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!

Once an industrial mining site, this 70-hectare lake was Greater Manchester’s first National Nature Reserve, just 40 minutes from the city centre — offering year-round open-water swimming & scenic walks

Manchester weather isn't exactly famous for sunshine, but there are always hardcore open-water swimmers willing to take the plunge year-round. Once the sun finally does appear, the rest of us rush to join...

This stunning 9.5km Peak District circular through ancient woodland has been crowned the top destination for a walk & Sunday roast in the UK – and it’s just 1.5 hours from Manchester

We may be approaching summer, but we're northern, so we'll take a Sunday roast anytime. Combine a steaming plate of meat, potatoes and gravy with a nice crunchy walk, and you've got the perfect Sunday - s...

Music Top news

Peter Hook to arrange one-off Joy Division finale for this 5,000-capacity tribute to Stone Roses legend Mani, plus a rare set from newly reunited rockers Puressence – here’s how you could be there

This month, Manchester is set to unite for ‘Manichester’: a tribute to Stone Roses legend Mani. The outpouring of love was overwhelming when Gary 'Mani' Mounfield passed away at the age of 63 last Novembe...

Manchester Flower Festival 2026 is turning the city green this bank holiday weekend with a focus on pollinators, climate & ‘sky gardening’, and it’s completely free – here’s the full trail & what to expect

Manchester is set to burst into life once again this May as the Manchester Flower Festival returns from Saturday 23 to Monday 25 May, transforming the city centre into a vibrant celebration of flowers, gr...

Sports Top news

TfGM has issued urgent travel warnings for Greater Manchester as the Manchester City victory parade comes to town – with latest advice on road closures, tram works & the 25-minute walking route

Thousands of Manchester City fans are expected to line the city’s streets this bank holiday Monday as the club celebrates the end of a successful season with a city centre parade and celebrations at the E...

Manchester is set to be hotter than Los Angeles this bank holiday weekend, hitting a scorching 28°C – here’s the full forecast

The weather has been particularly miserable lately, so it's about time we got some good news. In a wild turn of events, it would seem that this late May bank holiday weekend is set to be quite the scorche...

Secret Guides Things to do

17 incredible things to do over the late May bank holiday weekend in Manchester – from Manchester Flower Festival to free meals for kids

Ah yes, another bank holiday is on the horizon, and with the weather set to (hopefully) hot up, this late May bank holiday could not be coming at a better time. With festivals, freebies and community act...

The Lake District has been named the UK’s wild swimming capital, with four spots in the top 10 – including the largest lake in England & one of the national park’s most underrated

Whether it's plunging into the crystal-clear waters of a remote Scottish loch or discovering a secret tidal pool tucked along the Cornish coast, the United Kingdom is home to a breath-taking variety of wi...

Culture Top news

‘Manchester will never forget’: Here’s how the city will mark nine years since the 22 May terror attack

Manchester will mark the ninth anniversary of the 22 May 2017 terror attack, which claimed 22 lives and left many others injured, this Friday. As usual the permanent Glade of Light Memorial, near Manch...

No trams are running between Victoria and Rochdale as part of £150m track improvements, plus Piccadilly Gardens closures – which tram stops are affected & alternative routes

The next phase of a £150m investment into Greater Manchester’s tram network has gotten under way, bringing with it a whole load of disruptions to be aware of. The essential track replacement work is set t...