Top 10 Things To Do, Activities and Attractions in Armitage Bridge

"Beloved by locals looking to escape the city centre, Kirkstall Abbey is the ruins of a Cistercian monastery set within a public park on the banks of a picturesque river. The abbey was built in the early 12th century by monks who had left their previous home in Barnoldswick. The ruins are remarkably well preserved and are free for visitors to wander around and admire."

"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."

"With a history stretching back to the Middle Ages, the grade I-listed Cathedral Church of St Mary, St Denys and St George is one of Manchester’s oldest and most beautiful buildings. It is notable for its spectacular wooden furnishings and stained glass displays, much of which was restored in 1952 after the Blitz. Free guided tours are available most days from Monday to Saturday."

"At 700 acres, Roundhay Park is one of the biggest urban parks in Europe. It’s twice the size of Hyde Park in London and offers a multitude of adventures. The vast network of paths stretches beyond the landscape gardens into the woodlands where you’ll find quaint riverside rambles, picturesque gorge walks and calf-burning hikes that promise incredible views."

"With a working farm, grand mansion, tea room, gardens and woodlands to explore, Temple Newsam is worth the journey out of the city centre (around 20 minutes by car) for a scenic day out. Home Farm gives you the chance to meet the estates pigs, sheep, cattle, goats and ducks, while the Tudor-Jacobean mansion was the birthplace of notorious Lord Darnley, the husband of Mary Queen of Scots. The stately home has been restored, with rooms filled with decorative art and the secrets of past residents."

"Head three miles out the centre to the historic Temple Newsam, it is easily accessible from the city by car, bus and Uber. Take in your surroundings in the country estate by enjoying the picturesque grounds, operational farm and extraordinary house. Uncover the many walking trails, sport facilities and there is even a GoApe here for the adrenaline junkies at an extra cost."

"As this attraction was once short-listed for the Museum Family Friendly Award you can expect just that from it. It contains crafted sets, made to look like the enchanting streets, shops and houses that you would have seen during the Victorian era. You can interact with all of the actors in traditional Victorian costumes, or even sneak into a recreated model of a Victorian drinking house if you’re in need of a little rest."

"Experience life as a Victorian at Leeds’ Abbey House Museum. Neighbouring the stunning Kirkstall Abbey, this museum has recreated Victorian-era streets, filled with old shops, pubs and a Sunday school building. Each street is a wonderful experience, with costumed actors helping to transport you back to northern life in 19 century England."

"Buile Hill Park is, for many, the pillar of the Salford community. Situated in Seedley and Pendleton, it is the largest park in the city, and also the second oldest behind Peel Park. The park as we know it today was opened in 1903 when, what was known as Seedley Park, and the grounds of Buile Hill house were joined together by the closure of the ‘dog entry’ path which had separated them."

"The home of Manchester City FC was built to house the 2002 Commonwealth Games, but a condition of its building was that it could be converted from an athletics stadium into one suitable for football, and this was carried out shortly after the games…"

"A Manchester-favourite for special occasions, Australasia – also known as ‘the one you enter via the glass triangle on the street’ – features a clean, minimal interior, that absolutely oozes chic vibes. The menu is just as wonderful, too, with extensive Australasian-inspired options varying from sushi, Robata grilled meats, Asian small plates and more. Cocktail-wise, it’s quite the field day – with endless Asian-inspired flavours to try out during your visit."

"This stylish subterranean restaurant in Spinningfields has long been a mecca for Manchester’s elite. Known for its splendid cocktails and sushi plates, this Valentine’s the restaurant will also have a special sharing dessert Valentine’s Bento Box for couples to split between them."

"Australasia (1 The Avenue), a glam subterranean bar-restaurant goes on late and gets busy. Visit pre-dinner to enjoy a rose and lychee martini. Check out our full review of Australasia here…"

"Starting with number 5, Victoria Park is a Green Flag award winning park that was opened in 1897, making it one of the oldest parks in the city. It is located in Swinton, right next to Swinton Football Club. There is a wide range of facilities in the park including an events area, tennis courts, outdoor gym equipment and a children’s play area."

"Housed in a beautiful building with wrought-iron staircases, this splendid collection includes pieces by luminaries such as Valentin Serov, Ilya Repin and Vasily Tropinin, as well as a good sampling of socialist realism, 14th-to-18th-century icons and European old masters. You’ll also find portraits of Princess Maria Tenisheva, who created the Flyonovo estate outside town. There are some English captions throughout."

"Come to Manchester Art Gallery, conveniently nestled in the centre of the city, if you want to take a walk through Manchester’s art history. Here you will find works that go back to the pre-Raphaelite period as well as works by famous local artists like Lowry (see more below). It’s most certainly one of the best things to do in Manchester if you love a big slice of culture."