Best Arts and Culture Places in Appleton Thorn

"A superb collection of British art and a hefty number of European masters are the highlights at the city's top art gallery. It's home to the best assemblage of Pre-Raphaelite art as well as a permanent collection of pre-17th-century art, mostly by Dutch and early Renaissance masters. It also hosts exciting exhibitions of modern and contemporary art. The gallery runs a free hour-long highlights tour from 2pm to 3pm Thursday to Sunday."

"Whilst it may not boast the beautiful parkland of its Whitworth partner, this Mosley Street gem nonetheless has plenty to offer: not least a world-class art collection, and everything from highlights tours to mindful drawing. Visiting with children?. Make sure to visit the onsite café, which has a pay-as-you-feel kids’ menu in partnership with Real Junk Food Manchester."

"Standing proud for almost 200 years, Manchester Art Gallery was created as a gallery for everybody and for life. It features British and European art from the 18th and 19th century, as well as contemporary art. And the best part is that it’s always free to visit!"

"The Northern arm of the Imperial War Museum does not disappoint and is a fantastic day out, showing how war affects people’s lives and is great for children to learn lots about the history of the UK during the times of war. At the moment there us a special Horrible Histories exhibition about the Blitz and we had a really lovely day when we visited last year. The exhibition finishes on 10th April and is well worth the visit."

"The Imperial War Museum, the huge silver structure across the water from MediaCityUK, will be back open from May 19. The main exhibition space, along with the Big Picture Show - which projects documentary-style footage and stories onto the walls of the gallery - will both return. The exhibition Aid Workers: Ethics Under Fire is also open, free to visit and extended until September 24."

"John Rylands Research Institute and Library, 150 Deansgate, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M3 3EH - Visit now. John Rylands Library houses a collection of rare books that spans five millennia – including an original Gutenberg Bible – in a neo-Gothic building that took nine years to build."

"This Victorian Neo-gothic building is one of the most beautiful landmarks in Manchester. Oddly enough, although most people know about it, a lot of locals never visited it!. This is a mistake you shouldn’t be making as it is truly gorgeous!"

"The John Rylands Library in Manchester is a breath-taking library. It opened in 1900 as a tribute to Enriqueta Ryland’s husband John Ryland. You can find statues of the both of them in the main hall."

"Good news for anyone who missed seeing Don McCullin’s incredible photographs of Liverpool and beyond because that exhibition has been extended until September 5 and can be booked now. You can also book tickets for free displays including Aliza Nisenbaum’s portraits of Merseyside’s NHS workers, the Biennial and two new displays of the Tate collection. Reopening is being planned for May 17."

"If you’re looking to get your art fix, you can’t beat the Tate. Housed in the Albert Dock, Tate Liverpool has been home to modern and contemporary art for over 30 years. Since opening, the Tate has held over 150 exhibitions and displays from a huge range of artists."

"This gallery is four floors and has a wide variety of art from the 20th century. There is also touring exhibitions from the mother ship on London’s Bankside. However, the gallery feels sparse but it is nice to go to wander the floors of art that is there"

"Photo credit: www.flickr.com/photos/arthurjohnpicton/4469867089/. Boasting a large collection of pieces by Italian, Flemish, and French Masters from the 14th century to the present day. The Walker Art Gallery is a must-visit for any art lover."

"Liverpool gallery with one of the largest collections of art outside London which includes Tudor portraits, renaissance works, Victorian and Pre-Raphaelite art and contemporary pieces by David Hockney, Lucian Freud and Bridget Riley."

"From April 17, Tate Liverpool's cafe will be opening on weekends only. Its menus change seasonally and the venue offers locally sourced ingredients. All dishes are made fresh from scratch on the premises."

"If you are after somewhere quirky with its décor and its charm, then look no further than Oddfellows. Located on Bridge Street right by the historic walls, Oddfellows describes itself as ‘idiosyn­cratic, whimsical and charming.’. With a secret garden, bedrooms, apartments, restaurants and bars, this Georgian townhouse can provide you with almost anything you’d need!"

"Oddfellows Chester is a vibrant hotel in the center of the city. The hotel has a dazzling flair with a stylish interior and beautiful wall decorations. From the hotel you are also near attractions such as the Chester Cathedral, the castle of the city and the town hall."

"Quirky is the byword at this city centre property, managed by the team formerly at the Chester Grosvenor. The style plays on the Cheshire connection to Lewis Carroll with a Wonderland theme – but with added bling."

"OKitchen Bar & Restaurant is situated in Didsbury Village in South Manchester, providing Korean and Japanese cuisine alongside a cocktail bar that offers a wide variety of drinks for brunch and dinner. They are open from Monday through Sunday."

"We’re happy to give St John’s Gardens top marks for looks - after all, they’re meticulously kept, lined with a series of pretty walls and dotted with all kinds of lovely statues and flowerbeds - but the inner city location and relatively modest size mean it can seem a bit cramped (there's also something a bit wrong about cracking open a can of lager 50 feet from a dual carriageway). Still, it's great for a quick walk around."

"If you’re around the St George’s Plateau then head round the back to chill out in St John’s Gardens. The garden, which is part of the William Brown Street conservation area, has been a Green Flag site since 2003 and contains ornamental flower beds and various memorials to notable people in the city. A great spot to soak up the rays."

"Discover the fascinating history of Adlington Hall as you tour The Great Hall, the chapel, oak-panelled dining room, the Minstrel’s Gallery, the number 10 bedroom, and more. Alongside the Great Organ, visitors can enjoy the original furniture, paintings, and décor of the building, or wander the gardens, attempt the maze, or enjoy a slice of homemade cake and a cup of tea in the tea room. I Opening Times: Public open days run on Sundays and Bank Holidays during April and September."

"A tremendous mixture of styles, Adlington Hall was founded at the end of the 15th century and then reworked in the 18th century. So while the north and east facades have romantic black and white timber framing the south and west wings are brick built, with a solemn Palladian portico. Adlington is hired out for weddings, but on Sundays between April and October the house and gardens are open to visitors."