Top 10 Things To Do, Activities and Attractions in Runcorn

"The Anglican Cathedral is Britain's largest Cathedral and the 5th largest in Europe so you know it’s going to be something pretty special. Head inside to take in the cavernous space and stunning architecture or take a trip to the top of the tower for some of the best views over Liverpool. View this post on Instagram"

"Take in 360˚ views of the city from the tower at Liverpool Cathedral which is 152m (500ft) above sea level. If you want to pop the question beneath the stars, head to the Cathedral on a Thursday for extended opening hours. It’s a view not to be missed."

"Head to the top of this Gothic church for unbelievable views of the city, all for free. Churches can be rather chilly so this gives you that movie moment where a jacket is offered to the chillier of the pair, opening up the possibility of a kiss."

"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."

"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."

"Officially known as the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King, Located at Cathedral house is the amazing Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral. This Grade II building is the seat of the Archbishop of Liverpool and the mother church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Liverpool. Known to locals as the “Catholic Cathedral”, other nicknames for the building include “Paddy’s Wigwam”, “The Pope’s Launching Pad”, and “The Mersey Funnel”."

"If you think you’ve seen all styles of cathedrals throughout your travels, think again!. The Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral has been nicknamed by locals as “Paddy’s Wigwam”, and when you first lay eyes on it you’ll understand why. The architect who designed this unique cathedral won an international competition in 1962 and the building was completed and opened in 1967."

"Known colloquially as Paddy's Wigwam, Liverpool's Catholic cathedral is a mightily impressive modern building that looks like a soaring concrete teepee, hence its nickname. It was completed in 1967 according to..."

"Liverpool's most impressive building is the Grade I–listed St George's Hall, a magnificent example of neoclassical architecture that is as imposing today as it was when it was completed in 1854. Curiously, it was... Top ChoiceMuseum in Liverpool"

"Chester Cathedral is an excellent example of an English monastic church as it heavily focuses on the New Red Sandstone during the structure’s construction. As a result, it resulted in a more pinkish tone on the inside and outside the cathedral. You can also opt to take a tour of the cathedral, do pay special attention to the stained glass windows, also referred to by many as the West Window."

"This 13th-century church about a mile north of Macclesfield is the fourth church on this site. But what’s unusual is that the third church is still here, out among Medieval yew trees. There’s a Norman Romanesque chapel in the churchyard, dating to the 12th century, with semi-circular door and window arches and weathered but visible tympanum relief and lozenge patterns in the archivolts."

"For the history and architecture lovers out there, the Gothic revival town hall is full of sculptures and art pieces that celebrate the historical significance of Chester. The iconic building also plays host to comedy gigs, TV shows and even royal visits so it’s worth taking a look at the event calendar to see what’s coming up during your stay."

"The Town Hall is a listed building and built in banded pink and buff sandstone with a grey-green slate roof. The building is open on weekdays to the public when events are not being held, also run monthly tours and have annual open days. Today the council don’t use the building but it can be hired for functions and weddings."

"Showcasing all things space and sci-fi is Spaceport, right along the Mersey. Explore the wonders of the night sky and the science behind the stars in the observatory, before immersing yourself in Spaceport’s 360 ° dome theatre. For those with a sense of wanderlust, take a step into science fiction and witness one of the largest sci-fi collections in the UK, or blast off into action in Spaceport’s Starcoaster."

"Be inspired and take a trip to the stars in this unique tourist attraction come museum. Dedicated to space and space travel, Spaceportoffers visitors interactive exhibits, sci-fi collections such as Star Wars characters, and themed galleries."

"Calderstones Park is a family park sprawling in a 94-acre wide area. A fusion of woodland, lake and fields, this is certainly one of the best places that the whole family can enjoy for different scenery and activities like hiking, strolling and running. Part of this park is a wonderful Japanese garden and old English gardens that would definitely provide you with both the eastern and western vibe."

"Calderstones Park is a family park sprawling in a 94-acre wide area. A fusion of woodland, lake and fields, this is certainly one of the best places that the whole family can enjoy for different scenery and activities. Part of this park is a wonderful Japanese garden and old English gardens that would definitely provide you with both the eastern and western vibe."

"Calderstones Park is a stunning 94 acre family park in South Liverpool and is home to a woodland, a lake, fields, beautiful Japanese & old English gardens and even a one thousand year old oak tree!. There is also a cafe for relaxing with a cup of coffee. View this post on Instagram"

"Located in the heart of Manchester, The Ivy Spinningfields only opened in November 2018, but is already a must-visit spot for anyone seeking a little glamour. The Brasserie serves modern British classics while the The Ivy Asia and Bar serves Asian-inspired cocktails and sharing dishes with entertainment and resident DJs. There are also three private dining rooms - The Dalton, The Geisha Room and The Skylight Terrace."

"The Ivy Spinningfields in Manchester is a multi-faceted venue, offering several floors of beautiful settings and tasty food and drinks. Apart from ground floor Ivy Brasserie and second floor Ivy Asia, the true gem is found at the very top, with the Ivy Roof Garden. Very colorful and very lush, the spacious rooftop really deserves its 'garden' epithet."

"Health food eatery and juicery, The Garden in Hale has a range of vegetarian and vegan all day brunch dishes like buckwheat pancakes and chia flax porridge, as well as sandwiches, salads and veg-packed bowls. Order via Uber Eats and Deliveroo."

"If gorgeous food, a fine dining experience and an environment steeped in history are your thing, then make The French your next restaurant of choice. Based within Manchester’s grand Midland Hotel, The French became one of the first UK restaurants to be awarded the honour of a Michelin-star. Since reopening in 2013, and again undergoing refurbishment in 2016, the restaurant has made rapid progress towards once again becoming one of the finest eating destinations in the country."

"The flagship fine dining restaurant at The Midland Hotel is Manchester’s long-standing answer to Haute cuisine. Now under the Manchester-born chef Adam Reid, winner of the BBC’s prestigious Great British Menu, who has brought The French a new sense of youth. Despite the name, The French focuses on British food using local ingredients and native flavours such as Beef Dripping, Rhubarb and Lancashire cheese."

"Chef-Patron Adam Reid is no stranger to fine dining and has worked in many Michelin-starred restaurants during his career. He even scooped the dessert top spot on BBC’s Great British Menu, with his signature dish Golden Empire. Diners at The French can expect the same creativity from Adam with the menu putting his stamp on modern British cuisine."

"Independently owned and dedicated to supplying great food and drink, Clockworks offers indulgently decadent breakfasts that really hit the spot. Using the finest ingredients without cutting corners on quality, you can enjoy filling food in a 200 year old building with an industrial look and the feel of a cosy cocktail bar. Menu favourites include candied belly bacon, wilted spinach and red pepper filled hash browns, Stornaway black pudding and a selection of freshly made vanilla waffles."

"Clockworks, 11 Wolstenholme Square, Liverpool, L1 4JJ - Visit now. Clockworks is a hidden gem in the Ropewalks area, looking out onto Jorge Pardo’s ‘Penelope’, one of the largest sculptures in the city. Breakfast here includes ‘The Butcher’, a full English with back bacon, sausages and stornoway black pudding."

"Clockworks “offer breakfast, lunch and dinner, specialising in twisted British classics. We stick to what we do well – classic food and cocktails. Our food is often a little indulgent, but always comforting, tasty and entirely traceable."

"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."

"We’re happy to give St John’s Gardens top marks for looks - after all, they’re meticulously kept, lined with a series of pretty walls and dotted with all kinds of lovely statues and flowerbeds - but the inner city location and relatively modest size mean it can seem a bit cramped (there's also something a bit wrong about cracking open a can of lager 50 feet from a dual carriageway). Still, it's great for a quick walk around."

"If you’re around the St George’s Plateau then head round the back to chill out in St John’s Gardens. The garden, which is part of the William Brown Street conservation area, has been a Green Flag site since 2003 and contains ornamental flower beds and various memorials to notable people in the city. A great spot to soak up the rays."