Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Manchester Ship Canal

"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."

"The beautiful old warehouses and docks are home to several restaurants, museums, shops, and exhibitions. The beautiful complex is made up of the largest group of Grade 1 buildings that are listed in the UK. At this destination, you’ll find a visitor’s center in the Anchor court which provides information and maps about Liverpool."

"If you are looking for one place that incorporates the essence of Liverpool then head to Albert Dock!. From museums and shops to restaurants and bars, Albert Dock has it all. The rare urban melange is perhaps just as perfect as its location- the serene water amidst all the buzz is sure to keep you entertained for hours."

"As a part of the Church of England and Cathedral of the Diocese of Liverpool, this is one of the most popular and noteworthy Liverpool churches. Popular as Cathedral Church of Christ in Liverpool, built in 1978, it presently houses the prestigious seat of Bishop of Liverpool. Total length of Liverpool Cathedral, including the Lady Chapel is 189 m, making it the largest cathedral and religious building in Britain and the longest cathedral in the World."

"As Britain’s largest cathedral and the fifth largest in the whole of Europe, Liverpool’s Cathedral is nothing short of impressive. Taking up nearly a whole street, this is a must-visit spot even if just to witness the beautiful interior and exterior. This Neo-Gothic building was opened in 1978 and designed by the same architect who created the iconic red telephone boxes you see all over the United Kingdom."

"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!"

"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."

"If you think you’ve seen all styles of cathedrals throughout your travels, think again!. The Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral has been nicknamed by locals as “Paddy’s Wigwam”, and when you first lay eyes on it you’ll understand why. The architect who designed this unique cathedral won an international competition in 1962 and the building was completed and opened in 1967."

"The striking design of this cathedral makes it a rather unique attraction to visit. Though the history of this cathedral is more contemporary than that of its sister venue at the other end of Hope Street, its gothic-revival architectural style makes it a standout feature of Liverpool’s skyline. Building began in 1928, although it wasn't actually completed until 1967."

"Known as the most famous club in the world, The Cavern is a fantastic place to start and end your Saturday night out in Liverpool. With non-stop live music from midday through to 23:00, the party never stops. Live performances range from local bands playing covers and original material, to tribute bands from across the world imitating Liverpool’s greatest export, The Beatles."

"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."

"Boasting one of the largest outdoor terrace areas in Manchester for outdoor drinking, The Shambles denotes the area bordered by historic medieval pubs The Old Wellington and Sinclair’s Oyster Bar. The black and white timber pubs were famously moved here and rebuilt brick-by-brick in 1999 next to Manchester Cathedral as part of the redevelopment of the city centre. The pubs are historic landmarks beloved of tourists to the city and are particularly busy on match days."

"Ordsall Hall is a large former manor house in the historic parish of Ordsall, Lancashire, England, now part of the City of Salford, in Greater Manchester. Ordsall Hall is situated 1 km east of Lowry Outlet Shopping. Photo: Nev1, CC BY-SA 3.0."

"Beginning life as a cupcake company, And the Dish Ran Away With the Spoon still serves freshly baked, hand decorated desserts, from layered cakes to brownies, in its charming little tearoom. As well as selling delicious treats, this café serves a popular afternoon tea/brunch, from Thursdays to Sundays. A little different from other locations, And the Dish Ran Away With the Spoon requires advanced booking, but you can expect generous portions and typical English scones and cakes for an alternative style brunch."

"An all-time foodie favourite Dish and Spoon is A-class in every way. Their cakes cover all flavours from chocolate honeycomb to toffee apple to raspberry and rose. The buttercream is light and the layers of sponge are… there’s no other way to say it….moist."

"It is a place where you can eat both delicious and quality cakes. Have you tasted the wet cakes?. If the answer is no, you should try it."

"On this five mile safari drive, get up close and personal with lions, tigers, giraffes, buffalos, baboons, bats, bees and everything in between. Knowsley Safari takes pride on educating its visitors on each animal’s unique abilities, showcased in sea lion displays, keeper talks and animal encounters. Knowlsey also has a number of ongoing conservation and research projects, helping to preserve the wildlife they display."

"Fun for all the family is this incredible Safari Park that’s home to over 700 world animals. Set over 550 acres, there are a number of ways to explore Knowsley Safari. The safari drive allows you to see animals in as close to natural conditions as possible."

"Knowsley Safari is a five-mile safari experience, with over 700 animals to see. Exciting, educational excursion for the whole family. Fun Things to Do in Liverpool With Kids"

"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."

"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"

"If you love animals and a great day out getting to know one another, then why not visit Chester Zoo. If you do get tired walking around the vast space that the Chester Zoo offers, you can avail of a buggy ride or even a monorail. Orwhy not try experiencing a lazy river boat trip and get to know more about Chester Zoo’s aquatic friends."

"Chester Zoo is a zoological garden at Upton by Chester, in Cheshire. Chester Zoo was opened in 1931 by George Mottershead and his family and it is one of the UK’s largest zoos. The zoo has 15,000 animals spread out over 125 acres of award-winning zoological gardens."

"My Cookie Dough is another indie recipe for success that started when co-owners Angie and Rickie met as students and went on to open outlets all over the UK. Taking the humble cookie, creating lightly crisp bakes which are perfectly gooey on the inside, their cookie stacks went viral and continue to gather crowds at Liverpool ONE with creations such as The Sl*tty Brownie with Nutella and Oreos; Rose & Pistachio with white chocolate and rose cream cheese. Discover My Cookie Dough here"