Free Museums in Bridgewater Canal

"Dynamic world class art gallery space, mostly free entry, features in Manchester from long-standing gallery icons like the Manchester Art Gallery and the Whitworth Art Gallery to lesser know art gems like The Lowry and Cornerhouse galleries. See contemporary Chinese art on display in the Chinese Arts Centre and catch more great contemporary art in hidden gem the Castlefield Gallery."

"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!"

"Manchester is renowned for its football, the giants of Manchester City and Manchester United call the city home. Naturally then, so too does the National Football Museum. Some of the footballing world’s most important artefacts are here."

"Click here for a special special Football Museum Championship menu Ok, now that I read this myself, I think I should have at least had a quick peek."

"Take a walk right down to the end of Oxford Road and you’ll find The Whitworth. An impressive and ornate red-brick structure, this popular Manchester art gallery certainly looks the part from the outside – and once inside visitors will find over 60,000 internationally important artworks to explore. Everything from weaving to sculpture is included within its recently refurbished walls – and best of all, much of it is free to explore."

"Travel back in time to the industrial revolution at the Quarry Bank Mill. Oozing with heritage, you can experience the ‘sounds and smells’ of steam and water-powered engines, explore the cotton mill to learn about spinning, weaving, the production of material, and the history of the textile industry, tour the Apprentice House for a glimpse into the lives of pauper children, stroll the beautiful gardens, or walk the Styal Estate, filled with woodlands and streams. Interactive, engaging, and educational, the museum exhibits and friendly and knowledgeable staff make Quarry Bank Mill a great day out for all ages."

"Contemporary Six – The Gallery is a leading independent art gallery located in the heart of the city centre of Manchester opposite the beautiful Town Hall. Established in 2010 by Alex Reuben, the gallery is known for offering a warm and friendly welcome to art enthusiasts, collectors, and new visitors and explorers to the city. Specialising in original paintings, landscapes, portraits, abstracts handmade prints, sculptures, and ceramics."

"From Darrell Evanes’ scrap metal sculpture to Matthew Bourne’s natural abstracts, Contemporary Six’s repertoire is all encompassing. Having outgrown its former location of Royal Exchange Arcade, the gallery - founded by Alex Reuben in 2010 - now occupies an airy space on Princess Street, where it represents around 40 artists. Best feature: Contemporary Six offers the Own Art Scheme, which allows buyers to pay in monthly instalments"

"Macclesfield is in the orbit of the Jodrell Bank Observatory, founded in 1945 and part of the University of Manchester. The primary telescope at Jodrell Bank is the colossal Lovell Telescope, built in 1957 and still the third largest steerable dish radio telescope in the world, at 76.2 metres in diameter. Amateur astronomers come a long way to savour this immense structure, which along with the rest of the station has been mooted for World Heritage Status."

"Need to know: A regular winner at the Enjoy Staffordshire Tourism & Good Food Awards, and the reigning Casual Dining Restaurant of the Year, The Three Horseshoes Country Inn is a renowned spot for traditional cuisine, whether you’re after a hearty meal or a dainty afternoon tea. A great reputation for customer service, and dog-friendly too. Open for takeaway: No"

"Lavish Elizabethan-style hall with ornamental gardens, including picnic areas, a kids' zoo and cafe. Address : Walton Lea Rd, Higher Walton, Warrington WA4 6SN, United Kingdom"

"Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Clem Rutter, Roch... used under CC BY 3.0. Walton Hall and Gardens is another of Warrington’s wonderful outdoor activities."