Cheshire


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2025/04/Anthony-Mooney-NBHD-Atmosphere-17-1400x0-c-default-1024x683.jpg" alt="Neighbourhood Weekender" class="wp-image-3319" style="aspect-ratio:1.499267935578331;width:640px;height:auto" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2025/04/Anthony-Mooney-NBHD-Atmosphere-17-1400x0-c-default-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2025/04/Anthony-Mooney-NBHD-Atmosphere-17-1400x0-c-default-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2025/04/Anthony-Mooney-NBHD-Atmosphere-17-1400x0-c-default-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2025/04/Anthony-Mooney-NBHD-Atmosphere-17-1400x0-c-default.jpg 1400w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Credit: Anthony Mooney</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-grab-tickets-for-a-festival"><a href="https://nbhdweekender.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Grab tickets for a festival</a></h2>



<p>The biggie this month is&nbsp;<a href="https://nbhdweekender.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Neighbourhood Weekender</a>&nbsp;on Warrington’s Victoria Park (<strong>23-24 May</strong>), a rollicking music festival with kingpin acts including Richard Ashcroft, Kaiser Chiefs, Sophie Ellis-Bexter, Blossoms, Jamie Webster, Razorlight and so much more. There are a few tickets still remaining so if you want your May bank holiday to go off with a bang, book’ em now! </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-take-all-the-family-to-karate-kid"><a href="https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/the-karate-kid-the-musical/palace-theatre-manchester/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Take all the family to Karate Kid</a></h2>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="600" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2026/05/KKid-0602_RT-ezgif.com-resize.jpg" alt="Karate Kid The Musical" class="wp-image-8846" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2026/05/KKid-0602_RT-ezgif.com-resize.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2026/05/KKid-0602_RT-ezgif.com-resize-300x180.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2026/05/KKid-0602_RT-ezgif.com-resize-768x461.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure></div>


<p>Last chance people! <a href="https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/the-karate-kid-the-musical/palace-theatre-manchester/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Karate Kid The Musical </a>wraps up this weekend on Sat 23 May at the Palace Theatre Manchester. And it&#8217;s one helluva show with plenty of high-kicking nostalgia, cinematic staging and slick choreography — ideal for older kids, tweens and parents eager for a hit of pure ’80s feel-good escapism. Following teenager Daniel LaRusso after he moves to California and finds himself targeted by a gang of Cobra Kai bullies, the story charts his unlikely friendship with quiet maintenance man and karate master Mr. Miyagi, who teaches him that resilience and discipline matter far more than brute force. Yes, there are tournament showdowns, crane kicks and plenty of iconic callbacks for superfans, but underneath all the action it’s really a tender coming-of-age story about finding your place in the world.</p>



<p>The emotional heart of the production lies firmly with&nbsp;Gino Ochello&nbsp;(Daniel LaRusso) and&nbsp;Adrian Pang (Mr. Miyagi), whose chemistry together is genuinely moving. Add in punchy music, fast-paced direction and a crowd-pleasing finale that had me and the rest of the crowd cheering loudly from the stalls, and you’ve got a properly entertaining night out that manages to honour the beloved film while giving it a fresh theatrical spin. Can&#8217;t make Manchester? It&#8217;s also heading to <a href="https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/the-karate-kid-the-musical/liverpool-empire/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Liverpool</a> and <a href="https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/the-karate-kid-the-musical/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">around the UK</a> until <strong>25 July</strong>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-treat-yourself-to-a-wellness-day"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DYej-oWt2vM/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&amp;igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Treat yourself to a wellness day</a></h2>



<p>Bank holiday plans looking a little… beige? Here’s your cue to do something wildly wholesome instead. Beeline to the enduringly cool Lost Barn in Malpas &#8211; the sustainable micro-roastery with its dreamy down-to-earth cafe. And here on  Saturday, its Tipi is hosting a feel-good <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DYej-oWt2vM/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&amp;igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wellness Open Day</a> (10am-2pm) filled with mini yoga tasters, dreamy sound baths, natural skincare chats and nourishing foodie options. No booking needed — just swan in.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-go-for-a-boujee-brunch"><a href="https://ivycollection.com/the-ivy-news/introducing-the-ivy-chester-brasserie/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Go for a boujee brunch</a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="600" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2026/04/JohnnyStephensPhotography-10-JSP_6700-ezgif.com-resize.jpg" alt="The Ivy chester" class="wp-image-8723" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2026/04/JohnnyStephensPhotography-10-JSP_6700-ezgif.com-resize.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2026/04/JohnnyStephensPhotography-10-JSP_6700-ezgif.com-resize-300x180.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2026/04/JohnnyStephensPhotography-10-JSP_6700-ezgif.com-resize-768x461.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Jonny Stephens Photography</figcaption></figure>



<p>Feeling fancy? Then I implore you to book a table at the new <a href="https://ivycollection.com/the-ivy-news/introducing-the-ivy-chester-brasserie/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Ivy Chester Brasserie</a>. Yes my friends, the much-anticipated newbie has finally flung open its doors on Newgate Street, bringing the brand’s glossy all‑day dining and cocktails to the city centre as the 46th restaurant in The Ivy Collection. And on the menu? Polished brunches, long, languid lunches and seasonally-inspired dishes, washed down with cocktails as day morphs into night – all under one (very photogenic) roof. Plus, over the bank holiday, they&#8217;re serving up glasses of Ultimate Provence Jeroboam pour ros<em>é </em> for just £12.50 (usually £17.75). Chin chin!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-meet-pokemon-at-quarry-bank-mill"><a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/cheshire-greater-manchester/quarry-bank/events/092fbbda-0c2c-455a-84e1-63dd5429ab3c" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Meet Pokémon at Quarry Bank Mill</a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="600" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2026/05/3PikachuvisitstheNationalTrustsNymansWestSussexNationalTrustImagesJamesDobson3-ezgif.com-resize.jpg" alt="Pikachu National Trust" class="wp-image-8859" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2026/05/3PikachuvisitstheNationalTrustsNymansWestSussexNationalTrustImagesJamesDobson3-ezgif.com-resize.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2026/05/3PikachuvisitstheNationalTrustsNymansWestSussexNationalTrustImagesJamesDobson3-ezgif.com-resize-300x180.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2026/05/3PikachuvisitstheNationalTrustsNymansWestSussexNationalTrustImagesJamesDobson3-ezgif.com-resize-768x461.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Pokémon fans in the house? Beeline over to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/cheshire-greater-manchester/quarry-bank/events/092fbbda-0c2c-455a-84e1-63dd5429ab3c" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Quarry Bank Mill</a> as it’s teaming up with Pokémon this May half term for an outdoor Mega Evolution Trail running from&nbsp;<strong>23–31 May</strong>. Grab trail sheets on arrival and you can explore the gardens hunting for giant Pokémon characters, discovering their powers and completing themed challenges along the way. Normal admission applies, though National Trust members go free.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-head-to-the-manchester-flower-festival"><a href="https://cheshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-manchester-flower-festival/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Head to the Manchester Flower Festival</a></h2>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="998" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2025/05/IMG_0049-1024x998.jpg" alt="Manchester Flower Festival" class="wp-image-3695" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2025/05/IMG_0049-1024x998.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2025/05/IMG_0049-300x292.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2025/05/IMG_0049-768x748.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2025/05/IMG_0049.jpg 1179w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure></div>


<p>Missed out on tickets to the&nbsp;Chelsea Flower Show? No matter — the&nbsp;<a href="https://cheshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-manchester-flower-festival/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Manchester Flower Festival</a>&nbsp;is bringing a riot of blooms to the city centre this weekend (<strong>Sat 23 – Mon 25 May</strong>), with giant floral installations, hidden gardens, outdoor dining and plenty of free botanical fun. Follow the fragrant floral trail winding through St Ann’s Square and King Street, stop by the flower-filled takeover at&nbsp;Selfridges Exchange Square&nbsp;for DJs, pop-ups and family activities, and don’t miss the quirky new Ginnel Gardens inspired by Manchester’s grassroots gardening scene. There’ll also be floral workshops, artisan stalls at the Makers Market and blossom-themed fringe events across the city — plus plenty of excuses to park yourself outside with an icy Aperol among the blooms.</p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="682" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2025/04/pexels-nati-87264186-21939595-1024x682.jpg" alt="Wisteria growing " class="wp-image-3158" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2025/04/pexels-nati-87264186-21939595-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2025/04/pexels-nati-87264186-21939595-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2025/04/pexels-nati-87264186-21939595-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/cheshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/28/2025/04/pexels-nati-87264186-21939595.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure></div>


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-discover-a-secret-garden"><a href="https://ngs.org.uk/gardens/near/cheshire/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Discover a secret garden</a></h2>



<p>The <a href="https://ngs.org.uk/gardens/near/cheshire/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Garden Scheme</a> is one of spring’s loveliest low-key pleasures, throwing open the gates to some of Cheshire’s most beautiful private gardens for a handful of dates each year, all in aid of nursing and health charities. May is a particularly strong month to visit, with everything from bluebell woods to blowsy rhododendrons in full swing. Highlights include Bolesworth Castle, which opens its enchanting Rock Walk and castle gardens, with woodland planting, far-reaching views and a lakeside stroll. Elsewhere, you’ll find standout openings such as Cholmondeley Castle Gardens with its romantic water gardens and long herbaceous borders , alongside a rolling programme of smaller private gardens across the county opening on selected dates throughout the month. Many are only open for a day or weekend, so it’s worth checking ahead — but expect homemade cakes, plant sales and wonderfully nosy peeks behind garden gates that are usually off limits.</p>


The best things to do this May Bank holiday in Cheshire

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