The May To-do list: 11 Things to do Across the North West

May is when the different areas around the North West really start to come alive, and it’s fair to say it's a brilliant time to be on maternity leave. The city centres have more of a buzz, the evenings stretch out, and there’s a noticeable shift towards outdoor tables, food markets, and saying yes to plans that include sunshine.

From Manchester’s neighbourhood spots to Liverpool’s waterfront and Cheshire’s slower weekends, there’s plenty happening on your doorstep to build easy plans around. 

Here are 11 things worth leaving the house for:

1. Spend a few hours at Kampus, Manchester

A canal-side neighbourhood filled with independent food spots, wine bars and small outdoor terraces that come into their own as soon as the weather lifts. It works just as well for a slow morning coffee as it does for a mid-afternoon drink.

Particular favourites include an al fresco slice and spritz at Nell’s Pizza (10% off with your Mothershift membership), or a sweet treat in the sun from Pollen.

2. South Manchester Food Festival (16–17 May, Wythenshawe Park)

One of the biggest food events in the region, returning across the weekend of 16–17 May. Expect street food, live music, chef demos, kids’ activities and a funfair in one of Manchester’s largest parks.

It’s very much a full-day event rather than a quick visit - ideal for slow wandering between food stalls and outdoor seating. Just hope for sun!

3. Walk the waterfront in Liverpool

The Albert Dock and Pier Head stretch is one of the easiest ways to spend a few hours in the city. Galleries, museums, ferries and open space all in one place, with enough cafés and stops to make it easily manageable with a little one.

4. Day trip to Chester for a slower pace

Cobbled streets, independent shops and the historic city walls make Chester feel like a reset from busier weekends. It’s compact enough to explore without needing a plan beyond walking, pausing and stopping wherever something catches your eye.

5. Visit RHS Garden Bridgewater

Wide paths, open gardens and plenty of space make this one of the most manageable outdoor spots for a slower day. It’s designed for wandering at your own pace, with cafés and seating dotted throughout to break things up.

6. Spend an afternoon in the Peak District

For a slightly bigger change of scene over a bank holiday, Mam Tor or Edale work well as short, low-pressure visits — park up, walk a short loop, sit with a view, and leave when it feels right.

7. Head to Flakey for Flakey After Hours

Flakey has just launched their new after hours pizza offering, and let us tell you it is good. They'll be open 5-8 on weekends, with a selection of roman style pizzas, outdoor pavement seating and their famous stuffed croissants. Our favourite? The Mortadella.

8. Explore Liverpool’s Baltic Triangle

A creative district filled with food markets, independent cafés and warehouse-style spaces. A good one for wandering, eating and stopping wherever feels right, rather than following any set plan.

9. Join Walking Mums Club for a walk

Free local walks across the city offering a simple way to get outside, move, and meet other mums in the same stage of life. A gentle reminder that not all plans need to be structured to feel worthwhile.

Find out more via Instagram.

10. Hit up Campfield ‘Weekender’ Market (Manchester)

A curated indoor/outdoor makers and food market held on Saturdays, featuring independent traders, street food and a family-friendly atmosphere.

Our favourite, Griff’s Welding Studio, will be there on 9 May with her collection - a good excuse to browse and pick up something unique while you’re there.

11. Lunch at Altrincham Market

A reliable option for a low-effort outing — coffee, lunch or a slow wander through the food stalls. If you’ve got more energy, the surrounding town also has a strong independent shopping scene worth exploring.