5 things to do during your summer in Manchester
Published on 16 May 13
MA student Marijn shares her favourite things to do if you're sticking around in the city
Whether you are an undergraduate student having the time to enjoy the summer, or a postgraduate student who will have to write and research over the summer, you will be wondering what there is to do in Manchester after everyone else has left. Don’t fret, last year I was in the exact same position, so now I am passing on some inside hints and tips for a great summer! You will undoubtedly know about the Art Gallery, MOSI, and Imperial War Museum. Although these place are great to visit, I will point you towards some of the less obvious diversions.
Manchester International Festival4-21 July 2013; http://www.mif.co.uk/ This festival is a great way to spend some time apart from the stuffy library, or to just chill out with some friends. They have music, DJs in the evening, midnight tango performances, concerts, storytelling, film nights and lots more. Not only do they support local performers and artists, they also use local drinks and food suppliers, providing a great space to relax and enjoy Manchester to the fullest! |
Explore the Northern Quarterhttp://www.creativetourist.com/manchester/northern-quarter/ Northern Quarter might sound like staple advice, but it harbours some of the greatest gems of inner-city Manchester. Not only does it have beautiful architecture and picturesque cobbled streets, it also leaves space for the more creative types. Afflecks is an indoor market with shops ranging from tattoo parlours to unisex hairdressers; if you feel like going to a fancy dress party, this is the place to go. There are also the great tea shops (Common or Sugar Junction) and little cafes (Bakerie). Enjoy freshly baked bread, a selection of wine, or tea and cake in romantic Northern Quarter. |
Manchester FringeJuly; http://greatermanchesterfringe.co.uk/ This will be the second year Manchester is holding a Fringe festival, which is basically a (stand-up) comedy festival with experienced and less experienced performers. Great for those comedy lovers and people who like to discover new talent. Aspiring to become bigger than Edinburgh Fringe (which is world renowned), it promises to be a festival full of creativity, language puns and, above all, laughter, so come along and give those abs a workout they won’t forget! |
Peak District and Pennineshttp://www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/ The Peak District is breath-taking and only half-an-hour’s train ride across the Pennines. You could choose to stop off at Edale, which is especially beautiful if you climb to the top of a hill and watch the sun set. Another little village is Hathersage, which is great for longs walks but be sure to bring enough food and drink! This view (right) can be seen from most stops along the Pennine Trail, so you can just pick a place. If you want to visit a really artsy village, Hebden Bridge is the place to go: shops, cafes, restaurants, hills and canals. |
The Lake Districthttp://www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/ The Lake District is a little further away than the Peaks, but still definitely worth a visit. Make sure to pick up some gingerbread if you visit Grasmere, it is the best I’ve ever tasted! The other tip that you need to remember, is to always bring an umbrella as the weather is unpredictable and check the travel arrangements beforehand (in some places, a bus only comes past once every three hours!). The lakes can best be seen from Windermere, this beautiful view is from the pier there. Great for long walks and picnics on the pier. |
And if that's not enough...
- Longsight flea market (http://www.creativetourist.com/articles/shopping/manchester/bargain-hunt-get-your-knock-down-price-kicks-at-longsight-flea-market/): If you like vintage shopping and flea markets, this is great way to shop. It might take some time to get through the pile of junk, but there are true gems here!
- Grimm Up North (http://grimmfest.com/grimmupnorth/category/monthly-screenings/): Monthly horror films nights and discussion events.
- Chinese Dragon Boat Festival (http://www.xca.org.uk/News/News%20-%20UK%20Chinese%20Dragon%20Boat%20Festival%202013.htm): 16 June; Should be amazing to watch!
- Manchester Pride (http://www.manchesterpride.com/): Manchester’s annual Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) festival, held over the August bank holiday weekend.
- Manchester Comic Con http://www.heroesforsale.co.uk/): 29-30 June 2013; Ever wondered what it would be like to go to Comic Con? Maybe try Manchester first before flying out to the US!
- Lyme Park: Half an hour by train, and a small walk uphill and you will enjoy the most magnificent view of the Manchester area; this view ranges literally from Manchester and Liverpool to the Peaks in the East! It is wonderful to visit on a sunny day: bring a picnic and enjoy the sunset. It is also known for the film Pride and Prejudice!