Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Brockholes

"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!"

"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."

"Temple Newsam House, a magnificent 40-room Tudor-Jacobean mansion, is a must-see when in Leeds. Set in a sprawling 900-acre park on the city's outskirts, it's famous as the birthplace of Lord Darnley, the husband of Mary Queen of Scots. Interior highlights include a variety of Old Master paintings, as well as furniture by Thomas Chippendale and collections of Leeds creamware and silver."

"Temple Newsam, one of the romantic places to go in Leeds, is a historic site with vast grounds and gardens where you two can take a stroll. Take in its 500-year-deep history all recounted in its glorious 1,500-acres (607-hectares) mansion ground. The temple’s walls — where royalty once walked — are full of history."

"Adventurous couples can tackle the tree tops at Temple Newsam. Be bold and go for the tree top challenge – the hardest Go Ape course. Your unbreakable love and unwavering support (did we just say that?) will get you through once you’re 15 meters above the ground."

"A Grade-II listed site, the beautiful 19-acre Sheffield Botanical Gardens were established in 1836 and showcase more than 5,000 species of plants. This is a lovely spot for a stroll, especially in the spring and summer, when many of the plants are in full bloom. Highlights include the glasshouses, also Grade II-listed, with temperate plants from Australia, Asia, and South Africa; the Victorian Garden; and the Four Seasons Garden, which is colorful at any time of year."

"Sheffield’s Botanical Gardens covers 19 acres of land, with over 5,000 species of plants from across the world in 15 different garden areas. First opened in 1836, this grand Victorian garden was originally designed by Robert Marnock. a great outdoor venue for summer entertainment and plays host to musical, theatrical and cultural events."

"Endcliffe Park is the perfect escape for freshers in Ranmoor and Endclife, and students living near Eccy Road. With a great mix of quiet leafy spaces and open grassy meadows, it ticks every box. A short walk down the hill from the popular Botanical Gardens, Endcliffe Park is a far more peaceful place to visit when you fancy a taste of the countryside life."

"Part of Sheffield’s charm is that it has the Yorkshire countryside and surrounding greenery right at its doorstep. A great base from which to begin your exploration of Yorkshire’s green spaces is Endcliffe park. Since opening in 1887, Endcliffe park has continued to attract visitors for both its park and woodland."

"Encliffe Park, in the south west, combines woodland and parks to create one of the largest and most popular parks in Sheffield. It was opened in 1887 for Queen Victoria’s Jubilee. The park is populated with lots of things to see and do, such as the Porter Brook, which runs through the park and forms two ponds."

"Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Chemical Engineer used under CC BY-SA 4.0. The National Emergency Services Museum provides interesting and interactive insight into the functioning of the 999 National Emergency Services. The museum encourages hands-on learning and you can even dress up in uniform."

"It is set in 17 acres of lovely Yorkshire countryside, and within easy reach of Leeds and Bradford with wide car and coach parking. Open 7 days a week with an outstanding selection of plants plus stunning gifts and home decorations, gorgeous outdoor furniture and all you need to keep your garden looking great each and every season, Tong is set to inspire you."

"National Trust Car Park - 15 minute drive from Losehill House. Known as the “shivering mountain”, Mam Tor stands over the village of Castleton, with the aforementioned caves at its base. The rolling hills that embrace Castleton and Losehill House, including Lose Hill and Win Hill, are what makes this view so special, and many choose to reach the summit as the sun rises for a magical early morning experience."

"The Mam Tor Walk is one of the top 10 UK walks, offering views over Hope Valley from the sensational ‘Mother Hill’ or ‘Shivering Mountain’. For this reason, it can be bustling, so aim to get there as early as possible and avoid weekends if you can. It is a family-friendly walk and a popular sunrise spot because it is accessible from the car park."

"Alan Turing Statue is also a very important LGBTQ landmark in Manchester. It’s located in Sackville Gardens, just behind the Gay Village. Alan Turing was a computer scientist and mathematician best known for his work on Enigma (German encrypting machine) during WWII."

"One of England's most impressive collections of sculpture is scattered across the formidable 18th-century estate of Bretton Park, 200-odd hectares of lawns, fields and trees. A bit like the art world's equivalent of a safari park, the Yorkshire Sculpture Park showcases the work of dozens of sculptors both national and international. The park is partly a homage to local heroes Barbara Hepworth (1903−75), who was born in Wakefield, and Henry Moore (1898−1986), though more of their works are on display at the Hepworth Wakefield."

"This outdoor gallery near Wakefield is in a former 18th-century estate encompassing more than 500 acres of fields, lakes, exotic trees,…"

"Centre For Chinese Contemporary Art is a unique art gallery with a year-round programme of socially engaged exhibitions, events, and artist residencies. They have over 30 years experience of working with emerging and established artists to provide a space for conversation, debate, and cross-cultural exchange. They are the go-to place to discover new artists and explore relevant global issues from different international perspectives."

"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."

"This one is a bit of a trek from the Manchester city center (we went here as part of a private black cab taxi tour of the city), but it is a must-visit spot for music fans. Devotees of The Smiths come from all over the world to recreate their famous photo take in front of the Salford Lads Club for the inside sleeve of their 1986 album, The Queen is Dead. Go have your own Morrissey moment!"

"Located in Salford (Greater Manchester), Salford Lads Club became famous in 1986 when it was featured on the cover of the Smith’s album The Queen is Dead. Manchester is known for its music scene. It boasted some of the most famous rock bands in England and the Smiths are one of them!"

"Located a 20 minute walk away from the Peel Park campus, Salford Lads' Club was established in 1903 as a purpose built club for boys. The club was famously featured on the cover for the The Smiths album 'The Queen is Dead'."

"If you need a venue that will allow kids of all ages to let off some steam while doing something completely out of the ordinary, Chill Factore is ideal. The indoor ski slope can be used for skiing, snowboarding, doughnut sledging, and more. It is truly one of the best sports-based activities in Manchester and the north-west."

"Here comes a real chill place to visit which is the Chill Factore, an indoor snow centre. If you are someone who always wanted to play with snow, then this is your place to be. You have snowy slopes for your skiing and snowboarding experience with the guidance of the instructors."