What's on in Aberdeen

Fly Aberdeen to Manchester for just £99 return

To celebrate the launch of the £99 return ticket between Aberdeen and Manchester with bmi, here is a list of 99 things to do in Manchester, and in Aberdeen.

bmi offers complimentary refreshments, a generous 20kg baggage allowance, and you can pick your own seat. Book your return flight from Aberdeen to Manchester for just £99 (including taxes and charges) now.

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99 things to do in Manchester...

1. Take a Manchester Music Tour with Craig Gill from the Inspiral Carpets
2. Catch some of the world’s funniest stand-up comedians at the Frog and Bucket
3. Have a late night at Band on the Wall – a classic Manchester music venue
4. Try out the newest nightclub from the people behind the Hacienda, - FAC251
5. Check out all the up and coming bands playing in the city. This year we have performances from the likes of Bjork, Snoopy Dogg and Sinead O’Connor
6. Have pint of real ale in The Molly House pub on Richmond Street
7. Watch the A-list perform at the MEN Arena
8. Have a pint of Boddingtons – the Cream of Manchester
9. Try a Bury Black Pudding at Bury Market
10. Have a pint in the two oldest pubs in Manchester, the Old Wellington and Sinclair's Oyster bar. Moved brick by brick to near the Cathedral when the Arndale was planned to be built over them!
11. Have lunch at Sam’s Chophouse in the presence of the famous artist LS Lowy (or his statue at least)
12. Drink some of Mr Scruff’s ‘Make us a brew’ tea at teacup on Thomas Street
13. Try the Manchester Tart at John Ryland’s Library Cafe
14. Enjoy a pint of Irwell Works Brewery’s Copper Plate (winner of the Bury Beer Festival 2010) as you sit besides the River Irwell at the Mark Addy Pub
15. Try the new Manchester Egg! A scotch egg with a Mancunian twist, inside is a layer of sausage and black pudding around the egg
16. Visit the site of the Hacienda nightclub and check out the list of artists that have performed there
17. Dance the night away at the monthly HomoRetro club night at Sound Control
18. Visit the Manchester 'attitude' section of the Manchester Art Gallery
19. Spend the night at the luxurious Velvet Hotel on Canal Street
20. Watch the Manchester Pride parade
21. Head to Castlefield where the Roman fort of Mamucium sits alongside the Bridgewater Canal and the world's first passenger railway station
22. Soak up the sun in the Sackville Gardens – home to the Alan Turing memorial statue
23. Take a stadium tour of Manchester United and/or Manchester City
24. View the beautiful architecture of the John Rylands Library
25. Learn to ski at Chill Factore – the UK’s biggest real snow indoor ski centre
26. Watch FC United – the breakaway Manchester United team
27. Cycle at the Velodrome – the training ground for Team GB’s 2008 Olympic success
28. Watch the shenanigans of 'It's a Gay Knock Out' on the eve of the Manchester Pride Big Weekend
29. Row across the Quay’s in a Kayak at Salford Watersports Centre
30. Have an outdoor adventure at Go Ape!
31. Catch a Wigan Warriors match
32. Take a swim in Manchester Aquatics Centre’s Olympic size swimming pool
33. Fancy a spot of climbing? Try out Manchester Climbing Centre’s gargantuan climbing wall
34. Take a ride on the East Lancashire Steam Railway from Bury to Ramsbottom
35. Go on a Cottonopolis tour to find out about the city’s role in the Industrial Revolution
36. Enjoy a performance by the Hallé Orchestra in the Bridgewater Hall
37. Take afternoon tea in The Midland Hotel
38. Stroll around Ancoats – the former workshop of the world
39. Explore the Misericords (some of the world’s best examples of 15th medieval wood carvings) at Manchester Cathedral
40. Catch a film screening at Manchester's outdoor cinema Screenfields
41. Take a tour underground, exploring massive tunnel systems and air raid shelters
42. Interact with exhibits at the stunning Revolution Manchester gallery at MOSI (The Museum of Science & Industry)
43. Enjoy the paintings of LS Lowry at the at the Lowry centre in the Quay’s
44. Take a ride on the Manchester Wheel
45. Eat an Eccles Cake
46. Learn about the history of the working class at the People’s History Museum
47. Have a cocktail in Cloud 23 on the 23rd floor of the Hilton Manchester Deansgate
48. Pamper yourself with a treatment at Le Petit Spa within the Malmaison Hotel
49. Star spot in The River Bar at The Lowry Hotel
50. Take a glimpse of Coronation Street from the roof terrace of the Great John Street Hotel
51. Dress in your best and take dinner in The French at The Midland Hotel
52. Learn about the history of The Midland Hotel in a walking tour with Barbara Frost
53. Afflecks Palace is full of small independent and alternative fashion shops and stalls, there’s something for everyone and lots of vintage clothing
54. Flex your credit card on The Avenue in Spinningfields – Manchester’s newest and most exclusive shopping destination
55. Shop till you drop in Kendals – Manchester’s flagship department store
56. Admire Manchester Art Gallery’s latest current gallery, as well as their incredible permanent collection
57. Check out Manchester’s incredible array of statues
58. Visit The Beacon of Hope, Manchester’s aids awareness monument
59. Learn about the city's gay history on an 'Out in the Past' heritage tour
60. The Chinese Arts Centre reflects Manchester's cultural bond with China via changing contemporary arts exhibitions, residencies and workshops
61. Throw some shapes in Sankey's with the help of touring international DJ's
62. Go watch a film, have a bite to eat and visit an exhibition at the Corn
63. Go clubbing under the arches at the Warehouse Project
64. Have a curry in Rusholme on the famous Curry Mile
65. Have a cup of Mr Scruff’s own label tea in Teacup on Thomas Street
66. Treat yourself to a cupcake from Hey Little Cup Cake in Spinningfields
67. Celebrate transgender life at the city’s Sparkle festival
68. Go Skydiving indoors at Airkix in the Trafford Quays Leisure Village
69. Take a canal barge from Castlefield to a game at Old Trafford
70. Make sure to visit the National Football Museum when it opens in the city’s Urbis building by the end of 2011
71. Walk across town along the historic canal tow path
72. Have a tour of Concorde at the Manchester Airport Runway Visitor Park
73. Climb the Air Tower at the Imperial War Museum North
74. See a blockbuster in 3D at the Imax in The Printworks
75. Visit the Baby computer at MOSI
76. Check out the Mummies and Dinosaurs in the Manchester Museum
77. Visit the restored Ordsall Hall in Salford – where Guy Fawkes planned the infamous Gunpowder Plot
78. Learn about the struggle for workers’ rights at the People’s History Museum in Spinningfields
79. Have a drink in the Opus One bar in the Radisson Edwardian Hotel – formerly the Free Trade Hall building
80. Admire the architecture of The Palace Hotel on Oxford Road
81. Check out Afflecks Palace for small, independent and alternative fashion shops and stalls.
82. Make a cake at Slattery’s
83. Visit the Queen of British fashion, Vivienne Westwood’s flagship boutique on King Street.
84. Head ‘out of town’ and visit The Trafford Centre for a serious dose of retail therapy.
85. Treat yourself to some Manchester gifts from the shop in the Manchester Visitor Information Centre
86. Bag a bargain at The Lowry Outlet Mall
87. Check out the independent retailers in the city’s Northern Quarter
88. Check out the MediaCityUK development at The Quays – Greater Manchester’s waterfront.
89. Soak up the sun in Piccadilly Gardens
90. Scare yourself with one of Flecky Bennett’s Ghost Walking Tours
91. Stretch your legs at Haigh Hall and Country Park
92. Check out the World Black Pudding Throwing Championship in Ramsbottom in September 2011.
93. Check out the new Revolution Manchester gallery at MOSI
94. Read The Finkler Question by Man Booker Prize-winning Mancunian novelist, Howard Jacobson
95. Watch Steve Coogan in 24 Hour Party People before your visit to brush up on your ‘Mad-chester’ knowledge
96. Visit the gardens at Tatton Park – one of the UK’s most complete historic estates.
97. Take the train from Manchester Airport to Manchester Piccadilly - only a 20 minute journey
98. Take the train to Stockport and check out the Air Raid Shelters and Hat Works Museum
99. Save your legs and jump on and off the free Metroshuttle bus that circles the city centre

99 things to do in Aberdeen...

1. Shop/eat/drink/see a movie in Union Square
2. Curl at Curl Aberdeen, Lang Stracht
3. Cocktails at Orchid, Langstane Place
4. Row the River Dee
5. Climb the rock-wall at Robert Gordon University
6. Brush-up your skiing on the dry slope at Garthdee
7. Taste true Aberdeen Angus at the Marcliffe Hotel
8. Windsurf off Aberdeen beach
9. Take a tipple at Glengarioch distillery, Old Meldrum
10. Golf at Old Meldrum (the home of Paul Lawrie)
11. Get active at Lochter Activity Centre, Inverurie
12. Culture vultures love Aberdeen Art Gallery – 19th, 20th & contemporary art
13. Bike away on the cycleway, start at Duthie Park
14. Wearing a historic hat – pop in to Provost Skene’s House
15. Golf at Hazlehead, just 2 minutes from the City
16. Go science crazy at Satrosphere, down by the Beach
17. Sail away at the Maritime Museum
18. Codonas Pleasure Fair (great for a rainy day), Aberdeen Fun Beach
19. Shop away – independent boutiques in the West End (Rose/Thistle St)
20. Soak up the military atmosphere at the Gordon Highlanders Museum
21. Adrenalin Rush #1 – Kitesurf School, Fraserburgh Beach
22. Darlings, visit the Theatre – His Majesty’s Theatre
23. Green-fingered? – David Welch’s Winter Gardens (Duthie Park)
24. Kid about at Storybook Glen (Family Theme Park), Maryculter
25. Adrenalin Rush #2 – Biking Trails on Deeside
26. Climb Bennachie for the view of all views
27. Visit “Touched by Scotland” at Oyne for crafts only made in Scotland
28. Enjoy some footy at Pittodrie – Home of Aberdeen FC
29. Tons of Castles! Start with Drum or Crathes
30. Cycle the Old Deeside Railway Line.
31. Get to grips with nature at the North East Falconry Centre
32. Support emerging artistic talent at the Aberdeen International Youth Festival (27th July – 7th August)
33. ‘Go Ape’ at the new treetop adventure park at Crathes Castle
34. Horse-riding at Hazelhead, 2 minutes from the City
35. Break out of Aberdeen’s oldest prison – the Tolbooth – now a museum
36. Scotland’s newest music festival in Aberdeen – The Northern Lights (30th and 31st July)
37. Bird watchers paradise at the RSPB nature reserve on the cliffs at Dunottar
38. Take a dip at the Art Deco outdoor swimming pool at Stonehaven
39. Explore the caves and spectacular scenery at Loch Kinord and Burn O’ Vat
40. Get lost and found again in the maze at Hazlehead Park
41. Have a proper work-out at Aberdeen Sports Village
42. Enjoy a 99’er along the Boardwalk at Aberdeen Fun Beach
43. 5th June - Tonight’s the Night to see Rod Stewart live at Pittodrie Stadium (Gonna Be Alright)
44. Experience live music, comedy, sports and conferences at the Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre
45. Taste over 100 real ales, traditional ciders and perry at the Aberdeen & North East Beer Festival, Pittodrie Stadium (9th – 11th June)
46. Look over the coast whilst enjoying fresh North-Sea seafood at The Silver Darling
47. Experience breath-taking cityscape scenery at the Torry Battery
48. Savour a dram (or two!) of Scotch whisky at Old Blackfriars Pub on the Castlegate
49. Pick up some designer stiches at The Academy shopping centre
50. Put your skates on and try not to fall at the Lynx Ice Arena, Aberdeen Fun Beach
51. Witness up-coming local music and comedy in refreshingly quaint surroundings at The Lemon Tree Lounge
52. Have “a rare day out” at Doonies Rare Breeds Farm, Nigg Bay, Aberdeen
53. Strike! Play ‘cosmic bowling’ at Sunset Boulevard – Aberdeen Fun Beach
54. Visit the worldwide merchants at the Aberdeen International Street Market (1st – 3rd July)
55. Whether it’s hot or it’s cold be sure not to miss Katy Perry at the Aberdeen Exibition & Conference Centre (29th October)
56. Catch a flick at the in-house cinema at Union Square
57. Have an outdoor summer cocktail and watch the world go by at Chi Bar, The Academy, Aberdeen
58. Race along to the Duthie Park for the Clydesdale Horse Show (27th August)
59. Catch a rainbow trout in Logie Trout Fishery, Stonehaven
60. Try your luck on roulette, poker, and blackjack at G Casino
61. Brave the flumes at Aberdeen Beach Leisure Centre
62. Have a carr-y on with Alan Carr at the Aberdeen Exhibition & Conference Centre (10th October)
63. Sample dozens of specialist cocktails and let your hair down at Revolution, on Belmont Street
64. Mingle and enjoy the atmosphere to the sound of a live DJs at Soul Bar, Union Street
65. Up from Manchester, TV funnyman Jason Manford live at the Aberdeen Exhibition & Conference Centre (14th November)
66. Adrenaline Rush #3 – Compete for pole position at Kartstart, an indoor karting and mini moto circuit, Bridge of Don
67. Choose from a worldwide selection of craft beers at BrewDog, Gallowgate Aberdeen
68. Join in a celebration of North East Scotland’s culture at Aberdeen’s Tartan Festival in the city centre (30th July)
69. No visit to Aberdeen is complete without a trip to Union Terrace Gardens – the green heart of the Granite City
70. Enjoy a relaxing and picturesque walk at the Brig ‘o’ Balgownie
71. Let the kids blow off some steam at Rambo’s Adventure Playcentre, Aberdeen Fun Beach
72. Sail along to the Scottish Traditional Boat Festival (racing, fleet displays, food, music and more). 2nd - 3rd July
73. Queen Victoria, Archibald Simpson, William Wallace, and Robert Burns – can you find all the Aberdeen statues?
74. Book an open top bus tour at the Tourist Information Centre, Union Street
75. Spectate a long-running Scottish tradition at the City of Aberdeen Highland Games, Hazlehead Park (19th June)
76. Hit the ever-popular bar hot-spot Belmont Street and party late into the night
77. Explore the rich heritage in 12 furnished rooms at Braemar Castle (open April – October)
78. Take in the great dunes at Balmedie Beach
79. Test yourself on the 9 mile Durris Wood Cycle Trail
80. Visit Stonehaven harbour and witness a rich tradition of fishing
81. Take some wonderful snaps of the coast for the scrapbook at Collieston Bay
82. See the stunning Victorian interior and have lunch in the elegant Haddo House
83. Be amazed by The Glover House, containing some of Thomas Blake Glover’s items collected when helping build modern day Japan, dating from the 19th century
84. Pick up locally produced fruit and vegetables at the green market, Market Street
85. A day in Dufftown. Dufftown Distillery & Highland Games (18th June)
86. Show off your footy skills on the synthetic turf pitches at Strikers indoor football, Bridge of Don
87. Game, set, and match! Check out the indoor courts at the Westburn Tennis Centre, Westburn Park, Aberdeen
88. See the famous crowned tower on The King’s College, and then walk down the cobbled street to the Old Town Cathedral in Old Aberdeen
89. Go salmon fishing in the River Dee
90. Braemar Highland Gathering – join the Royal Family for this classic event (3rd September)
91. Marvel at Aberdeen’s magnificent Town House on the east side of Union Street
92. Go skating, play “2 on 2” basketball, climbing and more at Transition Extreme Sports Centre, Aberdeen Fun Beach
93. Choose from over 40 great shops in the Bon Accord Centre, Aberdeen
94. Join an open mic session at Cellar 35, Rosemount Viaduct
95. Father’s Day – take your choice from one of 69 golf courses in the Aberdeen region (19th June)
96. The 2011 Walker Cup at Royal Aberdeen Golf Course (10th – 11th September)
97. Start the Grampian Gallery Trail at the Lost Gallery, by Ballabeg for contemporary art... then visit the other 10!
98. Relax with a coffee on the historic cobbles of The Green, City Centre
99. See the residence of the Royal Family at Balmoral Castle, purchased by Queen Victoria in 1848

For even more information about local attractions, events and facilities, visit the Aberdeen City and Shire website.

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