The weekend is almost upon us and if the weather reports are correct then Saturday looks to be a crisp but sunny day! So to get you outside here are some weekend out and about ideas for Manchester and the North West. Remember to take part in this week’s Weekly Photowalk Challenge too, the theme is ‘water’.
I know I have been saying it a lot recently, but wearing the right clothes (think layers and woolies) will really make spending time in the outdoors so much more fun in the winter as you’ll be toasty warm. So make sure that you’re wearing your layers, have some food with you and a flask for warming up too! There are loads of cheap cafes in the parks around Manchester so you can pop into them too – supporting local business and getting a better brew!
Boggart Hole Clough
For those of you wanting to stay close to the city, while getting a taste of the countryside, Boggart Hole Clough is an excellent choice. Especially on a cool and frosty day – it looks like a fairy tale!! There are playgrounds for the kids, suitable for walking the dogs, has hard standing paths for buggies and wheelchairs and also has a lake and cafe too! And that’s not all! Check out my post for more information and a little video to give you a taster of what you’ll find there!
Winter Hill and Rivington Pike
If you’re looking for something a bit longer and more energetic, then Winter Hill is a good choice. It might be a bit muddy and boggy in places from the recent rain, but if you grab your hiking boots and gaiters or clad up in your wellies, you should be good to go! It is under an hour to get to from Manchester in the car and there is plenty of space to park too (just keep an eye out for the right turn for the car park!) There are pubs fairly nearby, but I would definitely recommend a picnic and flask for this one just so you have food and drink to hand.
If the skies are clear, the views are spectacular! Take a look at my post from our visit and you can also grab the walking route too. This one is more of a hike, so not great for buggies as the ground is uneven and hilly.
Indoor Places
On the off-chance that the rain continues and you want to stay in the city centre, why not check out some of the amazing free museums and activities right on the door step! You’d don’t get off the hook of getting some outside adventure that easily though as you can walk between most of the attractions quickly and easily meaning that you get both outside fun and some indoor activity too. Plus, it is much more interesting (and cheaper!) than shopping!
Find out 10 free things to do in Manchester when it rains.
Remember, getting out and about in Manchester and in the North West doesn’t have to cost a fortune! We are lucky enough to have so many amazing parks, places and spaces right here in the city. Even taking a walk around your local neighbourhood gets you some fresh air, a different perspective and some well needed post-Christmas exercise.
Wherever you get to make sure you turn it into a fun outside adventure!
What are your outside adventure plans for the weekend? Will you be trying out any of my weekend out and about ideas?
Let me know in the comments 🙂