As spring shows its face at last, blessing us with more hours of daylight, surely brighter mornings and outstretched evenings call for a roster of days out to keep on hand. Whether spending Easter break with the in-laws or getting away for a weekend with friends, usher in the springtime joy with our handpicked curation of must-sees and must-dos. 

RHS Garden Bridgewater 

If you haven’t yet frequented RHS Garden Bridgewater, call this divine timing. At the lush, landscaped grounds in Worsley, beds are starting to bloom, and seeds are beginning to sprout, making it the ideal spot to pass a sunny afternoon. But don’t fret, there’s also a café on site if April showers loom, offering treats, tipples, and a place to unwind beside a bustling coop of birds, fit for an ounce of wilderness watching. 

Delaine Le Bas: Un-Fair-Ground 

Between the mediums of calico, drawing, embroidery and performance, Turner-nominated artist, Delaine Le Bas, debuts her first Manchester show at Whitworth Art Gallery this spring. Addressing themes of folklore, activism, and feminism through mixed-media art forms, the exhibit takes its name from a quilt crafted for Glastonbury Festival in 2024, showcased amidst other eclectic centrepieces. If you’re feeling inspired, the show is surely one to immerse yourself in before it leaves on 31st May. 

Equinox Clay and Tarot Experience 

If you haven’t heard of Ostara, it’s a celebration of the Spring Equinox, where day and night are equal. To mark the occasion, Set Forth Tarot and Happy Yappy Clay are joining forces for an intimate afternoon of 1-1 tarot reading, guided clay sculpting, and intention setting in the boutique hotel, Leven, on Manchester’s Chorlton Street. Encouraging you to indulge in creative expression and self-reflection, the session will provide space to take stock and connect with a like-minded community, herbal tea in hand. 

Blanchflower, Altrincham 

Along Shaw’s Road in Altrincham, Blanchflower has become a destination for its freshly baked cruffins, rhubarb tarts, and apricot danishes – and rightly so. Whether swinging by for a coffee break mid shopping spree, or stopping over for a long lunch on the weekend, if you’re after a sweet treat or patisserie pick-me-up, this independent kitchen and bakery is a decadent failsafe to impress your guests with.

KERB 

Seeing as Dry January is firmly out of the way, KERB is a great choice when it comes to letting your hair down. Offering natural pours of the red, white and orange varieties on the corner of Cutting Room Square, this city centre wine bar is hardly a secret, but should still be recommended to anyone who hasn’t already popped by for a glass. Plus, 

find other bars, cafés and restaurants nearby when you’re done. As they say, when in Ancoats… 

WORN: The Life Within Clothes 

Coming to Manchester Art Gallery on 28th March, the new exhibit WORN delves into slow fashion as an extension of the museum’s Fashion and Dress Gallery, which has been in the works since 2022. Featuring items once held at Platt Hall’s Gallery of Costume in south Manchester, the show parades an abundance of upcycled textiles, customisations, and pre-loved garments, spanning the 18th century, right up to the height of modern-day, contemporary fashion. Design lovers, you know where to go. 

Quarry Bank Mill 

Bordering Styal Country Park is the National Trust’s Quarry Bank Mill, where, on a Sunday stroll, you’ll encounter florid planters and stunning natural surroundings, set on the site of local industrial heritage. Apt for some quality time with all the family, the picturesque Cheshire countryside makes for a tranquil backdrop whilst you mooch around the Mill Yard, browse through its second-hand bookshops, and stretch your legs in time for lunch at the Shed Restaurant. 

Mottram Hall Spa Resort 

Seeing as we’ve made it this far into the year, now is surely the time to reset and reflect. With that said, we can’t see anywhere better to kick back than the Grade II listed manor house and 4-star resort, Mottram Hall. Offering facials, full body massages, and other opulent treatments, not to mention spaside mezzes and indulgent staycations, an afternoon away from it all could be just what the doctor ordered. We promise the hardest decision you’ll make is: steam, swim, or sauna?  

Winsome 

Founded by a chef with many accolades, Shaun Moffat’s neighbourhood bistro, Winsome, is garnering its own reputation for honest food and thoughtful British cooking, tucked just off Oxford Road. With rotating, seasonal menus, now led by the fruits and legumes of springtime, Winsome bodes a worthy date night locale, or meeting point for a catch-up with the girls. Where quality starters, mains, and puddings are served best with good conversation. 

Life Drawing with Hop 

If you’re not already aware of Life Drawing with Hop, where have you been? Whilst a small business, founded by local artist Lisa Payne, the workshop series traverses the city in providing playful, community art classes. Whether you’re a sketching professional, drawing curious, or a complete beginner, all levels are welcome to come along and give still life a try. Or, if that hasn’t swayed you, maybe a glass of wine will. 

By Millie Throp