🏛️ The Piece Hall
The Piece Hall is one of those places that feels impressive the second you step into the courtyard. Built in 1779 as a trading hall for “pieces” of cloth, it’s now been beautifully restored into a lively space lined with independent shops, cafés, bars and places to eat, all wrapped around a huge open-air square. It’s ideal for a relaxed wander, a browse for something a bit different, and a sit down for a coffee while you take in the Georgian architecture.
🚂 Steam Train Cream Tea
Settle in for a nostalgic steam train journey from Bury to Rawtenstall, travelling through classic Lancashire scenery as you sit back and enjoy the atmosphere of a heritage railway line. As you roll along, a traditional cream tea is served to your seat, making it a really relaxed way to round off the day.
🏰 York
York is one of those cities where you can pack a lot into a simple wander. York Minster is the big headline - even if you just admire it from outside, it’s a proper wow building, and if you go in you’ll see some of the finest medieval stonework and stained glass in the country. Not far away, The Shambles is the classic York experience - a narrow, cobbled medieval street with wonky, overhanging buildings and loads of little shops to browse.
If you fancy stretching your legs, the city walls are a brilliant way to get elevated views and really feel the history around you. And if you’re after something a bit different (and indoors if the weather turns), the National Railway Museum is a great shout - entry is free, and it’s one of York’s most popular stops for a reason.