Struggling to find cost-effective activities to delight the whole family this weekend? JLife’s go-to guide has you covered.
With the wild autumnal weather now firmly in the distance, the brighter days are a welcomed relief. What better way to enjoy them than with a long, leisurely Bank Holiday weekend? Considering the sheer size of Manchester and Leeds, you certainly won’t be stuck for things to do. But it’s time to expel the belief that the best attractions come at a price – in fact, the assortment of Bank Holiday activities available across the cities aren’t just family-friendly; they’re cost-friendly too! Here’s a sneak peek at some of the most exciting, cost-effective events coming our way.
Leeds
Lotherton Hall
This Bank Holiday, don’t waste away those rare few hours of sunshine lingering on the sofa; instead, gather the family together for an outdoor adventure they won’t quickly forget.
Go along to Lotherton Hall were the idyllic location is welcoming visitors back to its annual May Day Party. In the fresh air, kids can partake in a host of fun-filled activities – from sports races to garden games – all the while getting a healthy boost from the active antics.
And don’t worry – parents won’t be left out! They can take in the musical masterpieces delivered from the live brass band.
Although admission to the venue remains, the event is free, requiring a much looser pull of the purse strings.
Visit Leeds.gov.uk/museumsandgalleries.
The LEGO Store
The Bank Holiday might have been and gone by Thursday, but that’s no reason not to immerse your family in some cost-free fun.
It may seem like an unexpected spot, but the LEGO shop in Trinity, Leeds, has the facilities for an enjoyable evening out. On the first Thursday of every month, from 4pm to 6pm, the store hosts a monthly mini build in which every child aged six to 14 gets to learn how to construct a model and take it home for free.
Among the eye-catching array of plastic bricks and various shapes adorning the walls, your children really will believe that ‘Everything is Awesome’.
Visit Trinityleeds.com.
Middleton Park
Recognised for featuring the largest ancient woodland in Leeds, in addition to a small lake and recreational areas, Middleton Park offers an abundance of opportunities to keep young ones occupied.
At different times during the course of the weekend, Bluebell Walks will be taking place in which anyone interested can enjoy a guided stroll to the Visitor Centre through the splendour of the woods.
Each walk tends to last approximately 30 to 40 minutes, and for those who wish to explore further, there are a number of alternative routes to opt for.
Visit Fomp.co.uk.
Royal Armouries
This weekend, unleash your inner cowboy or cowgirl and journey to the American West courtesy of the Royal Armouries’ Wild West Weekend.
The event will be filled with extensive activities and demonstrations to keep everyone busy – and you especially won’t want to miss the Western gunslingers as they face off in a high noon gunfight.
The behind-the-scenes insight into the infamous chapters of American history will result in kids feeling like they’re centres stage in their own gripping film!
The activities run from 10am on 2nd May to 5pm on 4th May.
Visit Royalarmouries.org.
Manchester
Lowry Outlet Food Festival
The Lowry Outlet Food Festival is making a return tomorrow, running until 4th May and providing the perfect ingredients for anyone who has a taste for fine food and drink.
As well as boasting captivating live entertainment, the free-to-attend event will be bursting with over 100 stalls. Ready your taste buds for high quality produce from locally-sourced companies, including pork pies and award-winning cheeses.
And adding to the entertainment factor, major TV stars Paul Hollywood and Gok Wan will be hosting live demonstrations to showcase some great foodie tips. Kids can get caught up in the fun too courtesy of a cookery zone with Mr Bloom and Katy Ashworth.
Visit Lowryoutletfoodfestival.co.uk.
Buile Hill Park
The annual Bank Holiday festival is once again set to take over Buile Hill Park in Salford this weekend.
The park, located off Eccles Old Road, will be welcoming a raft of adults and kids with its selection of rides and stalls.
The festivities will kick off on 12pm on each of the days, while there’s free entry to the site.
Visit Salford.gov.uk/builehill.
Hulme Park
Armed with a children’s play area, football pitch, multi-use games area, and BMX and skateboard park, Hulme Park has long been deemed a source of delight.
And this Bank Holiday, the hotspot – which is the first large-scale new park to have been built in Manchester for over 50 years – will be upping the stakes with a family festival.
Organised by Z-Arts, Venture Arts, and Hulme Community Garden Centre, the event will see the park filled with live music, scrumptious food, craft activities and much more.
Visit Manchester.gov.uk.
Whatever you get up to this Bank Holiday, have a wonderful time!
And have you checked out JLife’s latest Manchester-based competitions? Simply click HERE for your chance to win!