Historic Manchester building to host £1 picnic during school holidays

With the school holidays edging ever closer, parents will be turning their attention to how to keep their kids busy during the summer break.

And while there's a plethora of activities to do outside this summer, we can't always bank on good weather, so it's good to have a back-up plan for when the Manchester showers inevitably make an appearance.

One Manchester landmark preparing to welcome families through its historic doors during the school holidays is Victoria Baths. Just a short walk from Whitworth Park, the Grade II-listed venue is one of Manchester's most popular heritage attractions and during the holidays it will be hosting its annual indoor picnic.

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Taking place on Wednesday, 14 August from 12 noon until 3pm, the bath's stunning Gala Pool will provide the backdrop for the Picnic in the Pool, or 'blanket banquet' as the team at Victoria Baths are calling it.

The family friendly extravaganza has become an annual highlight on the Victoria Baths’ calendar, with picnicers filling the space with their own colourful blankets and cushions. There will also be a range of traditional lawn games, a craft area, building trail and 'Little Zone', a dedicated area for smaller adventurers to play with toys, books, and mini kitchen.

Those who would like to head down are encouraged to bring their own food, with snacks also available to purchase from the tea room. And there will be guided tours taking place at 1pm for those who want to spend time exploring the historic building and hear about some of its fascinating stories.

As well as family friendly activities, visitors can also stop by the Victoria Baths Tea Room which serves light refreshments and cream teas, making it a handy spot to meet up with friends and family. The baths even has its own gift shop, featuring products made or commissioned by local artists.

In April, the swimming baths announced the return of its Welcome Wednesdays, which sees the venue open its doors to the public every Wednesday until September. It’s a chance to experience the historic building up close, and visitors can explore the venue at their own leisure or join a guided tour to discover more about the baths’ history.

Victoria Baths, located on Hathersage Road, first opened to the public in 1906. It closed in 1993 and the building was left empty, but in 2000 the Manchester Victoria Baths Trust was set up by local residents with the aim of reopening it for public use.

Entry for the Picnic in the Pool is priced at £1 and booking is recommended and can be booked via the Victoria Baths' website. The event takes place on August 14, from 12 noon until 3pm.

Outside of the event, the baths will be open from 11am to 3pm every Wednesday until September 25. Entry is free although it’s £9 for the guided tour, which takes place at 1pm (tours are free for friends of Victoria Baths and under 18s).

Victoria Baths, Hathersage Road, Manchester M13 0FE.