Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Ancoats

"Dating back to the 15th century, the Manchester Cathedral has experienced quite a bit of history! After Henry VIII broke away from the Roman Catholic Church, the Cathedral's riches were confiscated. During the English Civil war in the mid 17th century, pitched battles were fought inside and around the Cathedral between the Royalists (those supporting Charles I, the Stewarts, and the Anglican Church) and the Roundheads (Oliver Cromwell loyalists). Also Ann Lee, the founder of the religious movement called the Shakers interrupted services here when she lived in Manchester. The church was targeted by the Nazi Luftwaffe and received a direct head during the bombings of 1940. Yet through all this the Church maintains it's quiet dignity and beauty. It is a must see while in Manchester!"

"Standing proud since 1421 when Henry V signed a royal charter granting permission for a collegiate church to be built, the iconic Manchester Cathedral has survived world wars, bombings and the industrial revolution first hand. Admire the beautiful stained glass windows and carved ceilings as you wander around the building and listen to the sound of choristers and jazz that is often playing. If you want to learn more about the building there are guided tours every day at 11 am and 2 pm Monday to Saturday."

"Kids from age four are going to enjoy exploring this property on 32 acres of picturesque parkland. It offers an ideal space for picnics, kickabouts, and there are bouncy slide and trampolines, pitch n putt, and other outdoor activities that will keep the children busy. Also available for exploration in the garden is the children’s zoo, where they will meet parrots, shetland ponies, ferrets, chipmunks, rabbits, Herdwick sheep, chickens, pygmy goats, red squirrels, geese, guinea pigs, and ducks."

"St Mary’s RC Church (The Hidden Gem) has been enriching the faith of all catholic believers in Manchester since its establishment in 1794. Serving the community with its regular mas and services, you will feel comfortable and safe practising your beliefs and religion in this church. Apart from the holy mass, they also hold regular confessions 6 times a week from 11 AM to 12 Noon from Mondays to Wednesday and Thursdays to Fridays and from 10:30 AM to 11:15 on Saturdays."

"Founded in 1794, St Mary’s - or the Hidden Gem, as it’s better known - is the oldest Catholic church in Manchester and was the first to be built after the Reformation. Its stations of the cross, by painter Norman Adams, are considered one of the greatest ecclesiastical art commissions of the 20th century in this country and entry is free for visitors to admire them. St Mary’s Catholic Church, Mulberry Street, M2 6LN"

"Another religious site worth visiting - and something of a hidden gem in Manchester - is St. Mary's Catholic Church. Built in 1794 and located next to the historic Market Hall, it's also known locally as "The Hidden Gem." But don't let the structure's rather plain exterior stop you from popping in for a look inside. Here, you'll find numerous fine Victorian carvings."

"Buile Hill Park is, for many, the pillar of the Salford community. Situated in Seedley and Pendleton, it is the largest park in the city, and also the second oldest behind Peel Park. The park as we know it today was opened in 1903 when, what was known as Seedley Park, and the grounds of Buile Hill house were joined together by the closure of the ‘dog entry’ path which had separated them."

"Buile Hill Park is a Grade II listed public park and hall and is the second oldest park in the city, after Peel Park. The park is also the largest in the city, as well as one of the most popular. Buile Hill Park has a significant history, with close links to the artist LS Lowry, as well as being used as a military base in both world wars."

"The National Football Museum is the place to come if you want to learn all about Manchester’s two football clubs, Manchester City and Manchester United. There are a range of interactive exhibits here and this is without a doubt an important pit stop for anyone even remotely interested in football (if you’re not into football, you’d be forgiven for skipping this one). Read more: Best cities in England"

"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."

"In 2001, the National Football Museum was transferred from Preston to Manchester. The museum has over 140,000 football artefacts such as boots, programmes, paintings and balls. To visit the primary exhibition, you will not pay anything."

"Manchester Art Gallery, Mosley Street, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M2 3JL - Visit now. Manchester Art Gallery houses 25,000 artefacts across six centuries and contemporary exhibitions by world-leading artists in a beautifully-restored neo-Classic gallery, slap band in the city centre. The architect also designed Highclere Castle (or Downton Abbey)."

"This free to visit museum is one to add to your Manchester itinerary if you have kids that love art and art history. There’s plenty to learn about the city’s artists and culture. Families with younger children should make a beeline for the Clore Art Studio, which is an interactive space developed by artists."

"Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Dan1980 used under CC BY 3.0. Photo is only for illustrative purposes. Sankey Valley Park is a wonderful location to blow those cobwebs away, get that heart rate up and partake in a brisk walk in Warrington’s most loved parkland."

"Excellent park for a decent length walk, plenty of wildlife along the way. There are many birds and a couple of foxes around dusk. There is also plenty of space and singing birds."

"The Trafford Ecology Park is tucked away in the industrial Trafford Park behind an oil depot and is a registered Biological Important site and a true oasis of wildlife. The park is spread across an area of eleven acres and is a true delight for a nature enthusiast."