Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Bridgewater Canal

"Perched on the banks of the River Irwell, Manchester Cathedral - officially the Cathedral and Collegiate Church of St. Mary, St. Denys, and St. George - dates mostly from 1422 to 1506 and was raised to cathedral status in 1847. Particularly attractive are its chapels on both sides of the nave and choir. It was built between 1486 and 1508 with further additions and alterations in almost every subsequent century."

"With a history stretching back to the Middle Ages, the grade I-listed Cathedral Church of St Mary, St Denys and St George is one of Manchester’s oldest and most beautiful buildings. It is notable for its spectacular wooden furnishings and stained glass displays, much of which was restored in 1952 after the Blitz. Free guided tours are available most days from Monday to Saturday."

"Manchester Cathedral is located on Victoria Street, in between the National Museum of Football and Victoria Station. Although the origins of the cathedral are not clear, the construction is believed to have started around 700 AD. At the time though, it was just a church."

"Affectionately called the Theatre of Deams, Old Trafford is home to the world famous Manchester United Football Club. It's home to many of the red's matches throughout the football season, as well as the official Megastore. Stadium tours also take place regularly which anyone can book on to."

"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."

"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."

"There’s an early taste of the Peak District right on Macclesfield’s eastern flank at this park on the slopes of the dominant Tegg’s Nose hill. As soon as you arrive at the car park, there’s a handy visitor centre with leaflets and information boards about the hill’s human history and wildlife. For hundreds of years the Tegg’s Nose was quarried for millstone grit, and an old quarry site has been preserved and labelled with signs."

"Nestled between Manchester Cathedral, the National Football Museum, the Corn Exchange, and Chetham’s School of Music are Cathedral Gardens Manchester. It is a new park but provides a great escape if you are in the Manchester city centre and want to take a breath. It is a regenerated area with a water feature that changes with seasons and concrete sitting areas and is now one of Manchester’s best parks."

"Trafford Town Hall stands in a large site at the junction of Talbot Road and Warwick Road, directly opposite the Old Trafford Cricket Ground. Work on the building, designed by architects Bradshaw Gass & Hope of Bolton, began on 21 August 1931.[84]. The town hall officially came into use as Stretford Town Hall on the granting of Stretford's charter, on 16 September 1933."

"One of the best ice cream parlours in Manchester, Ginger's Comfort Emporium is a Northern Quarter favourite handing out dairy and vegan scoops all year round. With specials including Campari and coconut, Eccles cake and Chorlton Crack (peanut butter and salted caramel), these frozen spoonfuls are always at their best when served in sandwich form. We all scream for these quirky ice cream sandwiches."

"Ginger’s is the perfect place to go for a Mancunian-made ice cream. An award winning real dairy ice cream business, this Affleck’s emporium offers a range of exciting flavours which even include vegan options. The flavours change quite regularly so there will always be something new to try on every visit; they recently served a vegan chocolate brownie flavour which went down very well!"

"You’ve probably seen the chic and trendy “ice cream van for the grown-ups. This dessert wagon is mainly to be found after dark, when the children are safe in bed, roaming the streets of south Manchester.”. And now luckily for us they have a permanent residence in the Northern Quarter, on the first floor Afflecks Palace."

"Oasis is a Chorlton ice cream institution which also offers a variety of sorbets, frozen yoghurt and slushes. Open until 11pm, it’s good at attracting a local late night crowd: just the ticket when you have a craving to satisfy without having to settle for a tub of Ben & Jerry’s. Manchester Rd, Chorlton, M21 9GA"

"A classy combination of flavours and style from Oslo and Manchester where the founders originate from.Why go?. You'd be hard-pressed to find better food anywhere in the city. The exquisite flavours in OSMA's menu of seasonal, locally sourced produce are matched by the stunning presentation and a lovely, welcoming team."

"The Turing Tap is the bright and airy pub serving a selection of cheap small plates, pizzas, burgers and comfort food classics, all at pocket-friendly prices."

"Situated in the new financial district of Manchester, a few minutes stroll away from Deansgate, Zizzi Italian restaurant in Spinningfields offers some of the finest al fresco dining in Manchester, with views overlooking the River Irwell."

"This wonderful vegetarian café offers a warm welcome and a menu containing freshly made plant-based food with flavours from around the world. Choose from homemade quesadillas, soups and pies before sampling one of their vegan and gluten free cakes and biscuits. For those on the go, simply place your order online and pick up your healthy treat at a time which is convenient to you."