Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Ashton-in-Makerfield

"In Liverpool, I beheld long China walls of masonry; vast piers of stone; and a succession of granite-rimmed docks, completely inclosed, and many of them communicating, which almost recalled to mind the great American chain of lakes: Ontario, Erie, St. Clair, Huron, Michigan and Superior. The extent and solidity of these structures seemed equal to what I had read of the old Pyramids of Egypt...In magnitude, cost and durability, the docks of Liverpool, even at the present day surpass all others in the world...For miles, you may walk along that riverside, passing dock after dock, like a chain of immense fortresses..." Herman Melville, Redburn – his first voyage, 1849"

"Albert Dock is home to the UK’s largest collection of Grade I listed buildings, and London aside, is the most visited multi-use attraction in the UK. Open in 1864, it was the first construction in Britain to be made from cast iron, brick and stone, protecting it from combustion, a common problem in warehouses. Built as one of the only docks in which you could load cargo straight from the boat into the warehouse, the dock took shipments of brandy, sugar, cotton, tea, silk, tobacco and ivory."

"The superbly restored Royal Albert Dock was the first such facility in Britain to be built using only bricks and iron. At its heart is an impressive five-story-high block of buildings surrounding the harbor basin where cotton, tobacco, and sugar were once unloaded. These enormous Victorian structures are built around an arcaded walkway, their cast Tuscan columns once serving as capstans for moored ships."

"Built on St James’s Mount, the Liverpool Cathedral is the Church of England Cathedral of the Diocese of Liverpool and is the seat of the Bishop of Liverpool. It may be referred to as the Cathedral Church of Christ in Liverpool or the Cathedral Church of the Risen Christ, Liverpool, being dedicated to Christ ‘in especial remembrance of his most glorious Resurrection’. Liverpool Cathedral is the largest cathedral and religious building in Britain."

"The Anglican Cathedral is Britain's largest Cathedral and the 5th largest in Europe so you know it’s going to be something pretty special. Head inside to take in the cavernous space and stunning architecture or take a trip to the top of the tower for some of the best views over Liverpool. View this post on Instagram"

"As I mentioned just before, Manchester Cathedral is located in the city centre, so you don’t have to walk far. Actually, most of the photo locations in Manchester are located very close to each other, so at no point, you have to walk for more than 20-25 minutes. However, there are free buses in Manchester, so if it rains, you can definitely hop on one and head to Manchester Cathedral."

"Dating back to 1215, Manchester Cathedral offers a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of the city. The official name is actually “The Cathedral and Collegiate Church of St Mary, St Denys and St George” and is one amazing sight that needs to be seen in the city. It’s well worth a wander around to see the gorgeous architecture, especially as it has been so well preserved."

"Manchester Cathedral has been around since 1215, but has gone through multiple refurbishments. It’s not a massive cathedral but is a nice way to spend an hour or so. Entrance is free (although donations are encouraged)."

"Image Source Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral, much famed as Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ King hosts the prestigious seat of the Archbishop of Liverpool. Built in Gothic Revival architecture style in 1962; this is the mother church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Liverpool and regarded as one of the heritage churches in Liverpool. Metropolitan Cathedral has their own choir band and organ; which performs on regular basis."

"Liverpool is home to several photogenic cathedrals, but the Metropolitan Cathedral is probably one of the most unusual buildings in the whole of the UK. Reminiscent of an alien ship landed in the middle of a city, the inside is also verging on the surreal. Whether you photograph the exterior or interior you’re bound to get something to add to your portfolio."

"One of the things Liverpool is most famous for is The Beatles, so why not make the Fab Four part of your scouse stag weekend?. If the upcoming groom is a fan of Strawberry Fields, Yellow Submarines and saying Hey to a certain person called Jude, The Cavern is the ideal place to take him on his Liverpool stag party. Come Together in this nostalgic bar, where Britain’s most famous band started their journey –"

"0 km from city center 9 out of 10 places to visit in Liverpool. The Cavern Club is located at 10 Mathew Street in Liverpool. This club is famous as The Beatles used to play here in their early years."

"This is where the Fab 4 (The Beatles!) used to drink between gigs at the Cavern Club. Plan to stay:2-3 hours"

"Outside the city centre, Speke Hall dates from the Tudor period, recognisable from its black and white timber appearance. Croxteth Hall also has ties to this era, with one of its wings dating back to 1575 (though the majority of the building was completed in the 18th and 19th centuries)."

"A marvellous example of an Elizabethan half-timbered hall, Speke Hall is filled with gorgeously timbered and plastered rooms. The house contains several 'priest's holes', where the hall's sympathetic owners hid... Cultural Centre in Liverpool"

"This 13th-century church about a mile north of Macclesfield is the fourth church on this site. But what’s unusual is that the third church is still here, out among Medieval yew trees. There’s a Norman Romanesque chapel in the churchyard, dating to the 12th century, with semi-circular door and window arches and weathered but visible tympanum relief and lozenge patterns in the archivolts."

"A short stroll from Preston city centre, St Walburge's Church is a must visit for fans of history, heritage, and architecture. The church opened in 1854 and boasts the tallest spire of any parish church in England. The Roman Catholic Church is a sight to behold from both the outside and the inside."

"Touch of Health Spa & Aesthetic Clinic aim to provide top class spa, aesthetic and post operative aftercare treatments, at an affordable price. Trust that your treatment will be carried out by a fully certified and insured massage therapist. We are not just a beauty salon, we offer so much more."

"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."

"Open every day of the year, from morning until nightfall – and completely free to visit – the vibrant Fletcher Moss Park and Botanical Garden in Didsbury is a lovely place to spend an afternoon. In spring, the space comes alive with a burst of colour from its various wild flowers – with deep purples and warm oranges. It’s home to a host of wildlife, too – including a wide variety of birds."

"Named after Mr. Fletcher Moss (who donated the park’s grounds to the city), these Botanical Gardens are part plant showcase, part wildlife habitat, and part recreational facility. The plant life here is renowned for its beauty, and contains several unusual varieties. Some of the older specimens have grown there since the foundation of the park a full century ago."

"Fletcher Moss Park is a wide network of paths around the area around the Gardens, through Stenner Woods, round Millgate Fields, and along the river Mersey. Much of the area is a Local Nature reserve and there is a variety of wildlife to see and vistas to enjoy. At first, finding your way around can be a little confusing, and a map of the area might help."