good at larger events. 4*

Manchester Central is a pretty large conference space in the city centre and it's perfectly located…read morefor all sorts of exhibitions while being very close to everything - here's some top tips! 1. St Peters Square tram stop is a few mins walk and will directly link you with Manchester Piccadilly Station and a lot of other transport links. 2. If you're after food and drink - Peter Street is getting better with Brewdog, Almost Famous, Sakana, Revs De Cuba all a 5 mins walk. 3. They have exhibits here ranging from politics to food and drink - comic books to tattoos 4. Toilet facilities are modern and plentiful