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. 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?
3. Bag yourself a free bowl of ramen from Wagamama
Amid the chilly, more downbeat time of year, we find ourselves indoors and ramen makes for the perfect dish – particularly when it comes for free (that payday still seems far away). Wagamama will be hoping to ease up those January worries by offering up free bowls of the slurpable ramen, with 50 free portions to give away at each spot in the UK. Operating on a first come, first served basis, the first people to turn up from 3pm onwards will be rewarded with a free portion of ramen – with a choice between the classic chicken ramen; the shirodashi pork belly ramen; or the new spicy plant-based dish called the firecracker chick’n ramen.
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 thanks to a host of January food offers
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. Lift your spirits by bringing your dog to work
For all those working from home or on the lookout for a new office space, Manchester’s Junction is turning Blue Monday into a paw-sitive day by hosting a ‘Bring Your Dog to Work‘ event on Monday 20th January. Blue Monday is being turned on its head as Junction welcomes everyone’s four-legged friends with open arms, to boost morale, reduce stress, and spread smiles. An all-day casual dining destination offering a cafe, bar, restaurant and social workspace, Junction is dog-friendly all year round but on January 20th it will be offering complimentary puppucinos and dog treats made by the chef especially for the occasion.
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.
10. Relax at this wellness event at Manchester Marriott Hotel Piccadilly
The newly renovated Manchester Marriott Hotel Piccadilly – the largest four-star hotel in the city centre – is set to transform Blue Monday into an evening of relaxation, self-care, and renewal with its exclusive wellness event “Beat Blue Monday”. Taking place at The Spa on Monday 20th January, from 5pm to 7pm, this intimate experience offers limited-space tickets priced just at £27 per person. Guests can enjoy a 25-minute express treatment, which can be booked on the event day and redeemed on a later date for continued relaxation and self-care. The evening offers personalised skincare consultations designed to elevate your self-care routine, all while you enjoy complimentary food and beverages throughout the event. Plus, a special highlight of The Spa event is the chance for one lucky participant to win a luxurious overnight stay for two with breakfast included.