Back in May, I was lucky enough to win a family getaway to Manchester with The Reach in an Instagram competition. After weeks of looking forward to staying at The Reach at Piccadilly, we finally made the trip this past weekend. It was well worth the wait.
From the moment we arrived, the hotel made us feel so welcome. We were truly spoiled. Our rooms were stylish, spacious, and super comfortable, just what we needed after a day of exploring. And the food! We had dinner at Lock 84, the hotel’s restaurant, and every dish was spot on. Great flavours, generous portions, and a really relaxed atmosphere.
I knew as soon as we got back that I wanted to share the weekend here on the blog. It’s not every day you win a trip like this, and it turned out to be such a lovely experience for all of us. I love documenting these special moments, not just as a way to look back on them. Also, to pass on a bit of inspiration in case you’re thinking about entering competitions or planning a family break in Manchester.
The Journey
We travelled to Manchester by train with TransPennine Express and had the treat of going First Class. The kids were really excited about this, and it made the journey feel like part of the adventure. The extra space was a bonus, and we were well looked after with comfy seats and some tasty snacks along the way. It was such a relaxed and easy way to start the trip.
Science and Industry Museum
One of the highlights of our trip was visiting the Science and Industry Museum in Manchester. We spent a couple of hours exploring the exhibits, getting hands-on with the interactive experiments, and learning all about the city’s role in the Industrial Revolution. It was fascinating to see how Manchester helped shape modern industry, and the kids loved how engaging and fun it all was. We also stopped for lunch at the museum café, which was a great spot to take a break. Then we headed back in for more exploring.
The Reach at Piccadilly, Manchester
The Reach at Piccadilly in Manchester was perfect for a family break. We were welcomed with a drink on arrival, which was such a nice start to the stay. Our interconnecting rooms were really spacious and super comfy, giving us plenty of room to spread out and relax. We had a lovely city view, and you could hear the gentle sound of the canal lock just below. This added such a calming feel. The in-room coffee was a local brand and genuinely delicious, which was a thoughtful touch. The beds were so cosy, and we all slept brilliantly.
Lock 84
We had an amazing meal at Lock 84, the restaurant at The Reach, which takes its name from the nearby canal lock. This nods to the area’s rich industrial past. The setting was modern and relaxed, but with a real sense of character. The menu had some great choices, but the standout for me was the pulled pork and black pudding bon-bons. They were packed with flavour and cooked to perfection. Our waiter and waitress were fantastic, really friendly, and knowledgeable about the menu. They made us feel completely at ease. We all left full, happy, and already talking about what we’d order next time.
Breakfast the next morning was just as impressive. We each chose a dish from the menu, then helped ourselves to pastries, fruit, and juices from the buffet. Once again, the coffee was from the local brand Worker Bee, and it was so good, smooth, rich, and the perfect way to start the day.
I had the Eggs Benedict with salmon, which was cooked beautifully, while Chris went for the full English. The kids were delighted with their pancakes. They didn’t last long! Everything was freshly made, and you could really taste the quality in every bite.
It was one of those weekends that felt like a proper treat from start to finish. A big thank you to The Reach for such a lovely experience, we all came home smiling, but a little sad to leave.
