Treat July like the real start of 2020.
Finally, 2020 can (almost) begin. After almost four months at home, July is about to heat up our year with both glorious summer weather and a ton of things to do. Whether you fancy a relaxed reunion with your friends or feel like hosting a fun garden party, we’ve put together the ultimate guide of things to do in Manchester this July. Time to get inspired…
1. Shake it like a pro at home with a virtual cocktail making class
Adapted to life at home and fancy upping your bartender skills? Take part in a virtual cocktail making class, where everything you need (including the equipment) is delivered right to your door. Learn how to master the art of a Mojito, Pornstar Martini and an Espresso Martini, so next time you have your friends round for a BBQ, you’ll be able to show off the pro skills you acquired during lockdown. Tickets cost just £39.50 and include two glasses, shaker and strainer, skewers, and all ingredients. Get yours here.
2. Enjoy a meal you didn’t have to cook yourself
Sick of spending most of your time in the kitchen? Say goodbye to slaving over the stove, and head back out to enjoy your favourite restaurants all over again. The majority of Manchester’s best restaurants will finally fling open their doors on Saturday 4th July, with the rest following suit later in the month – with strict social distancing in place, of course.
3. Try out some new craft beers in an at-home tasting
If you, like us, have been using your time in lockdown wisely by trying new things – this one’s for you. Join accredited Beer Sommelier James Kellow as he guides guests through four different craft beers, all just as tasty as the next. The virtual tasting session will explore some of The Five Points Brewing Co.’s best brews, and they’ll all be delivered directly to your door ready for the event. Tickets (including the beers) start from £22.50, and you can pick yours up here.
4. Catch up on Netflix
So much to do, so much to see. Our lives may be returning back to normal, but nothing beats the feeling of curling up on the sofa to a new series after a long day. Kick back, relax, and enjoy one of the many new additions Netflix has in store for us this month – including a brand new season of The Umbrella Academy, a new wedding show to rival Don’t Tell The Bride and a ton of new Netflix Original series and films. Check out our full guide to July on Netflix here.
5. Get a haircut
Finally. Getting a fresh hair cut was definitely on the top of many people’s post-lockdown to-do lists, and now, that dream is turning into reality. Hairdressers and barbers are now taking bookings for customers to receive some much-needed grooming, with both cuts and colours permitted. I don’t know about you, but my roots are definitely in dire need of TLC.
6. Book tickets for Chester Zoo
Chester Zoo and their many, many animals are now welcoming back visitors, with tickets on sale now. New restrictions are, of course, in place, however, you’ll be able to visit your favourite animals outdoors from now on, with only the indoor reptiles and play areas closed off for the time being. Snap up your tickets here.
7. Wine down with this fabulous online wine tasting and delivery
Wine + home = the perfect night in. The ‘Wine In’ online tasting experience has been quite the hit during lockdown, and there’s still a chance to get tickets for this month’s event. Taste three, delicious European wines while learning about how it was made, the notes and more – gaining that all-useful information to show off to your friends next time you’re down the pub. The wines are included in the ticket (full-sized bottles!) and can be delivered to all M postcodes and SK 1-8. Get your ticket here.
8. Take on the Slattery’s chocolate challenge
Send off lockdown with a bang with Slattery’s super-sweet chocolate challenge, which includes a huge slab of chocolate fudge cake, chocolate ice cream, melted chocolates in chocolate cups and a whole lot of cream. It might look like the perfect dessert while chilling in front of the tele, but we can assure you – on this occasion, our eyes are bigger than our bellies. The famous chocolatiers is re-opening next week, so you can kick back and unwind with their tasty, chocolatey menu.
9. Enjoy a movie with this retro-inspired Drive-In Cinema
Missed the cinema? Get the theatre experience and more with these incredible drive-in cinemas, alike to those that we’ve seen in the movies. The sound is played through your car stereo (so no more shushing other cinema-goers), and you can even put your feet up without being told off. Catch an incredible schedule full of classics films and newer movies throughout July, with titles such as Joker, Detective Pikachu, Pretty Woman and Grease (to name a few!). Book tickets here.
10. Check out the new urban playground, Escape to Freight Island
Brand new for 2020, Escape to Freight Island is opening up at the Depot Mayfield regeneration – and has been compared to Coney Island in New York. Expect an urban market on steroids, with outdoor food and drink vendors, festival takeovers, immersive entertainment, a roller disco and so much more. The first phase will open to 600 guests mid-July, with the rest of the site opening in August. Find out more here.
11. Enjoy brunch on a lovely outdoor terrace or in your own karaoke booth
Reuniting with friends this month? Kick back and bask in the sun on All Star Lane’s summer terrace, with bottomless brunch served for two whole hours. Choose from an American-themed breakfast menu, and enjoy two hours of unlimited drinks including prosecco, mimosas and craft beer. If you’re looking to start life-after-lockdown with a bang, opt for their uber-fun karaoke brunch experience, where you’ll get to enjoy brunch with unlimited drinks and belt out some absolute bangers over the karaoke with your pals. Tickets for both are available now. Pick up terrace brunch tickets here, and karaoke brunch tickets here.
12. Book a staycation
We might not be able to travel (just yet), but there’s nothing stopping us from enjoying the many wonders that our own doorstep has to offer. Explore the beauty that is the nearby Peak District, or head down south to gorgeous Cornwall to feel the sand between your toes again. If you’re not sure what you fancy, take inspiration from Airbnb’s guide to their ‘most wish-listed’ properties here.
13. Create your own cosy cinema in your back garden
Planning a get together with friends or family? We’ve got the perfect thing. Pimp up your party with a huge big screen of your very own, with a projection unit and speakers included. The super-cool gadgets are available to rent and are compatible with BluRay DVDs, USB drives and streaming services such as Netflix, Now TV and Amazon Prime – and they’re perfect for a post-BBQ wind down with a few drinks and snacks. Not only that, but the rental is for four nights, so you can assure yourself quality entertainment for a nice, long weekend. Rent yours here.
14. Broaden your mind with an enlightening Fever Talk
Say hello to in-real-life events again, with the return of the incredibly insightful Fever Talks. The events are perfect for those with curious minds, covering a variety of interesting topics such as the Secrets of Serial Killers, The Science of Happiness and even a mindblowing story about a man who was innocent and incarcerated for 34 years. Tickets for the events are limited to allow for social distancing, so be sure to pick yours up now.
15. Check out Manchester’s newest dog cafe
What better way to celebrate the end of lockdown than with a whole lotta dogs? Opening up in Timperley, the genius minds behind Central Bark Cafe are back with a brand new concept, and it even includes a beach for the dogs to play on. Both dog owners and dog lovers are welcome and there’ll be treats available for both the dogs and the humans. Sounds like a dream. The cafe is currently set to open sometime this month, and you can keep track of updates here.
16. Take part in a fun online murder mystery game
Perfect for those who’ve immersed themselves in the world of virtual activities, get stuck into a thrilling murder mystery – with a variety of entertaining themes to try out throughout July. From a Peaky Blinders-themed mystery to a lavish Downton Abbey-inspired party – there’s so many to try your hand at, and they’re brilliant for a rainy night in. The themes range from dramatic weddings, to lavish parties and even a zoo, but if there’s one thing they all have in common – it’s that there’s a dead boy lying around, and a suspect on the loose. Check out the full list of murder mystery themes and get your tickets here.
17. Head for a socially distanced catch-up at Hatch
Hurray! Hatch is finally re-opening, and just in time for the sun shining over Manchester (for once). Their much-loved traders have re-opened their containers – with the perfect setting for social distancing at the outdoor social spot. Enjoy drinks, incredible food and more once again, with Parmageddon, KBOM, Fuku and many more back in business now.