> A WEEKEND UP NORTH

The North, UK
15 - 18 Feb 2019

Up North - It's time to get in the car, sit on the ferry to the Mainland and drive up North!

Friday 15th - We start our journey North. The weather is kind to us as we eat up the miles. First stop, The Trentham Estate. On the outskirts of Stoke on Trent, these beautiful Gardens and lake are the perfect place to take a break. A quick walk around, then back in the car to continue our journey to our next destination. We arrive in Manchester around 5pm... we catch up with Mark, Chris and Mary, then head off out to the Hope Mill Theatre. This great little performance space is hidden away in a wonderful old redbrick building, just a 10 min walk from Piccadilly Station. Tonight's show, MYDIDAE - is a challenging, raw piece that took us on a dark, sometimes difficult journey. Very glad we went along, thank you Mark and Chris for the tix.

The Italian Gardens at Trentham Estate

 MYDIDAE at Hope Mill Theatre

Victoria wood at the Bury Art Gallery

Saturday 16th - A pleasant day to explore a little more. First stop... we are off to Bury, we want to find out a bit more about comedy legend, Victoria Wood. Working in collaboration with her Literary Estate this exhibition features some well-loved and recognisable scripts for shows such as, As seen on TV (including the soap Acorn Antiques), An Audience With......1988, Pat and Margaret, Dinner ladies, the first draft of Acorn Antiques - The Musical, Housewife 49 and Wood and Walters. The Bury Art Museum and Sculpture Centre did a very good job of bringing this show together... really glad we managed to fit this one in... Next up, a trip on a vintage locomotive to Ramsbottom and a quick drink before heading back to central Manchester for dinner followed by slice of cabaret at the Birdcage. 

Sunday 17th - We take a leisurely drive over the moors to Rotherham and catch up with family.

The fabulous Hardwick Hall

Monday 18th - Today we go and visit the fabulously over the top Hardwick Hall in Derbyshire. We enjoy an hour walking around the gardens and taking in the spectacular views... it's a freezing cold day, so we are soon on our way back to the warmth of a local pub for a spot of lunch.

10 out of 10