Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Rishton

"Standing proud since 1421 when Henry V signed a royal charter granting permission for a collegiate church to be built, the iconic Manchester Cathedral has survived world wars, bombings and the industrial revolution first hand. Admire the beautiful stained glass windows and carved ceilings as you wander around the building and listen to the sound of choristers and jazz that is often playing. If you want to learn more about the building there are guided tours every day at 11 am and 2 pm Monday to Saturday."

"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."

"If you are a Manchester United fan, you obviously know exactly what Old Trafford is. For those who don’t know, Old Trafford is the home stadium of one of the two major clubs in Manchester; Manchester United, of course. Football fans will love to visit this lovely stadium whether they love the club or not."

"Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Green Giant used under CC BY 4.0. Cartwright Hall is Bradford’s municipal art gallery, that offers an energising array of contemporary exhibits. The collections showcase 19th and 20th-century British craftsmanship, with global contemporary prints and South Asian works."

"St. Ann’s Church is a Grade I listed, 18th century temple located in front of St. Ann’s Square, at the heart of Manchester’s shopping district, where the fashionable shopping avenues of New Cathedral Street and Barton Arcade converge. The church was consecrated at this spot in 1712, when Manchester was little more than a rural parish town. Named after St. Anne, the church’s shortened name is a reference to Lady Ann Bland who was its first patron."

"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."

"Lightoaks Park is a larger and popular park in Salford, officially opened in 1925. The park is maintained by a large and active group of volunteers – The Friends of Lightoaks Park. In normal times, the group organise regular events for the local community, as well as maintain the park to a high standard."

"And so we get to our number one, best park in Salford as voted for by 44.5% of participants in my survey. Light Oaks Park it seems is the one that many people see as the park to go to in the city. Situated in Claremont, the park was opened in 1925 and is one of the larger parks in Salford."

"Proximal to the centre of the city, this public park is one of the finest Victorian parklands in the North West. Opened in 1861 and is listed as Grade II, this municipal park boasts of a Japanese Garden with ornamental plants and astounding water features. Other interesting attractions include the Derby Walk, The Belvedere, Ribble Walk and Boar War Memorial on Board Walk."

"About: Patisserie Valerie in Deansgate is a haven of self-indulgence. This luxurious, continental-style patisserie and café is famed for delicious handmade cakes and pastries. Under the counter you'll discover a mouth-watering array of sugary treats such as tarts, macaroons and gateauxs."

"I wouldn’t normally have chosen this flavour, but on a hot day they only had three to choose from. Had a changing flavour – hints of coffee, cream and caramel with little bits of caramel which gave a nice texture change."

"Visit the award-winning Assheton Arms with a loved one while in the local area. The pub is set in a stunning, Grade II listed building and specialises in hearty meat dishes and fresh seafood specialities. Popular meals include Morecambe Bay plaice, Persian chicken and venison haunch, plus a variety of mouth-watering puddings."

"Much-loved across the UK, San Carlo is known for their delicious Italian food – each dish as beautiful as the next. The food is well presented and served in a bright, well-dressed setting with lots to choose from. There are five venues to choose from in Manchester alone, including Bottega (their cocktail and champagne bar), Cicchetti (which serves up small plates), Fumo (a stunning space to grab beautiful meals all day long), Gran Cafe (their cafe), and the main San Carlo (which has a huge menu!)."

"Cicchetti, Fumo and San Carlo itself are all wonderful choices for a special romantic evening. Cicchetti has a lovely marble bar that you can sit at whilst you nibble on small plates, whilst Fumo’s beautiful art deco interior is the perfect setting for a special date. And for lovers of traditional Italian food, you can’t go wrong at San Carlo."

"Located in the Deansgate area of Manchester inside a beautiful Victorian courthouse building, Hawksmoor Steak and Seafood restaurant is not to be overlooked if steak is your food of choice. A wide range of steak cuts are on offer here, and you'll want to bring your appetite - steaks don’t generally come any smaller than 500g. Although Hawksmoor can be a fine dining experience, it doesn’t have to break the bank, and offers a steak lunch special for under £16."

"The first branch of this modern British steakhouse to open outside the capital, Hawksmoor offers simply superb steaks from dry-aged British rump and rib-eye to porterhouse and chateaubriand alongside classy cocktails and a winning wine list. Leave room for the heavenly sticky toffee pudding with clotted cream."

"The award-winning steakhouse serves high-grade cuts of dry-aged beef, as well as, sustainably sourced seafood and world-class cocktails. Sip on a Tropical Cobbler and Champagne Charlie or keep it classic with a glass of wine."