Book now: Christmas tours of London Road Fire Station

After 30 years of neglect, London Road Fire Station is a hub of activity once again. It is currently open for The Winter Gathering Christmas Market and ice rink, but a series of guided tours throughout December and early January will take you to the parts of the building that are usually closed to the public. The tours are hosted by local historian Jonathan Schofield; when he ran the same events in summer, they attracted over 3000 visitors. These 75-minute events start with a quick spin around the exterior, before venturing indoors to see the Engine House, coroner’s courts, and police cells. You’ll hear the life stories of some of the people who were employed at the Station, and others whose lives were touched by it. The site is soon to become a hotel and leisure space, so these tours may be the last chance to see it in all its original historic glory.

Sat 3 Dec -Sun 8 Jan, London Road Fire Station, Piccadilly, Manchester, M1 2PF. Tel: 07876235638. Tour times vary, £10, www.jonathanschofieldtours.com