The Pass
Inspirational ideas for group days out and holidays
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Bright light city
Bright light city
With vast shopping, interesting museums and galleries, and entertaining theatre venues for groups, you’ll never tire of exploring the city of Manchester.
Find your outlet
Manchester’s only factory outlet mall, the Lowry Outlet Mall, situated on the stunning Salford Quays, offers savings of up to 50% off RRP all year round. The retail and leisure destination also offers many benefits for pre-booked groups, including a £10 centre voucher for coach drivers and group organisers, plus all group members receive a 10% discount voucher booklet valid in many of the on-site stores and restaurants. There are over 80 stores including retailers like M&S and Windsmoor, plus a huge selection of fashion, gifts and homeware. And let’s not forget the food court seating 400 people, and four restaurants, including Café Rouge and Harry Ramsdens. For more information visit their website below.
Take your pick
Another great shopping attraction is Bury Markets, just outside Manchester, offering 350 stalls and 50,000 products in two market halls. It’s a great place to find quality fresh fish and meats, fruit and vegetables, cosmetics, fashion, specialist items for hobbies, home and garden items, plus great places to eat and enjoy a well deserved coffee break. Bury’s thriving town centre market place has its own special ambience and is located next door to the Mill Gate Shopping Centre. There’s also free coach parking and a free driver’s meal available. Visit their website below for further information.
Centre stage
Manchester is also great for entertainment, and the Royal Exchange Theatre is an enjoyable way to spend an evening with your group. The theatre is a seven-sided, glass-walled capsule, suspended from huge marble pillars, with 760 seats placed all around the auditorium - each offering a great view of the stage. Summer shows include The Revenger’s Tragedy, which runs until 28 June 2008, and stars Stephen Tompkinson; and Hay Fever, from 1 July to 9 August 2008. Groups booking 10 or more seats can make a great saving, plus there’s one free place for every 20 tickets purchased. Call their booking line below to find out more.
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0161 833 0483
In fashion
Urbis is an exhibition centre that looks at city life in Manchester. On your visit, you can explore exhibitions about contemporary art & design, urban gardening, and the city environment. There’s plenty on this year for groups to enjoy, and you don’t have to cram it all into one visit either, you can take your time, as everything is free. Events include Urban Gardening, which runs until 7 September 2008, and encourages visitors to roll up their sleeves and get back to good old-fashioned gardening, and Matthew Williamson: Ten Years in Fashion, to 21 September, which is an exhibition dedicated to the designer’s iconic designs over the last decade. Urbis also offers a series of guided tours, which act as a great introduction to the building and Manchester's colourful history. To find out more, contact them on the details below.
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0161 605 8200
On the hunt
This autumn, Manchester Art Gallery stages an exhibition dedicated to Pre-Raphaelite artist Holman Hunt, from 11 October 2008 to 11 January 2009. Their new show will feature over 50 key works, many on loan from around the UK. It's a rare opportunity to see all three versions of Hunt's iconic work, The Light of the World - and discover how it became the most viewed painting in the world. Maps, photographs and personal letters will also be used to explore his involvement with the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood and trace his pilgrimage to the Holy Land.
They are offering special tours for groups throughout the exhibition. To book your place, contact them on the details below.
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0161 235 8855
Journey north
If you fancy something a little different on your trip up North, then you’ll enjoy Mersey Ferries’ fascinating Manchester Ship Canal Cruise journey along a 35-mile stretch of canal. It includes a lively commentary giving a revealing insight into the facts, the history, and the dramas of one of Britain’s major waterways. This six hour cruise departs from Seacombe and Woodside (Wirral) and Salford Quays (Manchester) on selected dates until October 2008. Many of the cruises include a stop-over in Liverpool or Salford Quays for you to visit attractions such as The Lowry, Imperial War Museum North and the Lowry Outlet Mall, before arranged buses collect and return you to your starting point. There’s a 10% discount for groups of 20 or more. To find out more contact Mersey Ferries on the details below.
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0151 330 1444