Romantic Restaurants, Getaway Places in North Downs

"Castlefield’s Science and Industry Museum is dedicated to ideas that change the world. Explore Manchester’s history of innovation and discovery in interactive, family-friendly exhibitions. Pay a visit to see exhibitions including Use Hearing Protection: the early years of Factory Records and Top Secret: from ciphers to cyber-security."

"The Museum of Science and Industry is a very unique museum worth visiting in Manchester. The museum is housed in pretty rustic buildings that are worth a note and it is home to some amazing displays pertaining ti innovation of every sort. There are exhibits that describe the evolution of textile machinery."

"There is a Air and Space Hall, Power Hall, Station Building, 1830 Warehouse and Great Western Warehouse, each with a different story to tell about the city. The museum was so big, I didn’t even make it to all the halls as I ‘just’ had one afternoon to see it all!"

"Imperial War Museum North (IWM North), Imperial War Museum North, The Quays, Trafford Wharf Road, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M17 1TZ - Visit now. IWM North was designed by Daniel Libeskind, whose beautiful waterfront building was based on a globe shattered by war and houses a permanent collection, special exhibitions and events that consider the many ways conflict shapes society. The museum is open again now with a number of changes in place to ensure your visit is safe and enjoyable."

"Imperial War Museum North, one of five branches of the Imperial War Museum, centers on the impact of modern conflicts on people and society. Found in Trafford Park, the museum's location and building is worth the visit alone, with amazing modern architecture right on Salford Quays. The museum's main exhibition, which has free admission, looks the impact of war on our culture via 2,000 objects, photographs, and interactive displays."

"Housed inside a former Edwardian pumping station, the People’s History Museum is one of the city’s most exciting institutions, dedicated to the history of democracy in the UK. Covering subjects much more radical than your average museum, exhibits chart the past two hundred years of working-class life for the people of Britain. Pay a visit to learn more about the fight for the vote whilst perusing one of the largest public collections of political material in Britain."

"People’s History Museum is an interactive history museum documenting workers, politics and living conditions from the past 200 years. There is plenty for the kids to enjoy with lots of hands-on activities for all ages, from dressing up to playing shop in the Co-Op. With family-friendly trials, regular family events and for 3-6 years there are busy bee explorer packs."

"The national museum of democracy, the People's History Museum explores the social history of the country over the course of two floors showcasing displays, objects, items, and interactive exhibitions."

"Explore 3 floors of displays and exhibitions, including objects from all over the world at Manchester Museum. There are so many fascinating things to discover—from Stan the T.rex to the Vivarium, and newly bred Harlequin frogs. Visit the new soundscape exhibition Wild Chorus, recorded and composed in summer 2020 by sound artist Harry Ovington."

"It might not have the most inspiring name in the world, but don’t be fooled — a visit to the Manchester Museum is a deep dive into a rabbit hole of archeology, …"

"Run by the University of Manchester, this museum and its superb Gothic Revival building embraces anthropology, natural history, and archaeology…"

"Lovers of both books and architecture will delight in one of Manchester’s most beloved buildings. This neogothic structure is filled with one of the most extensive collections of literature in the entire country, but it’s not just for academics. Spend a few hours getting lost in its many rooms, staircases and corridors to fully appreciate the attention to detail of the building."

"If there’s one place that won’t break the bank, it’s Bunny Jackson’s. From 20p wings to cheap as chips hot dogs and bar snacks – this is the place for those who like to snack on American grub while having a few drinks with friends. For those who want to fill up for the night, burgers come in at less than a tenner, too."

"Bunny Jacksons has recently expanded its outdoor seating area in preparation for reopening, and has made the decision to reopen for walk-ins only from this week. You can find menus, opening times and more information via the website here. ‘Bottomless Bunny’s’ is also back from 12th April too."

"How many chicken wings do you reckon you could eat in one sitting?. Head to Bunny Jacksons and you might just find out. Located in an up-and-coming area just by Oxford Road, this First Street dive bar made waves when it announced it was offering all-you-can eat 10p wings."

"Born in 1995 and taking place every Saturday at Mint Lounge in the heart of Manchester’s Northern Quarter to a consistently full house, Funkademia is said to “feed a friendly crowd with a diet of pure unadulterated soul-funk”. Billing the night as a “chronological history of soul”, there is a collective of talented DJs taking you on a journey through four decades of the very best soul, funk, disco and hip-hop, with a touch of smooth R&B and big house classics. You can find out more about Funkademia and grab tickets here."

"Mint Lounge goes so hard on the smoke machine that if you part with your mates you'll never find them again - but low visibility is soon forgotten once you hear the sounds of its legendary Funkademia club night. Funk, soul and disco are blasted out at this Northern Quarter institution every Saturday, and have been for donkeys - it's Manchester's longest-running club night. 'Seated sessions' started a couple of weeks ago but the Funkademia dancefloor will be back on Saturday July 24."

"Renowned for a ‘no nonsense’ approach to clubbing, Mint Lounge is a sticky-floored student staple. Its nights range from Drum n Bass to cheesy pop. There is something for everyone and plenty of cheap drinks."

"Obstructions, Castlefield Gallery’s locked-down exhibition, will open for just five days from 19–23 May. Originally due to open on Saturday 21 November 2020, and only able to welcome visitors in the virtual realm since then, the exhibition was conceived during what now feels like the early days of the pandemic. 15 artists from the North West of England were invited to remake an existing piece of their work with one condition: they had to accept a bespoke ‘obstruction’ given to them by another artist in the exhibition."

"Lurking as it does behind Deansgate Station, it’s easy to miss this quirky platform for emerging artists but it's worth seeking out. The primary emphasis at Castlefield Gallery is niche projects that have international relevance, exploring topics such as the role of art in society through collaborations with local organisations like Madlab. A registered charity, it also has a members’ scheme."

"Established by artists in 1984, Castlefield Gallery is Manchester’s first public contemporary visual art gallery dedicated to the advancement of contemporary visual art and artists."

"Free to enter, Buxton Museum and Art Gallery is a modern and well-curated way into the geology, archaeology, art and history of the Peak District."

"Isla, which opened in 2017, now occupies two units in the upmarket Cavendish Shopping Arcade, has a lovely selection of unusual gifts and homewares (some of which are made locally) and also a wide range of greeting cards featuring designs you won’t really see in the chain store greeting cards shops. The shop also specialises in selling original art works – again many of which feature local artists. The shop is a lovely array of pretty things and ideal if you’re looking for a gift with a difference or something unusual for the wall at home."

"Pan-Asian food with an infusion of Chinese, Korean and Japanese influences, Fuku is another of Hatch’s hidden gems, offering an array of both traditional-style dishes and innovative fusions. From the classic Katsu curry and salt and pepper chicken, to triple-stacked crispy chicken burgers topped with cheese and spicy mayo – there’s a whole lot of comfort food to go at at Fuku, each dish as mouthwatering as the next. Fuku Food MCR, Hatch, 103 Oxford Rd, M1 7ED."

"I’ve been followingFuku Food on Instagram for ages and pre-lockdown they were on my list to visit, so there was no other choice for me. As you can see from the main pic, I ordered the Hot Loaded Fries and they tasted so good!. Expect to find Japanese katsu curry dishes, Korean Fried Chicken, classic salt & pepper dishes and more."

"Just on the outskirts of Manchester, Sakura is an authentic Japanese restaurant with some fabulous decor. The place prides itself on its delicious sushi combinations and is well known for its easy-going all-you-can-eat buffet designed to reduce the stress of the traditional buffet. Guests simply order their food from an iPad at their table, which is then brought out to them as soon as its ready."