Romantic Restaurants, Getaway Places in Brockholes

"MOSI, or Manchester of Science and Industry, is a free museum which displays Manchester’s rich industrial legacy explored in this excellent museum set within the enormous grounds of the old Liverpool St Station, the oldest rail terminus in the world. The large collection of steam engines and original factory machinery tells the story of the city from the sewers up, while a host of new technology talks about its future. You can access this museum by using the Metro and disembarking at Castlefields-Deansgate stop."

"The museum is located on Liverpool Street and is a fantastic day out with children. The museum is devoted to the development of science, technology and industry with emphasis on the city’s achievements in these fields. I love this emphasis and it shows how much Manchester has to be proud of."

"This museum focuses chiefly on the human cost of war in the 20th and 21st centuries. From Feb 6–June 13 it will exhibit the work of and personal memorabilia of war photographer Don McCullin. Other exhibitions include images by Sean Sutton, an exploration of the life of Odette Hallowes, the heroine of World War Two, and a photographic display marking the twentieth anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall."

"Manchester is a great city and there is so much to see and do as a family and its sad that its often overlooked when people are visiting the UK. Similarly to London, Manchester is jam packed with museums covering so many different areas and each providing a different and unique experience to children and families. Below are my pick of the best museums in Manchester for children which are all a great day out for families and most are free, so great for keeping the costs down on adventures!"

"The story of Britain's 200-year march to democracy is told in all its pain and pathos at this superb museum, housed in a refurbished Edwardian pumping station. You clock in on the 1st floor (literally: punch your card in an old mill clock, which managers would infamously fiddle with so as to make employees work longer) and plunge into the heart of Britain's struggle for basic democratic rights, labour reform and fair pay."

"Learn more about the history of democracy and how every person won the right to vote in one of the city’s most interesting museums. Keep your eyes peeled for revolving exhibitions that seek to inform in exciting ways, such as Never Going Underground, which demonstrates the history of LGBT+ rights."

"For the library lovers amongst us, the fun doesn’t end there. The John Rylands Library, now run as part of the similarly prestigious University of Manchester, is a grade 1 listed building. The library opened in 1900 at a cost of £200,000, and has been renovated on just 3 occasions over the 118 years following its emergence."

"Just three miles southwest of Sheffield's city center, Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet is a fascinating 18th-century Victorian village, where visitors can learn about the traditional production of steel scythes. This interesting tourist attraction features warehouses, workers' cottages, water wheels, tilt hammers, a grinding hull, and workshops, as well as the UK's last intact crucible steel furnace. A newer addition is the attraction's Learning Centre, used to host educational programs, and where you'll find a first-rate café."

"Large amounts of mature woodland make up Meersbrook Park, a 17 hectare area about 4 km south of the city centre. If you’re looking for great views over the city, then head to Meersbrook Park, which is a Green Flag Award winning site. The park is set on a steep hillside and is home to two historic buildings - Bishops' House (one of the oldest buildings in Sheffield) and Meersbrook House."

"Meersbrook Park boasts some of the best views of the Steel City, which makes it the perfect location to see the sunset. Now that the weather is about to get warmer, why not sit on the grass and take in some nature as the sun disappears from the horizon?. Photo: Chris Etchells"

"Carluccio’s is in the heart of the main Spinningfields financial district, overlooking the open spaces of Hardman Square. There’s also a branch in The Trafford Centre."

"Hiding away up the stairs in Piccadilly Station is Manchester’s best ice cream. Carluccio’s has been serving commuters and visitors for years."

"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."

"Open every day of the year, from morning until nightfall – and completely free to visit – the vibrant Fletcher Moss Park and Botanical Garden in Didsbury is a lovely place to spend an afternoon. In spring, the space comes alive with a burst of colour from its various wild flowers – with deep purples and warm oranges. It’s home to a host of wildlife, too – including a wide variety of birds."

"Founded in 1917, this large green space - part botanical garden and part wildlife habitat - is an engaging contrast to the busy city center. There are numerous walking trails on the property, as well as regular guided "health" walks. Popular things to do here include enjoying a stroll or picnic, or opting for more strenuous activities, such as tennis, rugby, or football."

"Eyam Hall is a historic manor house located just outside of Sheffield. The house was built in 1671 and is a well-preserved example of Jacobean architecture. The Hall and its garden are now open to the public so you can learn about the history about the building and life in the 17th century."

"Shoryu Ramen Manchester is a ramen bar originally established in London and has branched out to serve the community of Manchester. Reputed for the best tasting ramen that are made using a traditional process, they guarantee to bring out the authentic taste and savoury flavour that will whet your appetite and will keep you coming back for more. They have tonkatsu ramen, vegetarian ramen and special ramen made from chicken and kimchi seafood."

"This Piccadilly Gardens restaurant serves up delicious bowls of steaming hot ramen, and for students, it's absolute steal. Students can choose from the signature Shoryu Ganso or White Natural ramen (both normally £11.90) for just £7 every Tuesday when showing a valid student card. Keep an eye on their website too, as the restaurant offers a changing selection of deals each month: shoryuramen.com/deals ."