After a wet start to the year, temperatures are set to plummet across Greater Manchester this weekend – bringing with it the chance of snow.
There is an amber weather warning in place for snow and ice from 6pm on Saturday (January 4) to midday on Sunday (January 5), which covers large swathes of the country including Greater Manchester.
Snow is forecast to hit Greater Manchester late on Saturday night, continuing early on Sunday morning. It is expected to be followed by sleet and spells of heavy rain later on Sunday.
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If you’re looking to make the most of the beautiful frosty views and white stuff on Sunday morning, here are our best snowy weekend activities across the region.
Take a walk up Hartshead Pike
The view from Hartshead Pike in the snow -Credit:Nicole Wootton-Cane
If you’re not afraid of getting a bit wet and cold, you can get beautiful snowy views as far as the eye can see from Hartshead Pike in Tameside.
The summit overlooks Ashton-under-Lyne, Mossley, Saddleworth, Lees and Oldham, and on a clear day you can get views of Manchester, Cheshire and Snowdonia in Wales.
There is also car parking near if you fancy the views with a bit less of a hike.
Build a snowman in your local park
Alexandra Park, Oldham -Credit:Sean Hansford | Manchester Evening News
Building a snowman is a novelty reserved for the few days of the year we’re lucky enough to get snow – so when we do, you’ve got to make the most of it.
It’s a great activity to do with kids or with a friend or partner, and the perfect excuse to go for a hot chocolate or mulled wine afterwards.
Grab a hot chocolate
Hot chocolate shop Knoops -Credit:Gary Oakley/Manchester Evening News
There really is no drink that says snow like a steaming mug of hot chocolate. Luckily in Greater Manchester we are spoiled for choice for delicious cocoa spots that will keep you warm and feeling cosy in the snow.
From Slattery to Cocoa Cabana, you can find all our top picks for the region’s best hot chocolates here.
Get cosy at a pub
The White House, Littleborough -Credit:Manchester Evening News
Sometimes when it snows, the nicest thing to do is just watch it from the window while you sip your beverage of choice in the warm.
Greater Manchester is full of cosy pubs where you can enjoy the snow without getting chilly yourself – our favourites include The White House in Littleborough, Owd Betts in Rochdale, and the Huntsman Inn in Holmfirth.
Grab a coffee on New Islington Marina
New Islington Marina -Credit:STEVE ALLEN
New Islington Marina is the perfect place to sit and marvel at the frozen canals and stunning cityscape during the frosty weather this weekend.
With popular coffee shops and bakeries such as Pollen and The Flat Baker on your doorstep, you’ll be able to grab a sweet treat and hot drink while you take in the views or enjoy a walk.