Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Lostock Gralam

"Let your child’s creativity and enthusiasm flourish on small amusement rides, interactive exhibits and photo experiences, including their favourite characters from Thomas and Friends, Bob the Builder, Fireman Sam are all featured in this 13,000 square ft. activity space. With its own café and gift shop Mattel Play is also perfect for large groups and parties to keep the children entertained during school holidays. Aimed from children between 1-12 years of age."

"Liverpool’s Royal Albert Dock, formerly an important industrial center, is now home to popular attractions including Tate Liverpool, Merseyside Maritime Museum, and The Beatles Story. Explore its cobbled paths to gain insight into the city’s heritage, marvel at its architecture, or simply unwind in one of the dock’s many bars or restaurants."

"The Anglican Liverpool Cathedral on St. James's Mount was consecrated in 1978, although services were held here in the 1920s. Also known as the Cathedral Church of Christ in Liverpool, this huge structure - designed by the same architect who created the country's iconic red telephone boxes - was built of red sandstone. Atop its copper roof is a 330-foot-high tower containing a carillon with 2,500 bells, the largest weighing in at four tons."

"Discover a symbol of Liverpool and gain insight into the city’s history with a visit to the National Heritage-listed Liverpool Cathedral. As the largest religious building in Britain, the Anglican cathedral boasts neo-Gothic architecture, distinctive artwork, and a 328-feet (100-meter) tower that provides sweeping views across River Mersey."

"Postponed from last year, the stunning Peace Doves installation will open on May 21 until August 31. The artwork, created by renowned sculptor and artist Peter Walker, will feature over 20,000 paper doves suspended in the cathedral. The popular Angel Wings moving light projection by Luxmuralis is also returning."

"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!"

"One of the oldest buildings in Manchester, the Cathedral has a vast and extensive history that can be traced back to humble beginnings in the 7th century, becoming a Cathedral in 1847. Having survived significant damage during both World War II and the IRA bomb, the Cathedral has undergone extensive refurbishment several times over the past century, creating a lovingly preserved building that appears much more modern than it actually is. The Cathedral is open to the public, who can admire the architecture and numerous little quirks inside, including the misericord wood carvings and bees on the roof."

"This church built in the Gothic style is a very pretty sight to see in Manchester. One of the oldest buildings in the city, it is also a historic site. The stunning design of the rustic building is reason enough to visit it but the interiors are equally beautiful and are sure to transport you back in time."

"Until the erection of today’s popular 1960s building, Roman Catholics in Liverpool had no true cathedral in which to worship. Edward Welby Pugin, son of the more famous Augustus, was commissioned to design a cathedral in 1853 but only part of it was built, which served as a parish church until it was demolished in the 1980s. After the Anglican cathedral began to rise at one end of Hope Street in 1904, Sir Edwin Lutyens was commissioned to outdo Sir Giles Gilbert Scott’s design at a new site at the other end of the same street."

"The Catholic Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral reflects the high proportion of Liverpudlians of Irish origin living in the city. During the Irish emigrations of the 19th and 20th centuries, Liverpool was the principal port of embarkation for the United States, and many emigrants ended up settling in the city. Building began in 1928, although it wasn't actually completed until 1967."

"An obvious choice for a drink in Liverpool and steeped in musical history Cavern Club is a no-brainer when it comes to catching a little live music in the city. On Sunday’s, as with any other day of the week, The Cavern Club both have a variety of live music performances. Most are in the rock n roll genre and can range from relaxed acoustic sessions to Merseybeat covers and Beatles tributes."

"If, like a lot of people, your appreciation for Liverpool began with The Beatles, where better to express your love than at The Cavern Club?. Situated on Liverpool’s famous Matthew Street, The Cavern Club is a great place to declare your love for your partner if they’re a music fan. With music playing most days in the venue, why not choose a quieter time of day to drop to one knee?"

"Famous as the stage where the Beatles made their debut in 1961, Liverpool’s Cavern Club has become a place of legend, hosting not only the Fab Four, but the Who, the Kinks, the Rolling Stones, Queen, Elton John, and many more household names. The influential club remains one of Liverpool’s top live music venues to this day."

"Prestwich Forest Park consists of four smaller parks which make up 200 acres of woodlands: Philips Park, Drinkwater Park, Waterdale, and Prestwich. These parks can be heavily wooded (particularly Drinkwater), so it’s a beautiful place to spend a day away from the noise of town. Exploring the woods can be an enlightening experience, so long as you take care while wandering amongst the broad-leaved trees."

"The discreet roof garden located in Oh Me Oh My on Water Street is a must visit to get the perfect Instagram shot with the famous Liverbirds and the Three Graces as your backdrop. It was at one time one of Liverpool’s hidden gems but now the secret is out so it is best to get their as early as you can especially if it is a warm day. The Rooftop Garden is open from March to October with various events throughout the year including BBQs and brunches which is perfect when the sun is shining with a cocktail in hand."

"A post shared by OH ME OH MY (@ohmeohmy_liv) on Jun 13, 2018 at 2:47am PDT. Another of our fabulous outdoor lunch venues in Liverpool that has superb waterfront views is Oh Me Oh My. This amazing dining space has a sprawling outdoor terrace that directly overlooks the Royal Liver building so, whilst enjoying the splendour of Liverpool’s stunning architecture, you can relax in the sun whilst eating from their amazing lunch menu."

"Packing spectacular Instagram-ready views and an assortment of comfy seating, Goodness Gracious is the ideal place for sunseekers. The secret terrace of Liverpool's much-loved Oh Me Oh My, this spot was made for sky-high boozing, alfresco after-work drinks and weekend chilling."

"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."

"Holy Name Church, University of Manchester was built between 1869 to 1871 to give all Catholics in Manchester the perfect avenue to congregate and celebrate their faith. A sight to behold with its gothic revival architecture design, this church that can hold up to 800 people will truly give you a majestic view. Open from 7:30 Am to 10 PM, the church welcomes all its visitors with the relaxing ambience complimented by dramatic lights of the candles continuously burning in the altar as well as the soft music played in its background."

"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."

"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."

"This award-winning restaurant acquired its name when external renovation works revealed the original company name within the stonework. Staff take pride in serving modern international dishes complemented by the use of local, fresh and seasonal produce. The restaurant is connected to Hope Street Hotel and is open seven days a week, catering for varied events from wedding suppers to meetings."

"A 2 AA-Rosette restaurant in Liverpool, The London Carriage Works serves modern British dishes using local, seasonal produce. With a name arising from the former occupiers of its Victorian site, the restaurant is now a modern venue with wooden flooring…"

"Five-star hotel The Lowry underwent a swanky new makeover in late 2019, including a new look for the two-AA-rosette restaurant and bar. Their luxurious dining & drinking terrace is the perfect place to relax out of reach of the bustle of the city centre. With a sunny view of the River Irwell and hospitality to beat, this is a luxury to be experienced in Manchester."

"Situated in The Lowry Hotel on the Manchester/ Salford border, this fine dining breakfast menu is unbeatable. The restaurant itself is glass-walled and overlooks the Santiago Calatrava’s Trinity Bridge. The decor includes purple leather chairs, semi-circular banquettes, Fornasetti plates and mirrors."

"Why: As with all of the other Ivy restaurants, this Manchester site is dripping in glitz and glamour, so breakfast here is as much about the surrounds as it is the food. Pastries and toast kick things off, while there are full English options for both vegetarians and meat eaters. If you fancy something a little more virtuous there is an extensive section dedicated to eggs and a light and healthy selection too, which features the likes of smoked salmon on rye bread and dairy free coconut yogurt with berries."

"Another special spot in Spinningfields suitable for both celebrations or just a boujee Tuesday – The Ivy’s roof terrace is stunningly decorated, with plus velvet furniture, fire pits for warmth and grand trees throughout setting a botanical theme for its brasserie offering. Most of the space is for diners, however, there’s a lovely bar within the terrace, too, where you can perch up for a drink or two. The Ivy, The Pavilion, Byrom St, M3 3HG."

"Not satisfied being one of the most gorgeous restaurants in Manchester, The Ivy Spinningfields is offering up Insta-ready puds to match the surroundings. A long-standing feature on their dessert menu, the Chocolate Bombe is a thing of beauty. A hard chocolate shell is turned molten by a hot caramel sauce to reveal a delectable vanilla ice cream and honeycomb core within."