Greater Manchester is a vibrant metropolitan county in North West England known for its rich industrial history, cultural landmarks, excellent transport links, and world-famous football heritage.
7 Sep, 21 Sep
Join the National Trust ranger team for a series of seasonal nature walks through the woodlands at Quarry Bank. These walks explore the species of plants and animals in the Southern Woods and discuss conservation efforts. The event is free, does not require booking, and occurs fortnightly until the end of September 2026.
19–20 Sep
Heritage Open Days weekend at Quarry Bank in 2026 is a free event exploring the daily working life of those who lived and worked at the cotton mill. Visitors can tour the mill and Apprentice House, explore the gardens, and join drop-in activities in the Learning Space to learn about the lives of mill workers, dress up, sign indentures, and try out jobs from the era.
4 Sep
Adventure Cinema presents an open-air screening of Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope at Lyme National Trust. The event includes music before the film, food and bar on site, and takes place outdoors in the grounds. Attendees should bring blankets or camping chairs as no seating is provided unless premium tickets are purchased. The event is on the evening of 4th September 2026, runs from gates opening at 18:45 to film starting at 20:15 and ending at 22:30, with a U certificate, and under 16s must be accompanied by an adult.
Quarry Bank is a historic 18th-century cotton mill estate in Cheshire featuring working industrial machinery, restored gardens, and a complete industrial community including the mill owner's house and workers' village. Visitors can explore indoor exhibits and historic buildings, extensive outdoor gardens and woodland, as well as enjoy family-friendly facilities and dog-friendly outdoor areas.
21 Oct
A creative writing workshop led by former Cheshire Poet Laureate Joy Winkler, using stories and poems about dark warnings and premonitions, and the darker days of the year, as inspiration.
31 Aug–6 Sep
The Winnie-the-Pooh Centenary Exhibition at Tatton Park's Summer Farm celebrates the 100-year legacy of Winnie-the-Pooh. Visitors can explore original books, learn about their creation, and enjoy a family-friendly exhibition with quiet reflection areas and playful discovery for children. There is also an adventure play area outdoors, with animal habitats and a maze to search for Christopher Robin.
9 Mar–1 Nov (another 23 days)
Visitors can explore Dunham Massey House, including its library, study, bedrooms and servants’ quarters, and discover the collection and the lives of people who lived and worked there.
21 Nov
Take part in an evening silent disco hike through Tatton Park’s trails, gardens and meadows, listening to music as you walk.
12 Sep
A fast, undulating, road-closed 5K and 10K race at Tatton Park in Cheshire offering an opportunity to set a personal best in support of the Christie Charity. The races are accurately measured and chip timed, suitable for ages 16 and above. Booking is essential.
11 Dec, 16 Dec
A relaxed, neurodivergent-friendly Christmas session at Quarry Bank where attendees can take part in festive activities, meet Father Christmas and receive a gift if they have a ticket. Sessions are designed for people of any age with additional needs.
7 Oct
A beginner-friendly Japanese painting workshop led by artist Ula Fung. Participants will learn traditional techniques and use materials including sumi ink, Japanese colours and gold leaf to create a seasonal painting.
14 May, 21 May…
Collage demonstration workshops run by Cut Loose Creatives at Dunham Massey offering drop-in sessions to see collage techniques inspired by Mary Delany's paper mosaicks, with optional participation in creating simple collages from recycled materials. Workshops are held on specific Thursday mornings and complement the exhibition The Botanical World of Mary Delany.
Tatton Park in Cheshire is a historic estate featuring a Medieval Old Hall, Neo-Classical Mansion, extensive gardens, a rare-breed farm, and a large deer park. It offers diverse experiences including indoor mansion tours, outdoor parkland exploration, and family-friendly activities like an adventure playground and farm visits.
21 Oct
A 30-minute gardening advice talk explores plants suited to partial or full shade, including how to choose, position and care for them.
RHS Garden Bridgewater is a large outdoor garden offering extensive plant collections, child-friendly learning areas, and several cafes for food and drink. Visitors can enjoy beautiful natural landscapes and seasonal meals while exploring the garden.
12 Sep
This is a guided walk event called 'Inner Boundary Walk' at Marsden Moor. Participants will follow hill paths and boundary walls around National Trust land with stunning views of Marsden village and the valley. The walk is 9 miles and takes approximately 6 hours on rough terrain with steep climbs, uneven ground, and narrow gates. Dogs on leads are welcome, but children are not suitable for this walk. Booking is not needed, but normal venue admission charges apply.
Marsden Moor offers visitors expansive moorland landscapes with rich wildlife and historical features, ideal for walking, nature observation, and guided outdoor activities. The site emphasizes conservation and provides several trails and events throughout the year.
19 Sep
Christies Walk of Hope is a 10k charity walk event taking place on Saturday 19 September 2026 at Tatton Park. The walk supports cancer awareness and hope, and requires booking in advance. It is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs due to uneven terrain. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult, and under 5s may need to be carried at some parts of the route.
Tatton Park is a historic estate in Cheshire featuring a neoclassical mansion, extensive formal and natural gardens, a large deer park, and a working farm showcasing rare breeds. Visitors can enjoy indoor tours of the mansion, outdoor exploration of gardens and parkland, and family-friendly activities including a children's playground and various events throughout the year.
8 Nov
A show by regional chrysanthemum growers, featuring prize-winning late-flowering chrysanthemums on display in the Learning Studios. Visitors can get advice from experts, and flowers will be available to buy from 3pm.
3–4 Oct
Shop and Eat Local Weekend at Tatton Park celebrates the best of local produce with talks and tastings at the Farm and a special menu in The Stables Restaurant, along with products available for purchase at the Housekeeper's Store.
27–31 Oct
Visitors can meet the farmyard animals and pick pumpkins from the field, with pumpkins available in different colours and sizes.
8 Nov
A chip-timed half marathon starting and finishing in Tatton Park, with a course that runs through the park and along neighbouring closed roads.
3 Oct
A pen and watercolour workshop with local artist Ula Fung at Tatton Park, focusing on the painting methods of Canaletto. Participants will learn drawing and watercolour techniques through studying Canaletto's compositions and create their own works during the session.
18 Jul–1 Sep
Summer of Play is a family-focused event at Quarry Bank with daily activities throughout the holidays including indoor play, storytelling, crafts, outdoor games, and guided family tours, running from 18 July to 1 September 2026.
7 Nov
A chip-timed 5K and 10K road race at Tatton Park, with routes starting, running through the park grounds and finishing there. The event supports the Christie Charity.
Tatton Park in Cheshire is a vast historic estate featuring an opulently decorated 18th-century mansion, extensive landscaped gardens including Japanese and Italian styles, a working rare breed farm, and 1,000 acres of deer park with wildlife and trails. Visitors can enjoy dining, shopping, and a variety of family-friendly outdoor and indoor activities.
14 Nov
A beginner-friendly willow-weaving workshop led by Joe Gregory, where participants learn to make a sustainable Willow Scandi Star using English willow. All materials are provided, and some manual dexterity is required.
25 Sep
The Smartphone Photo Editing Workshop at Tatton Park is a hands-on editing workshop with professional photographer Jane Burkinshaw. The 3.5-hour session teaches attendees how to transform their photos using free phone apps like Snapseed, focusing on fixing common issues and enhancing style. Suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and small business owners, the workshop includes practical exercises and is held partly outdoors in the parkland and partly indoors in a historic barn classroom (with no lift access).
11–13 Sep, 18–20 Sep
Heritage Open Day: Underneath Castlefield Viaduct Heritage Walk is a guided walk event where attendees can learn about the history and nature under and around Castlefield Viaduct. The walk is gentle and suitable for all ages, taking place outdoors on pathways and pavements.
4 Dec
Participants learn to make a traditional Christmas wreath on a straw base using natural materials, with guidance from florist Peter Hughes. The workshop takes place in the Learning Studios and includes the materials needed to create the wreath.
Stretford is a market town in Greater Manchester, England, known for its historical significance, industrial development, and as the home of Manchester United Football Club and Lancashire County Cricket Club. It features notable landmarks such as the Longford Cinema, Great Stone, and Trafford Town Hall, with a variety of cultural, sporting, and historical attractions.
Eccles is a historic market town in Greater Manchester known for its rich textile industry heritage, historic architecture including the Parish Church of St Mary, and its famous Eccles cakes. It offers a walkable town centre accessible by train and local public transport.
12 Sep
A beginner friendly Japanese painting workshop at Tatton Park led by local artist Ula Fung. Participants will learn traditional techniques and materials such as bamboo brushes, sumi ink, traditional Japanese colours, and gold leaf to paint seasonal subjects inspired by Japanese art movements like Ukiyo-e and the Rinpa School. All materials are provided and the workshop is suitable for beginners and those with some artistic experience. The workshop takes place on the first floor of a historic barn with no lift access, and is for attendees over 16 years old.
4–5 Dec, 11–12 Dec…
Visitors can take an outdoor twilight walk through Quarry Bank’s illuminated Upper Garden, with a visit from Mrs Claus and a warming drink. Children receive reindeer food on most dates, or a New Year’s treat from 28 to 31 December.
23 Sep
'From Venice to Cheshire: The Grand Tour Story behind Tatton's Library' is a talk by PhD researcher Rachel Daley exploring the stories and European influences behind Tatton Park's eighteenth-century book collection, focusing on the Grand Tour and the ambitions of Samuel Hill and Samuel Egerton.
Quarry Bank Mill in Cheshire is a well-preserved historic textile mill from the Industrial Revolution, featuring working waterwheel machinery, factory and worker village tours, and exhibits on industrial heritage and child apprentices. It is operated as a museum by National Trust.
7 Oct, 2 Dec
A daytime concert series at Lyme’s historic chapel, featuring themed programmes of classical and contemporary music. The listed concerts include a cello quartet performance themed around Halloween and autumn, and a festive Christmas concert.
Lyme Park is a large estate in Cheshire managed by the National Trust, featuring the largest house in Cheshire with Elizabethan and Palladian-Baroque architecture, extensive formal gardens and deer park, and historical indoor exhibits including the Lyme Caxton Missal. It also serves as a filming location and offers food facilities on site.
29 Oct
A twilight tour of Elizabeth Gaskell’s House explores the friendship between Charlotte Brontë and Elizabeth Gaskell, and the controversies and personal relationships that shaped their lives and writing. An expert guide leads visitors through the restored Victorian rooms and introduces rare books and objects.
Elizabeth Gaskell’s House in Manchester is the former home of the English novelist, offering a unique experience with period rooms, a re-imagined garden, interactive Victorian house activities, and a Tea Room. The venue is wheelchair accessible and provides engaging tours and facilities for families and groups.
12 Dec
A Christmas party night at Tatton Park with an après-ski theme, live music and food. The event is intended for adults aged 18 and over.
17 Oct–1 Nov
Explore an outdoor art installation of ten decorated doorways across the Lyme landscape, with QR codes revealing local folklore, historic customs and ghost stories. The route begins at the historic Chapel and continues through the estate grounds.
26–29 Nov
The Christmas Gift Fair brings together local artisans and suppliers selling gifts such as jewellery, candles, crafts and gin. Visitors can browse and shop in the Mansion’s Tenants Hall.
30 Oct
Participants learn arm knitting and make a pure merino wool blanket, choosing a colour from the options provided before the workshop. The workshop is suitable for beginners.
10 Oct (this Saturday)
This workshop explores the care, history, propagation and arrangement of houseplants and succulents through a talk and demonstrations. Attendees can also pot up a young plant to take home.
17–18 Oct (next weekend)
Visitors can meet the farmyard animals at Tatton Park Farm and pick their own pumpkins from the pumpkin field. Pumpkins are available in a range of colours and sizes.
3 Oct
A led session for families to discover the wildlife in the Apprentice House garden at Quarry Bank, exploring how to encourage wildlife into your own garden. Suitable for children from walking age with accompanying adults free. Booking essential and admission applies.
7–11 Oct, 14–18 Oct…
An exhibition exploring Samuel Egerton’s journey from Cheshire to Venice and his connection to Canaletto. Visitors can see rare paintings, letters and artefacts, digital installations, and Tatton Park’s Canaletto masterpieces.
20 Nov 2026–2 Jan 2027
An after-dark Christmas trail at Dunham Massey featuring illuminated light and sound installations, including new displays and returning favourites.
Dunham Massey Hall is a Grade I listed English country house in Greater Manchester featuring historic formal gardens, a deer park, and a notable collection of Huguenot silver. The venue includes indoor experiences such as house tours and art collections, as well as outdoor experiences in its extensive gardens and deer park. It also commemorates its history as a World War I military hospital with immersive recreations. Visitors can enjoy food on-site and there are facilities and activities suitable for children.
18 Nov
Dr Sherry Ashworth and Professor Ruth Livesey compare Elizabeth Gaskell’s *The Moorland Cottage* with George Eliot’s *The Mill on the Floss*, exploring how the novels portray family loyalty and personal desires in rural Victorian society. The online talk will also be recorded for ticket holders.
Corn Exchange, Manchester is a historic Baroque-style building that originally served as a corn exchange and now functions as a vibrant food court with numerous food outlets in central Manchester. It retains its heritage as a grade II listed building and offers visitors an indoor dining and social experience in a unique architectural setting.
18 Dec
Santa Paws at the Farm is a Christmas event for dogs and their owners, with a chance to meet Santa, take festive photos, collect a dog treat and try seasonal agility activities.
4 Dec
The Northern Chamber Orchestra performs Christmas carols and seasonal favourites in Tatton Park’s Tenants’ Hall. The evening performance also includes a tour of the festively decorated Christmas Mansion.
26 Nov
Join an RHS Garden Bridgewater arborist for a guided walk exploring the lifecycle of trees, their relationship with fungi, and what tree features reveal about their history and future growth.
15 Nov
Tatton Park’s Head Gardener gives a lecture about landscape designer Humphry Repton, his 1791 plan for the Tatton estate and the ideas that still shape its landscape.
17 Feb
Join Tatton Park rangers on a trailer ride to watch the daily deer feeding and see the deer close up in their natural setting.
23 Oct
A beginner-friendly workshop exploring how to grow carnivorous and other unusual plants, with advice on caring for species suited to indoor and outdoor settings. Materials are provided, and attendees may have the opportunity to take home a small plant.
12 Oct–1 Nov (next week)
Follow a detective trail through Lyme House to find bugs and beasties, learn how insects affect the historic collections, and investigate damaged objects in the Long Gallery.
21 Oct
An online talk exploring how Elizabeth Gaskell and Anne Brontë used Gothic fiction to examine abusive men and women’s lives in Victorian society. Speakers discuss works including Gaskell’s “The Grey Woman” and Brontë’s “The Tenant of Wildfell Hall.”
Manchester Arndale is a major indoor shopping centre in Manchester, England, featuring over 210 shops, a large food court, and connections to major department stores. It is known as one of Europe's largest city-centre malls with extensive retail space and has undergone significant redevelopment since a major bombing in 1996. The centre attracts millions of visitors annually and offers a comprehensive urban shopping experience.
16 Oct (next Friday)
Participants learn wet-felting techniques and create a landscape image inspired by Tatton Park’s Japanese Garden, with expert tuition and a tour of the garden.
19 Sep
Wet Felting Workshop: Floral Landscapes at Tatton Park is a workshop where participants create a 2D wet felted landscape inspired by the summer gardens of Tatton Park. Guided by Vicky Pulman, attendees learn wet felting techniques using provided wool, silk, and tools to produce a tactile art piece reflecting seasonal garden colors. The event includes entry to Tatton Park and is suitable for ages 16 and above.
1 Nov
Join a family-friendly autumn walk through woodland to a local nature reserve, taking in the seasonal colours and collecting leaves and seeds. The walk covers about three miles and lasts approximately two hours.
Marsden Moor Estate is a vast moorland area in the South Pennines offering outdoor experiences such as walking on the Pennine Way and exploring natural moorland habitats. It features historic transport archaeology and a visitor exhibition at the old goods shed near Marsden railway station.
5 Dec
A festive workshop led by florist Peter Hughes, where attendees learn to make a Christmas centrepiece using evergreen foliage, pinecones and dried citrus. Participants take their finished decoration home.
8 Oct
A guided walking tour explores the stories of women associated with Manchester’s Oxford Road Corridor, including Elizabeth Gaskell. The walk finishes at Elizabeth Gaskell’s House, where attendees can visit the house.
31 Aug
Musical Monday is an outdoor live music event held on the formal lawn at Dunham Massey. Medieval Jukebox performs harp and dulcimer music at 12pm, 1pm, and 2pm on August Bank Holiday Monday. Each performance lasts approximately 30 minutes and is suitable for all ages. The event is a calm and uplifting musical moment during your visit, set against the backdrop of the Georgian house and seasonal blooms.
18 Dec
A Christmas party night at Tatton Park with an après-ski theme, live music and food. The evening is for guests aged 18 and over.
10 Oct (this Saturday)
A three-mile guided walk around Marsden village, taking in local history and views over the area before the Marsden Jazz Festival. The walk takes approximately two hours and includes a short steep section.
5–6 Dec, 12–13 Dec…
Families can have a private visit with Father Christmas at Quarry Bank House, share a wish list and take a festive family photo. Each child attending receives a gift.
12 Dec
A chip-timed 5K and 10K road race around the roads within Tatton Park, held in support of the Christie Charity.
Alderley Edge is a village in Cheshire known for its striking sandstone escarpment called The Edge, offering extensive outdoor walking, scenic views, and historic copper mining sites. Owned by the National Trust, it is popular for nature lovers, families, and visitors interested in both natural beauty and local history.
29–30 Jul, 5–6 Aug…
Summer of Play: Arts and Crafts Sessions is a drop-in creative workshop held in an arts and crafts tipi at Lyme's old garden nursery. It features themed sessions where children can make nature crowns, friendship bracelets, adventure explorer packs, and Regency-themed crafts. Attending requires venue admission. No booking is needed, and children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
4 Sep
Summer of Play: Get Active Fridays is an outdoor games event held every Friday in the garden at Lyme during the summer, where visitors can join in games on the Top Lawn from 11am to 2pm without needing to book. The event is free but normal venue admission charges apply. Dogs on leads are welcome in the garden. An accessible route is available around the garden, though specific accessibility details for the event are not clear.
17 Oct (next Saturday)
A hands-on smartphone photography workshop led by photographer Jane Burkinshaw. Participants learn about phone camera features, lighting and image composition, with classroom instruction and time outdoors taking photographs around Tatton Park.
19 Dec
A Christmas party night with an après-ski theme, featuring live music and food for friends and colleagues. Attendees can celebrate in a festive alpine-inspired setting.
29–31 Oct
Families can explore historical superstitions and legends and try brewing a potion using ingredients inspired by gruesome medicines from the past. The event is recommended for children aged 7–11 and takes place partly outdoors and partly inside the Old Hall.
17 Oct (next Saturday)
The Cyclamen Society presents a display of flowering cyclamen species, with plants, seeds and publications for sale. Experts will be available to offer advice on growing cyclamen and raising them from seed.
18–20 Dec, 22–23 Dec
A festive afternoon tea at the Gardener's Cottage Tearoom, with sweet and savoury treats featuring Christmas flavours.
4 Oct
Apple Day at Tatton Park is an outdoor event celebrating the apple through garden visits and tasting various apple varieties grown in the Kitchen Garden. It features apple-based treats for sale and runs alongside a Shop and Eat Local weekend with food tastings, demonstrations, and special menus. Entry to the gardens requires a garden entry fee for non-members, and a vehicle parkland entry fee applies to all. The event is suitable for all ages and runs without the need to book in advance.
22 Oct
A full-day botanical art workshop led by Kate Dawes, covering pen drawing and dry-watercolour techniques. Participants will sketch flowers and foliage and create one or two A4 artworks to take home.
27 Oct
An open-air screening of the Halloween film Hocus Pocus, presented as a spooky evening movie experience under the stars.
27 Sep
A guided walk at Marsden Moor exploring local history including mills, the Luddites, reservoirs, and historic routes such as the 1st and 2nd Turnpikes and ancient Roman roads. The walk covers about 8 miles with steep and uneven terrain, and offers views from Wessenden Moor. It is suitable for older children who can walk 8 miles, dogs on leads are welcome, and no booking is needed.
2 Sep
Summer of Play: Storytime Sessions is a storytelling event held in the Library at Lyme where attendees can hear tales of Thomas Legh and his adventures, followed by a journey through the House to continue the adventure. It takes place on Wednesday 2 September 2026 from 11:30 to 12:00, and no advance booking is needed. The event is free but normal admission charges to the venue apply.
20 Nov–24 Dec
Families can follow a Christmas-themed trail through the house, searching for clues, footprints and missing gifts, and collect embossed stamps along the route.
20 Oct, 10 Nov
A volunteer-led wellbeing walk through Lyme’s autumn landscapes, following routes that include views from Cage Hill and woodland trails in Elmerhurst Wood. The walk is around two miles and offers the chance to enjoy nature and look for the estate’s red deer.
29 Oct
Families with young people aged 11 and over learn smartphone photography with a professional photographer. The session combines classroom instruction with photography around the farm and gardens, including a photography bingo game.
24–25 Oct
The Autumn Gift Fair is a shopping fair in the Mansion’s Tenants Hall, where local suppliers sell gifts, crafts, jewellery, candles and gin.
30 Aug–6 Sep
Three Cheers for Pooh! Garden Story Trail is a family-friendly outdoor trail event set within Tatton Park's historic landscaped summer gardens. Attendees can follow a story-led trail featuring classic Winnie-the-Pooh characters and imaginative spaces, exploring and enjoying the gardens in the sunshine. The event celebrates 100 years of Pooh and invites families to slow down and discover Pooh, Tigger, and Poohsticks Bridge along the way.
15 Oct, 22 Oct
A volunteer-led seasonal tour of Dunham Massey’s historic working mill explores its history, witches’ marks and the folklore and traditions associated with the building.
27 Nov
Participants make an asymmetric Christmas wreath using a cornus base, evergreen foliage and other natural materials, with guidance from florist Peter Hughes. The workshop takes place in the Learning Studios at RHS Garden Bridgewater.
10–11 Oct (this weekend)
Visitors can meet the farmyard animals at Tatton Park Farm and pick pumpkins from the field, with pumpkins available in a range of colours and sizes.
12 Sep
Heritage Open Day at Lyme offers the public an opportunity to explore a historic house with six centuries of history, its formal gardens, and the 1,400 acre estate featuring wildlife and family activities, including a Regency Dressing Room and scenes from the BBC's Pride and Prejudice filming.
17 Oct (next Saturday)
An adult workshop exploring autumn in the garden through mindful drawing with pencils, clay forms and a tactile sculpture. Materials are provided, and some activities may take place outdoors, weather permitting.
21 Nov
Participants learn to carve festive lino relief prints and use them with coloured inks to make their own wrapping paper. The beginner-friendly workshop takes place in the Learning Studios, with materials provided.
10–11 Dec, 17–18 Dec
A Christmas play and activity session for babies and toddlers, featuring an interactive story, festive sing-along and a visit from Father Christmas. Children can receive a gift and have a photo taken with him.
24 Oct
A beginner-friendly Japanese painting workshop led by artist Ula Fung, exploring traditional and contemporary techniques and materials. Participants will create a seasonal painting, with all equipment and materials provided.
7 Oct–1 Nov (another 23 days)
Visitors can use the Stranger Folk app to take part in an outdoor interactive adventure inspired by British folklore, featuring goblins and other creatures. The app is designed for children aged 7–12.
Alderley Edge offers an outdoor experience with dramatic scenery including a red sandstone escarpment, scenic countryside walks, and historical sites such as a Bronze Age burial mound. Visitors can explore wildlife-rich woodlands and enjoy a locally-run tea room on site. The venue is dog friendly and offers activities suitable for children.
18 Jul–6 Sep
Pokémon joins Lyme's Summer of Play is a children's outdoor event taking place at Lyme from 18 July to 6 September 2026. It features Pokémon Trading Card Game mini challenges, Mega Evolution sticker collecting, and play hubs across the site. The event is part of the National Trust's Summer of Play and is suitable for all ages. Attending the event requires normal venue admission charges. There is no need to book in advance. The event runs daily from 10:30 to 17:00 during specified dates in late August and early September.
10 Oct (this Saturday)
A chip-timed 5K and 10K road race around the roads within Tatton Park, held in support of the Christie Charity. Participants can choose either distance.
30 Aug–1 Sep
Mill top floor play space is an indoor play event for children up to 10 years old at Quarry Bank. It features a soft play area, dressing-up wardrobe for character play, stage for performances, puppet show creation, and a giant board game. The event runs from 1 June to 1 September, with craft activities during summer holidays. Booking is not needed but admission to the venue applies.
17 Sep, 30 Oct…
A themed series of candlelit concerts in the historic Chapel at Lyme, featuring classical and contemporary music. The programme includes autumn, Halloween, Regency, Christmas and Valentine’s concerts.
14 Oct (next Wednesday)
Author Livi Michael gives an online talk exploring how Elizabeth Gaskell used the Salem witch trials in her novella *Lois the Witch*, and how historical fact and Victorian fiction intersect in stories about witches.
Castlefield Viaduct is a historic 330-meter-long former railway viaduct in Manchester, now transformed into an elevated sky park open to the public, offering a unique urban green space and heritage experience.
11 Oct (this Sunday)
A seven-mile guided walk across the moor takes in views from Dinnerstones and Millstone Edge, a picnic stop at the ruins of Dowry Castle, reservoirs and the site of Roman Castleshaw.
27 Oct
An open-air screening of the classic horror film The Lost Boys, presented as a spooky Halloween movie night.
31 Aug
Summer Country Fayre at the Farm is a weekend event at Tatton Park featuring traditional English crafts, food, drink, and daily activities such as circus skills, archery, races, tug of war, spinning and sheep dog demonstrations, and falconry displays. Families can enjoy farmyard animals, sheep racing, a maize maze, and an adventure play area. The event has normal parkland and farm entry fees; booking farm tickets online offers a discount.
17 Dec
A Christmas party night with an après-ski theme, featuring live music and food for friends and colleagues. The event takes place at Tenants Hall.
26–30 Oct
A family collage-making activity where attendees can learn simple techniques and use paper and scissors to create a postcard artwork to take home.
7 Oct–1 Nov (another 23 days)
Children can follow a journey through Dunham Massey’s historic house with Speechly the Pineapple, spotting suitcases and collecting stamps in a Pineapple Passport. The indoor trail also includes a Book Nook exploring themes of travel and journeys.
26 Sep
Join Gardener Cath for a guided walk and talk exploring the history and produce of Quarry Bank's kitchen garden, including 19th century vegetables grown for the Gregs' dinner table. The event ends with a tasting opportunity where participants can pick fruit and vegetables to take home. The event is outdoors and booking is essential.
4–5 Sep
Cut flower bouquet workshop 2026 at Quarry Bank includes a guided tour of the Walled Garden floral displays with Lisa, Senior Gardener, and a workshop where you can select, cut flowers, and create a mini hand tied bouquet to take home.
28 Oct
An online talk with Dr Emma Liggins exploring Victorian Gothic fiction, including stories of haunted houses, curses, ghosts and psychological terror by British and American writers.
16 Dec
Join park rangers on a trailer ride to watch the daily feeding of Tatton Park’s deer and see the animals feeding in their natural setting.
10 Dec
An adults-only, après-ski-themed Christmas party night at Tatton Park, with live music and food in a festive alpine setting.
26–27 Sep
Harvest Festival at the Farm at Tatton Park offers a chance to celebrate the annual harvest with activities including seeing a steam engine running, making scarecrows, spinning, and crafting corn dollies. Visitors can also bring their pets to be blessed. The event takes place outdoors on the farm with standard admission charges applying to all.
5–6 Dec
Participants make a festive wreath with guidance from floral designer Sarah Hinchliffe, using fresh foliage, berries and decorations. The ticket also includes entry to the park and the decorated Christmas mansion.
19 Sep
Seasonal Floral Workshop: Autumn Colours is a workshop led by local floral designer Sarah Hinchliffe teaching creative floristry techniques using local seasonal flowers including dahlias from Cheshire Flower Farms. The session offers hands-on tuition with guidance on design principles and environmentally friendly floristry techniques, suitable for beginners with all materials provided. The workshop takes place at Tatton Park and includes parkland and garden entry with the ticket. It is held on the first floor of a historic barn with no lift access and is suitable for children over 12 years old.
12 Sep
This 1-day beginner course at Quarry Bank introduces participants to UK habitats, teaching identification, ecology, surveying methods, and management principles to enhance biodiversity. It includes practical learning on key habitat types, species indicators, legislation, and surveying techniques.
6 Sep
This summer outdoor cinema event at National Trust Lyme features a screening of the film Pride and Prejudice (2005), set at the location used for Pemberley in the TV series. Attendees can bring a picnic, blanket, or camping chair to enjoy the film and pre-movie music. Tickets must be booked in advance.
25 Oct
Participants learn about spring bulbs, planting conditions and care, then plant a layered “lasagne” bulb pot to take home. The workshop includes time in the Learning Studios and Learning Greenhouse.
5 Sep
EPiC Elvis Presley in Concert is a cinematic concert event at Lyme featuring performances from across Elvis Presley's career, shown on a large open-air screen. Attendees can enjoy the film under the stars with picnic options, food and bar on-site, and a soundtrack before the show. The event takes place in the evening with gates opening at 6:45pm and the film starting at 8:15pm.
8 Oct
This workshop introduces the history, philosophy and benefits of Japanese forest bathing, followed by mindful sensory activities in the woodland at RHS Garden Bridgewater.
4–6 Dec
Participants work with the garden team to design and make a real Christmas wreath using provided materials and decorations. The workshop includes mince pies and a festive hot drink; it is suitable for people aged 16 and over.
18 Oct (next Sunday)
A wedding show at Tatton Park where couples can meet wedding suppliers and find exclusive offers and goodies.
20 Nov
A beginner-friendly, hands-on workshop exploring how to create and care for terrariums. Participants can bring a clear glass container and make a miniature planted landscape with guidance from RHS horticultural advisers.
11 Dec
An adults-only, Apres-Ski-themed Christmas party night at Tatton Park, with live music and food in a festive alpine-style setting.
12 Dec, 29 Dec
Visitors can take an illuminated winter walk through Quarry Bank’s Upper Garden, with time to meet Mrs Claus and a warming drink. The quieter sessions have reduced lighting, no music and fewer ticket holders.
12 Nov
Join RHS Garden Bridgewater arborist Josh Corbett for a guided walk and talk exploring the lifecycle of trees, their relationship with fungi, and what tree features reveal about their history and future growth.
24 Oct–1 Nov
Visitors follow a ghoul guide on a spooky tour of the Apprentice House, hearing stories about its ghosts and encountering surprises along the way.
24–25 Oct, 27 Oct–1 Nov
Visitors can follow a Halloween scavenger hunt through Tatton Park’s gardens, finding ten themed skeleton displays and using a free activity sheet. The trail includes photo opportunities and pun-based jokes.
28 Nov
Participants learn to make a festive asymmetric wreath using cornus bases and natural materials, with guidance from florist Peter Hughes. The workshop takes place in the Learning Studios at RHS Garden Bridgewater.
24–25 Oct
Visitors can meet the Farm’s animals and pick their own pumpkins from the pumpkin field. Pumpkins are available in a range of colours and sizes.
12 Oct–7 Nov (next week)
Explore an exhibition about five tree species at Lyme Park and their fungal associates, then follow a self-guided trail around the Top Lawn. On 17, 24 and 31 October, the exhibition curator will be available to answer questions and discuss the research.
31 Aug
Soft archery sessions are held on the Top Lawn at Lyme as part of the Summer of Play. Attendees can drop in between 11am and 2pm without booking and try their skill at scoring a bullseye. This is a free event but normal venue admission charges apply. The event takes place outdoors on grass, which may be difficult for wheelchair users to navigate, and no explicit information is given on dog access or child focus.
21–22 Nov, 28–29 Nov…
A festive family visit to the farm featuring a nativity scene, live music, festive entertainers and a meeting with Santa in his grotto. Children can make reindeer food with the elves and take a selfie on Santa’s sleigh.
24 Sep
Join broadcaster and author Clare Balding at Tatton Park for a dog walk through the grounds, followed by a Q&A and book signing to celebrate the paperback launch of her novel Pastures New. The event includes a walk, a discussion, and opportunity to purchase signed books.
16 Sep
Dry Stone Walling Walk is an expert walking tour led by the Cheshire branch of the Dry Stone Walling Association at Lyme. The walk includes a history of Lyme's dry stone walls, instruction on wall construction and tools, and a tour of notable walling features. The walk lasts about 1 to 1.5 hours, covering just over a mile, and is suitable for ages 16 and above.
21–22 Sep, 24–25 Sep
Regency Afternoon Tea at Lyme offers a Regency style afternoon tea experience in the Servants' Hall featuring a welcome drink, soup, sandwiches, sweet treats, scones, and unlimited tea and coffee. Guests can optionally dress in Regency outfits from the Regency Dressing Room for a special experience. Booking is essential and admission charges apply.
20 Dec
Join the King Edward Musical Society Band and choir in the Stableyard for a sing-along of Christmas favourites, with song sheets provided.
15 Sep, 19 Sep
Heritage Open Days at Dunham Massey is a free event open on Tuesday 15 and Saturday 19 September 2026, celebrating the UK's diverse cultures, crafts, and communities. Visitors can explore the historic house, gardens, deer park, and the mill while enjoying the beautiful surroundings. No booking is needed for this family-suitable event.
10 Sep
A hands-on photography workshop at Tatton Park led by professional photographer Jane Burkinshaw. The workshop teaches participants how to maximize their smartphone camera's capabilities, understand lighting, and create more artistic images. It includes classroom sessions and outdoor photography in the park surroundings. Suitable for adults only.
2–6 Dec, 9–13 Dec…
A festive indoor play space for children and their grown-ups, featuring Christmas-themed activities such as stacking presents, snowball games and making an elf CV. It also includes soft play, games, crafts, a puppet show and a costume stage.
31 Aug
Outdoor Cinema at Tatton Park offers an immersive movie watching experience featuring films like Mamma Mia, Beauty and the Beast, and Tangled. The event is on 31 August 2026, from 15:00 to 19:00, with booking essential and tickets priced for adults and children.
17 Oct (next Saturday)
A guided tour of Tatton’s fifteenth-century Old Hall explores the building and its history across five centuries, including its atmosphere and ghost stories.
27 Nov–24 Dec
An immersive Christmas experience at Lyme, with decorated rooms exploring festive traditions and ways of celebrating around the world. Visitors can wander through the house and discover how communities celebrate together.
2 Dec
An online talk by Lucinda Dickens Hawksley explores Victorian Christmas traditions, including the influence of A Christmas Carol, festive customs and how Charles Dickens and Elizabeth Gaskell celebrated. Ticketholders also receive a link to the recording after the event.
18–19 Sep
Old Hall Open Days at Tatton Park offer an opportunity to explore the rooms and experience the history of Tatton's oldest surviving building, originally built by the Stanley family with Tudor heritage. The event runs from 12pm to 4pm, with last entry at 3pm, and requires admission payment with advisable booking.
7 Oct–1 Nov (another 23 days)
sanctum is a deep-listening experience in Dunham Massey’s chapel, using sound and light on water to create a space for quiet reflection.
6 Dec
Yule Yomp is a 10K festive trail race at Tatton Park, following a one-lap route over mixed terrain. It attracts both competitive club runners and recreational participants, and festive fancy dress is encouraged.
7 Oct–1 Nov (another 23 days)
Quarry Bank Scarecrow Festival features an outdoor scarecrow trail and seasonal activities, alongside indoor crafts, storytelling, an autumn-themed play area, a tour of the Apprentice House and an interactive game inspired by British folklore.
3–4 Oct
UK Bungee Club offers a 300ft bungee jump event at Tatton Park, taking place over the picturesque mere. It is the highest regular jump in the UK, set among 1,000 acres of deer park and scenic views, giving participants the experience of a giant leap from a 300ft platform on selective dates.
5–6 Sep
Happy Place Festival with Fearne Cotton is a creative space event focused on self-love and happiness featuring inspiring talks, live podcast recordings, yoga, sound healing, creative workshops, and music performances. It takes place outdoors in the parkland at Tatton Park in September 2026.
21–22 Nov, 28–29 Nov…
Guests can enjoy a festive afternoon tea with sweet and savoury treats and Christmas flavours in the Gardener's Cottage Tearoom.
21–22 Nov, 25–29 Nov…
Visitors explore Tatton Park Mansion through festive rooms themed around Phileas Fogg’s journey in Jules Verne’s *Around the World in 80 Days*. Families can follow an interactive passport trail and meet costumed characters along the way.
30 Nov–4 Dec, 7–11 Dec…
A festive afternoon tea in the Servants’ Hall at Lyme, featuring winter soup, sandwiches, seasonal treats, scones, and unlimited tea and coffee.
23 Sep
Creative Writing with Joy Winkler is a creative writing workshop led by former Cheshire Poet Laureate Joy Winkler. Participants will engage in developing observational skills to describe landscapes, embracing sensory details to immerse the reader in the depiction of place. The workshop includes park and garden entry and is suitable for ages 12 and over.
22 Oct
A practical workshop on creating new garden plants through editing and dividing herbaceous perennials. It includes an indoor presentation, an outdoor demonstration, and the opportunity to practise plant division and learn about spacing and design.
7 Oct–1 Nov (another 23 days)
A photographic exhibition exploring the botanical paper collages of eighteenth-century artist Mary Delany, displayed in the Dunham Massey Orangery.
7 Oct–1 Nov, 4–8 Nov…
Explore Quarry Bank using the HistoryScapes app, which brings the history of the historic landscape to life through an outdoor trail. The pilot project aims to help visitors discover more about the site’s history.
Bramall Hall is a historic Tudor Manor House with origins back to the Middle Ages, featuring unique architectural and artistic details inside, set within 60 acres of picturesque Victorian Romantic parkland with woodland walks, brooks, and lakes. Visitors can enjoy guided tours, facilities including a café, and a family-friendly environment.
Wilmslow is a historic market town in Cheshire known for its quaint town centre, rich cultural heritage, access to railway services, local festivals, and a variety of shopping and dining experiences including luxury car showrooms.