Stay local for Easter fun

Families in Greater Manchester feeling the pinch this Easter are turning to local attractions to treat the family during the school holidays, according to a survey by System One Travelcards.

Eighty-two per cent of respondents to the online poll said that they had put foreign holidays on hold and instead rediscovered unsung gem attractions right on their doorstep. These include local parks, museums and libraries as cost-saving ways to entertain the family during the school break.

From a list of over 30 regional attractions respondents voted The Trafford Centre as the best place for a cheap family day out (18 per cent), with its family-friendly facilities, children’s craft groups and free live shows. Hot spots from Altrincham and Manchester city centre also made the top five.

Highlighting the back-to-basics trend towards family days out even further, the poll also revealed that the local park has risen in popularity, coming in as the fourth favourite destination for respondents to the poll.

The survey also suggested that the popularity of travelling by car on days out may be on the wane due to soaring fuel prices, holiday traffic jams and parking costs, with 35 per cent opting to use cheaper, greener public transport, or even walking (12 per cent) to reach local attractions.

Gradyn Thompson, general manager at System One Travelcards said: “It’s encouraging to see families across Greater Manchester looking to local destinations for days out.

“Greater Manchester has a wealth of attractions perfect for families that don’t cost the earth, a fantastic public transport service to get them there, and a variety of easy-to-use ticket options, including those provided by System One.”

System One offers a range of travelcards for multi-bus operator and multi-mode travel across Greater Manchester – with options for adults and discounts for under 21s, students and under 16s.