Emmeline Banks, Author at Secret Manchester

I'm a film and music enthusiast and love everything Manchester. I enjoy learning about history and culture, and am a sucker for a good countryside walk!

Four Peak District trails have been named amongst Britain’s best moderate hikes – including a 3.7-mile loop under 2 hours from Manchester with breathtaking views

Hiking has never been more popular in the UK, yet new research from adidas suggests confidence and preparation are not keeping pace with the surge in interest. Hiking is now the fastest-growing activity o...

A brand new 401-room hotel has opened right next to the Etihad Stadium and Co-op Live – complete with bespoke lighting to match games & gigs, a MasterChef-led restaurant, and a private rooftop penthouse

A new chapter in Manchester’s hospitality scene begins today as The Medlock, a Radisson Blu hotel, has officially opened its doors, marking a milestone arrival in Manchester’s rapidly expanding entertainm...

Escapes Top news

Founded in AD 76, this ancient Roman fortress city with iconic medieval rows beat Venice as the world’s most beautiful – and it’s just a direct 1-hour trip from Manchester

Manchester may be accustomed to the international spotlight, but a historic Roman city just an hour away has captured global acclaim. Named both the prettiest city in the United Kingdom and the most beaut...

Escapes Things to do

‘Straight from Wuthering Heights’: The atmospheric autumn village 90 minutes from Manchester with golden moorland walks, cosy fireside pubs, and Brontë history

For Mancunians looking to trade city drizzle for a rich, atmospheric getaway - with a Brontë connection - there is no better seasonal escape than Haworth. Framed by crisp autumn winds, amber moors, and st...

Things to do Top news

Manchester’s biggest Oktoberfest celebration is coming to this beloved food hall, with 8 days of party kegs, drag icons, and late-night DJs – how to get your free tickets

Freight Island is putting its own spin on the world's biggest beer festival this autumn, announcing Freight Island Presents Oktoberfest, an eight-day celebration taking over the venue across Thursday 1st...

Escapes Wellness & nature

Known as the ‘Gateway to the Goyt Valley’, this historic Peak District town is just 45 minutes from Manchester – framed by rugged hills, historic canals & a sailing reservoir

If you're searching for a destination that effortlessly blends dramatic Peak District scenery with classic small-town character, you don't have to travel far. Located under an hour by train from Mancheste...

Secret Guides

The best pumpkin patches near Greater Manchester opening for autumn – including a farm with over 20,000 pumpkins just 30 minutes from the city centre

Autumn is officially around the corner, bringing a festive line-up of Bonfire Night, Christmas, and—first up—Halloween. Although we've had a record-breaking, long, hot summer with barely any rain, plenty...

Music Top news

Simple Minds announce huge 2027 UK arena tour including Manchester’s Co-op Live, alongside a brand new album – how to get tickets

The iconic Simple Minds have announced details of their brand new studio album, Sacrosanct, to be released on 29 January 2027, alongside a huge UK tour for next year. Simple Minds will play Manchester's C...

Music Top news

Fontaines D.C. announce their biggest UK headline tour to date for 2027, playing massive outdoor and stadium gigs – including Manchester’s largest park

Since Fontaines D.C. literally just announced their autumn 2026 tour, during which they'll play Manchester's AO Arena, we didn't think we'd be hearing from them again so soon - but we were very wrong. Now...

Rightmove names the best commuter town near Manchester where home buyer demand is surging 6% — and it’s just an 8-minute train ride from the city centre

Manchester continues to be one of the UK’s most in-demand cities, but plenty of buyers are choosing to base themselves just outside of it. With a short train ride into the centre, many nearby towns offer...