Free Museums in Clow Bridge

"Take advantage of the free-entry to Manchester Art Gallery and admire the works of Manchester artists, a wide selection of British art and a large number of European masterpieces. The gallery was designed by Charles Barry, who is best known for rebuilding the Houses of Parliament after a devastating fire. The Art Gallery underwent an extension and refurbishment by Hopkins architects in May 2002, with 35 million pounds being spent on letting in more light, opening a new wing and installing an interactive children’s gallery."

"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."

"About:  Manchester Art Gallery is a place where everyone can discover, enjoy and learn about art. The gallery is home to a rich collection of 17th century European art, Pre- Raphaelite paintings, Craft & Design and Contemporary art. Address: Mosley Street, Manchester, M2 3JL"

"Address: Urbis Building Cathedral Gardens, Todd Street, Manchester M4 3BG. I’m probably as good at football as a pregnant sloth, but Manchester is obviously famous for its two football teams; Manchester United and Manchester City. Guided tours of their stadiums come with a charge, but you can visit the National Football Museum in Manchester city centre for free."

"Home to two of Europe's top football teams - Man City and Man United - Manchester is a great place to pay homage to the country's favorite sport. First stop should be the National Football Museum. This football shrine features fascinating memorabilia related to the sport, including such gems as the very first rulebook, as well as historic trophies and clothing."

"For fans of football, or sport in general, this museum is a must see. There are a range of important collections of football memorabilia as well events and exhibitions that teach you about the incredible history of football in England. Visit their website before your trip to see what’s on and book tickets."

"Found in Whitworth Park, the Whitworth Art Gallery is part of the University of Manchester and owns more than 60,000 works of art. It was first opened in 1889 and now showcases paintings by the likes of William Blake, Thomas Gainsborough, and Camille Pissarro. There is also an extensive collection of modern and contemporary art, as well as a wallpaper collection, which includes more than 5,000 examples of vibrant papers."

"Address: The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M15 6ER. Phone number: 0161 275 7450. Part of the University of Manchester, this collection of over 60,000 pieces ranges from historic fine art to contemporary art, prints and sculptures."

"Travel a bit outside Manchester's city center to the Salford Museum and Art Gallery, which is situated int heart of Peel Park. First opened in 1850, the museum features both permanent displays and changing contemporary exhibitions, with free admission for all visitors. One of the museum's highlights is Lark Hill Place, a recreated Victorian street that lets visitors experience what life was like in Victorian Salford."

"CFCCA is the UK leader in Chinese visual culture, with a reputation for debut solo exhibitions and a roster of internationally-renowned artists; impressive considering that, three decades ago, it was just a series of events in Manchester’s Chinatown. As Manchester’s Chinese population is second only to London’s, the centre’s heritage is particularly important; now represented in a new archive and library. Best feature: A vibrant events schedule, spanning film screenings to workshops and even Mandarin lessons"

"CFCCA reopens with a duo of exhibitions investigating and unpicking themes of belonging, identity and citizenship in a globalised and hyper-connected society. Housed in CFCCA’s Northern Quarter galleries, the exhibitions are just a few minutes’ walk from the Arndale Shopping Centre. Multiplicities in Flux brings together works by contemporary artists Grace Lau and Eelyn Lee in a dialogue around identity and belonging."

"Manchester's Centre for Chinese Contemporary Art will reopen both of its galleries on Wednesday May 19. Exhibitions Multiplicities in Flux and Autopsy of a Home, which originally opened in October, will be back until June 13. Booking is advised at cfcca.org.uk but walk-ups are welcome."

"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"

"Stood high on Castle Hill dominating Clitheroe’s skyline for over 800 years, Clitheroe Castle Museum is now open after a complete makeover and offers a day of exploration for all the family. Explore the hands-on galleries, collections and displays which reveal amazing stories and take you on a journey through 350 million years of history."

"A cosy and friendly café located down Cannon Street, Ravenous boasts an ample selection of breakfast and lunch options to enjoy alongside smoothies and fruit juices. The accommodating staff are more than happy to cater for your tastes and dietary requirements, with a variety of seriously tasty vegan options available, including a vegan full English breakfast."

"If you’re after some light refreshment, then the many cafes dotted about Preston City Centre will provide you with exactly what you need. From famous coffee house retailers to an interesting mix of inviting independents, you most certainly won't be stuck for choice."

"Independent coffee shop serving full breakfasts and lunch, Eggs Benedict, porridge, toast, soups, jackets, salads, toasties,Homemade cakes, hot/cold drinks. Address: Preston, UK. Phone: 01772 887 982"

"An opulently decorated ‘oasis’ of beauty, House of Evelyn offers a wide range of treatments ranging from nail treatments, facials (so needed from all this face mask wearing!), hair and make-up, waxing and brow shaping, and even massages. It’s a haven for anyone in need of the full works after a few months of neglect, and you’re sure to leave feeling like a whole new person. House of Evelyn, 40 Spring Gardens, M2 1EN."

"A failsafe and firm favorite with lovebirds is Malmaison, easily one of the most romantic hotels in Manchester. The hotel is steeped in history; it was formerly a 19th-century cotton warehouse and a Victorian dolls’ hospital later. Glittering silver walls, red velvet sofas, and white-and-black tile floors greet you as you enter."

"A secret little hideaway where you can escape and find harmony and balance for both body and mind. Please note that the spa will remain closed until October 2021. For Further Information and To Book A Spa Day"

" Set in the lush Malmaison Hotel in the very heart of Manchester, near Piccadilly Station and Gardens, Smoak Bar & Grill is a feast for the senses ..." Read our full review"