Visiting Manchester as a group and wanting to try something fun? Or maybe you’re looking to host a party with a twist? Try one of these places on for size:
Chill Factor-e – Indoor Skiing, snowboarding
Ok, so it’s not the real thing, but its just as good as. As a complete beginner with no hand-feet-brain coordination, I knew when I attempted to snowboard that it would be a disaster, but I didn’t anticipate how much fun it would be learning. Chill Factor-E, near the Trafford Centre, is the UK’s longest indoor skiing and snowboarding slope, as well as offering other snow related activities. We went for a friend’s birthday and we had signed up for a snowboarding party. This included equipment, clothing, a beginners’ lesson and food after. I was pleasantly surprised that even as a large group, there wasn’t a lot of waiting around as we had our class en-masse. There were many laughs throughout the day, as we all got to grips with the skills required to stay upright and it definitely made me eager to give it another go. There’s something for everyone at the Chill Factor-E: ‘Alpine Street’ is lined with themed cafes and restaurants where you can watch the action, Extreme Snow activities, is a new venture (looks amaze) and for those who really can’t be bothered with anything strenuous, there’s always SNOWPLAY!!
Snowboarding Party (price based on an Adult 17yrs+)
£35 per person – includes food
£21 per person if you decide not to eat there
Click here for more information on Chill Factor-E parties
Daytona Go-Karting
Another activity I wasn’t expecting to enjoy as much as I did. I always had Go-Karting set aside on my ‘boys list of things to do’ (stereotypical I know), but it was fab. Again, we went as a group of 10+ so we had the place to ourselves, and after a practice round, we were off. It was brilliant, a really good adrenaline rush. Service was efficient, totally safe, the course is good… I just wish I was fast enough to win one of the trophies. (Seriously, why are trophies so hard to get?!?!)
You can join in on any of the races they have going on at the centre, however for parties you’re best ringing hospitality and booking a private race once you know how many people you have.
£37.50 per person – private race
For more information on Daytona racing click here.
All Star Bowling
I’ve already gushed about this place in a separate post Five stars for All Stars, so it really had to make it onto this list. All Stars has amazing food, great service and the adults-only bowling, with DJ and waiter service, makes it a really good night out. We’ve been as a group of 4, but it definitely makes the list for party venues; they even have a separate private bowling area, which you can book for large groups.
Bowling games at All Stars start from £6.95 during off-peak times. There are many deals and offers depending on what you’re after. The private bowling area can cater for up to 100 people, but if you really want to push the boat out, you can actually hire out the entire venue (Gaga does it all the time). When we visited, we spent £41 per person (approximately). That price included starters, drinks, main course, dessert and a round of bowling. We will definitely be booking to visit again for Mo’s birthday next year.
Click here to see the All Star Lanes website for the variety of party packages on offer.
Any other ideas for quirky parties in Manchester? I’m always on the lookout for something different…
