Things To Do In Manchester This Bank Holiday Weekend 2019

With Easter weekend fast approaching and the sun shining down on Manchester, I’ve been starting to have a think about how Sonny the pug and I are going to spend our long bank holiday weekend. Although we might not be going abroad, there’s so much to do in the UK and Manchester (especially when the weather is great), that I’ve popped together some of my favourite ideas on things to do in Manchester this bank holiday weekend 2019.

Discover a new museum

Art galleries and museums are mostly free now in the UK, aside from special exhibitions, and we are so lucky to have so many different types to explore! Even in Manchester, whttp://www.lilykitten.com/manchester-science-festival-2015-launch-party/e have everything from the Whitworth Art Gallery featuring modern art, to the Museum of Science and Industry which is one of the largest museums in the UK and home to the world’s first computer, Baby, and on the site of the world’s first train station!

Explore the Northern Quarter

The Northern Quarter is my favourite area in Manchester. From Oldham Street to Thomas Street, it’s full of side streets scattered with cool bars, vintage clothing companies and independent shops, meaning you’re able to get your fix of the quirky and different all in one place. I enjoy taking a couple of hours to grab a coffee – I personally love 19 Cafe Bar for coffee and a light lunch – and wonder in and out of streets. Plus, once a month the Northern Quarter hosts a ‘makers market’ which is full of one-off arts and crafts bits and bobs to buy.

Have a staycation

British staycations are the new vacations, don’t you know? This bank holiday weekend, make the most of the extra Friday and Monday off and go for a long weekend away at a beautiful British stately home, spa or quintessential cottage. Manchester is home to some of my favourite hotels in the world, such as King Street Townhouse, The Principal and Hotel Gotham which I absolutely love. If for whatever reason you feel like a change of scenery, there are tons of places in the UK I’ve yet to explore that really aren’t that far to roadtrip from Manchester; right now I am eying up accommodation in Robin Hood’s bay as a long weekend away.

Visit a distillery

A bit of a different suggestion here, but since I visited the Three Rivers Gin Distillery before Christmas, I can’t stop recommending the tour to my friends and family. In fact, it’s rated the No.1 Top Thing To Do in Manchester by TripAdvisor, so it seems like lots of people agree. If you’re into your drinks and want something different to do, then this is certainly it! Complete with more than enough drinks to keep you merry, it even includes a bespoke gin-making masterclass so you can take home your very own bottle at the end!

Get pampered

A guilty pleasure of mine is taking a day off to get a good pampering, so on a long weekend I do enjoy using the extra time to have a bit of self-care time and get pampered! Manchester is home to a whole host of amazing spas and beauty salons. Some of my favourites are New Church House (previously Barn-it) that I visit twice a month for my nails and laser hair removal, and The Divine Hub, a little boutique place in Didsbury for amazing sensual massages and reflexology. Both totally different vibes, but perfect in their own ways!

Have a slap up meal

And finally – if all else fails, eat! Manchester is truly home to one of the best food and drink scenes in the UK and we are so lucky to have so many amazing bars, restaurants and indepedant eateries on our doorstep. I have a whole category of Manchester Food and Drink reviews if you want to take a look for something that tickles your fancy, but nothing beats a boozy brunch at Pen and Pencil, cocktails and curry at Ashers and a stunning Asian-inspired afternoon tea at Sunset by Australasia.