Article: Away Days (Manchester Area)

Originally published September 2010 in Uncovered Magazine and 8/09/10 on http://www.bellesmanifesto.blogspot.com/

  So you fancy a day away from the high-paced hustle and bustle of Uni? (An activity that doesn’t involve Jaeger Bombs, jello shots, and collecting traffic cones, semi-naked on your way back from Baa Bar?) Or maybe you just want somewhere to take your parents when they visit. Whatever the reason, we’re here to help you, with our top tips and user-friendly guide to local attractions and fun days out.

ALTON TOWERS

  For thrill-seekers and adrenaline junkies, the UK’s most famous theme park is the destination of choice. The Staffordshire-based attraction is a bit further away than many of our other ’days out’ but it’s well worth the journey. Home to the world’s first vertical drop rollercoaster, free-fall drop rollercoaster and B&M, flying rollercoaster, and to Europe‘s first inverted rollercoaster; Alton Towers is truly at the fore-front of rollercoaster technology. The park hosts rides to suit all ages, as well several restaurants, food stalls, an aquarium, a water-park and the famed Alton Towers Hotel. Attending annual events such as the October ’Scarefest’ and Fireworks celebrations give you more bang for your buck, as live actors and displays accompany the park’s usual attractions, and they often run 2-4-1 or ’money off’ promotions.

THE TRAFFORD CENTRE

  Boasting over 230 stores, as well as a host of restaurants, take-outs, market stalls and a cinema; the Trafford Centre is one of the UK’s largest shopping complexes.
  The home of brands from Gucci to Guess, the site offers a variety of events, including regular celebrity signings, and store launch-parties. With a bus service running every 30 minutes from the centre of Manchester, and a range of student discounts available on everything from clothing to food, this is one of the easiest student days out. However, those with a strict budget should steer clear, as although offers are available, and there are plenty of activities to choose from, a day at the Trafford Centre is usually a day spent shopping. Your bank balance will not thank you.

CHILL FACTORE

                                               

  Who said snow sports were restricted to your Christmas holidays? All you snow bunnies and ski studs can get your adrenaline fix in the UK’s longest (and the world’s widest) real-snow, indoor ski centre, Chill FactorE. Featuring the main slope (590ft), a luge track, and specialised snowplay and tubing areas, the Trafford-based winter wonderland has plenty to offer everyone; from beginners right through to more experienced ski and/or snowboarders. The Alpine Village includes a rock climbing wall, chalet-style shopping centre, and bars, restaurants and cafes for refreshing après-ski snacks and meals; and a frequent bus service from Manchester City Centre to Trafford Park makes it easily accessible. With equipment hire, lessons and lift passes, the price can mount up, but if you already have the gear and the know-how, it’s a great way keep yourself in shape for ski season.

CHESTER ZOO

  Ahhh days at the zoo; watching the monkeys swing on their bars, eating luke-warm hot dogs by the penguin pool, those great novelty pens shaped like meercats that you begged your long-suffering parents to buy? Yeh, ok, maybe it wasn’t all good, but with the UK’s number one Zoo in close proximity, this is one childhood memory that you’ll want to re-visit. With over 7000 animals and 400 species on show, Chester Zoo boasts some of the most endangered species on the planet, and 110 acres of land to enjoy them in.
  With sensory awareness days, garden tours and 'bats by torchlight' dominating their calendar, there’s more than enough activities to fill your day. So embrace your inner child; get your face painted, play in the Fun Arc and watch the penguin feedings; 10% of the entrance fee goes to help their conservation work, and they offer a student discount.

THE PEAK DISTRICT

  The stunning Peak district offers a tranquil backdrop to your day out. Attractions such as numerous tea shops and low intensity walks, allow for a relaxed break, while facilities offering horse-back riding, water sports, and fell running are available for a more active experience. The park is open all year round with a variety of B+Bs and hotels near by. (We advise suggesting this one to your parents).

MAKING THE MOST OF OFFERS.

  Student life is ALL about budgeting, 27p saved by buying Super Noodles in stock is 27p that can go towards your next pint, right? Days out are no different, there’s always offers to be taken advantage of, and money to be saved. Student discounts are always a bonus, most places will knock at least 10% off the entrance price when you produce a university or NUS card, and websites like http://www.tours4students.co.uk/  help you save money by organising group trips for society outings. Although there are plenty of sites out there designed to help you save when you spend, sometimes to find the best offer, you don’t have to look further than your shopping basket. Household brands from Walkers to Muller offer money off admission prices when you buy the right yoghurt or packet of crisps, and supermarkets like Tesco or Sainsbury’s will give you free tickets for the correct amount of clubcard points - after all, ‘every little helps’.
  Student railcards can save you big bucks on big journeys, but if you’re heading to a large town it’s worth checking http://www.megabus.co.uk/ or http://www.nationalexpress.com/ to see what’s on offer; a coach journey may take longer than the train, but for £6.50 return who’s going to complain? Bus passes and careful planning will save you precious pounds but the easiest way for you to get to your destination is still going to be by road. So if you’re lucky enough to have a flatmate with a car, who’s willing to drive, then invite them, and split the petrol money, (just make sure you get ACCURATE directions).

OUR TOP TIPS FOR A FUN DAY OUT. 

- If you’re out for the day, take food and lots of it. There’s something about rollercoasters that makes every student ravenous, and you don’t want to be forking out for expensive on-site treats; £8 for a burger and fries? No thanks.

- Check the weather forecast. Then double-check it, then pack an umbrella anyway. The North is known for it’s unpredictable showers, so be prepared for anything; sunglasses? Yes. Coat? Yes. Umbrella? Yes, yes, yes.

- Plan your journey. Students are notorious for their last minute plans, and ’devil may care’ attitude when it comes to transport, but do your homework. The last thing you want is to be stranded in the middle of nowhere.

- Make a budget and stick to it; it’s easy to get over excited when you get to the gift shop, but with ticket and travel prices, you don’t want to be too out-of-pocket. And just think, you might not have that "really cute" stuffed dragon, but you will have money to plan your next trip with.

- Now this one is important; CHARGE YOUR PHONE. Some of you want to see the monkeys, the others desperately want to watch the sea lion show; so you split up. Next thing you know your phone has died and you have to spend the rest of your day trying to spot your friends in the crowd. Either that or get some sniggering staff members to do a tannoy announcement - oh the humiliation.

- Above all, enjoy yourself, stay safe, and take a camera to catch all of those Facebook-worthy moments!