Father’s Day: The best things to do with your Dad in Manchester
- Written by I Love MCR
- Last updated 26 seconds ago
- Best of, Cornerstone, Featured, Food & Drink
Father’s Day 2025 (Sunday 15th June) is just around the corner, and it’s the perfect time to show your dad just how much he means to you. Let’s be honest – he might say he doesn’t want any fuss, but we all know he’d love a little treat!
Luckily, Manchester is bursting with brilliant ways to spoil him this year. Why not head out for a delicious Sunday roast at Hawksmoor Manchester, or treat him to a mouth-watering Steak and Wine deal at James Martin Manchester? If your dad’s a big fan of fine dining, a gift voucher for Gordon Ramsay’s Lucky Cat Manchester is bound to impress.
For sports fans, how about tickets to The Hundred at Old Trafford Cricket Ground? Or if he loves a bit of live action, catch the boxing at AO Arena Manchester.
Whatever your old man’s style, there’s something in this vibrant city to make him feel appreciated. After all, he deserves it!
Gifts and experiences for Father’s Day
What do you get for the man who has everything?
Gift voucher for Gordon Ramsay’s Lucky Cat
Treat your dad to an unforgettable dining experience at Lucky Cat Manchester, Gordon Ramsay’s high class Asian-inspired restaurant nestled in the heart of the city. Whether he’s a connoisseur of fine cuisine or simply enjoys a stylish night out, these gift vouchers offer the perfect way to celebrate Father’s Day.
Lowry 360 – Step into an L.S Lowry Masterpiece
Most Manc dads love a bit of Lowry. So why not take Dad to step inside his iconic work? Immerse yourself in LS Lowry’s iconic Going to the Match like never before. LOWRY 360 is a stunning, FREE permanent installation that surrounds visitors in the sounds and scenes of match day life – whistles, chatter, excitement and all. Created with Barcelona’s Layers of Reality, this is a full-sensory time machine to football’s golden age. You can also pick up a Going to the Match print, mug & more now available at the Lowry Shop.
Now extended to 24th of December 2025
Sunday Lunch at James Martin Manchester
Give Dad the gift of indulgence with a mouth-watering roast at James Martin Manchester. Choose from slow-roasted rump of beef, Yorkshire porchetta, seared salmon, or a hearty Lancashire butter pie. All served with perfect sides like beef fat roasties and cauliflower cheese. Sunday Lunch Menu: One Course: £30, two Courses: £38 or three Courses: £46. A classic British feast, in true James Martin style. Over 18s only.
Get gaming with dad at Power Up!
Take gaming to the next level with dad and relive his retro gaming dreams with Power Up at the Science and Industry Museum. Play the very best video games from the past five decades and try out over 150 consoles in the ultimate hands-on gaming experience. There’s something for everyone, from Sonic to Street Fighter and Mario to Minecraft, plus a selection of games created in Manchester. From the Atari 2600 to cutting edge virtual reality, discover gaming gadgets and classic consoles that have shaped home entertainment throughout the years. Revel in nostalgia and rediscover arcade classics like Pong and Pacman. Rock out with Guitar Hero or show off your moves with Just Dance on the big screen. Now dad can’t just boast about how good he was at gaming, he’ll have to prove it.
Tickets for The Hundred at Emirates Old Trafford
This summer, treat your dad to an electrifying day of cricket at Emirates Old Trafford as the Manchester Originals return for the 2025 season of The Hundred. Combining fast-paced 100-ball matches with live music, street food, and a vibrant atmosphere, it’s an unforgettable experience for cricket enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
Take Dad to a show at the AO
This Father’s Day, swap the slippers for something unforgettable with a night out at Manchester’s iconic AO Arena. Whether your dad’s got a soft spot for stand-up, a taste for classic rock, or a passion for boxing, there’s something coming up that’ll hit the spot.
Catch comedy legend Peter Kay on his long-awaited return tour – a guaranteed night of belly laughs and nostalgia. If music’s more his thing, Lynyrd Skynyrd are bringing Southern rock swagger to the stage, playing all the classics. Or for dads who love the thrill of sport, grab tickets for Harlem Eubank vs Jack Catterall that will light up the Arena this summer.
With its electric atmosphere and world-class line-up, the AO Arena is the perfect place to treat Dad to a night he won’t forget.
Taste of Louis – dining with a side of showbiz
Fancy treating dad to something really special? Indulge in a dining experience like no other at Louis. Their Taste of Louis set menu pairs exquisite Italian-American cuisine with intimate live performances in the iconic dining room. Choose from comforting classics like Rigatoni alla Vodka, Chicken Parmigiano or crispy Calamari Fritti, topped off with a trip to the dessert trolley. 2 Courses – £34.50, 3 Courses – £39.50. An entertainment fee of £4.95 supports the incredible live performers who bring the room to life.
Available Sundays, Wednesdays & Thursdays – all day
Steins, roasts & Sunday revelry at Albert’s Schloss
Dads and grandads, Albert’s Schloss is pulling out all the stops! Every dad dining in gets a branded stein and Krombacher bier to take home. Start with brunch and take over the playlist, enjoy live music, and tuck into the new Sunday Roasts. Get your stein engraved too (book online). Book now for a day of Bavarian fun and dad dancing!
A Father’s Day feast, Italian style at San Carlo
This Father’s Day, skip the socks and take Dad for an unforgettable Italian extravaganza at San Carlo Manchester. With a menu crafted around the best regional ingredients, it’s a true taste of Italy in Manchester. Start with indulgent starters like Gamberoni Luciana or Mozzarella in Carrozza, then dive into signature mains like Tagliolini all’Aragosta (lobster pasta), Veal Saltimbocca, or a sizzling 1.2kg Tomahawk steak for two. Pair it all with bold Italian wines and celebrate the father figure in your life the San Carlo way.
Dinner with Dad at Refuge in the Kimpton Hotel
If you’re planning to take Dad out this Father’s Day, why not do it somewhere that feels like a real occasion? The Refuge at the Kimpton Clocktower Hotel is easily one of Manchester’s most breathtaking dining spots, all high ceilings, plush interiors and that unmistakable sense of grandeur.
Kick things off with some knockout small plates: think Patagonia red prawns with ajillo and charred lemon, or house-cured salmon served with sea herbs, caviar, and nori butter brioche. Hungry for more? The mains don’t hold back. Go for the smoked bacon chop with pineapple and pommery mustard sauce, or keep things comfortingly classic with the Great North Pie Co. lamb suet pudding, served with minted French-style peas and rich gravy. If Dad’s got a serious appetite, the 12oz dry-aged rib-eye with peppercorn sauce is a proper showstopper.
Drinks-wise, The Refuge has a brilliant line-up, from expertly made classic cocktails to a well-curated wine list and local beers on draught. And if you’re going all out, why not opt for their legendary Sunday lunch or a refined afternoon tea?
For a meal that feels as special as he is, you really can’t go wrong at The Refuge.
Forbici
Take some quality time with your dad this Father’s Day at Forbici, where in partnership with Urban Gents, all dads that dine will receive a free haircut, making Forbici a cut above the rest.
Enjoy Neapolitan-style pizza served the traditional way, sliced into four perfect quarters designed to be folded and savoured.
Dine with Dad at Shoryu Ramen
This Father’s Day, swap the traditional Sunday roast for something a little more adventurous, wholesome, slurp-worthy ramen at Shoryu Ramen! With rich, velvety broth, perfectly balanced noodles, and melt-in-your-mouth chashu pork, Shoryu brings authentic Hakata Tonkotsu ramen straight to the city.
Whether Dad is a ramen aficionado or a curious first-timer, he’ll love diving into a bowl of deep, umami-packed goodness. Plus, with sides like pillowy bao buns and Chicken Karaage, you just can’t go wrong.
Riva Blu
Toast to Papa this Father’s Day at Riva Blu, where guests can enjoy the Papa’s menu, curated of their favourite dishes.
Indulge in delicious Italian dishes and small plates for the perfect Father’s Day, with a toast to dads across all restaurants at 2pm and limoncello shots for all dads – the perfect way to celebrate.
Piccolino
A wonderful renaissance feast for dad awaits this Father’s Day at Piccolino.
Thank your dad in a way he truly deserves by dining at Piccolino where they’ll be immersed in the art and elegance of outstanding Italian specials.
An exceptional meal awaits this Father’s Day at Piccolino, designed to make his day.
Explore the Age of Discovery with James May
Is your dad a History buff? Why not take him to see King of the nerds, James May at the 02 Apollo. Get ready for an epic journey through time with Explorers: The Age of Discovery with James May, a captivating live stage show uncovering the stories of history’s most daring explorers. From Ice Age migrations to moon landings, British TV icon James May (Top Gear, The Grand Tour) brings history to life in theatrical style.
Unravel the tales of legendary adventurers – Leif Erikson, John Cabot, Tupaia, Gertrude Bell, Stanley and Livingstone – all the way to spacewalkers and cosmic voyagers. It’s adventurous, inspiring, and full of May’s signature wit.
A must for curious dads and history buffs, get your tickets before they vanish over the horizon.
Football City, Art United – Factory International
Opening at Aviva Studios this summer, Football City Art United features genre defying collaborations between legendary footballers and contemporary artists including Eric Cantona, Edgar Davis, Ella Toone and Diego Maradona.
Each pairing has created something completely unique for the show, taking inspiration from the creativity, vision and technical skills of a trequartista – a player who operates in the attacking midfield, primarily between the midfielders and strikers, creating opportunities for their teammates.
The exhibition has something for everyone to enjoy – from experiencing the walk through the tunnel out onto the pitch and having a kick around with a footballing legend to immersive sound installations, sculpture, drawing and animation.
Tickets start from £10, and tickets for under 16s are free with a fully paying adult.
Dear England at The Lowry
Is Dad footy mad? You won’t want to miss this. Gareth Southgate takes on the ‘impossible job’ in Dear England, a gripping and moving new play by James Graham. From penalty heartbreaks to national redemption, follow the emotional journey of the England men’s team under Southgate’s transformative leadership.
With a stellar cast led by Gwilym Lee (Bohemian Rhapsody) and powerful direction from Rupert Goold, this Olivier Award-winning production is a stirring blend of sport, storytelling and national identity.
Take dad shopping at the Trafford Centre
Stuck for ideas for Dad’s Father’s Day present? Why not take him shopping so he can pick it? Head to John Lewis or M&S for stylish gifts, foodie hampers, and green-fingered goodies. At Selfridges, you’ll find top picks for tech lovers, fashion fans, and whisky connoisseurs. Got a chef at home? ProCook has him covered. For something sentimental, check out THOMAS SABO’s keepsakes. Grab a Sekonda watch for £19.99 with any purchase at F.Hinds until 15th June , while stocks last! Dining out? With 40+ restaurants to choose from, there’s plenty to spoil him. At Las Iguanas, you could win a stack of Corona beers the height of your dad. Over at Bill’s, Dads can roll the dice for a free dessert or Peroni. And PizzaExpress is cooking up treats all Father’s Day weekend.
Food not his thing? Plan a day of fun at ODEON, Laser Quest, Namco Funscape, or Paradise Island Adventure Golf. There’s loads to do at the Trafford Centre this Father’s Day.
Sunday Roast at Hawksmoor Manchester
Treat your dad to the ultimate Sunday tradition at Hawksmoor Manchester, where you’ll find one of the city’s best-loved roasts. Enjoy a succulent slow roast rump, perfectly complemented by beef dripping roast potatoes, light and crispy Yorkshire puddings, buttery carrots, seasonal greens, roasted garlic, and lashings of rich bone marrow gravy. A feast fit for a king, and the perfect way to spoil him this Father’s Day.
Amazing ATG Shows
Fancy a big night out with dad? ATG have got some amazing shows coming up, at both the Palace and Opera theatres. From nights with legendary football managers like Neil Warnock (Friday, 29th of August), to iconic comedians, Like Alan Davies (12th of November) and Rhys Derby (29th June of 2025) and even Fawlty Towers the Play (Tuesday 4th of November to Saturday 8th November 2025), there’s something for everyone to enjoy with ATG.
Get hit for six at Sixes cricket
Tired of giving your dad the same old aftershave for Father’s Day? Well, it’s time to spice things up and treat Dad with a Sixes Experience for four people, because shared experiences are always the best gift!
Sixes Social Cricket is not just about sixes and wickets; it’s also about smashing food choices.
Think burger-topped cricket bats and wood-fired pizza.
Between innings and matches, he can play on the free pool tables and retro arcade games. It’s the perfect blend of cricket, football, and old-school fun. Make Dad’s day legendary with a sporty twist at Sixes Social Cricket.
- This article was last updated 26 seconds ago.
- It was first published on 15 June 2021 and is subject to be updated from time to time. Please refresh or return to see the latest version.
Did we miss something? Let us know: [email protected]
Want to be the first to receive all the latest news stories, what’s on and events from the heart of Manchester? Sign up here.
Manchester is a successful city, but many people suffer. I Love Manchester helps raise awareness and funds to help improve the lives and prospects of people across Greater Manchester – and we can’t do it without your help. So please support us with what you can so we can continue to spread the love. Thank you in advance!
An email you’ll love. Subscribe to our newsletter to get the latest news stories delivered direct to your inbox.
Got a story worth sharing?
What’s the story? We are all ears when it comes to positive news and inspiring stories. You can send story ideas to [email protected]
While we can’t guarantee to publish everything, we will always consider any enquiry or idea that promotes:
- Independent new openings
- Human interest
- Not-for-profit organisations
- Community Interest Companies (CiCs) and projects
- Charities and charitable initiatives
- Affordability and offers saving people over 20%
For anything else, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us about advertorials (from £350+VAT) and advertising opportunities: [email protected]
Family pays tribute to ‘hardworking and kind’ teen killed in New Moston attack
“One of Manchester’s finest voices” to be honoured with blue plaque
JD Sports unveils its largest flagship store yet with a glittering Trafford Centre event
The must-read Manchester books that will fill you with civic pride
