Is the weather outside your Manchester hotel room looking a bit British? That’s no excuse for curling up in bed, no matter how comfy it is. From the National Football Museum to the indoor slopes at Chill Factore, the city is packed with amazing indoor activities to try.
Take Bounce Central, for example. With over 90 trampolines joined together to form one huge area of soft, springy joy, the centre is geared towards adults as well as children, so the whole family can fling themselves around to their heart's’ content. Besides trampolines of all shapes and sizes, there are basketball lanes, a toddler area and a giant airbag to impress the kids with your signature twisting pike somersault. And, as if this wasn’t enough, there are also neon parties held each weekend, plus disco fitness classes where you can burn up to 1,000 calories an hour.
You’re all guaranteed to have fun - and you’ll probably leave looking a little hot under the collar. Luckily Bounce Central is just down the road from our Manchester (Swinton) hotel so you can freshen up, refuel at the on-site restaurant or just rest your tired muscles on our super comfy beds. And, when you’re raring to go again, you’re only five miles from all the bright lights of central Manchester.
Bounce Central
Bounce Central
Bounce Central
What's on
The main attraction at Bounce Central is the freestyle trampoline sessions, where you can parkour your way around the entire park for an hour. Jumping from one trampoline to the next is exhilarating, but that’s not the only thing you’ll find going on here..
Fitness sessions
Fancy a boogie? Disco Fitness workouts at Bounce Central are exercise classes with a difference - they’re fun! Taking place each Thursday from 6.30 to 7.15pm, there’s disco lights, great club music and glow sticks - but you’ll have to provide your own leg warmers. You’ll also find Bounce Aerobics each Monday at 7.15pm to 8pm. All fitness classes cost £5.
Themed events
It’s worth checking Bounce Central’s Facebook page to see if your visit coincides with one of their many themed events. There are spooky Halloween parties in October half-term with free jelly and ice cream, plus Easter Egg hunts and the chance to meet an energetic Santa Claus at Christmas. And on Mother’s Day, lucky mums can bounce for free!
Toddler Time
Come at off-peak hours (term-time Mondays to Fridays until 4pm) and you can bounce with your little one for as long as you like, for just £6. Although aimed at toddlers, children up to six years old are welcome and there are a selection of soft toys they can get their little fingers on, too. Toddler Time sessions include a choice of free kids meal in the cafe.
Glow Night
If your pre-teen’s a bit too old for Toddler Time, head down to Bounce Central every Friday and Saturday where, from 7pm until 9.45pm, the music is turned up, the lights are turned down and everyone’s in the mood to party. Jumpers aged 15 years or under must have an adult on the premises at all times and you’ll need to sign a waiver form on their behalf, too.
Essential information
No trampoline socks? No problem! Bounce Central has everything you need to bounce in style and safety. You’ll find Bounce Central trampoline park at Unit 4, 2-10 Labtec Street, Swinton, Manchester M27 8SE and its phone number is 0161 794 0677.
Opening hours
Bounce Central is open Sunday to Thursday from 10am to 7pm, Fridays from 10am to 10pm and Saturdays from 9am to 10pm. All children under six must be accompanied by an adult and everyone needs to complete a waiver form.
Things to do nearby
When you’ve had enough bouncing for one day, why not see what else the area has to offer? You’ll find Swinton in Salford, towards the north-west of Manchester, and it’s an area steeped in history. And where better to explore all this industrial heritage than a sightseeing trip to the regenerated Salford Quays? Just three miles away from Bounce Central, this waterside area is only one square mile wide, but it’s packed with attractions, from The Lowry theatre and gallery complex to the Imperial War Museum.
And while you’re at the Quays, why not take a stroll to MediaCityUK, Salford’s creative hub? Once a derelict brownfield site, this canal-side media cluster, modelled on similar areas in Dubai and Singapore, has jaw-dropping modern architecture. It’s also home to the BBC so you may see some celebrities while you’re there.
Eating and drinking
There is a cafe on site with a balcony providing great views of all the action below. But if nothing on offer there takes your fancy, head into Swinton for a greater choice of eating options.
The cafe at Bounce Central wins rave reviews for its food - and its hard-working chef who takes great pride in his work. Whether you have allergies or certain preferences, nothing is too much trouble here. Alongside the usual child-pleasing offerings of slushies, chicken nuggets, pizzas and chips, you’ll find freshly brewed coffee, delicious toasted paninis and fresh salads drizzled in sumptuous house dressing.
If you fancy a great brunch or super filling lunch, you’re less than half a mile away from one of Swinton’s best delis. Modern and quirky, everything at Deli 654 is fresh and homemade, from its massive sandwiches (like the avocado, bacon and poached egg bloomer) to its health boxes (try the chicken body box - a delectable combination of chargrilled meat, couscous and salad).
If you’re staying at the Premier Inn near Bounce Central, you’re in luck, because you’re right next door to the Henry Boddington. Part of the Sizzling chain, this pub-restaurant is famous for its 21-day aged steaks with all the trimmings, fresh and healthy superfood salads and build-your-own kids meals, where they can choose from an extensive menu of mains, sides, drinks and desserts for under £5.
Getting to Bounce Central
You’ll find Bounce Central on the Wheatsheaf Industrial Estate, just off the A666 in Pendlebury, Swinton.
By car
It takes 30 minutes to get to Bounce Central from Manchester City Centre on the A6. When you’re there you’ll find plenty of parking, right on-site.
By bus
While there are no trams from Manchester city centre to Swinton, you can get the bus. The numbers 36 and 37 go from Victoria Park and drop you five minutes away.
By train
There are direct trains to Swinton from Manchester Victoria station. These take just 16 minutes, and it’s a 15 minute walk from the station to Bounce Central.