The summer of prizes is coming to an end. We’re now on to week 6, and our last amazing weekly giveaway – a 2 night stay in amazing Manchester. Make sure you don’t miss your chance to win this week’s prize and next week’s Grand Prize: free stays for a year in any of our UK Hotels.
This week’s incredible prize is a 2 night stay in buzzing, vibrant Manchester, courtesy of Travelodge Manchester Piccadilly, PLUS tickets to The Crystal Maze Live Experience, a fantastically fun live action recreation of the classic game show.
See what a fantastic time you could have if you win, with our guide to 2-nights in Manchester.
Day 1
Open top bus tour
A great way to start your stay is to get acquainted with Manchester on an open top bus tour. With carefully planned routes, designed to take you around some of the city’s key sights, Sightseeing Manchester offers a great way to get around the city. For £12 you can get a 2-day ticket to hop on and off any Sightseeing Manchester branded bus.
Science and Industry Museum
Take the bus to the Science and Industry Museum. This fabulous free museum explores the role of science and innovation from the Industrial Revolution to today and beyond. Situated in the heart of the world’s first industrial city, on the site of the oldest surviving passenger railway station, the Science and Industry Museum is well placed to tell the story of development through the ages. The museum is currently featuring an extraordinary immersive exhibit called The Sun. Bringing the science of our star to life, you can watch the rising sun over Antarctica, experience the heat from the indoor beach, and stand in the centre of a solar storm.
Lunch at Albert’s Shed
For lunch (or dinner, as the midday meal is often called in Manchester), stop off at the nearby Albert’s Shed. This family run restaurant is set in a converted tool-shed, which belonged to the owner’s Uncle, Albert, who handed over the space on the condition that the restaurant be named after his beloved shed. Now serving quality food at a reasonable price, Albert’s Shed has become a local favourite, with several sister establishments opening in recent years. Try their 2-course lunch menu for a great value meal out.
Street Art in the Northern Quarter
Manchester is renowned for its many high quality art galleries and museums. One of the best ways to take in some of the finest art Manchester has to offer is by taking to the streets of the Northern Quarter. Manchester’s trendiest area, the Northern Quarter is chock full of independent eateries, vinyl record shops, and lively music venues. Whilst you’re going from shop to shop, you’ll definitely want to take a minute to look at the spectacular murals dotted around. Large-scale murals are painted on buildings around the Northern quarter, featuring some of the best street-art in the country.
Shopping at Afflecks
Afflecks is a local landmark and hipster hangout. You can spend an age walking around the labyrinth of eclectic independent stalls, shops, and unique boutiques. Here you can pick up everything. Vinyl records, clothing, art, instruments, food, and tattoos and piercings are all on offer in Afflecks. With 60+ outlets, it’s practically guaranteed there’ll be something to tickle your fancy. If you’re not sure where to start, get a Tarot reading at the Crystal Henge Shop and see if you can get some spiritual guidance for your shopping trip.
Dinner at Cane & Grain
A hidden gem of the Northern Quarter, Cane & Grain is a quirky establishment set over 3 floors, with a different theme on each. The ground floor combines ribs, beer and bourbon. On the first floor you’ll find cocktails mixed by mad scientists in a stylish restaurant setting. And tiki takes over the top floor in a Caribbean cross-over cocktail bar. Feel like trying something a little different, then order yourself a side of spam fries. That’s right, spam fries.
Live music at Yes
Manchester means music. Countless bands and artists started their showbiz career in Manchester, including Oasis, The Smiths, Chemical Brothers, and Take That. The vibrant music scene in Manchester is still going strong, with loads of great venues supporting local talent. Stop by Yes, one of the hottest music venues in the city, spread over 4 floors. Grab a cocktail on the rooftop bar before heading down for an intimate gig with some local up-and-comers.
Day 2
National Football Museum
Have a conversation with anyone in the world about football and before long you’ll hear the word Manchester. In the spiritual home of football, you won’t want to miss the opportunity to soak up some of the beautiful game. If you’ve always wanted to have your picture taken with the FA Cup trophy, or see the 1966 World Cup ball, then you’ll need to stop off at the National Football Museum, the largest football museum in the wold. Try out one of the many interactive games and exhibits that are on offer to test your footie skills. See if you can pass like a master or conquer the penalty shoot out.
Cat Café
For something a little quirkier, you can’t beat a trip to the Cat Café. With a mission statement to make people feel better, the Cat Café can be thought of as a therapeutic experience. Unwind with unlimited hot drinks whilst friendly felines throw themselves at you for strokes and tickles. With 20 cats in the Manchester Cat Family, the Cat Café is heaven on Earth for cat lovers. What a purr-fect way to spend a morning.
Street food at Grub
Street food has become a phenomenon in the past few years. With the first street food chef recently being awarded a Michelin Star, there is no argument that these days food from a van is a bit less gristle and a bit more gourmet. Manchester has embraced the street food culture with open arms. Street food organizers, Grub, hold events every weekend featuring the finest finger food the city has to offer, with live DJ’s creating a laid back atmosphere. Open until 10pm, you’d be forgiven for wanting to spend all day here.
John Rylands Library
The John Rylands Library is an architectural masterpiece and memorial to the great Victorian industrialist, John Ryland. Built in a dramatic gothic style, this library feels like a great cathedral. Home to many ancient treasures, this library hosts the oldest known fragment of The New Testament, the St. John Fragment. A bit less holy, but well worth checking out, are the library’s original Victorian toilets, unchanged and in use since the library opened in 1900.
Master the Maze
Impossible challenges, incompetent contestants, a giant perspex dome. It can only be The Crystal Maze. Everyone’s favourite maze based game show is now open to the public, and included in this amazing prize giveaway courtesy of The Crystal Maze Live Experience Manchester. Promising dome loads of frenetic fun, this experience is a stunning recreation of the classic game show. Put your skills to the test as your exuberant host whizzes you through Aztec, Industrial, Futuristic, and Medieval zones. before facing the full force of the fans in The Crystal Dome. Whether you become a maze master or a labyrinth loser, you’re guaranteed a good time.
Dinner at The Alchemist
There’s a fine line between science and magic. After seeing the cocktails at The Alchemist, you’ll be forgiven for believing in witches and wizards. Using the methods of mad scientists, exquisite and interesting dishes and drinks are prepared for both your enjoyment and amazement. Prepare to be dazzled and wowed as you try delicious dishes inspired by cuisines from around the globe, and out-of-this world drinks.
Laugh out Loud at the Comedy Store
Laughter is the best medicine. And even if you’re not poorly, it’s good to get your daily dose. So why not finish off your trip with a visit to Manchester’s Comedy Store, where icons such as Peter Kay have graced the stage. Here you can see seasoned comedy veterans perform alongside local up-and-comers. Just be warned, if your plan is to heckle your way into a war of words with a top comedian – you may not win this battle of wits.
Don’t miss your opportunity to win. It’s Free to enter, and you could win this fantastic trip to Manchester, or the grand prize of free stays for a year in any of our UK hotels.
For terms & conditions, please click here
Travelodge Manchester Piccadilly is in an ideal location, just a few minute’s walk from Manchester Piccadilly railway station, and close to the city’s main attractions. This hotel features our recently launched SuperRooms™, with added comforts to enhance your stay, and a stylish new Bar Café where you can get a delicious breakfast or unwind with an evening drink.
