The Victoria Baths complex was designed by Manchester's first city architect, Henry Price, and opened in 1906. No expense was spared — the façade has multicoloured brickwork and terracotta decoration, the interior spaces are clad in glazed tiles and most of the windows have decorative stained glass. At the opening ceremony, the Lord Mayor described Victoria Baths as “a water palace of which every citizen of Manchester is proud”. For 86 years, the baths provided both essential and leisure facilities. Private baths and a laundry were housed there alongside three swimming pools and Turkish Baths. In 1952, the first public Aeratone (Jacuzzi) was installed. Even though the baths were closed in 1993, the Grade II listed building is remarkably intact, with most of the stained glass and original tiling remaining. Victoria Baths opens from March/April to October/November each year for weekly guided tours, public open days, and special events.

Right next to the Latvian Opera House is Vermane Garden, a beautiful and tranquil retreat from the city's busy cobbled streets. With its picturesque little bridges and lush greenery, the park is a great place to visit at any time of the day. Take a boat ride along the canal, take a look at the plentiful statues inside, or visit its charming tea house.

This special zoo took up the task to train animals for living in the wild. Ostrich, antelope, oryx and co are nurtured in a sanctuary until they are fit enough to be released again. A visit is a fun experience for the whole family.

As one of only three civic Mansion Houses in Britain and one of the city’s most famous buildings, Doncaster’s mid-18th century Mansion House is well worth a visit. Explore the majestic rooms and the magnificent corridors hidden in this building!