Top 10 Things To Do, Activities and Attractions in Merston Drive

"Manchester Cathedral has undergone extensive restoration works, both in the Victorian era and in recent years, following damage from the 1996 IRA bombing of the city centre. The cathedral has existed in some form on the site since medieval times, and holds artifacts that date back to Manchester’s existence as a Saxon settlement. The main body of this Gothic cathedral was originally constructed in the late 15th century, overseen by church warden James Stanley."

"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."

"This church built in the Gothic style is a very pretty sight to see in Manchester. One of the oldest buildings in the city, it is also a historic site. The stunning design of the rustic building is reason enough to visit it but the interiors are equally beautiful and are sure to transport you back in time."

"Affectionately called the Theatre of Deams, Old Trafford is home to the world famous Manchester United Football Club. It's home to many of the red's matches throughout the football season, as well as the official Megastore. Stadium tours also take place regularly which anyone can book on to."

"A treasured monument and attraction in Warrington, Walton Hall is a Jacobean Revival mansion, built in the 1830s for Sir Gilbert Greenall, an MP who had a 45-year career at the House of Commons. The house has been owned by the council since 1941 and hosts chamber music concerts and can be hired out for weddings and other events. Immediately outside the house is a formal garden, while there are ample facilities for families in the park."

"Described as a ‘delightful high Victorian garden’, Biddulph Grange Garden is home to an incredible collection of plants from around the world. Shrouded in beauty, colour, and tranquillity, Biddulph offers a truly unique day out as you wander the landscaped gardens, discover hidden tunnels and pathways, stroll the woodland walk, and visit the undisturbed lake. I Opening Times: 11am-5.30pm, closing times may be earlier in the winter months."

"Right across the road from the Crescent, at Ann’s Well is where you can sample Buxton’s famed mineral water – just remember to bring a bottle. The water comes out at 28°C, so just above room temperature and unlike many natural springs has a smooth taste with a little aeration. Percolating from a mile below ground, the spring also picks up some harmless radiation."

"Sample some of the town’s famous healing waters for yourself at St Anne’s Well, just in front of the Buxton Crescent. By drinking the water you’ll be following in the footsteps of some very famous individuals, including Mary Queen of Scots, who was commanded by her sister, Elizabeth I, to visit Buxton and ‘take the waters’."

"Buxton is famous for it’s drinking water, so why not fill your water bottle straight from a spring deep under ground?. Located in the historic Crescent area here, this geothermal spring marked with a shrine to St Anne runs at a constant 28°C. Unlike many natural springs has a smooth taste with a little aeration."

"The ‘Pemberley’ film location for the BBC production of Pride and Prejudice, National Trust Lyme Park offers a magnificent estate surrounded by wild moorland, 17 acres of beautiful gardens, and a deer park. Dating  as far back as the 1400 and oozing with Edwardian interiors, the grand hall offers plenty to explore from the library to the stag parlour, and there’s even an opportunity to dress up in the wardrobe department. I Opening Times: Times vary depending on the attraction."

"Be sure to visit Lyme Park in the nearby village of Dysley, which is a huge Tudor building. Authentic England at its best."

"You may recognise The Salford Lads’ Club from the famous cover of The Smiths’ hugely popular 1986 album The Queen is Dead, with a bouffant-haired Morrissey and co stood outside its doors. Now you’re in Manchester, you’d be silly not to venture out to this same spot for a Smiths selfie with your fellow travellers. A popular venue for Manc-music fans; head inside to learn more about the band and to buy exclusive merchandise."

"This one is a bit of a trek from the Manchester city center (we went here as part of a private black cab taxi tour of the city), but it is a must-visit spot for music fans. Devotees of The Smiths come from all over the world to recreate their famous photo take in front of the Salford Lads Club for the inside sleeve of their 1986 album, The Queen is Dead. Go have your own Morrissey moment!"

"From the team behind Brewski comes Manchester's first Chicago deep-dish pizza restarurant. Pizza dough here is made with garlic butter and parmesan, then stuffed to the brim with oozy mozzarella, marinara sauce and all sorts of meaty toppings. They've been open for takeaway for a few months but will officially open the doors to their Mosley Street restaurant on May 19."

"Why: Traditional breakfast dishes grace the menu at Bill’s, with a full English and stacks of pancakes featuring. For something a little healthier there’s a whole section on eggs (yes, including of course eggs with avocado toast) and a garden plate which includes eggs, roasted tomatoes, charred peppers, smashed avocado, mushrooms and more. Where: 8-12 John Dalton Street, M2 6JP"

"Open from 7am, the brunch menu at Bill's is suitable for breakfast meetings and drawn-out boozy sessions alike. With a menu that includes all the classics (from fluffy pancakes to perfectly poached eggs), a morning spent here is a guaranteed solid choice."

"Giraffe is on the first floor in The Orient and is close to the escalators to the ground floor with plenty of room for buggies. The city centre also has a branch, in Spinningfields."

"Choose from fresh-baked scones, clotted cream, strawberry jam, savouries, immaculate sandwiches and pastries. All served with exquisite teas or coffees."

"Centre For Chinese Contemporary Art is a unique art gallery with a year-round programme of socially engaged exhibitions, events, and artist residencies. They have over 30 years experience of working with emerging and established artists to provide a space for conversation, debate, and cross-cultural exchange. They are the go-to place to discover new artists and explore relevant global issues from different international perspectives."

"CFCCA reopens with a duo of exhibitions investigating and unpicking themes of belonging, identity and citizenship in a globalised and hyper-connected society. Housed in CFCCA’s Northern Quarter galleries, the exhibitions are just a few minutes’ walk from the Arndale Shopping Centre. Multiplicities in Flux brings together works by contemporary artists Grace Lau and Eelyn Lee in a dialogue around identity and belonging."

"Manchester's Centre for Chinese Contemporary Art will reopen both of its galleries on Wednesday May 19. Exhibitions Multiplicities in Flux and Autopsy of a Home, which originally opened in October, will be back until June 13. Booking is advised at cfcca.org.uk but walk-ups are welcome."

"While idling in the Pavilion Gardens you could call in at this gallery in the main building next to the tourist information desk. The Gallery in the Gardens is a platform for painting and arts and crafts by more than 40 local artists and craftspeople. Their works are for sale and include textiles, ceramics, paintings, calligraphy, embroidery, glass, linocuts, etchings, woodcarvings and prints."

"Since you’ll find yourself within The Pavilion Gardens, you might want to pay The Gallery in the Gardens a visit. It’s an art gallery featuring paintings, ceramics, and other crafts by local artists. Support the local artists’ high-quality masterpieces by making a purchase or two if you can."

"Home to a collection of impressive oil paintings, ceramics, local history and a fine selection of the famous Leek Embroideries. Walk in the footsteps of William Morris, D.H. Lawrence, Oscar Wilde and John Betjeman."