It might be the ‘saddest day of the year’, but it really doesn’t have to be – nor should it be. In a bid to infuse some ~positive vibes~ in your life this Blue Monday, we’ve rounded up the best things to do in Manchester that are bound to keep things cheerful this Blue Monday.
1. Let off some steam with a bit of axe throwing
Not only a bit of fun, but a great sense of relief, too, Whistlepunks is the perfect activity for Blue Monday – with guests able to leave the world behind them while they take on the ultimate axe throwing challenge. Blow off some steam and attempt to hit the bullseye, before winding down with a refreshing beer.
2. Head back to the 90s at the Crystal Maze LIVE Experience
This January as The Crystal Maze LIVE Experience is helping to banish the blues by turning back the clock to the good old days of the 1990s, when Ant and Dec were still PJ and Duncan and Mr Blobby topped the charts. On Blue Monday (January 16), the attraction will release 1,000 tickets across its London and Manchester sites for the 1990s-themed price of £19.90, offering up to a whopping 75% off a standard ticket. With this offer, guests can expect a hit of pure nostalgia as they enter the immersive experience, based on the popular 90s TV game show, which is jam-packed with physical and mental challenges played against the clock. Set across four themed zones, the attraction is all about teamwork, problem-solving, and having fun.
3. Reset with a winter walk
If a more chilled out Blue Monday is on the cards, escape your four walls for a slice of nature. Blessed with plenty of idyllic walking routes, Mancs can enjoy beauty spots such as Dovestones, Heaton Park, Hollingworth Lake and more – all just a short drive away from the city. Or why not explore the city of Manchester in a fun and interactive way by heading out on one of the city’s many walking tours?
4. Escape the world for a while at the cinema
A fantastic roster of Hollywood hits awaits at the cinema this January, so unwind in front of the big screen with pick n mix, Tango Ice Blasts, hot dogs, and more. Making it even more worthwhile is the fact that we can offer you a tasty discount on both Odeon tickets and Vue tickets. Result. Various locations.
5. Enjoy tasty cocktails at Alcotraz
If there’s one place that’s a whole world away from our day-to-day world, it’s Alcotraz. Opening in 2021 near Great Northern Warehouse, the unique cocktail experience is perfect for a day like today. Smuggle in your own booze, don the orange jumpsuit, and try to hide your contraband from the pesky guard’s watchful eye. Book it here.
6. Cheer up with 50% off food
If there’s one thing that’s certainly cheered us up this January so far, it’s the 50% off food offers. Many of Manchester’s restaurants and bars are participating this month, and we think it’s the perfect incentive to not only support local businesses but also bag a bargain on our favourite food and drink.
7. Do something outdoorsy
When you’re feeling blue, there’s nothing quite like getting outdoors – not only for the vitamin D, but for the endorphins, too. From treetop adventures to watersports, there’s plenty of outdoor activities to get involved in in Manchester.
8. Freeze out the January blues with a dreamy dessert
If sugar is your favourite dopamine hit, you’re in luck – because Manchester is filled with a ton of amazing dessert spots including Frurt. The fro-yo parlour is providing customers with an unmissable deal – a medium cup of fro-yo for just £7, no matter the weight or number of toppings. ‘No Weigh Weekday’ runs at all self-service locations in Prestwich, Bolton & Blackburn from Monday – Thursday, 12pm-6pm, until 26th January, so makes the perfect budget-friendly break in a day out, and a great cure for those January blues.
9. Get an adrenaline rush at this indoor skydiving experience
Whether you want to switch off or live in the moment for a bit, take the plunge and head to iFLY Manchester this Blue Monday. Safely float in an 800-horsepower vertical wind tunnel that generates a wall-to-wall cushion of air commonly used by professional skydivers without having to jump from a plane (making it a little less scary and risky). Feel the adrenaline rush as you float at wind speeds reaching 130 to 175 mph, which is bound to leave you a little windswept.