The Coronation Street set at MediaCityUK is opening its doors to the public for the first time at the end of May, after the move from Granada Studios in 2013.

And for fans of the soap, there are new tours offering the chance to explore some of the TV show’s locations, from the houses and shops, to the Rovers Return and new Victoria Street.

Book tickets directly with Continuum Attractions for the limited dates, starting on May 26 and running on Saturdays to July 14, Saturdays in September as well as two final dates in November. 

Or Shearings Holidays has its own short break coach tours with two, three and four-day packages including a tour of the set, with pick-up options at locations around the UK.

A new trail, Gromit!

After the success of a string of sculpture trails in UK cities, raising money for various charities, Gromit is returning to Bristol for Gromit Unleashed 2 this summer.

The animated dog is being joined by both Wallace and his penguin nemesis Feathers McGraw in a series of over 60 giant sculptures set in Bristol and its surroundings.

The original Gromit Unleashed trail, along with Shaun in the City, raised over £6 million for Bristol Children’s Hospital charity, Wallace & Gromit’s Grand Appeal.

Running from July 2 until September 2, the new works will be dotted between Thornbury, Avon Valley Adventure and Wildlife Park, Chew Valley and Weston-super-Mare, including the city centre itself.

A printed map and app, plus a passport trail, will be available to track them all down from July.

The insider's hotel guide

If you love travel but can’t bear the thought of trawling through endless hotel reviews and websites, a travel club is promising to save you the hassle.

PK’s List is launching a new hotel app offering vetted hotel recommendations, plus some additional perks, based on the founder Philippe Kjellgren’s 800-day trip around the world to 139 countries to approve each one.

There’s a mix of independent boutique hotels and grander big names, while the invitation-only Elite Membership level of the club, features royal families, celebrities and other VIPs.

At around £74 annual fee for the app, rather than £7,400 for the top-level elite status, you can still access the suggestions of the travel advisors and Kjellgren himself, who’s been described as ‘to luxury hotels, what the Michelin Guide is to restaurants’ by Forbes magazine. 

Perks include spa credits, late checkout, upgrades and gift vouchers, plus a quick book option for the hotels.

Summer of art

More than 40 artists from 22 countries will participate in this year’s Liverpool Biennial, marking the 20th anniversary of the UK’s largest festival of contemporary art.

Running from July 14 to October 28, there are family-friendly events and activities as well as free exhibitions and public artworks, from galleries and museums to civic buildings and even a special healing garden in Toxteth.