Now that those long summer evenings on the beach are but a distance sun-soaked memory, perhaps a long weekend somewhere a little more metropolitan might be in order.
Flying from Newquay to Manchester in just over an hour with Flybe, you can experience a weekend full of culture, great food and fantastic nightlife before heading back on Sunday afternoon.
When a city entertains over half a million residents in addition to the millions of visitors it receives every year, you can see why there are so many things to see and do.
We’ve picked a few to get you started.
Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours
If you only have a few days to enjoy the city and aren’t sure what might interest you, you can take a tour on an open-top bus. Whether you’d like to stop at Salford Quays for a drink or explore the Neo-Gothic Town Hall, you can hop off the bus at any time and then continue to use your £12 ticket for 24 hours.
Watch the Football
With two of the world’s biggest teams residing just over four miles from each other, you can take your pick of top-quality football – even if you aren’t a red or a blue supporter! Manchester United saw an average home crowd of over 75,000 last season, so experiencing a day out at the football is a must if you visit the city.
See Live Music
Manchester Arena sits in the middle of the city and is one of the biggest live venues in the world. Upcoming gigs range from Mumford and Sons to Slayer, so there is something for everyone! If music doesn’t interest you, you can see WWE, Dancing on Ice or boxing - so find something that tickles your fancy and arrange your weekend around your chosen event.
Top Class Comedy
Manchester’s The Comedy Store is legendary on the comedy circuit, the sister-club of the world famous London institution. Stand up nights run from Thursday through to Sunday and provide some great entertainment, as well as a bar and restaurant. Comedians including Julian Clary, Rhod Gilbert and Paul Merton have graced the stage, so this is a popular night out with both locals and visitors.
Friday Night Dinner...with a Difference
Food Sorcery offers diners the chance to create their own restaurant quality Friday night out, rather than simply having a conventional restaurant meal cooked for you. Cooking Together events are led by a chef who is not only able to share his knowledge and provide helpful tips but will also show you how best to present your dish. The ticket includes canapes and drinks, and then the ingredients to produce a starter and a main course which you will make around a communal table whilst chatting and enjoying the evening. The chef then prepares a delicious pudding for you to round things off!
Shop ‘til you Drop
The Trafford Centre is the third largest shopping centre in the UK and you can easily lose yourself for a day or even the entire weekend in its many avenues and squares! A regular bus connection from the city centre means that access is easy and whether it’s the 200 shops, the food court designed in the style of a cruise liner, or the entertainment complex featuring a bowling alley, cinema, restaurants and laser quest, there is plenty to see and do.
Book flights from Cornwall Airport Newquay to Manchester with Flybe.com