manchester top 10 places to visit

21 Top Attractions & Places to Visit in Manchester, England

Written by Bryan Dearsley Updated Dec 26, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Author Bryan Dearsley traveled to England in the spring of 2022 where he spent eight weeks exploring towns and cities, including Manchester.

The city of Manchester is a celebrated center for the arts, media, and higher education. Like the neighboring city of Liverpool, Manchester has undergone something of a renaissance in recent years. Spearheading the city's transformation have been the introduction of initiatives such as the Castlefield project, with its many canals and restored warehouses, and the city's vibrant museum complex on Liverpool Road .

The extension of the city's entertainment and sports facilities has also considerably enhanced its appeal for tourists. Things to do like attending the excellent Opera House, with its roster of theatrical and music performances, and the thrilling Chill Factore , Britain's longest and widest indoor ski slope, have made it one of the best places to visit in northern England.

Manchester has also become a favorite for shoppers with an enormous range of retail opportunities. Some of the best include the elegant shops of St. Anne's Square , King Street, and the Royal Exchange , as well as the large covered market halls of Bolton Arcade .

To learn more, be sure to read through our list of fun things to do in Manchester.

See also: Where to Stay in Manchester

1. Explore the Canals of Castlefield

2. get technical at the science and industry museum, 3. visit imperial war museum north, 4. take a tour of manchester cathedral, 5. john rylands library & manchester central library, 6. get your game on at the national football museum, 7. go back in time at the manchester museum, 8. pop inside st. mary's catholic church, 9. visit britain's oldest public library: chetham's library, 10. see the paintings at manchester art gallery, 11. the whitworth art gallery, 12. take a wander through chinatown, 13. visit manchester town hall & st. peter's square, 14. visit the people's history museum, 15. explore salford quays, 16. take a trip to heaton park, 17. enjoy the blooms at fletcher moss park, 18. platt hall: gallery of costume, 19. university of manchester, 20. tour manchester's historic victoria baths, 21. museum of transport, greater manchester, where to stay in manchester for sightseeing, manchester - climate chart.

Designated an Urban Heritage Park, Castlefield is an excellent place to visit to begin exploring Manchester. A walk among the carefully restored Victorian homes, storehouses, and former factories along the old canals or through the reconstructed Roman Fort is time well spent.

Be sure to explore the Bridgewater Canal . It was constructed in 1761 to transport coal from the mines at Worsley to Manchester. The many old warehouses that line the canal have been restored and turned into offices, shops, hotels, and restaurants. A trip on one of the Bridgewater tour boats is highly recommended.

Other interesting tourist attractions include the Castlefield Art Gallery , with its exhibitions of contemporary art, and Bridgewater Hall , home to the Hallé Orchestra and first-class concerts. The Castlefield Bowl hosts regular pop and classical concerts and is also worth a visit.

Location: Castlefield Basin, Manchester

The Science and Industry Museum is situated on the site of the world's oldest railroad station. Its 12 galleries include the Power Hall, with water and steam-driven machines from the golden age of the textile industry, as well as vintage made-in-Manchester cars, including a rare 1904 Rolls Royce.

The history of the city from Roman times through the Industrial Revolution to the present day is documented in the Station Building. The Air and Space Gallery is another must-see. Here, you'll see numerous historic aircraft, including a replica of Triplane 1 by A. V. Roe, the first British plane to successfully fly.

Address: Liverpool Road, Manchester

Imperial War Museum North (IWM North) is also worth visiting, especially if you have an interest in the history of warfare. Opened in 2002, this branch of the Imperial War Museum is a popular attraction for its collections of fighting vehicles and aircrafts.

Highlights of a visit include audiovisual presentations and exhibits dealing with the history of warfare and its role in shaping civilization. There are also numerous static displays of large machines such as tanks, aircraft, artillery, and handheld weaponry. A shop and café are located on the premises.

Address: Trafford Wharf Road, Trafford Park, Stretford, Manchester

Located close to the city center and the River Irwell, Manchester Cathedral dates mostly from 1422 to 1506 and was raised to cathedral status in 1847. Known officially as the Cathedral and Collegiate Church of St. Mary, St. Denys, and St. George, it's particularly popular among visitors for its attractive chapels on both sides of the nave and choir.

The cathedral was built between 1486 and 1508, and further additions and alterations were undertaken in almost every subsequent century. Of particular note are the choir stalls, which boast some of the most richly decorated misericords in the country.

St. John's Chapel is the chapel of the Manchester Regiment, and the little Lady Chapel has a wooden screen dating from 1440. The octagonal chapterhouse, built in 1465, has murals that include a figure of Christ in modern dress.

Address: Victoria Street, Manchester

Literary buffs and lovers of the printed word are spoiled for choice when it comes to historic libraries in Manchester. In addition to being the home of Britain's oldest public library, Manchester is also home to two of the country's other most important libraries: the John Rylands Library and Manchester Central Library.

Founded in 1888, the John Rylands Research Institute and Library was established to further the cause of research in humanities, using as its foundation the broad collections of manuscripts and archival material belonging to the University of Manchester Library. Rated one of the top free things to do in Manchester , a visit to this spectacular neo-Gothic building is certainly worthwhile.

While not as old (it opened in 1934), Manchester Central Library is every bit as architecturally pleasing. Set overlooking St. Peter's Square, the design of this impressive domed structure, with its large columns, is reputedly based on the Pantheon in Rome. Grab some photos of its exterior before popping in for a look inside. Highlights include a number of attractive stained-glass windows, the ornate ceiling of the dome, as well as a number of interesting statues.

Address: 150 Deansgate, Manchester

Home to two of Europe's top football teams – Man City and Man United – Manchester is a great place to pay homage to the country's favorite sport. Your first stop should be the National Football Museum . This football shrine features fascinating memorabilia related to the sport, including such gems as the very first rulebook, as well as historic trophies and clothing.

A variety of great short movies show the history of the sport, while fun hands-on (and feet-on, for that matter) displays provide plenty of additional entertainment for youngsters. Check their website for details of special events and programs. It's also worth paying a visit to one (or both) of the Manchester teams' home stadiums.

Manchester City's Etihad Stadium offers a variety of fun tour options, including behind-the-scenes and deluxe dinner tours. Old Trafford , home to Manchester United, offers guided tours that allow access to private boxes and the chance to tread the field itself.

Address: Urbis Building Cathedral Gardens, Todd Street, Manchester

Manchester Museum is another of the city's excellent university museums to include on your itinerary. Established in 1888, the museum is notable for its displays relating to natural history, archaeology, and anthropology, with its oldest collections dating back to 1821.

Notable as the largest university museum in the UK , its sizable collection of over 4.5 million artifacts includes examples from all over the world. It's also well known for its large Chinese cultural collections.

Editor's note: The Manchester Museum is closed for major renovations until February 2023.

Address: Oxford Road, Manchester

Another religious site worth visiting, St. Mary's Catholic Church is something of a well-kept secret in Manchester. Built in 1794 and located next to the historic Market Hall, it's also known locally as "The Hidden Gem." But don't let the structure's rather plain exterior stop you from popping in for a look inside.

St. Mary's is one of the city's newer churches, built during the Industrial Revolution, and the interior reveals numerous fine Victorian carvings. Highlights include the marble high altar, statues of saints, and a unique Expressionist-style stations of the cross. Guided tours are available.

Address: 17 Mulberry Street, Manchester

Chetham's Hospital, just north of Manchester Cathedral, dates in part to 1422. Originally a residence for priests, it's now home to a music school and Chetham Library , the oldest public library in England.

In continuous use since 1653, the library has more than 100,000 books , more than half of them printed before 1850. Chetham's is also famous as the meeting place of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels during Marx's visit to Manchester. Guided tours are available.

Other libraries of note are the Manchester Central Library located next door to the Town Hall , and the Portico Library, which houses the literary collection of Dalton and Joule, founders of the Manchester Literary and Philosophical Society.

The Victorian John Rylands Library , now part of Manchester University, is also worth seeing. Among its many important collections are medieval texts, a Gutenberg Bible, and collection of early printing by William Caxton.

Location: Long Millgate, Manchester

The Manchester Art Gallery possesses one of the largest art collections in Britain outside of London. The gallery includes works by the pre-Raphaelites; Flemish masters of the 17th century; French impressionists, including Gauguin, Manet, and Monet; and German artists such as Max Ernst.

There are also pieces from well-known English artists, including Stubbs, Constable, and Turner. The gallery's impressive sculpture collection includes works by Rodin, Maillol, Jacob Epstein, and Henry Moore.

For more arts and culture tourist attractions, check out HOME , Manchester's international center for contemporary visual arts and independent film. Located at 70 Oxford Street, the venue is noted for its regular performances of everything from musicals to comedies.

Address: Mosley Street, Manchester

Fresh from a major redevelopment, The Whitworth Art Gallery features over 55,000 artworks in its vast collection. Named after the surrounding park, the gallery's very modern facilities are housed in a mix of old and new buildings overlooking a very pleasant green space.

The oldest collections themselves date back to 1889, and its stellar collections of sculptures and mostly modern artworks have seen it consistently ranking in lists of top attractions in Manchester. Other notable collections include watercolours, textiles, and even wallpapers. Works by the likes of Francis Bacon, Van Gogh, and Picasso can all be enjoyed, along with a sizable collection of outdoor art.

A café and shop are located on the premises, and a variety of fun events and activities for individuals as well as families are available.

The colorful home of one of the largest Chinese communities in Britain, Chinatown is only a stone's throw from the Manchester Art Gallery and is fun to explore on foot. The richly decorated arched gateway leading into the district is especially striking.

The many shops and restaurants here offer a wide range of culinary delicacies from Hong Kong and Beijing. Interested in shopping? Unique Chinese handicrafts and artworks can be found at the Centre for Contemporary Chinese Art (CFCCA).

Address: 13 Thomas Street, Manchester

The imposing façade of the neo-Gothic Town Hall (1877) graces pedestrianized Albert Square , and the tower offers excellent panoramic views of the city. Inside, the Council Chamber merits special attention, along with the cycle of Ford Madox Brown murals that depict the history of the city.

While there, visit the Free Trade Hall, opened in 1951. Editor's note: Manchester Town Hall is currently undergoing major interior and exterior renovations due for completion in 2024.

Allocate some time to also explore St. Peter's Square. This large public square is where you'll find the Manchester Cenotaph commemorating the city's war dead, as well as plenty of great opportunities to get in some people watching.

Also worth a visit, the centrally located Manchester Central Convention Complex , one of the largest such sites in England, hosts many musical performances throughout the year. The building is unique in that it was constructed amid the former Victorian railroad station on Windmill Street.

Location: Albert Square, Manchester

The People's History Museum is the national center for the collection, conservation, interpretation, and study of material relating to the history of working people in Britain.

Located in a former pumping station, the museum showcases the history of British democracy and its impact on the population. Also of interest are the extensive collections of artifacts relating to trade unions and women's suffrage.

Another museum that's close by and worth visiting is the Manchester Jewish Museum . This interesting attraction features a unique collection dealing with the city's Jewish community.

Location: Left Bank, Manchester

While there are enough fun things to do in Salford for those wanting to make a day trip out of it , those crunched for time would do well to visit one or two attractions in this pleasant university town. The Salford Quays, usually referred to simply as "The Quays," should definitely top your list.

An easy 25-minute, five-kilometer ride away from Manchester city center by public transit, this much revitalized area straddles the banks of the city's ship canal and is a delight to explore on foot.

In addition to such popular attractions as the Imperial War Museum North and Old Trafford, home to Manchester United Football Club, you'll find the Lowry Arts Centre. Dedicated to the life and work of local artist L.S. Lowry, it contains numerous unique pieces, as well as a performing arts center.

Covering some 600 acres, Heaton Park is the biggest park in Greater Manchester and one of the largest municipal parks in Europe. Heaton Hall , built in 1772, lies in the very heart of the park and although not all of it is open to the public, it remains an impressive sight.

Some buildings, such as the charming Orangery, are open seasonly to the public, so check the official website for closures. The park has been extensively restored and retains many of its original buildings and vistas.

Sports enthusiasts will enjoy its 18-hole golf course, driving range, mini putt, and tennis courts, while families can explore the boating lake, animal farm, woodlands, ornamental gardens, observatory, and adventure playground. There's even a volunteer-run tramway and museum.

Address: Middleton Road, Manchester

Also worth visiting is Fletcher Moss Park . Founded in 1917, this large green space, part botanical garden and part wildlife habitat, is an engaging contrast to the busy city center. There are numerous walking trails on the property, as well as regular guided "health" walks.

Popular things to do here include enjoying a stroll or picnic, or opting for more strenuous activities, such as tennis, rugby, or football. There's also a pleasant café located within the grounds. Dogs are welcome.

Address: 18 Stenner Lane, Didsbury, Manchester

Platt Hall , an elegant Georgian house built in 1764 and now part of the Manchester Art Gallery, presents an excellent overview of English fashion and costume from 1600 to the present day. It is perhaps the only collection to rival London's Victoria and Albert Museum .

Strengths of the museum include its many examples of everyday dress, with the Gallery of Costume containing one of the largest collections of costumes and accessories in Britain.

Location: Platt Hall, Fallowfiield, Manchester

Manchester's educational precinct, encompassing the University of Manchester , includes a variety of institutes and halls of residence.

Opened in 1851, the university can claim three Nobel prizewinners: Ernest Rutherford (1871-1939), who laid the foundations of modern atomic physics; physician James Chadwick, who in 1932 proved the existence of the neutron; and Sir John Cockcroft (1897-1967), one of the leading physicists in British and Canadian atomic research.

Housed in the university, the Whitworth Art Gallery is famous for its collections of British watercolors, drawings, prints, modern art, and sculpture, along with the largest textile and wallpaper collections outside London. Also close by is the Manchester Museum, with its extensive scientific collections and Egyptian exhibits.

Known to locals as Manchester's "Water Palace," the Victoria Baths are well worth a visit. The building is a perfectly preserved example of a Victorian-era bath, a feature once relatively common in many large urban areas in bygone days.

Although not unlike modern public swimming pools, it was built in 1986 and is unique for the change facilities that line the pool's perimeter. Also noteworthy is the ornate steelwork that holds the structure up.

Open seasonally from April through to November, it can be toured and makes for a pleasant outing. Be sure to check the official website for dates and availability. The facility also serves as a venue for concerts and movies, as well as special family events. A tea shop and gift shop are located on-site.

Address: Hathersage Road, Manchester

A visit to the Museum of Transport, Greater Manchester is a fun activity for all ages. Located in the city's Cheetham Hill area, this impressive collection of vintage transportation consists of over 80 buses, many of them still working. Other historic modes of transport housed here include an original city tram dating from 1901, as well as old trolleybuses.

Displays describe not just the vehicles, but also deal with the development and evolution of public transit in Manchester. A quaint tearoom is located on the premises, as is a gift shop.

Address: Boyle Street, Cheetham Hill, Manchester

As in any big city, it's hard to find a hotel that is near all the main attractions. But many of Manchester's points of interest at least cluster in three areas: the Urban Heritage Park and museum complex on Liverpool Road in the Castlefield neighborhood; the shopping district between King Street and the cathedral; and Chinatown to the south, where you'll find the Manchester Art Gallery. These highly rated hotels in Manchester are convenient for sightseeing:

Luxury Hotels :

• With a good-sized pool and a spa, The Edwardian Manchester sits between Chinatown, the Liverpool Road museums, and the smart shopping district north of King Street.
• Another great accommodation option that's close to Chinatown and the Manchester Art Gallery is The Alan . This hip 4-star design hotel features industrial-chic rooms and suites set in a historic red brick building.
• The chic and charming Great John Street Hotel , in the new museum district, has a hot tub on the roof.
• The Midland , opposite the library and well located for visiting museums and the City Hall, has a gym and spa with a small pool, Jacuzzi, and steam room.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• Beautifully furnished rooms, thoughtful amenities, and superior service make Velvet Hotel a luxury choice with a mid-range price. It's located between Chinatown and Piccadilly rail station, where trains arrive from London.
• Right next to Chinatown, Roomzzz Aparthotel Manchester City has stylish, well-designed rooms with rain showers and good soundproofing.
• DoubleTree by Hilton Manchester Piccadilly is directly across the street from Piccadilly Station, a 10-minute walk to the central attractions, and near the free shuttle bus stop.

Budget Hotels:

• Premier Inn Manchester City Centre (Piccadilly) Hotel is excellent value, with well-furnished rooms less than a five-minute walk from Piccadilly Station.
• Travelodge Manchester Central has plain but comfortable rooms just across the bridge from the cathedral and shopping district.
• At the edge of Chinatown with plenty of restaurants nearby, Ibis Manchester Centre Princess Street Hotel offers comfortable rooms with few frills.

More on England

The top 12 things to do in Manchester

Oct 5, 2022 • 7 min read

Manchester is a famously queer-friendly city especially the village around Canal Street © trabantos / Getty Images

Mancunians are fiercely proud of their city. And rightly so as the ever-growing metropolis houses an impressive collection of attractions, with options to appease even the most cultured visitors. 

It’s not just football and great music, either. Awesome art galleries, museums with free entry and all manner of festivals are possible contenders for your itinerary. Not sure where to start? Here’s just a snapshot of the best things to do in Manchester. 

1. Go to a gig

The Madchester years may be over and the Haçienda long gone (or, rather, remodeled as a block of flats), but Manchester ’s musical spirit remains very much alive. The city has nurtured numerous bands over the years and still plays host to countless live music venues.

Attending a gig is easily one of the best things to do in Manchester at night. Band on the Wall and the Deaf Institute showcase an eclectic mix of up-and-coming acts, while the MEN Arena is the domain of globally renowned superstars. You could also treat your ears to free live jazz at friendly neighborhood bar Matt and Phreds or listen to classical masterpieces courtesy of the Hallé Orchestra at Bridgewater Hall . 

Detour: The Science and Industry Museum's Turn It Up: The power of music exhibit lets visitors get hands-on with music making, with displays that include odd and groundbreaking instruments and a space to create your own masterpiece.

2. Explore the Northern Quarter

Manchester’s hippest neighborhood sits a stone’s throw from Piccadilly Gardens and offers numerous refreshing alternatives to the chain cafes and high street stores of nearby Market Street. 

As well as being adorned with thought-provoking street art, the Northern Quarter’s red brick buildings are filled with vintage clothing shops, indie record stores and quirky themed bars. 

Some of the best restaurants in Manchester can be found here, too. Head to Northern Soul Grilled Cheese for a cheap and indulgently cheesy lunch. You could also join the queue for a table at Aussie-run brunch spot, Federal , where great coffee is served alongside plates piled high with smashed avocado, grilled halloumi and freshly-baked sourdough toast.

Local tip: With lots of boutique hotels and situated in a convenient location, the Northern Quarter is also a good place to stay in Manchester.

3. Indulge your inner football fan

Manchester is the home of not one, but two legendary football teams. Whether your loyalties lie with Manchester City or Manchester United , you’ll find much to entertain you at the National Football Museum . Tucked behind the cathedral, it’s the biggest museum of its kind and one of the most popular attractions in Manchester. 

Local Tip: Rather see a ball being kicked across the pitch? The Premier League season kicks off in early September, with matches hosted at both the Etihad Stadium and Old Trafford. Pick up tickets for as little as £20 or go inside Old Trafford during a private stadium tour. 

4. Tick off some museums

There’s no shortage of ways to spend a day in Manchester. With no fewer than ten museums located within the city limits, it’s an excellent place to expand your knowledge on a range of different subjects. 

Learn about the Suffragette Movement at the Pankhurst Centre or uncover the city’s natural history at the Manchester Museum . The Imperial War Museum North in Salford Quays is as educational and evocative as its London counterpart. 

Visiting with kids? The Science and Industry Museum is hands down one of the best things to do in Manchester as a family. It’s lodged inside the oldest railway terminus in the world and has some brilliant interactive exhibits, including astronaut virtual reality experiences for wannabe space explorers. 

5. John Rylands Library

The John Rylands Library – with its Gothic facade and dramatic interiors that wouldn’t look out of place in a Sherlock Holmes mystery – is more than just a giant storehouse for rare books. It’s stood on the same spot on Deansgate since the 1890s and is probably the city’s most impressive heritage site. 

A visit to the library is one of the best things to do in Manchester, whether you’re a certified bookworm or not. Entry is free and it’ll take you less than an hour to admire its wood-paneled reading rooms, sweeping stone staircases and glass cases filled with fading, antique papyrus. 

6. Eat your way around the city

If you take away one piece of advice, let it be this: always come to Manchester with an appetite. The city has some serious culinary credentials, spanning Michelin-starred fine dining to vegan-friendly fast food. Mouth-watering global cuisine is always on the menu, too. 

Ancoats (the Northern Quarter’s equally cool neighbor) is Manchester’s unofficial Little Italy and where you’ll be able to gorge on stonebaked pizza and other carb-heavy delights. For fragrant ramen and delectable dim sum, the brightly decorated restaurants of Chinatown are your best bet. 

Local Tip: Searching for a cozy Sunday lunch spot? Book a table at Sam’s Chop House . It’s one of the best pubs in Manchester and still has the same moody Victorian decor as it did when it opened in 1868.

7. Check out the city’s craft beer scene

Manchester is swiftly catching up with the capital when it comes to craft beer. A good chunk of its breweries (many of them with onsite bars) lie a short walk from Manchester Piccadilly station. This includes trendy Cloudwater Brewing Co and the slightly more rustic Alphabet Brewing Company.

Detour: Prefer a G&T? The Manchester Gin distillery behind the Odeon Great Northern offers terrific tasting tours. 

8. Hit up a market

Sucker for a good market? Manchester has plenty. Foodies will be thoroughly satisfied with the treats on offer at Altrincham Market and Mackie Mayor in the Northern Quarter. If it's vintage treasures you’re seeking, make a beeline for eclectic Afflecks on Church Street. There’s also the Didsbury Maker’s Market – an emporium of locally made gifts and crafts – which sets up shop just off Burton Road on the last Sunday of every month. 

9. Salford Quays

Looking for things to do outside Manchester City Center? Hop on the tram and head for Salford Quays. The modern waterfront district is on the site of the former Manchester Docks and serves as the home of the BBC and ITV in the North. You’ll spot their studio buildings in the aptly named MediaCityUK .

Directly opposite is The Quays, a shopping, dining and entertainment complex. Within it is the Lowry , one of the top-performing arts centers in the region, and Salford Water Sports Centre where you can hire paddleboards or kayaks to explore the surrounding canals. 

10. Attend one of Manchester’s many festivals

No matter the season , there’s bound to be a festival to take your fancy. Mancunians love to celebrate, whether that’s by heading en masse to Heaton Park for the Parklife music festival or by lining the streets of the Gay Village for the annual Pride parade. 

You could also enjoy avant-garde film screenings and immersive performance art at the biannual Manchester International Festival or join in with the Lunar New Year festivities in Manchester’s Chinatown in early February.

11. Take a dip at Victoria Baths

This early Edwardian swimming pool turned cultural events venue is worth trekking up Oxford Road for. Victoria Baths first opened in 1906, and it’s managed to retain its period beauty. Original tiles cover the walls of the entrance hall, while powder blue changing cubicles with red and white striped curtains line the edge of the female baths.

The long-term goal is to refurbish it as a public pool and Turkish bath. For now, though, Victoria Baths is open for tours between March and September.

Local tip: Various events are held throughout the year too, including the Vintage Home Show in June and a pop-up festive cinema in December.

12. Embark on an art-themed tour of the city

Art fanatics will be in their element in Manchester. The Whitworth Art Gallery ’s collections are vast and include prints by Renoir and Cezanne, as well as a room dedicated entirely to wonderfully colorful wallpaper. 

Back in the city center, Manchester Art Gallery is a haven for fine art aficionados and usually has a fantastic temporary modern art exhibition. You could also browse bold works with hefty price tags at Castle Fine Art Gallery on King Street. 

Local tip: After a unique date idea? Leisurely uncovering the street art of the Northern Quarter and Ancoats – preferably with a coffee in hand – is one of our top things to do in Manchester as a couple.

This article was first published Apr 21, 2022 and updated Oct 5, 2022.

Explore related stories

Art and Culture

May 29, 2024 • 11 min read

From Glastonbury to Latitude plus boutique festivals like Secret Garden Party, here's your guide to the UK's best summer music festivals.

May 7, 2024 • 4 min read

Mar 22, 2024 • 9 min read

Aug 31, 2023 • 11 min read

Aug 16, 2023 • 6 min read

Apr 11, 2023 • 4 min read

Jan 25, 2023 • 4 min read

Jul 1, 2022 • 10 min read

Apr 26, 2022 • 7 min read

Apr 14, 2022 • 8 min read

🙌 Awesome, you're subscribed!

Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon!

Get us in your inbox

Sign up to our newsletter for the latest and greatest from your city and beyond

By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions.

Awesome, you're subscribed!

The best things in life are free.

Sign up for our email to enjoy your city without spending a thing (as well as some options when you’re feeling flush).

Déjà vu! We already have this email. Try another?

Love the mag?

Our newsletter hand-delivers the best bits to your inbox. Sign up to unlock our digital magazines and also receive the latest news, events, offers and partner promotions.

• Things to do
• Food & Drink
• Los Angeles

The 25 best things to do in Manchester

From top museums to musical amusements, here is a local’s guide to how to do Manchester properly

Photograph: Shutterstock

Manchester is known the world over thanks to its rich history, spanning every corner of culture. Footy, fashion, dance music – you name it, we’ve been there, done that and sold the promotional T-shirt. Honestly? Us Mancunians would happily scrap the Second City battle and take on the title of the UK ’s First City (sorry, London). Fight us!

It’s impossible to ignore the city’s historic past, but Manchester has undergone relentless construction over the years, and we’ve taken the creative world with a newfound confidence of late (aided, partly, by the new Factory International , which opened in June 2023). So, if you’re down to skip ahead to the next page of destiny’s script, make a beeline for MCR (and no Second City references, thanks). Here are the best things to do in Manchester. 

RECOMMENDED: 🍝 The best restaurants in Manchester 📍 The best things to do in Manchester 🍸 The best bars in Manchester 🏘️ The best Airbnbs in Manchester

This guide was recently updated by Kyle MacNeill , a writer based in Manchester. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines .

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

What to do in Manchester

1.  eat your way around ancoats.

What is it? A canalside neighbourhood that’s now very much the place to be. With a wave of a regeneration wand, this former textile district is a hit with both seasoned locals and visiting foodies.

Why go? Way back before it became a favourite hangout for food-obsessed millennials living in expansive digs with expensive dogs, Ancoats was known as ‘Little Italy’, in honour of the many Italian immigrants who came to live here during the late 19th century. Honour that heritage with superb pizza at the original Rudy’s Neapolitan Pizza , which has proven so popular since setting up shop in 2015 that it’s spread itself thickly across the entire country. Or, if you’re after something spicy, try out Nam or Viet Shack for Sriracha-spiked noodles, zingy papaya salads and broths worth bathing in.

If you’re into seasonal small plates that punch way above their size head washed down with natural wine, swan over to Erst , Canto , Elnecot or Flawd (technically in New Islington but it’s barely a cork’s throw away). The latter’s little platters are served up by sunny day hotspot Ancoats Marina too, so saunter over on a lazy Sunday after scarfing down a cruffin at indie bakery Pollen .

Don’t miss: Mana , Manchester’s first Michelin-starred restaurant since 1977.

2.  Get gothic at John Rylands Library

• Attractions
• Libraries, archives and foundations

What is it?   A library  commissioned by Enriqueta Rylands in memory of her husband, an entrepreneur and philanthropist who became Manchester's first multi­millionaire as the owner of the UK's largest textile manufacturing business. The building is home to reading rooms, a library and tall, spiralling stairways. 

Why go?   In times of woe and in need of spiritual guidance, you could well find yourself wandering into The John Rylands Research Institute and Library mistaking it for a church, such is the late Victorian neo­-Gothic splendour of this magnificent building. However, inside you'd find something which could truly enrich the soul – about 200,000 books.

3.  Have a big one at the Warehouse Project

What is it?  Ten thousand people all under one roof, raving in a mega warehouse.

Why go?  Started in 2006 by local nightlife overlord Sacha Lord, The Warehouse Project (or WHP) has become an iconic after-hours institution. Moving with nomadic speed from Boddingtons Brewery to an air raid shelter under Manchester Piccadilly to Victoria Warehouse, it’s now located in the capacious space of Depot Mayfield.

Each season runs from September to NYD and is stacked with basically every single selector you could possibly think of; last year featured the likes of Bicep, Jon Hopkins, Kerri Chandler, Jayda G, Joy Orbison, Eliza Rose, the entire Rush Hour crew, DJ BORING, Bradley Zero, Dan Shake and Elkka (to prove a point, that was all in a single night on Saturday September 16). Tickets naturally sell like hotcakes covered in gold leaf, so be quick.

Don’t miss: Go to WHP for NYE – the Depot always delivers a big final night of the year.

4.  Sample street food at Mackie Mayor

What is it?  Incredibly hungry and highly indecisive? You need to taste all the gastronomic options on offer at Mackie Mayor and the rest of Manchester’s great food markets. 

Why go?  Mackie Mayor is a h uge converted Grade II-listed building that promises 400 seats and cracking food from nine independent kitchens, including broth behemoth   New Wave Ramen   and pioneer of all things piquant   Pico’s Tacos . If you can’t get enough, p op over to  Grub  for ever-revolving residents and banging plant-based options. Finally, try Society , featuring five ace local indie kitchens (including burger kings Slap & Pickle) and 40 different beers thanks to Vocation.

Don’t miss:   Closer to Altrinham but craving the food of Mackie Mayor? Head to its regenerated sister venue   Alty Market   for the exact same scran and a change of scenery.

5.  Catch some rays at Chorlton Water Park

What is it? Deflate your lilo and ditch the beach balls – we’re not talking about an aquatic amusement park à la the Algarve. Instead, we’re referring to South Manchester's lakeside nature reserves, Chorlton Water Park .

Why go? As soon as a smidgeon of sun arrives, this park (along with its equally-as-stunning buddy Sale Water Park) become total hotspots. And if it’s raining? Get your mac on! You can stroll (or run) around the reservoirs, post up next to the waterfront with a picnic (head to Unicorn Grocery first for the ultimate picky bits) or go canoeing, kayaking, rowing and whatever else might float your boat. Just note that you can only officially take a dip in the water during certain slots.

Don’t miss:  If you’re up for some wild swimming, Lumb Falls near Hebden Bridge is probably a better bet. Also, let’s just say that the ‘No Swimming’ sign at Pickmere Lake isn’t exactly adhered to. 

6.  Discover the city’s best record stores

What is it? Independent record stores such as Vinyl Exchange , Eastern Bloc and Piccadilly Records have been supplying Mancs with mega tunes for years, paving the way for the next generation of local bands.

Why go? The city centre’s vinyl emporiums have become world-renowned for their collections. But there are some gems tucked away in the suburbs, too. T ake a quick trip to Burnage, for example, and you’ll find Sifters , immortalised in the Oasis song ‘Shakermaker’. Over the way in Chorlton, Kingbee Records offers a treasure trove of rare cuts among the Wet Wet Wet and Meat Loaf albums nobody wants any more. In fact, so good is Kingbee’s collection that some have been known to regularly come all the way from New York to visit (arriving with an empty suitcase and leaving with one that won’t zip up). 

Don’t miss: Rubber Ducky Records , a barge stacked with total tunage. It’s come back from a disastrous sinking incident and is now once again touring Manchester’s canals, so get down to Ducky for a day of dance music digging.

7.  Get creative at the Craft and Design Center

• Art, craft and hobbies

What is it?  Arts, crafts, jewellery and illustration stalls that showcase the city's creativity. 

Why go? When it comes to making things, Manchester is the Queen Bee. Drawing on its industrious industrial past, the city is alive with creatives crafting things and teaching you how to do so too. Head to the Manchester Craft and Design Center in NQ to discover more than 30 independent artists under one roof, pick up the perfect staycation souvenir or challenge yourself at one of their many jewellery or illustration workshops. Or squeeze your way down wafer-thin Ancoats alleyway Bradley Street to chic lifestyle store Form , hosting regular classes on terrazzo tiles, natural candle making and embroidery. 

Don’t miss: The Maker’s Market , featuring scores of local artists (and eateries) on weekends in a revolving roster of places (often boujee suburb West Didsbury and bohemian hotspot Chorlton).

8.  Go on a craft beer (or wine) tour

What is it? Manchester produces some of the finest craft beer in the world, so make sure you stumble to some of its best breweries and beer houses. 

Why go? Make a beeline – or should that be a beerline ? – towards crafty bars like new bird-on-the-block Pelican  (which opened in April 2023), the Piccadilly Tap (run by the team behind London’s Euston Tap) and Beermoth , all within a few minutes’ walk of Piccadilly Gardens. After something more specific? Try one of a number of bars run by local brewers; new kid-on-the-block North Westward Ho from Pomona Island, Blackjack Brewery’s Smithfield Market Tavern (just next to Band on the Wall), Seven Bro7hers’ Bar in Ancoats or the historic Marble Arch pub on Rochdale Road, which showcases Marble’s newest beers.

Don’t miss:  More of a wine person? Steer clear of the pints and book a Manchester Wine Tour , group tours which stop at the best spots in the city (casual and fancy). Private tours are also available. 

9.  Get your fill in Chinatown

What is it?  The second largest Chinatown doesn’t just serve up Chinese food; it’s home to a whole host of Vietnamese, Korean, Thai and Japanese joints.

Why go?  If you’re doing any sort of East Asian cooking, skip the Big Four and head to the area’s array of authentic supermarkets. Blue Whale is king when it comes to procuring seafood fresh from the tank, while Hang Won Hong and its delivery service TukTuk Mart have a wicked selection of fresh herbs and store cupboard essentials. Not keen on getting the wok out? Go to Pho Cue for the best Vietnamese food you’ll ever eat or join the serpentine queue at Happy Seasons for its signature roasted dishes.

Don’t miss: Sunk a few too many Tsingtaos with your spring rolls? Need to dance it off? Bop to Vina, K2, Orchid or all three for a proper karaoke experience. 

10.  Peruse Manchester’s best vintage shops

What is it? Every day is a vintage one on Oldham Street in the Northern Quarter. It’s lined with what we reckon is the most secondhand stores on a single road in the whole of the UK. 

Why go?  Into thrifting? This is your haven. Start from the Piccadilly Gardens end and strut your way into Blue Rinse , a huge vintage emporium that restocks on the regular. There’s also a permanent kilo sale round the back of Blue Rinse (next to NQ64) to bag a bargain. Then, Afflecks, an eclectic emporium of wares and wears including Pop Boutique (they also have a standalone shop across the road) and Zeffa that’s been the scene for scene kids since the ‘80s. A few doors down and you’ll find the equally beefy Cow , stacked with two floors of garms and an always impeccably-curated window display to lure you in. 

Next on the stretch is Oxfam Originals  (your dream ‘80s suit is here) and Gone Fishing, a hangout with bangers on its hangers, especially retro Italian gear from Stone Island, Missoni and CP Company. To complete the loop, walk a few paces opposite to Pop Boutique . Don’t miss: Just a couple of minutes around the corner off Stephenson Square is Suzylovesmilo , one of the finest designer boutiques in the UK, in our opinion. The team regularly head to Japan to get a new glut of garms and will happily walk you through their enviable collection of Harajuku fashion, from Yohji Yamamoto to BEAMS. A bit of Hacienda-era classic house in the background gets you in the mood. 

11.  Get your culture fix at The Lowry

What is it?  As well as works by its Mancunian namesake, The Lowry features three performance spaces, which play host to musicals, comedy and more.

Why go?  A long time ago, some very clever people decided that the area where Salford and Trafford come together – the abandoned quays, which once formed a busy dockland – would make an ideal leisure destination. So now we have a wonderful waterside location just ten minutes from the city centre. The Lowry is a hot spot for top theatre, from world premieres to West End successes. Once the show’s over, you can also explore shops, a cinema, restaurants and plenty else besides.

Don’t miss:   Imperial War Museum North  and  Old Trafford Stadium  are both within walking distance of The Lowry. 

12.  Discover history at Manchester Museum

• Natural history

What is it? The city’s best-known museum, famed for its collection of natural history and human artefacts. 

Why go? After two years and £15m it’s just reopened to universal acclaim featuring spruced up galleries and a brand new exhibition space. Filled with over four million thingamajigs of all kinds, the new headline act is the Golden Mummies of Egypt exhibit exploring beliefs about the afterlife during the Graeco-Roman era of Ancient Egypt. There's also a brand new permanent South Asia Gallery, the first of its kind in the UK. Plus – for some proper T-Rextasy – dinosaurs!

Don’t miss: The gift shop (yes, really). It’s way more than naff pens and oversized erasers; you'll find local crafts and gorgeous jewellery that magically teleports you to the counter.

13.  Catch a show at Royal Exchange

What is it?  Manchester is home to some of the UK’s best theatres, staging crowd-pleasing musicals and fearless performance art. The most famous of the lot is  Royal Exchange ,  creating a tantalising mixture of radically updated classics and bold new writing. 

Why go?  There’s a whole lot more than just Royal Exchange to get stuck into. Try heading to Ancoats for the Hope Mill Theatre (known to produce some excellent musicals) or HOME , the £25 million arts complex with a penchant for high-quality fringe shows and boundary-smashing performance art. If comedy is more your thing, see local favourites take to the stage at Gullivers or get to know the next generation of stand-ups at the Frog and Bucket .

Don't miss:  The stunningly strange interior architecture of the Royal Exchange is worth a visit in its own right

14.  Check out some indie bookshops

What is it? Oh, only part of the literary culture in this city that made Manchester a UNESCO City of Literature. No biggie. 

Why go? Manchester’s UNESCO recognition celebrates writers like Anthony Burgess and Elizabeth Gaskell, stories old and new, and our flourishing independent shops like   Bopcap Books   and   Chorlton Books   that keep the city’s literary heritage thriving. That’s not all: if you’re not averse to a verse or two, head to   Manchester Poetry Library , or if mags are more your bag, ricochet between   Village Books   and   UniTom   and gloss over their illustrious titles.

Don’t miss:   The annual   Manchester Literature Festival   as well as tours and events happening throughout the year.

15.  Go football mad at Manchester United Stadium

What is it?  Both United and City’s grounds offer tours and behind-the-scenes opportunities; football nerds, you’re welcome here.  

Why go?  Where would Manchester be without never-ending, chant-inducing football? It’s the first thing anyone in the world comments on when you say Manchester to them. With two major teams (arch-rivals and with armies of fans, naturally), plus the  National Football Museum  in the city centre, it’s safe to say that some Mancunians – and tourists – live and breathe football. Both United and City’s grounds offer tours and behind-the-scenes opportunities, and you could easily spend your entire month’s wages in their shops. For those with a more general interest in the sport, the NFM provides a great opportunity to geek out on your team’s league history, test out your football skills and learn the history of the beautiful game.

Don’t miss:  At NFM, you can see the 1966 World Cup ball, the Sleeping Beckham work of art by Sam Taylor-Wood, Maradona’s 1986 ‘hand of God’ match shirt, and postcards from 1906 of women football players.

16.  Marvel at Factory International

What is it? Manchester’s new flagship (and a little spaceship) arts space, which opened in June 2023.

Why go? It’s only just been (partially) opened, cost an eye-drenching £210m and is the UK’s largest new cultural project since the Tate Modern. Its doors were swung open in June for Manchester International Festival – the city’s biennial celebration of the arts – and already houses the largest Yayoi Kusama exhibition ever shown. There’s no understating how big of a deal Factory International (or for our insurance policy: now Aviva Studios) is set to be for the city, creating 1500 jobs, injecting £1.1bn into the city's economy every single year and supporting young creatives through the Factory Academy initiative.  Don’t miss: The official opening in October 2023 – Danny Boyle's 'Free Your Mind' – a mind-blowing dance adaptation of The Matrix .

📍 Read all about our first look at Manchester's blockbuster arts venue . 

17.  Grab a bargain at a flea market

What is it? It’s true what we said about Manchester not being an archive gathering dust. But it’s also got a load of top-drawer antiques shops to rummage through on slow weekend afternoons, mainly located in the suburbs. 

Why go? It’s a lot more fun than getting scammed on Facebook Marketplace or lost in IKEA – and no assembly required either. Stockport is stacked with shops with meticulously curated retro decor: check out the does-what-it-says-on-the-tin Vintage Emporium , and furniture specialists Rare Finds . Then, there’s hypermarket Levenshulme Antiques Village in Levy for some properly old-school stuff and mid-century purveyors Department Manchester in Chorlton.

Don’t miss: Get down to Manchester’s finest car boot sale Rummage in The Range – every first Saturday of the month at Carlton Club and third Sunday of the month at Platt Fields Market Garden – for all sorts of chintzy tchotchke and coveted clobber.

18.  Get cultured at Manchester Art Gallery

What is it? A major gallery slap-bang in the city’s centre. 

Why go? Manchester Art Gallery is a great spot for major exhibitions and an illustrious collection of fine art, ceramics and costumes. Don’t miss: For more art (without any wankiness), h ead to   The Whitworth   for a whole host of exhibitions (and a lovely park nearby), and  RAG Gallery in Chorlton for performance art and work from young local creatives at the wheel of the vanguard.

19.  Grab a pint at the Old Wellington Inn

What is it? Only Manchester’s most historic pub ever ,   first opened way back in 1552. 

Why go?  It’s a slice of old Manchester, and a pretty great spot for a sunny day too. If you fancy a bit of a historic pub crawl, check out  the also-geriatric but equally great Sinclair’s Oyster Bar  next door, and  Briton’s Protection too for a legendary ale house that reputedly treated people on its bar that were injured in the Peterloo Massacre.  Don’t miss: You might miss this as it’s so small; squeeze into The Circus Tavern on Portland Street, the smallest pub in the city and one of the tiniest in the entire country.  Best though is  Peveril of the Peak  – or The Pev for short – a green-titled powerhouse of a public house complete with jukebox, pool table, dartboard and some of the best vibes around.

20.  Have a big night out in the Gay Village

What is it? Focused on lively nightlife hotspot Canal Street, Manchester’s Gay Village is a technicoloured space almost entirely dedicated to LGBTQ+ bars, pubs, clubs and sex shops.

Why go? Compared to most parts of the city, Village – as it’s fondly shortened to – is pretty much open all hours pumping out kitsch cheesy bangers. Head to the area’s beating heart – Bar Pop – for one of its drag nights or crawl between The Molly House , Thompsons Arms or The Goose for pints and pop in a safe space. There's also private members venue The Eagle and basement musical theatre themed bar Oscars if you fancy something with a little more pizazz. If you’re heading there in the light of day make sure to check out the poignant Alan Turing memorial in Sackville Gardens.

Don’t miss: Time your visit for Manchester Pride: it’s one of the biggest and best in the UK.

21.  Get an earful of Manchester’s intimate music venues

What is it? Manchester’s many brilliant small music venues showcasing upcoming acts and welcoming back homebound heroes.

Why go? They’re as much a history lesson as they are a vision of the future. Swagger your way to Night and Day – once the stomping ground of everyone from Shaun Ryder to Liam Gallagher – or pop opposite to Gullivers for a mate-of-a-mate’s gig and showering of spilt beer. There’s also the legendary and newly refurbished Band on The Wall round the corner (Buzzcocks, The Fall and Joy Division have all played here) for bigger gigs. If you’re up for a slight detour, worm your way to Oxford Road and check out student staple and new band haven Big Hands or catch a major name in the millennial pink basement of late-night bar and club YES or the recently-saved Gorilla .

Don’t miss: Fancy something a little more roomy? Head to New Century, a legendary 1,000 capacity venue from the ‘60s that lay dormant for decades. Recently refurbished but still boasting its iconic sprung dancefloor and leftfield lighting, it’s now home to the most discerning bookings in town and features an eating-meeting-drinking social hub downstairs.

22.  Take a quick trip to Stockport

What is it? Manchester’s most exciting suburb and just a nine-minute train from Piccadilly.

Why go? Locals might be ever-so-slightly bemused by DJ Luke Unabomber’s intentionally facetious claim that ‘Stockport is the New Berlin’ – but it’s definitely the creative place to be right now (and worthy of a day trip). The wave of independent businesses is seemingly endless; check out the blooming good Plant Shop , zine haven Rare Mags and vinyl trove SK1 Records to get started. If you’re into antiques and nick-nacks head to Rare Finds , Sqound or Top of the Town . Fancy some top-notch scran? Try out ridiculously buzzy slow food spot Where The Light Gets In or its sister bakery Yellowhammer and head to apothecary-inspired The Cracked Actor or local institution Bakers Vaults for a pint.

Don’t miss: For something a little more zany, head to the Hat Works museum and doth your cap to the milliners of the past.

23.  Stroll down Beech Road

What is it? A relaxed, pretty street in the suburb of Chorlton, packed full of independent cafés and shops. 

Why go? After a night out on the tiles, unplaster yourself with a cup of exceptional coffee from Barrio or unleash the hair of the dog with a top-notch Bloody Mary at Instagram hotspot The Laundrette or South Manchester’s best Guinness at The Bowling Green . If you're into your tapas, Bar San Juan is legendary (and one of the best restaurants full stop in the entire city) serving up authentic Spanish small plates with sanguine vibes and vats of sangria. Don’t miss: It’s just a short walk from here to Chorlton Green, and then on to Chorlton Water Park , a lush nature reserve where a flask of tea and picnic in the sun (yes, sometimes it’s sunny in Manchester) will round off a perfect day.

24.  Have a mad orbital rave

What is it? A club of world-class clubs all north of Manchester’s ring road.

Why go? From edgy new spaces to legendary cult venues, Manchester's best nights out are north of Ancoats and on the fringes. Start at sinful ‘impiety shop’ Peste  – the city’s best-kept secret – for its spooky Gothic interior, sordid bookshelf and range of forgotten spirits. From there, you can head further out of the city towards all-nighter epicentre Hidden , banging club The Loft  or the total hedonism of   The White Hotel , one of the UK’s finest after-dark establishments. Don’t miss:  Pub parties are also very much a thing around these ends. Joseph Holt boozer Derby Brewery Arms  (DBA to locals) is home to some mega nights out (shout out to Tranceform) and The Eagle Inn boasts a barebones, exposed brick backroom made for pints-in-the-air raving.

25.  Tap into Manchester’s activist past

What is it? The industrial revolution wasn’t the city’s only revolutionary moment; explore Manchester’s history of progressive politics and stoic activism.

Why go? If you’re a history buff you have to visit St. Peter’s Square; it’s not only home to the Central Library and Town Hall but also was the site of the tragic 1819 Peterloo Massacre. There’s also the Pankhurst Centre  (the literal birthplace of the suffragette movement) letting you inside to learn about the fight for the right for women to vote. The People's History Museum meanwhile tells the story of democracy in the UK while the Working Class Movement Library based in Salford holds a huge collection of literature dedicated to the struggles of working people. Don’t miss: To learn more about Manchester’s multicultural history check out the Manchester Jewish Museum and Spanish cultural centre the Instituto Cervantes.

[image] [title]

Discover Time Out original video

• Press office
• Investor relations
• Work for Time Out
• Editorial guidelines
• Privacy notice
• Do not sell my information
• Cookie policy
• Accessibility statement
• Terms of use
• Modern slavery statement
• Manage cookies
• Advertising
• Time Out Market

Time Out products

• Time Out Worldwide
• Time Out London

Home » Travel Guides » 25 Best Things To Do In Manchester (England)

25 Best Things To Do In Manchester (England)

Manchester is England’s second biggest city, having been settled since 79 AD by the Romans. Manchester is a vibrant urban hotspot with excellent nightlife, arts and culture. The city is surrounded by countryside and the gorgeous Pennine mountains, making it a great base for exploring wilder regions of the country. Manchester has an extensive history and is important in many fields, including music, science and transport. It is home to the world’s first inter-city passenger railway station and a thriving culture scene, making it one of England’s most exciting cities. Here are 25 of the best things to do in this buzzing city.

1. Manchester Museum

The Manchester Museum is the country’s biggest university museum with a collection of 4,500,000 items from all around the world. The museum is housed within a striking gothic-style building and showcases the best in archaeology and natural history. The museum features a number of galleries focusing on diverse topics such as fossils, the ancient world, and world culture.

There is a special exhibition on the natural history of Manchester which looks at the city’s origins as an underwater world and then a swamp. Spend some time in the museum’s vivarium, a collection of live reptiles and amphibians and home to some of the rarest frogs in the world.

Don’t miss Stan the T.Rex, a well-preserved skeleton of an infamous dinosaur, boasting the world’s best tyrannosaurus rex skull. There is a café on-site to offer a break after a few hours exploring this wonderful museum.

2. John Rylands Library

John Rylands Library is perhaps the most well-known of Manchester’s famous libraries. Opened in 1900, the library exterior features beautiful gothic-style architecture popular amongst the university buildings. The library is worth a visit for the architecture alone, boasting gorgeous vaulted ceilings, soft illumination and ornate archways.

John Rylands Library is also one of the best academic libraries in the UK, featuring a number of special collections. The library houses medieval manuscripts, early printed texts, as well as personal letters from a number of notable figures. For lifelong learners, students, academics, and architecture-lovers, John Rylands Library is a peaceful haven set in the heart of the bustling city.

Need transport : 2-Day Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

3. Manchester Art Gallery

Manchester Art Gallery is situated in the city centre, in a building that has stood on this space since 1823. The gallery celebrates local and international work with an extensive collection that spans centuries. Here you will find paintings by artists such as Gainsborough, Turner and Pissarro. The gallery also features collections of crafts, from ceramics to metalwork and home items, as well as clothing and accessories dating from 1600 to the modern day.

Take a guided tour to make the most of your visit, and stop by the café for an afternoon tea or a slice of cake. Be sure to check the gallery’s events listings for unique one-off and temporary exhibitions, workshops and tours. Manchester Art Gallery is one of the best places to go for art and culture in the city.

4. Manchester Town Hall

An iconic element of Manchester’s skyline, Manchester Town Hall is the unmissable heart of the city. Featuring dramatic gothic-style architecture that dates from 1877, spend some time admiring the Town Hall from picturesque Albert Square. The clock tower reaches 85 metres and looks out upon the city. Book a tour to explore the gorgeous interior, with tall arched ceilings and beautiful spiral staircases, gilded in gold.

Visit the Sculpture Hall, home to a number of statues and busts celebrating people of importance to Manchester. Manchester Town Hall has been used to film scenes in several big-budget movies, including The Iron Lady, Sherlock Holmes and Victor Frankenstein. This historically important location is a great way to learn more about the city and view some stunning architecture.

See Mancester from the water : 60-Minute River Cruise

5. Museum of Science and Industry

Manchester has played an important role in the fields of science and technology throughout its existence. The Museum of Science and Industry celebrates this contribution with a number of displays and exhibitions on areas such as transport, power and computing. Learn about Manchester’s role in the booming transport industry with a ride on a train from 1830, and demonstrations of original machines used over the last 300 years.

The museum is ideal for families, with a number of hands-on activities suitable for children and adults alike, including scientific experiments, virtual reality booths, and games. The museum offers a fun and entertaining way to learn about the city and industry, and how science is still an important part of Manchester’s heritage today.

6. Old Trafford

For football fans, a visit to Old Trafford football stadium is a must. Home to Manchester United FC since 1910, the stadium is the largest in the country and one of its most iconic. Book a tour for a unique experience through the football grounds, backstage, and into the on-site museum. Learn about the history of the stadium and football club, and walk in the footsteps of football legends like Bobby Charlton and George Best.

Stop by the Manchester United store for official merchandise to show your team allegiance, or grab something delicious to eat at the Red Café. Old Trafford is an important location for English culture and a great place to spend a day out.

Book online : Manchester United Museum and Stadium Tour

7. Chinatown

Manchester’s Chinatown is the second largest in the UK and features a variety of restaurants, supermarkets and shops. It is home to Manchester’s extensive East Asian community and marked by a large paifang arch, raised in 1987. Chinatown is colourful and diverse, with some of the best ethnic restaurants in the city.

For authentic Szechuan cuisine, try Red Chilli, one of the best eateries in the area, tucked away in a store basement. Spend some time browsing the many shops with their colourful traditional wares and bright toys, or visit a local supermarket to cook up an Asian meal in your own home.

8. Royal Exchange

The Royal Exchange is one of the city’s most popular entertainment complexes, with a theatre and shopping centre on-site. The building was completed in 1921 and has survived historical damage in WWII and beyond. The Royal Exchange still features beautiful architecture but the highlight is the theatre, considered to be one of the best in the city. The theatre produces hundreds of shows every year across a range of genres so there is sure to be something on to suit every taste.

There are also a number of cafés and restaurants within the complex to visit before or after a show, making this an ideal way to experience some modern culture in a historic setting. If you’re feeling brave, try to seek out the ghosts that are rumoured to haunt the building, including an apparition of actor James Maxwell.

9. Whitworth Art Gallery

Whitworth Art Gallery is a beautiful, eye-catching building housing some spectacular pieces of art. The historic building was recently renovated to increase gallery space and provide a gorgeous and inviting exterior. Within the gallery, you will find work by legendary artists such as van Gogh, Picasso, Turner, Bacon, Hockney and Lowry, making it an absolute must-visit for art enthusiasts.

The gallery also hosts regular events, including weekly talks on fascinating topics, late-night openings each week, and workshops and tours that aim to teach visitors more about the art on show. Finish your visit with a light meal – or full Sunday roast at the weekends! – in the stunning café. With floor-to-ceiling windows, the café offers amazing views out onto Whitworth Park and the gallery’s art garden, the perfect place to rest after a day of experiencing internationally important art.

10. People’s History Museum

The People’s History Museum is the only one of its kind in the country, collecting and celebrating the history of working people in the UK. The museum resides in a former industrial building, the perfect setting for its exploration of democracy and ordinary people in Britain. The collections here feature items from around the home and workplace, as well as entertainment and recreational items of interest.

Here you can learn about important British historical events at home, including the suffrage movement, trade unionism, welfare and football culture. The museum also hosts a number of events from craft workshops to one-off talks, offering an interactive way to learn about British life. The People’s History Museum offers a unique and informative insight into the lives of everyday British citizens since the 1800s.

11. Chill Factore

For adventurers and thrill-seekers, a visit to Chill Factore is a must. Chill Factore is home to Britain’s longest indoor real-snow slope, boasting a staggering 180 metres! Here you can partake in a number of snow sports and activities, including ski-ing and snowboarding, an ice slide, and snow play park for all ages.

The centre offers lessons to those new to snow sports, and also offers other activities such as climbing, airboarding and Snowscoot (a BMX experience on ice!) There are also a number of shops and restaurants on-site so you can recharge after a few hours of fun in the snow.

12. Heaton Park

Heaton Park is Europe’s biggest public green space, spanning a massive 600 acres. The park is a great place to spend a day with a picnic, enjoying the sunshine, or exploring nature. There are also a number of attractions in the park making it a wonderful day out. Visit the park’s Animal Centre built around original stables from 1789. Here you can find goats, donkeys, alpacas, pigs and more. Find the picturesque Hazlitt Wood Pond, hidden away in Hazlitt Wood. Take a ride on the Heaton Park Tramway, featuring a historic tram from the early 20th century.

Don’t leave the park without a visit to Heaton Hall, a stately home that has stood on this site since the Middle Ages. Explore immaculately-restored period rooms, including the Cupola which features mirrored walls and a domed ceiling, and is only one of three of its kind in the country. The park also regularly hosts outdoor entertainment and events, so there is always something new to explore in this gorgeous getaway.

13. Manchester Cathedral

Manchester Cathedral has stood since 1421, featuring a gothic-style exterior that imposes and awes. The site of the church has been used for centuries, with evidence of an ancient church existing here in 700 AD. The cathedral boasts a lot of history, even in the stone used to build its floors which are full of small fossils. The cathedral is home to a number of excellently-preserved misericords, special shelves to reduce discomfort in standing for extended periods of time, featuring beautiful wood carvings.

Stop by the Visitor Centre to learn more about the cathedral’s history, and to view some special items including the Hanging Bridge. This bridge dates from the 15th century and originally provided the entrance to the church. Manchester Cathedral is a wonderful place to learn about the city’s history and to see some stunning architecture.

14. Manchester Jewish Museum

The Manchester Jewish Museum is housed in a former synagogue, built in 1874 with Moorish-style architecture. This building is the oldest-surviving synagogue in Manchester, and the museum is the only one of its kind outside of London. There are beautiful original stained glass windows and ornate ironwork on display. Inside, the museum explores and celebrates the lives and importance of Jewish people in Manchester, through a number of permanent collections and exciting events.

Learn about Jewish life in the city through items, documents, photographs and spoken stories, providing an immersive understanding of the role Manchester’s Jewish community played in the city’s growth. Attend an event such as a talk, cabaret evening, or a walking tour of the Jewish Quarter. This is an ideal place to learn about one of Manchester’s important local communities.

15. The Hidden Gem

The Hidden Gem is Manchester’s oldest Catholic church, built in 1794 on a quiet street in the city. The exterior of the church is unassuming. The only indication of the majestic interior is the doorway which features intricate carved designs. Inside, the church features a number of beautiful marble sculptures as well as eye-catching architecture.

Find the Adams Stations of the Cross, a number of paintings completed by commission in 1995 to celebrate Catholicism. These paintings draw a lot of visitor and scholarly attention in this true hidden gem of a landmark.

16. Fletcher Moss Botanical Garden

Opened in 1919, the Fletcher Moss Botanical Garden features a range of activities to make for a great day out amongst nature. The botanical garden features rockeries, ponds, ornamental gardens and groves of trees. The site is also home to a nature reserve, making it a lovely place to find some wildlife amongst beautiful plants.

The reserve is home to a number of birds including swifts, wrens and parakeets. The Botanical Garden host regular activities and events for those who are keen to get to grips with nature, including walks and nature trails. The site also houses sports grounds for tennis, rugby and more. The Fletcher Moss Botanical Garden is an ideal day out for anyone who loves the outdoors.

17. Stockport Viaduct

The Stockport Viaduct is the largest brick structure in the country, built in 1840 to provide passage for trains. The viaduct is an impressive 34m high and was the largest viaduct in the world when it was constructed. The viaduct represents an extraordinary feat in Victorian engineering, an example of Manchester’s important industrial history.

The viaduct has played a key role in local culture, appearing in many of Lowry’s paintings, as well as linking Stockport to London. The viaduct is a must-see in Manchester and one of the city’s greatest historical landmarks.

HOME is Manchester’s hub for contemporary art, film and media, featuring a theatre, cinema, gallery and studio space. HOME celebrates independent art and culture, promoting engagement and curiosity. There is always something new and exciting to experience at HOME, with an ever-changing roster of films, exhibitions, performances and events.

Attend a workshop or a tour of the stunning purpose-built building. Watch provocative indie films, participate in a poetry reading, or purchase a local zine from the bookshop. There is a restaurant and two bars offering great views and delicious food, allowing you to recharge. HOME is a buzzing cultural hotspot and the perfect place to learn something new.

19. Gorton Monastery

The Gorton Monastery was built in 1867 by Franciscan friars settling in Manchester. The monastery features amazing gothic-style architecture and is considered an important but endangered historical site worldwide. Today, constant conservation efforts are being made to ensure the monastery continues to serve its community for years to come. The interior features beautiful architecture, historic sculptures, and stained glass windows.

Book a tour or attend an open day to explore the cloisters, gardens and learn more about the history of this important monastery. Refresh yourself with a snack or tea at the café, and make the most of the monastery’s rich heritage.

20. Mamucium

Mamucium was a Roman fort founded in 79 AD, also known as Mancunium. Mamucium marked the first settlement of the Manchester area and was used in medieval times for farming purposes. During the Industrial Revolution, the fort was levelled in order to progress local industry.

Today, the ruins of the fort are still visible, and well worth a visit. Here you can see the layout of the civilian settlement that grew around the fort in Roman times. This is a fascinating look at the earliest incarnation of Manchester, and a great opportunity to learn more about Roman Britain.

21. Clayton Hall

Clayton Hall is a manor house dating from the 15th century, tucked away behind a little area of parkland. The house is surrounded by a moat and boasts traditional architecture and styling. Today, it is used as a living history museum, having been restored to represent life when the house was originally inhabited.

There are a number of rooms on show, with guided tours available, including a dining room, bedroom and wash house. There are hands-on activities for children to give them a taste of period life, and beautiful surroundings to explore.

22. Experience Manchester’s Craft Beer

Manchester is well-known for its craft beer scene which has sprung up over the past few years. There are many pubs and bars offering real ale and home-brewed craft beer, and even annual festivals celebrating the city’s beer. For an extensive collection of beers, try Port Street Beer House, widely considered to be the best place for ale enthusiasts.

Bar Fringe boasts eclectic décor and specialises in European imports, while Beermoth has regular tasting sessions for all of the beers on sale. Finally, The Hope has its very own microbrewery in the basement and offers beers and ales from around the world, making it an excellent location to end any craft beer crawl.

23. Northern Quarter

The Northern Quarter is Manchester’s alternative and bohemian capital, full of independent businesses, boutiques and cafés. The Northern Quarter is a shopping haven, home to Affleck’s Palace which was once a department store and used today as a bazaar for alternative clothing and trinkets. Check out the many boutiques and fashion designers hidden in the Quarter’s back streets, or pick up some art at one of the commercial art galleries dotted around the area.

After dark, the Northern Quarter boasts some of Manchester’s best nightlife scenes with jazz bars, music venues and secret speakeasies. For music lovers, visit the infamous Piccadilly Records for classic and contemporary vinyl. And for foodies, there are a number of small eateries producing organic and locally-sourced meals and snacks, perfect for recharging after a long day exploring the Northern Quarter.

24. Gay Village

Manchester is home to a thriving LGBTQ* scene, much of which is based in Canal Street – also called the Gay Village. The Gay Village hosts a number of annual events promoting LGBTQ* culture and issues, including Manchester Pride. In addition, the nightlife here is fantastic, with a wide variety of bars and restaurants lining the canal.

The Gay Village always offers a fun, safe and welcoming night out, or come along during the day for a pleasant stroll besides the canal. The Village is a key part of Manchester’s culture and offers entertainment for everyone.

25. Hollingworth Lake Country Park

Hollingworth Lake Country Park is a gateway to nature and wildlife just a short distance out of the city centre. The park spans a staggering 118 acres and offers a variety of activities for adventure seekers. Go boating on the beautiful lake, explore the nature reserve, or visit an art exhibition, all in one place.

There are trails for hiking and biking, and guided walks through the park. The park is bordered by hills for those who enjoy rugged countryside, and the lake also allows water activities such as windsurfing, swimming and fishing. The park is a wonderful day out and a great way to get away from the city and back to nature.

25 Best Things To Do In Manchester (England):

• Manchester Museum
• John Rylands Library
• Manchester Art Gallery
• Manchester Town Hall
• Museum of Science and Industry
• Old Trafford
• Royal Exchange
• Whitworth Art Gallery
• People’s History Museum
• Chill Factore
• Heaton Park
• Manchester Cathedral
• Manchester Jewish Museum
• The Hidden Gem
• Fletcher Moss Botanical Garden
• Stockport Viaduct
• Gorton Monastery
• Clayton Hall
• Experience Manchester’s Craft Beer
• Northern Quarter
• Gay Village
• Hollingworth Lake Country Park

Manchester   Travel Guide

18 Best Things To Do in Manchester

Updated Jun. 17, 2021

If you're a football (soccer) fan, you've come to the right place. Join fervent fans at Old Trafford or Etihad Stadium , or marvel at trophies and practice penalty kicks at the National Football Museum . History buffs will want to walk through

• All Things To Do

John Rylands Library John Rylands Library free

The University of Manchester's John Rylands Library is known as much for its beautiful architecture as it is for its collection of rare books and manuscripts. The impressive Gothic structure took 10 years to build and opened to the public in 1900. Among its vast collection are a fragment of Geoffrey Chaucer's "The Canterbury Tales" manuscript, as well as the personal letters and papers of writers, military generals and more. There is even a papyrus fragment of the Gospel of John from the Bible. The fragment is believed to be the earliest part of any New Testament writing ever found.

Recent visitors said that the architecture is stunning, likening it to a scene out of the world of "Harry Potter." Though tripods and flash photography are not allowed, reviewers suggested snapping several photos of the interior (with no flash). Others recommended a stop in the restroom to have a look at the Victorian toilets, which have remained largely unchanged since 1900.

Manchester Art Gallery Manchester Art Gallery free

Established in 1823, the Manchester Art Gallery boasts a collection of more than 25,000 items that has been collected over a period of 200 years. Of particular note is its pre-Raphaelite collection. There is also a costume collection of dress from the 1600s to present day. Families with younger children will appreciate the museum's explorer tool belts with binoculars, magnifying glasses and more items. Plus, visitors can refuel in two on-site cafes.

Recent visitors said the museum is a great spot to see beautiful, romantic paintings and well worth a stop. Many also recommended indulging in a cake at the cafe.

Old Trafford Old Trafford

Manchester United is one of the – if not the – world's most celebrated football (aka soccer) teams. The team's stadium is even nicknamed the "Theatre of Dreams." Picture a sea of red shirt-wearing fans spread across an oblong stadium cheering madly for a much-beloved bunch of talented athletes. Even if you don't get to watch the team (and the boisterous crowd) in action, you should make time for a guided tour of the stadium. The 80-minute tour takes you everywhere from the locker rooms to the tunnel where the players emerge onto the field and more.

Recent visitors advised there is a lot of walking and stairs to climb on the tour and recommended arriving an hour before your tour begins. Others said the tour is great even for non-football fans and highly recommended visiting the museum.

Popular Tours

City Sightseeing Chester Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

(112 reviews)

from $ 16.72

The Heart of Chester Walking Tour - Guided Walk

(15 reviews)

from $ 15.43

Private Chester Self-Guided Tour

(18 reviews)

from $ 11.56

Imperial War Museum North Imperial War Museum North free

The Imperial War Museum North, one of a series of Imperial War Museums throughout the U.K., traces Britain's involvement in different conflicts from World War I through the present day. Items on display include the gun that shot the first British shell in World War I, as well as twisted steel rubble from the ruins of the World Trade Center in New York City. There are also 360-degree movies covering the topics featured at the museum.

Many past visitors said they were moved by the presentation of the artifacts and displays at the Imperial War Museum North and described the staff as knowledgeable. Several reviewers recommended taking time to admire the suitcase wall, which features old suitcases once used by soldiers.

Greater Manchester Police Museum Greater Manchester Police Museum free

The Greater Manchester Police Museum, which sits in a restored Victorian police station, traces the history of policing in the Greater Manchester area. Visit the courtroom, the old cells (complete with wooden pillows) and see numerous artifacts dating from the era, including police uniforms and old police vehicles. The volunteer tour guides are founts of knowledge, ready to answer questions about policing.

Recent visitors said the museum holds fascinating artifacts and is larger than you would expect. They also reported that volunteers are friendly and knowledgeable.

Science and Industry Museum Science and Industry Museum free

The Science and Industry Museum is an extensive museum spread across five buildings with exhibits that range from textiles to electricity to the development of railways. You'll find the world's oldest surviving passenger railway station built in 1830, as well as the interactive "Revolution Manchester," where visitors will be challenged by a number of games and tasks that test the user's knowledge of everything from energy and nuclear fusion to coding. Other must-do experiences include admiring the display of old aircraft and trying your hand at the flight simulator.

Families raved about the museum, saying it's great for all ages thanks to its variety of interactive exhibits.

Afflecks Afflecks free

Afflecks calls itself "an emporium of eclecticism" and "a totem of indie commerce." This mall, which spreads itself across four floors, is no usual shopping center – you won't find your typical British stores like John Lewis or Cath Kidston here. Instead, Afflecks' shops and stalls are filled with everything from Thai massage services to all types of clothing to anime and art. You'll also find tarot card readers and tattoo parlors.

Past visitors said Afflects is a longtime Manchester institution and a great place for quirky finds. It's also popular with teens.

Etihad Stadium Etihad Stadium

The Etihad Stadium is home to Manchester City, one of the city's much beloved football clubs (or soccer teams to Americans). This stadium is one of the U.K.'s largest, with the capacity to seat 55,000 rowdy spectators. If you're able to view a match, be sure to wear a light blue shirt, and don't even think about badmouthing the home team – Manchester City fans are a very loyal bunch. They're also very fond of their stadium. But if you can't make a game, you could stop by for a 70-minute guided tour that takes you behind the scenes from the media conference room to the entrance tunnel and includes high-tech audio and visual components.

Past visitors praised the tour and their guides and highly recommended it for football fans. They especially loved seeing the locker rooms and the player tunnel.

Chester's Dead Good Ghost Tour

(30 reviews)

from $ 45.01

Chester Quest: Self Guided City Walk & Immersive Treasure Hunt

from $ 37.23

CHESTER: North Wales Adventure - Sightseeing Day Trip Tour

(83 reviews)

from $ 75.87

The Lowry The Lowry

The Lowry is a mixed-use facility – part art gallery and part theater – contained in a modern steel and glass structure. You'll find everything from exhibitions showcasing the works of beloved British artist L.S. Lowry to a variety of rotating exhibits. While here, you can also attend comedy shows and contemporary dance performances. In addition to the visual and performing arts, the Lowry also has a restaurant, a bar and a coffee shop.

Recent visitors said the Lowry is a fascinating building. Others advised that lines can be long both for tickets and parking, so buying online ahead of time is a good idea.

Royal Exchange Theatre Royal Exchange Theatre

The Royal Exchange Theatre is known for its compelling stage layout: None of the seats are more than 30 feet from the seven-sided stage. It's also known for its impressive performances, which range from Shakespearean plays to modern works. What's more, the building used to house a different kind of production: It was the site of the city's cotton trade, which closed in 1968. Some of the remnants of the exchange remain, including the original trading board with the day's closing numbers.

Past visitors praised the building's architecture and atmosphere, saying it's a great venue to see a show. Many also recommended visiting the theater's cafe.

Whitworth Art Gallery Whitworth Art Gallery free

Part of the University of Manchester, the Whitworth Art Gallery's mission is to "use art for social change." It was originally founded in 1889 to educate and inspire Manchester citizens. It houses a collection of some 60,000 works, though the museum says it has nothing on permanent display. Rather it rotates exhibitions, pulling from its collection with themes ranging from tapestries to wallpaper to Cezanne.

Past visitors described the Whitworth Art Gallery as a "great surprise" with an eclectic mix of both historic and contemporary artwork. Others warned that the more well-known paintings were on loan and that the space only had largely unknown modern art. Another positive that many visitors pointed out is the cafe.

Manchester Museum Manchester Museum free

Located on the campus of the University of Manchester, Manchester's own natural history museum boasts four floors of exhibits. Highlights include a T. rex fossil, ancient Egyptian mummies and a vivarium that's notable for its large collection of Costa Rican frogs. In total, the museum's collection comprises more than four million items. Note: The museum is undergoing a restoration and some galleries are temporarily closed.

Past visitors said the museum boasts an interesting collection housed in a beautiful building. Others warned the museum is quite compact, but said it's easy to get through in about an hour. 

National Football Museum National Football Museum

Located in the city center in the six-story, glass Urbis building, the National Football Museum is a collection of items and information about everything football (that's soccer, to us Yanks). In fact, this is England's only national museum for football. Visitors will find trophies, exhibits on stadiums, fans and the media, as well as opportunities to try their football skills. 

Past visitors say the museum has lots of interactive exhibits, but warn that there are a lot of stairs. Reviewers also said the museum staff is friendly and that the museum is a great attraction for football fans.

Fascinating Walking Tours Of Roman Chester With An Authentic Roman Soldier

(1030 reviews)

from $ 13.50

CHESTER: Lake District Adventure - Sightseeing Day Trip Tour

(35 reviews)

Fun, Flexible Treasure Hunt Around Chester with Cryptic Clues & Hidden Gems

(118 reviews)

from $ 30.85

People's History Museum People's History Museum

The People's History Museum is self-described as the national museum for democracy, exploring the development of democracy in Britain. The museum features a variety of rotating exhibits, and its main galleries focus on themes of workers' rights, reform, strikes and voting, among others. Highlights include a suffrogate banner from 1908, 95,000 photos detailing the history of the Labour Party and a variety of political posters.

Past visitors described the museum as a thoughtful collection of artifacts and exhibits displayed in a balanced and thoughtful way, and many said they were glad they stopped by and would recommend it. 

Manchester Cathedral Manchester Cathedral free

Manchester Cathedral, which dates back to the 15th century, has been through numerous conflicts and suffered damage both in World War II, as well as from an Irish Republican Army bomb in 1996. You'll want to take time to see the "Angel Stone," a stone found embedded in the structure that dates to 700. Also worth a look are the wooden carvings of medieval tales and legends under the seats of the quire stalls and the remains of a medieval bridge in the visitor center.

Past visitors said the cathedral is a beautiful building with fantastic stained-glass windows. Other said it's worth a visit even if you're not a religious person.

Museum of Transport, Greater Manchester Museum of Transport, Greater Manchester

Read More »

Chinatown Chinatown free

City of Manchester Distillery City of Manchester Distillery

Admission Ticket to Sick To Death in Chester

(296 reviews)

from $ 9.00

2 Hour Guided Tour of Chester

(21 reviews)

from $ 20.58

Medieval Walking Tour of Chester

(119 reviews)

Explore More of Manchester

Best Hotels

When To Visit

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

Recommended

The 28 Best Water Parks in the U.S. for 2024

Holly Johnson|Timothy J. Forster May 8, 2024

The 18 Best Napa Valley Wineries to Visit in 2024

Lyn Mettler|Sharael Kolberg April 23, 2024

The 25 Best Beaches on the East Coast for 2024

Timothy J. Forster|Sharael Kolberg April 19, 2024

The 50 Best Hotels in the USA 2024

Christina Maggitas February 6, 2024

The 32 Most Famous Landmarks in the World

Gwen Pratesi|Timothy J. Forster February 1, 2024

9 Top All-Inclusive Resorts in Florida for 2024

Gwen Pratesi|Amanda Norcross January 5, 2024

24 Top All-Inclusive Resorts in the U.S. for 2024

Erin Evans January 4, 2024

26 Top Adults-Only All-Inclusive Resorts for 2024

Zach Watson December 28, 2023

Solo Vacations: The 36 Best Places to Travel Alone in 2024

Lyn Mettler|Erin Vasta December 22, 2023

26 Cheap Beach Vacations for Travelers on a Budget

Kyle McCarthy|Sharael Kolberg December 4, 2023

Best Things to Do in Manchester, UK: 15 Top Sights & Attractions (+Map)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: April 23, 2023

Wondering what to see and do in Manchester, England? In this guide, we share top sights to see and the most popular tourist attractions in Manchester . This list will help you cover all the musts and make the most of your visit. Find out!

Manchester is a vibrant and multicultural city in the northwest of England UK. It’s a city of innovation and industry, with a fascinating past and a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Whatever your interests – from history to pop culture and everything in between – you will find lots of things to see and do in Manchester, along with endless opportunities to discover just what makes this proud and progressive city tick!

In this article, we include the very BEST places to see and things to do if you are visiting Manchester for the first time . All these Manchester attractions are ideal for the whole family and some are totally free to visit!

To help you plan your visit and get a better idea of where everything is located, we also created a map of the main sights of Manchester . You can find it at the bottom of this article, together with our suggestions on where to stay for sightseeing .

Good to know: Quite a few museums and landmarks in Manchester are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, so keep this in mind when planning your visit. However, there are also other places that are open daily. So – no matter when you visit – you’ll find plenty to see and do in Manchester. But if you want to visit a specific place, be sure to check the opening times!

Good to know: You’ll see that 3 out of 15 places on our list are related to football (soccer), with two of them at the very top of the list of the most popular Manchester attractions. This is because Mancunians (residents of Manchester) are fiercely devoted to their football and no trip to Manchester would be complete without visiting at least one of these landmarks…

Manchester is one of three cities in the UK that has two professional clubs, Manchester City F.C. and Manchester United F.C. As you can imagine, the rivalry between them is pretty big, particularly since both are in the Premier League.

If you have an interest in football, you really must take a tour of one of the stadiums during your visit to Manchester, plus see the National Football Museum! And even if you are not a fan, be sure to visit at least one of the three ‘football attractions’!

These are some of the best sights to see and things to do in Manchester:

1. Manchester United Museum & Old Trafford Stadium

The success of Manchester United football club (founded in 1878) is legendary and its ‘brand’ is instantly recognized right across the world. This makes a visit to the club’s home at Old Trafford an unmissable experience. It’s one of the most interesting things to do in Manchester, for footy fans and non-fans alike!

A behind-the-scenes stadium tour allows you to walk through the famous players’ tunnel – where the likes of David Beckham and Ronaldo have walked before you – and take a look in their dressing rooms. You can also sit in the manager’s seat in the dugout, see the press room, and visit the VIP room.

The museum takes a closer look at the history of the club, with trophy displays, a tribute to former player George Best, displays of the kit throughout the years, and a virtual chat with Sir Alex Ferguson, possibly the team’s greatest manager.

It’s possible to skip the stadium tour and just visit the museum at a lower price. But few people choose to pass up an opportunity to see firsthand one of the most successful football clubs in the world. We highly recommend doing the full tour !

If people visit just one ‘football landmark’ in Manchester, they usually opt for this one, but the Etihad Stadium (Manchester City) is just as special (see below). So – unless you are a fan of one or the other – just see which one fits your itinerary best and visit at least one of them.

Good to know: Be sure to check the dates when you can visit the stadium ! It has some more ‘black-out’ dates than the Etihad Stadium tour.

2. Etihad Stadium: Manchester City

Etihad Stadium is home to Manchester City football club. Founded in 1880, this is the younger of the two Manchester clubs. And whilst it has always been somewhat in the shadows of Manchester United, the recent signing of several world-class players has really seen a change to its fortunes!

The current name of the stadium comes from its sponsor – Etihad Airways. It is an impressive venue with place for 53,400 people. A few years ago, Etihad Stadium has also been named the best stadium in the world.

Sitting to the east of the city center, Manchester City stadium is a fascinating place to visit! A stadium tour gives you a real insight into how life as a professional footballer must feel to the players. You get to walk down the glass players’ tunnel out onto the pitch, see inside the changing rooms and view the trophy display. You can even have a virtual chat in the press room with Pep Guardiola, the club’s current manager, and take home a photograph of the occasion.

An audio-visual show has recently been added to the lineup which makes the Etihad Stadium tour one of the most immersive in Premier League football. The staff here is also extremely friendly, and the guides that do the tours do an excellent job!

Good to know: The Etihad Stadium tour is available daily, all year round, with just a few exceptions. You can check availability and book a tour here .

3. John Rylands Library

Located in a late-Victorian neo-Gothic building on Deansgate in the city center, John Rylands Library looks almost nothing like a typical library (apart from its bookshelves, of course!).

Instead, stepping through its doors feels like walking into a beautiful cathedral, with soaring vaulted ceilings and stunning high windows.

Commissioned in 1889, John Rylands Library has a fascinating history. It was one of the first buildings in Manchester to have electric lighting. It also had a very advanced heating and ventilation system for its time, designed to protect its books from the soot and pollutants of industrial Manchester.

Despite its beauty and historic significance, this is still very much a working library and – in 1972 – became a part of the University of Manchester. It contains some of the most important manuscripts and books ever written, including the oldest known piece of the New Testament and the 1476 William Caxton edition of Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales. It is also one of five National Research Libraries in the UK.

John Rylands Library is completely free to visit and everyone is welcome to read, study or simply admire the architecture. Be sure to check out the original Victorian toilets – unchanged since 1900 – and take the main staircase up to the Historic Reading Room, which gives you lovely views of the Entrance Hall below you and the Lantern Gallery up above.

Good to know: The library is open from 10 AM to 5 PM, from Wednesday to Saturday. For more information, check their website .

4. City Center & Walking Tours

There are lots of interesting places to see in Manchester city center . Too many to mention here. So one of the best things to do in Manchester is simply walk around the center. Check out Piccadilly Gardens, Chinatown, Royal Exchange Theatre, Albert Hall with City Hall, etc.

TIP: One of the best ways to explore the main sights of Manchester city center is by taking a walking tour with a local . It’s a great way to see the main sights, but also some lesser-known places and get to know the real Manchester in just a couple of hours.

There are various options, so pick one that best suits your interests. Here are some of the most popular walking tours in Manchester , and each very different:

• Afternoon tour of the main highlights . This small-group tour takes about 2.5 hours and covers the main landmarks in the city center. You’ll see Manchester Cathedral, St. Peter’s Square, Royal Exchange Theatre, Piccadilly Gardens, Chinatown, Vimto Sculpture, and learn more about the history of Manchester.
• Rock & Goal walking tour . This is the most popular walking tour in Manchester (and very affordable too!). It’s not your traditional landmarks tour. Instead, it focuses on the lesser-known places in Manchester and you get to learn some quirky facts about the city. You also visit some filming locations of various films and TV series, see street art, etc. It’s a great introduction to real Manchester, beyond the main tourist attractions!
• Food tour . This highly-rated food tour is another great way to explore Manchester a bit deeper. Not only do you learn more about the city, but you also get to taste some delicious local food .

5. Manchester Cathedral

With 600 years of history, Manchester Cathedral is one of the must-sees in the city. It’s the main church of the Anglican Diocese of Manchester, and quite impressive from the outside. But it’s the interior of the Cathedral that you absolutely must add to your Manchester bucket list!

Located on Victoria Street in the heart of the city, Manchester Cathedral is like an oasis in the busy town center. The peace and tranquility you experience on entering make quite a contrast with the hustle and bustle of Manchester’s lively streets. This is a great place to take a break and just enjoy the beautiful neo-Gothic architecture.

Whilst Manchester Cathedral is much smaller than the likes of Canterbury or Lincoln, it has some stunning features. Its stained glass windows are extraordinarily beautiful and it has some of the north of England’s very best late-medieval woodwork, with a very ornate ceiling. It’s also believed to have the widest nave of any English cathedral.

TIP: Do check the cathedral website before your visit to see what events are planned. You may be lucky to catch anything from an orchestral performance to a ballet during your visit. There are also some lovely craft markets held here at Christmas.

Good to know: You can visit Manchester Cathedral 7 days a week and admission is free . Although it is important to remember that this is a working church and there are daily services that may limit the areas you can visit. Also, some parts of the cathedral are occasionally used for private events (a recent gin festival, for example, which might seem surprising for such a venue!). So do check that it is fully open on the day you plan to visit.

6. Science and Industry Museum

The Science and Industry Museum is the most popular museum in Manchester.

The focus of this fun and fascinating museum is Manchester’s industrial history. It brings the past beautifully – and sometimes noisily – to life. Step into the Textiles Gallery and you are instantly transported back to when the city was the international center of the world’s cotton industry. As the noise of the vintage, steam-powered machines thunders around you, you can get a real sense of just how difficult the cotton factories were to work in.

The ‘Experiment’ gallery, meanwhile, is filled with interesting and interactive exhibits designed to make science fun and engaging. This section is especially popular with children!

There is also a big emphasis on transport at this museum. Indeed, it was built on the site of the Manchester terminus of the world’s first purpose-built passenger railway. You can still see the world’s oldest surviving passenger railway station – and its first railway goods warehouse – here today!

Steam enthusiasts will love some of the colorful and historic engines on display in the railway warehouse just across the cobbled yard from the main building.

Located in the city center, the museum is free to enter , although donations are welcome and there is sometimes a charge to enter the temporary exhibitions.

Good to know: The museum is open daily except for a few public holidays around Christmas – New Year. For more information, check their website .

TIP: The Science and Industry Museum is located in the Castlefield neighborhood . If you want to explore the more local side of Manchester, check it out!

With its cobbled streets, canals, and bridges, this old industrial area is especially nice to visit in summer. Here you will find lots of nice restaurants overlooking canals, live music performances, etc.

7. National Football Museum

Back to the football theme… Next on the list of places to visit in Manchester is the National Football Museum . It’s the world’s largest museum devoted solely to this sport and its history.

Whether you are a fan of the game or not, it’s truly fascinating to see how football grew to become one of the best-loved sports in the world. There are a variety of exhibits that examine the game’s culture and its social history.

There is so much to see here! From famous trophies and kits to plenty of fun interactive games for children and adults, too. Be sure to try some interactive challenges such as Penalty Shootout.

Exhibits are not just limited to Premier League teams either – lots of different teams are included and both women’s and men’s football are well represented.

Don’t miss the Match Of The Day Commentary Challenge, where you can try commentating on the action as you see it, or following the autocue. Either way, you’ll find it’s not quite as easy as the professionals make it look!

Good to know: The National Football Museum is open daily. You can see the availability and book entrance tickets here .

8. Manchester River Cruises & Boat Trips

River cruises are a great way to see Manchester from a whole new perspective. You can enjoy the onboard commentary as you take in sights like the Victoria & Albert Hotel, George Stephenson’s 1830 Railway bridge, and the studios of BBC TV.

Whilst it’s nice to sit and enjoy the view from the top deck, the unpredictable British weather means that you may prefer to look out from the totally enclosed lower deck instead. There is a small bar for refreshments and you will learn a lot about Manchester’s history from the very informative commentary.

The cruises range in length and there are different options depending on the time of the year. The most popular are the 1- or 2-hour city center cruises that usually only run between April and September. In addition – in the summer season – there are also half-day trips to Ellesmere Port in Cheshire (that involve a return journey by coach).

These sightseeing cruises originate from Salford Quays , Manchester’s unique waterfront destination located 15 minutes by tram from the city center.

TIP: Be sure to set aside some time for a walk around the Quays before or after your river cruise. This is a fun and lively area, with lots of eateries, bars, places to visit, and sporting activities on offer.

There are also other boat trips in Manchester, such as canal cruises, cruises with shows or music performances, etc. No matter which ones you choose, it’s a nice way to see a different side of the city.

9. Imperial War Museum North

Imperial War Museum North is one of five branches of the Imperial War Museums and the first to be located in the north of England. It’s housed in a quirky, eye-catching building designed to represent a shattered globe, and is symbolically built on a bomb site.

There are more than 2,000 objects on display charting conflict throughout the years. You’ll see weaponry from WWI right up to twisted steelwork salvaged from the wreckage of New York’s World Trade Centre.

But the appeal of this museum doesn’t just lie in its exhibits. What makes it so fascinating – to adults and children alike – is the unique way that the stories of ordinary people who lived through these experiences are told.

The 360° cinematic Big Picture Shows are totally immersive. The images and voices of the victims of war surround you, making the stories feel more real than anything you can read in a textbook.

The museum feels somewhat disorientating and confusing to navigate, but this was a deliberate architectural technique used by its designer to help visitors experience – to a small extent – war’s unsettling nature.

Good to know: The museum is open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM. It’s free to enter and located at The Quays. For more practical info, see the official website .

10. Manchester Art Gallery

Located right in the middle of the city, Manchester Art Gallery has thousands of world-class exhibits. You can easily spend a few hours here enjoying everything on offer.

The Grade I listed building housing the Gallery is an exceptional piece of architecture in itself. Designed in the beautiful Greek Ionic style, it now also has a glass walkway connecting it to a modern extension.

Manchester Art Gallery is especially famous for its Pre-Raphaelite pieces and other works by 19th-century British artists. But you will find plenty of fascinating works spanning centuries and continents.

The decorative arts collections are particularly interesting, containing pieces that demonstrate the techniques used from ancient civilizations right up to the modern day. There is an ever-changing rotation of temporary exhibitions too. There are also numerous interactive exhibits and workshops for children to enjoy.

Good to know: Manchester Art Gallery is completely free to visit , although donations are always very welcome. The museum is open from 10 AM to 5 PM, from Tuesday to Sunday. More info on their website .

11. People’s History Museum

People’s History Museum doesn’t always make it to the list of ‘must see’ attractions in Manchester. But it is so thought-provoking and interesting that it is definitely worth including in your itinerary.

It tells the story of the development of democracy in Britain and explores the concepts that affect us all, such as social justice, cooperation within society, equality, and more. Whilst the subject matter may sound a little stiff – and possibly unappealing to children – the reality is quite the opposite!

Ideas are presented in ways that are fun, engaging, and interactive. You will learn the truth about historical events – some of which may seem a little different from the way they were presented at school – and celebrate those whose radical ideas were ahead of their times. The exhibits encourage you to think critically and are excellent for opening up some very interesting family conversations!

You can easily spend a few hours here and entry is free , although donations are always welcome.

Good to know: The museum is open from 10 AM to 5 PM, every day except Tuesdays and some public holidays. More info on their site .

12. Manchester Museum

Manchester Museum is another very interesting museum in the city. It’s focused on natural history, with displays of dinosaurs and mummies. It also has a huge collection of ancient Egyptian art and everyday objects that give you a glimpse into how ordinary people lived in those days.

This museum has been recently renovated and has reopened with lots of new things to see. In addition to over 4.5 million artifacts in its permanent collections, the museum also hosts some very interesting temporary exhibitions.

Good to know: The museum is free to visit, but you need tickets for certain exhibitions. In that case, it’s also best to book them in advance since the museum gets very busy, especially on weekends and public holidays. The museum is open daily except on Mondays. For more information, see their website .

13. The Trafford Centre & Fun Activities Nearby

The Trafford Centre is one of the UK’s most popular malls. It’s luxuriously decorated with marble and gold fittings, plus palm trees and statues at every turn. Be sure to look upwards as you shop, as the glass-domed roof to the center is quite spectacular.

This area combines great shopping with a big range of fun leisure activities in Manchester. Here, you’ll find an ODEON cinema , SEA LIFE Manchester , LEGOLAND Discovery Centre , Laser Quest , outdoor adventure park Trafford Treetop Adventures , and more.

There are also more than 60 restaurants to enjoy, with the dining area designed to look like the interior of a cruise ship and a dramatic, sweeping staircase worthy of the Titanic!

Good to know: The Trafford Centre is located outside the main city center, but can be reached by tram in less than 30 minutes.

TIP: If you are looking for even more fun things to do in Manchester, this area is the place to be! Just across the road from the Trafford Centre, you’ll find indoor skiing and snowboarding at Chill Factorᵉ, skydiving at iFLY Indoor Skydiving Manchester, a miniature golf course at Dino Falls Adventure Golf, and an indoor playground Play Factore.

You could easily spend an entire day (or a few) in this area alone, especially if visiting Manchester with kids or teens!

14. Hop-on Hop-off Bus

Manchester is a big city and while the city center is best explored on foot, some of its main tourist attractions are quite spread out. So if you want to see the best of Manchester in a somewhat relaxing way, taking a hop-on-hop-off bus is a good way to do it.

It’s a comfortable way to get around but is also a nice activity in itself. In addition to providing transportation between Manchester’s main sights and attractions, it also includes a commentary allowing you to learn more about the city.

Good to know: There are 15 stops at all the main points of interest in Manchester and you can hop on or off wherever it best suits you. The hop-on-hop-off bus ticket is valid for 2 days and offers excellent value for the price. It’s not comparable to the prices you pay in London and other major cities.

15. Take a Day Trip to the Lake District (or other National Parks nearby)

In addition to all the interesting places to see and things to do in Manchester, definitely consider a day trip to the famous Lake District as well! Especially if you are visiting northwestern England for the first time and want to make the most of your trip!

Located just about 1.5 hrs drive from the city, Lake District National Park makes a perfect excursion from Manchester. Here, you can see some of the best scenery around Windermere, the largest lake in England, visit charming villages, and quaint picturesque towns.

The easiest way to do this (and make the most of your time) is by joining one of the organized tours . That way, you are sure to see the best spots and the most beautiful scenery, without having to arrange or plan much.

TIP: Lake District is just one of the many nice places you can visit in this part of the UK. There are also excursions to the Peak District , Yorkshire Dales National Park , or Snowdonia National Park in North Whales.

Also the popular seaside resort Blackpool is just an hour away from Manchester and can be easily visited as a day trip as well.

Map of Manchester Attractions

As promised, here is a map of the best places to see in Manchester mentioned in this guide.

How to use this map:  Use your computer mouse (or fingers) to zoom in or out. Click on the icons to get more information about each place. Click the arrow on the top left corner for the index. Click the star next to the map’s title to add it to your Google Maps account. To view the saved map on your smartphone or PC, open Google Maps, click the menu and go to ‘Your Places’/’Maps’. If you want to print the map or see it in a bigger window, click on ‘View larger map’ in the top right corner.

Where to Stay for Sightseeing in Manchester

In general, the best places to stay in Manchester depend very much on your personal taste and what you are planning to do:

• The city center gives you easy access to almost everything and is great for shopping.
• If vibrant nightlife is more important to you, you’ll probably prefer the Northern Quarter .
• The Salford Quays/Old Trafford area tends to be much quieter at night, but is a good base for the stadium and shopping.

Since this guide is focused on sightseeing, we recommend staying in the city center . Here are some of the best-rated hotels in this area for all budgets:

• £££££ The Edwardian – a very popular (and quite affordable) 5* hotel in the heart of the city center. Indoor pool.
• £££ Hotel Brooklyn – excellent-value 4* hotel. Top pick in the mid-range budget!
• £ ibis Styles Manchester Portland – the best lower-budget choice in the city center.

In addition, there are some things to consider when booking a stay in Manchester:

First, Manchester hosts a lot of festivals – Picnic in the Park, Parklife, and Manchester Pride to name but a few. It’s worth checking ahead to see if any of these are taking place when you visit. If so, the hotel prices in the city center are likely to be higher than usual and you might prefer to stay on the outskirts instead. The good thing is that the transport links in and around Manchester are excellent, so no matter where you stay, you can quickly be back in the heart of the action.

Second, consider the impact of football on accommodation costs. When there is a game at the Etihad Stadium, the rates go up in the hotels close to it – so look for accommodation in The Quays area. But when Manchester United is playing at Old Trafford, the best deals are to be found to the north or east of the city (including the Northern Quarter, Piccadilly, and Ancoats.

TIP: Using the map below, you can find the best deals for accommodations in Manchester. Simply insert your travel dates and group size, and you’ll see what’s available for your stay. Check it out!

So, this is our guide to some of the best attractions and most interesting things to do in Manchester, UK.

I hope that this has helped you decide on the things that you really want to see and do during your stay in Manchester, or perhaps inspired you to return for another visit!

TIP: If you are coming to Manchester for just a short visit and wondering how to plan your time, take a look at our suggested Manchester itinerary for 1 day . It will give you a better idea of what can be done with little time and how to best approach it. Check it out via the link below.

LEARN MORE: One Day in Manchester: What to See & Itinerary

UK Travel Inspiration:

• Best Things to Do in London
• London Travel Tips
• London Hidden Gems
• Where to Stay in London
• 2 Days London Itinerary
• Best Day Trips from London
• Best Things to Do in Liverpool
• The Beatles Attractions in Liverpool
• Day Trip to Liverpool from London
• Yorkshire Day Trips
• Best Things to Do in Cornwall
• Where to Stay in Cornwall
• Best Things to Do in Blackpool
• Blackpool Travel Tips
• Best Places to Visit Near Blackpool
• Where to Stay in Blackpool
• Isle of Skye Itinerary
• Scotland Whisky Tour
• Best Things to Do in Edinburgh
• Tips for Visiting Edinburgh
• One Day in Edinburgh
• One Day in Glasgow
• …For more travel inspiration for these and other destinations, take a look at our UK travel guide .

If you like cities and want to explore more of Great Britain, be sure to also check our guide to some of the most beautiful cities in the UK for some more inspiration.

If you found this post useful, don’t forget to bookmark it and share it with your friends. Are you on Pinterest? Pin these images!

Image credits: bhidethescene/Depositphotos.com// cowardlion /Depositphotos.com// andyb1126 /Depositphotos.com// 4kclips /Depositphotos.com// sakhanphotography /Depositphotos.com// Flydragonfly /Depositphotos.com// Debu55y /Depositphotos.com//

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Best Museums

How to See a Soccer Match

Food to Try

Best Restaurants

Nightlife Guide

Best Time to Visit

Weather & Climate

Manchester Airport Guide

Best Hotels

Public Transportation

48-Hour Itinerary

Day Trips From Manchester

Top Things to Do

The Top 10 Attractions in Manchester England

Head for Manchester to experience the latest incarnation of one of England's liveliest cities. As these top ten things to do in Manchester demonstrate, this is an entrepreneurial city that has reinvented itself over and over.

Once England's northwestern powerhouse, in the 18th and 19th centuries it was the driving force behind the industrial revolution. Its wealthy industrial tycoons endowed the city with museums, galleries, concert halls, universities and more. Creative institutions breed creativity so that today, Manchester has some of the most exciting architecture in Britain as well as a lively music and art scene on a par with London. 

These ten things to do in Manchester will keep you busy. And to make it easier, here's how to get there.

Learn About Britain's National Sport: Football

You may call it soccer, but in the UK the game is called football and for many it's the only game in town. In Manchester football really matters. The city has two teams that play at the highest level of the game — the Premier League —  Manchester United and Manchester City . Both teams offer fans and football mad tourists a variety of tours. Man United's historic stadium, Old Trafford, near Salford Quays, has a museum and offers a variety of museum and stadium tour packages , including canal and museum tours that start in the city center. Man City plays at Etihad Stadium, about a 25-minute walk from the Manchester Piccadilly Station in the city center. Their stadium tour takes you behind the scenes to walk in the footsteps of favorite players.

If you can't squeeze stadium tours into your itinerary, you can still soak up the Manchester football vibe at the National Football Museum. Located in Urbis, the city center's ultra modern exhibition building, it's the world's largest museum devoted to this sport. And it's free.

Immerse Yourself in Music

Manchester is "Music City UK". Dozens of internationally famous indie, rock and pop bands got their start here — going back to the '60s with Herman's Hermits and Freddie and the Dreamers, right up to today with Morrissey, Oasis, Take That, The Stone Roses and The Smiths.  The city has a large student population and loads of music venue to cater to all tastes. They range from the giant Manchester Aren a (recently reopened after the tragic May 2017 terror attack) to medium sized halls such as the Lowry at Salford Quays, to hundreds of small, intimate spaces and clubs that remain hothouses for new indie talent. Find the latest Manchester concerts, live gigs and club nights on  Skiddle  or from the What's On pages of the Manchester Evening News.

If classical music is more your thing, you can visit The Bridgewater Hall , where Manchester's own Halle Orchestra and the BBC Philharmonic perform along with a full schedule of visiting companies and soloists. For classical music, opera, ballet and dance, check out the listing website BachTrack . 

Browse the Art Galleries

Manchester's "barons" of industry believed in culture and philanthropy. They endowed the city with wonderful museums and left their fabulous collections for all to enjoy. That tradition continues, with public and commercial galleries cropping up all over the city. Among the most outstanding, Manchester Art Gallery  is noted for its collections of fine art, design and costume, 13,000 works of art amassed over 200 years. The Whitworth Art Gallery , at the University of Manchester has just undergone a multi-million pound redevelopment, taking full advantage of its park like setting. There you can spot instantly recognizable romantic landscapes by Turner, alongside European Old Masters and Pre-Raphaelite paintings and drawings by Rosetti, Millais, William Blake, Holman Hunt and Burne-Jones. Both are open every day and entry is free.

Fans of Manchester's favorite son, artist L.S. Lowry, will find the world's largest public collection of his unique paintings and drawings at the aptly named Lowry, on Salford Quays. Gallery interpreters lead free half hour tours of the Lowry Exhibition every day from  at noon and 2 p.m.

Pay a Call on Mummy

Twenty mummies, actually. Among its many collections, the Manchester Museum is particularly known for its Egyption collection, including more than 16,000 artifacts and 20 human mummies.

They are just a small part of the four million objects that fill this fascinating place with natural history, environmental science, technology, ethnography, and — to keep everyone in the family happy — dinosaurs.

The museum, like the Whitworth Art Gallery, is part of the University of Manchester. It's open every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and it's free.

Head for the Future on Salford Quays

Where Trafford (home of Man United's Old Trafford and Lancashire County Cricket Club ) met Manchester's abandoned docklands at Salford, the futuristic Salford Quays blossomed in stainless steel and glass since the millennium. A combination leisure, sports and media community, with shopping and dining thrown in for good measure, there is more than enough here to keep you busy for a whole day and then some.

First of all, day or night, it is a feast of modern architecture. The Imperial War Museum North  — despite its name more of an anti-war experience than an imperial one — was designed by leading architect Daniel Libeskind. And The Lowry , a performing and visual arts center by architect Michael Wilford, sits on a triangular site overlooking the Manchester Ship Canal. There are two amazing bridges: the Media City Footbridge, a modernistic swing bridge that opens to allow a 48-meter navigation channel and the Salford Quays Millennium Footbridge, a lift bridge that rises 18 meters to allow larger ships through.

More than 200 media businesses — designers, television and film production companies fill the high rise MediaCityUK . You can see some of it, and what goes on there by taking a tour of the BBC . 

You can even see it all from the water by taking a cruise.  Manchester River Cruises  depart regularly from Salford Quays, while Visit Manchester can recommend several other city center and river cruises that visit this futuristic corner of Manchester.

Find the Devil's Hoof Print Among Some Very Old Books

On the edge of Manchester's ultra modern, stainless steel and glass city center is a remarkable set of medieval buildings dating from the 1471 and since the 1960s occupied by a school of music.

But one of the buildings, the oldest intact medieval building in the north of England, has a much more fascinating history. It has been a  free public library, in continuous use, since 1653 — the oldest public library in the English speaking world.

Chetham's Library  was founded by Sir Humphrey Chetham, a 16th- and 17th-century textile magnate (he made his fortune in fustian). It  began collecting books in 1655 and is still building its collections of specialist subjects. The notables who have studied there include Karl Marx and Frederick Engels — you can even see the desk they worked at together. And look for the audit room where Elizabethan occultist summoned the devil. The table with the devil's hoof print burned into it is still there. 

A registered charity, the library is open to visitors and readers free of charge (though a donation of £3 is suggested). Several rooms are regularly open, but visitors who want a deeper look into the library and it's treasures can book a guided tour. Visit the library's website for information about opening hours and visiting plus a fascinating history of the place.

Take a Walking Tour

Manchester's trained Blue Badge Guides are well informed and entertaining. They can lead you on a whole range of fascinating tours , from sightseeing overviews to special interest hikes about history and heritage, street art, music, architecture and politics — Marx and Engels again or the footsteps of the Suffragettes. Sadly, the tours of the amazing Neo Gothic Town Hall are off the menu since mid-January, 2018 when it closed for five years of refurbishments. But there are still plenty of good walks to try, some free and most for a relatively small fee. Luckily, Manchester is pretty flat so long walks are easy.

Drop in on a Festival

Manchester is probably second only to Edinburgh for the festivals on offer. The city reels from one major art, food or culture event to another. Top festivals include the Manchester International Festival — three weeks of performances and premiers, high and low brow, popular and esoteric, held every two years (next in 2019). There's also a jazz festival , literature festival, and several different food and drink focused festivals to choose from — there's something happening pretty much all year round. There's even the World Black Pudding Throwing Championship.

Dip Into Coffee Culture

Yes, we know there are coffee houses and coffee shops on just about every corner in every major city in the world these days. Manchester is particularly rich in independent coffee houses, each with its own particular atmosphere.  

But the main reason for popping round for a cup is not so much the brew (as good as that may be) but for the people watching. Manchester's coffee shops are great places to see the city's urban tribes in their natural habitats, to listen in on local talk in local Mancunian accents, to check out the latest street fashions.

• TAKK : Nordic style espresso, influenced by the founder's travels in Scandinavia and Iceland (though the coffee comes from a roaster in another coffee mad city, Bristol ).
• Pot Kettle Black : Founded by two St. Helens professional rugby players and located in Barton Arcade — a Victorian shopping arcade near Deansgate. Snacks and treats have a healthy edge.
• Grindsmith : Youthful and committed to craft coffees, serving up Manchester roasted beans from three locations, including a shop on Deansgate.

Celebrate Chinese New Year

Manchester lays claim to the biggest Chinatown in Europe.  It has dozens of highly recommended restaurants — not only Chinese but also Thai and Japanese — specialist shops and Chinese cinemas. Try the Michelin recommended Wings , where you might spot Man United players tucking in, or Tai Pan , a favorite with Chinese university students.

Manchester's Chinatown holds a huge, three day Chinese New Year festival across Albert Square, Exchange Square, Market Street and much of the city center (February 16-18 in 2018). There are performances, food and craft fairs, plenty of noise and it all culminates in a big dragon parade.

18 Best Things to Do in Toronto With Kids

48 Hours in Manchester: The Ultimate Itinerary

Top 20 Most Popular UK Cities for International Visitors

48 Hours in Casablanca: The Ultimate Itinerary

The 10 Best Museums to Visit in Manchester

18 Best Places to Visit in Kolkata to Discover the City

The Top 10 Things to Do in Marylebone, London

20 Top Things to Do in Vienna, Austria

Top Mexico Destinations

15 Best Free Things to Do With Kids in Cleveland

The Top 15 Things to Do in Liverpool

Free Things to Do in Cleveland

48 Hours in Birmingham, England: The Ultimate Itinerary

19 Best Things to Do in Vancouver, BC, on a Budget

The 12 Best Things to Do in Oxford

20 Best Things to Do for Free in Dublin, Ireland

Travelling is ultimately a tool for growth. If you want to venture further, click this banner and take the leap 😉

• Meet the Team
• Work with Us
• Czech Republic
• Netherlands
• Switzerland
• Scandinavia
• Philippines
• South Korea
• New Zealand
• South Africa
• Budget Travel
• Work & Travel
• The Broke Backpacker Manifesto
• Travel Resources
• How to Travel on $10/day

Home » Europe » United Kingdom » England » Manchester

20 BEST Places to Visit in Manchester (2024)

Visiting Manchester is on a lot of people’s bucket lists. This city is filled with history, it has a vibrant and exciting culture, and it also has one of the most famous soccer teams in the world. And the rumors about the food in England aren’t true. This city is such a melting pot of cultures that the food is amazing, which will just add to your list of places to visit in Manchester.

Manchester is a big city that’s full of little neighborhoods. This can make it difficult for you to find the best and the most interesting attractions. To help you find your way around, we’ve created this list of things to do and see. And there’s something for everyone!

Need a place quick? Here’s the best neighbourhood in Manchester:

These are the best places to visit in manchester, faq on the best places to visit in manchester.

Manchester City Centre

Wondering where to stay in Manchester for your first time? Well, are you ready to feel right in the middle of the swirl of all the hubbub and hullabaloo that Manchester has to offer? Then staying in Manchester City Centre is for you.

• Meander down King Street and take in all the architectural wonders
• Go shopping at Arndale and pick up all the things on your shopping list
• Take a photograph with the buskers along the popular and busy Market Street

We know you want to take a look at the BEST places to visit, so why not also check out the BEST places to stay in Manchester and make the most out of your time in this incredible city!

Unlock Our GREATEST Travel Secrets!

Sign up for our newsletter and get the best travel tips delivered right to your inbox.

#1 – Castlefield – One of the most incredible free places to go to in Manchester

The Broke Backpacker is supported by you . Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more .

• An amazing and beautiful place to start your explorations of the city.
• This park is a Manchester must see!

Why it’s so awesome: Castlefield is an Urban Heritage Park and is one of the best places to visit in Manchester for history and beauty. It contains lovely Victorian houses set along old canals and a reconstructed Roman Fort for you to explore. There are also several old warehouses in the park that have been turned into restaurants, shops, and hotels.

What to do there: You should start by exploring the park. Wander along the canals and take pictures of the old houses and explore the Bridgewater Canal, which was once used to transport coal. And when you get tired, head over to the warehouses and find a restaurant where you can rest your feet and have a snack. If you have enough time, you should also spend some time at the Castlefield Art Gallery, with its contemporary art exhibitions.

#2 – John Rylands Library – A great place to see in Manchester if you love architecture

• This collection of rare books is houses in one of the most stunning Victorian gothic buildings you’ll ever see.
• If you enjoy libraries, then this is a Manchester must-see.

Why it’s so awesome: If you want to see some great architecture while you’re visiting Manchester, then this is a great place to start. This building is considered to be one of the best examples of neo-Gothic architecture in all of Europe. There are also several Arts and Crafts details and Art Nouveau metalwork incorporated. And the library is just as good. It was started from the purchase of the private library of the second Earl Spencer and includes more than 250, 000 items. This includes a number of extremely rare manuscripts.

What to do there: The first thing you’ll want to do when you arrive at this library is check out the building. It’s truly stunning and looks a little like a church, with huge windows that are meant to let in the reading light. But make sure you visit the inside as well because you won’t get many chances to see such a rare book collection. Some of the highlights include an original Gutenberg Bible, medieval manuscripts, and the oldest known fragment of the New Testament.

#3 – Fletcher Moss Botanical Garden

• Part botanical garden and part wildlife sanctuary, this park is like an oasis in the middle of the city.
• If you need a break when you’re visiting Manchester, then you’ll find the peace you need at this park.

Why it’s so awesome: This garden was founded in 1917 and provides a needed green space in the middle of the city. It’s partly a botanical garden, with lots of amazing plant displays, and partly a habitat for wildlife.

What to do there: You can be as active or as lazy as you like at this botanical garden. Wander the grounds checking out the plants and wildlife. Take a picnic and eat it on the grass. Or burn off some of the travel calories by playing tennis, football, or rugby. There’s even a café in the park where you can sit in comfortable chairs and sip an expertly made coffee treat.

#4 – The Victoria Baths

• Recently renovated Turkish style baths that are the perfect antidote to cold days.
• At these baths, you can watch movies in the summer, take a tour, or learn something new at one of the classes.

Why it’s so awesome: These baths were originally created in 1906 to be a water palace, but they fell into disuse. In 1990, they were renovated back to their original glory as part of a television competition. Once the renovations were complete, the baths were re-opened for events and for swimming.

What to do there: These baths were designed to be used for swimming in the warmer months and for events in the colder months. And that’s exactly how they’re used today. So, when you travel to Manchester, check out what’s on at the baths. If it’s summer, go for a swim and enjoy the sumptuous surroundings. And if it’s winter, check if there are any events scheduled to be held in the building.

#5 – Manchester Cathedral – One of the most religious places to see in Manchester

• This cathedral dates back from 1422 to 1506k and is richly decorated with religious artworks.
• If you’re interested in religious history and artwork, then this church must be on your Manchester itinerary.

Why it’s so awesome: This cathedral is located on the banks of the Irwell and contains several attractive and beautiful features. It contains small chapels that are worth exploring, including St. John’s Chapel, which is attached to the Manchester Regiment, and the Little Lady Chapel.

What to do there: There are lots of nooks and crannies to this church, so make sure you take the time to explore them all. The chapels on both sides of the nave and choir are particularly attractive and have been updated to fit each century after their creation. You should also make sure that you explore the choir stalls. They have richly decorated misericords that are probably the best and the most beautiful in the country.

#6 – The Northern Quarter – Easily one of the most fun places to check out in Manchester

• One of the best places to eat, drink, and be entertained in Manchester.
• This area is a Manchester must do because there’s just so much to enjoy about it!

Why it’s so awesome: The Northern Quarter is one of the most colorful and vibrant neighborhoods in Manchester. The streets are decorated with colorful street art that adds to the slightly hippie vibe and they’re filled with cafes, restaurants and shops. You could probably spend a whole day in this neighborhood, eating, exploring, and shopping. There are many Airbnb’s in the area if you decide you’d like to stay here as well.

What to do there: When you’re exploring Manchester, make sure that you explore this area as well. Apart from the plethora of shops and restaurants on the main streets, there are also lots of hidden gems around every corner. So, just let your feet guide you and wander into any spot that looks interesting. You’re bound to come away with a full belly, a lighter wallet, and a big smile on your face! Some of the most popular spots are the Federal Café and Home Sweet Home, so make a point of seeking them out.

A new country, a new contract, a new piece of plastic – booooring. Instead, buy an eSIM!

An eSIM works just like an app: you buy it, you download it, and BOOM! You’re connected the minute you land. It’s that easy.

Is your phone eSIM ready? Read about how e-Sims work or click below to see one of the top eSIM providers on the market and  ditch the plastic .

#7 – Platt Hall – Quite the quirky place in Manchester!

• Plat Hall contains a gallery of all the best and weirdest fashions in English history.
• If you love clothes, then this is a Manchester must do.

Why it’s so awesome: Fashions change throughout the years. What’s normal and fashionable at one point in history looks strange and even comical to those that come after. This museum celebrates that fact with an overview of English fashion from the 1600s to the present day. And all these outfits are kept in a lovely Georgian House that was built in 1764.

What to do there: If you enjoy fashion, then you might get some ideas from this gallery! Wander through and look at one of the largest collections of English costumes in the world. Marvel to yourself at what was once thought attractive. And consider what future generations will think of what people wear today.

#8 – National c Museum

• The best place in Manchester to learn more about the city’s most beloved sporting teams.
• Manchester is home to two of Europe’s best soccer teams, and this museum celebrates the city’s strong connection to the sport.

Why it’s so awesome: If you like soccer, then you’ll be in heaven in this museum. It celebrates soccer by carefully safeguarding a wide range of memorabilia, trophies, and clothing. There are also some short movies showing the history of the game. As an added bonus, several of the exhibits are interactive and hands-on, designed to keep your kids enthralled for hours.

What to do there: Take your kids with you, or just a few friends who are fans of the sport and learn more about it at this museum. Make sure you check out the first rule book as well as the other displays and immerse yourself totally in the exhibits and the game.

#9 – St. Mary’s Catholic Church – One of the most underrated places to see in Manchester

• This church is often known as the hidden gem of Manchester.
• Lots of tourists are put off by the relatively plain outside, but once you wander in, you’ll find some incredible carvings and decorations.

Why it’s so awesome: There’s nothing like a surprise when you travel. The best feeling in the world is to turn a corner and find yourself in an entirely unexpected place. That feeling is what this church will give you. The outside is plain and unremarkable. And the inside is spectacular, which is why this church is one of the best-hidden attractions in Manchester.

What to do there: Ignore the outside and go inside. You’ll see some incredible Victorian carvings, a marble altar, Expressionist-style stations of the cross, and statues of saints. And if you’re not sure what you’re looking at, ask about the guided tour.

#10 – Manchester Art Gallery

• Home to one of the largest art collections in Britain outside of London.
• If you love art, a few hours wandering these halls will make you very happy.

Why it’s so awesome: For a long time, Europe was the center of the art world. Because of this, it’s now one of the best places in the world to explore different styles of art that has a strong historical significance. The Manchester Art Gallery contains works by some of the best artists in history. And it’s one of the best places in Manchester if you want some peace and quiet amongst beauty.

What to do there: As you explore Manchester, make sure you set aside a couple of hours to explore this gallery. Some of the highlights include the Flemish masters from the 17th century, and French Impressionists, including Manet, Monet, and Gauguin. The sculpture collection is also spectacular and includes works by Rodin, Jacob Epstein, and Henry Moore.

#11 – Chinatown – A must-see for foodies!

• A bright and lively place with a very different feel and character than the rest of the city.
• One of the best places to eat in Manchester.

Why it’s so awesome: A lot of cities have a Chinatown these days, and this can only be good for the city’s food scene! The Chinatown in Manchester is one of the oldest Chinese communities in Britain. It’s also close to the Manchester Art Gallery, so you can take in some art and then head over to Chinatown for edible art.

What to do there: You’ll recognize the red gateway to this area immediately. And once you’re inside of Chinatown, wander around and see how a different culture can affect the city. You should also eat at least one of your meals in this area. It contains restaurants that offer some of the best culinary delicacies from Hong Kong and the Mainland, so make sure you try at least one of them!

#12 – Heaton Park – A beautiful outdoor place to visit in Manchester

• A lovely and huge green space in the center of the park.
• There’s more to this park than just grass and you can play golf, tennis, go boating, or head over to the adventure playground with the kids.

Why it’s so awesome: This park stretches across 600 acres and is designed to appeal to every type of visitor. For starters, it’s a wonderful green space in the middle of the city, an essential solace for people who are tired of the busy streets. But what really appeals at this park is the way it packs in the attractions and activities. It quite literally contains something for everybody.

What to do there: When you’re in this park, you will find something interesting to do. If you’re trying to decide what to do in Manchester, just take a wander and see what catches your eye. Play tennis, golf, mini-golf, or just hit some balls down the driving lane. If you’re in the park with the kids, then go boating, explore the ornamental gardens and woodlands, or head over to the adventure playground. Basically, no matter what you enjoy doing, you’ll find space for it at this park.

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

#13 – The Museum of Science and Industry

• There’s a long history of science, technology, and industry in England, and this museum explores that history.
• Great for lovers of tech, and cars.

Why it’s so awesome: There are 12 galleries in this museum, each of them dedicated to a different aspect of science and industry. This includes the Power Hall, which contains water and steam-driven machines as well as some of the coolest cars made in Manchester, including a 1904 Rolls Royce. Another building explores the history of the city from the time of the Romans to the present day and the Air and Space Gallery contains historical aircraft.

What to do there: If you enjoy vehicles, space, or history, then you need to make the time to explore this museum. It’s one of the most popular hotspots in Manchester for tech-lovers. Some of the highlights are the Station Building, where the history of the city from the time of the Romans forward is explored. Also, make sure you drool over the cars in the Power Hall, with their gleaming bonnets and heavy lines.

#14 – Intu Trafford Centre – Awesome place to visit in Manchester with kids!

• One of the best places to visit in Manchester if you want to shop and have the kids with you.
• There is a huge range of brands and retailers in this area, as well as lots of family-friendly activities.

Why it’s so awesome: The shopping in England is famous, and if you want to be part of it then this area will satisfy your cravings. If you’re traveling with children, it’s even better, because it contains a range of activities and attractions that will keep them occupied for hours.

What to do there: Take your cards with you and go shopping! Explore some of Manchester’s famous brands and shops and then stop at cafes periodically to rest your feet. If you have the kids with you, take them to the LEGOLAND Discovery Center, the ODEON cinema, or Sea Life. Or just wander around with them and see what catches their eyes.

#15 – The Corn Exchange

• Home to some of the best places to eat in Manchester.
• This Edwardian building houses a huge range of international restaurants for you to try.

Why it’s so awesome: Food Courts are popular because they give you a range of choices. And that’s exactly what the Corn Exchange does, just on a higher level. In this building, you’ll have a range of options when you’re looking for something to eat, from Mexican food to Brazilian and Indian.

What to do there: Show up for dinner and follow your nose and your stomach to the option for you. Some of the most popular offerings are Mowglis, which sells amazing Indian food, and Cabana, where you can enjoy the tastes and smells of Brazil. One thing’s for sure, once you’ve had a taste of this collection, you’ll want to come back and try the other options!

#16 – The Lowry

• The Lowry is one of Manchester’s best art hubs.
• This is a charity that uses art to enrich lives, so you’ll be supporting a good cause as you have a great time.

Why it’s so awesome: You can’t visit England and not go to the theater. This country is famous for the quality of its performing arts, so make sure you indulge yourself. The Lowry is one of the best hubs for arts in the city and showcases a range of visual and performing art shows.

What to do there: Find out what’s on at the Lowry while you’re in the city and pick up your tickets early. Get dressed up and make a night of it, indulging yourself in a tiny slice of England’s long tradition of theater. There’s also a bar and restaurant at the Lowry, so you can enjoy a good meal and drink before or after the show.

Our GREATEST Travel Secrets…

Pop your email here & get the original Broke Backpacker Bible for FREE.

#17 – Manchester Museum

• The biggest university museum in the country.
• There are more than 4,500,000 items from all around the world at this museum.

Why it’s so awesome: If you enjoy museums, then you’ll love this one. It’s one of the most famous places in Manchester for tourists and locals alike. The museum is housed within a stunning gothic-style building and contains a range of relics that explore the archaeology and the ancient history of England and the world as a whole.

What to do there: With more than 4 million items, you’ll need a bit of time to see everything at this venue. There are several different galleries, each focused on a different aspect of history including the ancient world, fossils, and world culture. Don’t miss the special exhibition on the natural history of Manchester or the vivarium, a live collection of reptiles and frogs. Also, don’t miss Stan the T.Rex, who holds pride of place and boasts the best-preserved tyrannosaurus rex skull in the world.

#18 – The Bridgewater Hall – A great place to visit in Manchester at night

• An impressive building that hosts over 250 musical performances a year.
• If you love classical music or any other genre really, this is one of the best places to visit in Manchester.

Why it’s so awesome: Checking out the music scene is one of the coolest things to do in Manchester so why not start off with a sophisticated night out on the town, and this hall gives you the perfect chance to indulge that fantasy. It’s a lovely building that is home to 3 resident orchestras and holds a range of musical performances throughout the year.

What to do there: If you want an elegant night out with musical accompaniment, then find out what’s on at this venue while you’re in Manchester. The Bridgewater Hall hosts a wide range of musical genres, so no matter what you enjoy, you’ll find a show that you’ll enjoy.

#19 – Manchester Arndale – A great place in Manchester if you love to shop!

• This is definitely not a good place to visit if you’re on a budget.
• There are a huge range of high street brands and department stores in this area, so come prepared to spend some serious money!

Why it’s so awesome: This shopping paradise is located right in the heart of the Manchester city center. It boasts a huge range of high-end shops of all descriptions, including some of the biggest brands in the world! You won’t find a bargain here, but you will find that one of a kind designer item that you’ve been dreaming about!

What to do there: If you have the money to spend, then spend an afternoon in this area. You’ll be in the presence of shops like Debenhams, House of Fraser, Selfridges, and one of the biggest Primark stores in the UK. So, prepare your cards for a workout and hope that you don’t buy so much that you need another suitcase to get it all home!

#20 – Altrincham Market – A great place to visit in Manchester if you are alone/traveling solo

• One of the best and most popular markets in Manchester.
• This is an absolutely iconic market and one of the tastiest and most interesting points of interest in Manchester.

Why it’s so awesome: Street food markets often offer the best tasty treats you’ll ever experience, and this market is no different. The Altrincham Market offers a rotating selection of foods, goods, crafts, and local produce. So, no matter what trinket or tasty food you’re looking for, this market is open every day of the week to help you get it.

What to do there: Depending on what day you show up; you’ll be treated to a wide range of goods and foods. Sundays rotate between food, craft, design and vintage and Saturdays are for crafters and jewelers. On weekdays, you’ll be treated to lots of local produce and food, always more food. So, just show up and find out what’s on offer when you have a little free time. Your stomach will thank you for it.

Drink water from ANYWHERE. The Grayl Geopress is the worlds leading filtered water bottle protecting you from all manner of waterborne nasties.

Single-use plastic bottles are a MASSIVE threat to marine life. Be a part of the solution and travel with a filter water bottle. Save money and the environment!

We’ve tested the Geopress  rigorously  from the icy heights of Pakistan to the tropical jungles of Bali, and can confirm: it’s the best water bottle you’ll ever buy!

Get insured for your trip to Manchester!

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Find out what people want to know about the best places to visit in Manchester

What is the most visited place in Manchester?

It’s hard to say what is the MOST visited place, but given its history with football I would say the National Football Museum is probably one of them. As well as Castlefield.

What places in Manchester are free to visit?

Castlefield is free to visit and is an Urban Heritage Park full of history and natural beauty.

What is Manchester famous for?

Manchester is famous for its architecture, the tram, the University and in more recent years, the HQ for huge broadcast media such as the BBC and ITV.

Is Manchester worth visiting?

Because it’s only a 2 hour train journey out of London, it’s super easy to visit. I would definitely say a visit to Manchester is worth it, especially if you like nightlife.

Final Thoughts on the Coolest Places to Visit in Manchester

Manchester is one of the most popular cities in England for tourists and there are lots of amazing reasons for that. Whether you love history, art, great food, a vibrant bar scene, or sports, you’ll find lots of places to visit in Manchester that will have you in love with the city. And with this list, you’ll be able to find the attractions that suit your temperament and your dreams for your holiday. So, take this list along with you and enjoy your stay!

Sophie Steinebach

Share or save this post

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of followup comments via e-mail.

Activities and Experiences | Manchester Guides | Travel

15 great places for a day trip from Manchester

Here we have a selection of some of the best places to take a day trip from the city – places not too far away so you can get enough time there.

By Emma Davidson | Last updated 21 December 2022

Share this story

As much as we love residing in one of the best cities in the world, nothing beats a weekend escape from the hustle and bustle of Manchester city life and we’re very lucky to have so many picturesque retreats pretty much on our doorstep. 

From secluded spots less than an hour’s drive away, to safari parks and award-winning theme parks, it’s the time of the season for a winter staycation and we’ve rounded up our top picks for varying itineraries. 

If booze is top of your agenda, there’s some great crawls and cocktail bars that are serving up drinks difficult to contend with and there’s also a plenty places to take the kiddies, too, as we’re aware that you’re probably panicking trying to fill the next few days with worthwhile fun.

There’s no way we were starting this list with anywhere else. Blackpool holds a special place in the heart of many a working class Brit that, over the years, has gained fond memories of long, illuminated tram trips, cruel donkey rides and soggy sandy chips atop the pier. It’s the epitome of British summer time, and is very easy to get to from Manchester for a nostalgic day out.

There wasn’t a year that passed by without us making the hour round trip to the seaside destination, and Blackpool’s famous pleasure beach was always at the top of our list. The theme park attracts thousands of visitors each year seeking thrills on the iconic The Big One, Grand National, or steel shuttle coaster, Revolution, or if you don’t class yourself as a daredevil, you can always opt to hold everyone’s bags. 

The seaside town is also complete with a myriad of cracking pubs, which you’ll often catch a drag act or karaoke session in at whatever time of day – and the town’s Latin America Las Iguanas restaurant sits directly below Blackpool Tower, so drink enough Pina Coladas and you could be in Paris. 

One of the UK’s most quaint and historic cities, Chester makes for an informative but very enjoyable trip out of Manchester. Complete with city walls and the largest Roman Amphitheatre in Britain, there’s plenty to see and do, as you’ll find yourself standing exactly where Roman legionaries once marched to war. 

Its rows, which now house an abundance of independent and more recognised stores, also make for a unique shopping experience as the district is distinguished by 2-level covered arcades, and Tudor-style half timber buildings. There’s also an amazing range of pubs, loads of traditional boozers and some mint places to grab a bit of grub, including Shrub and Telford’s Warehouse . 

Marsden is truly one of West Yorkshire’s hidden gems. With peaks, canals, valleys and reservoirs, as well as a burgeoning, up and coming food scene, the village has become a must-visit for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, lace up the walking boots and try some award-winning grub. 

The Yorkshire village is also home to BBC’s timeless ‘ Last Of The Summer Wine ’ series, and, more recently, the BBC Three zombie drama ‘ In The Flesh ’. Namely for its picturesque setting, the inspiring endless landscape makes it a great popular with filmmakers, artists and creatives alike as its a total retreat from reality that’s complete with a rich, cultural heritage.

A destination that may not automatically spring to mind when planning your next day trip, Buxton is a town full of character that sits right on the edge of the Peak District. Known for being a ‘thermal spa town’ and housing the UK’s oldest National Park which spans stunning ornamental gardens and some incredible Georgian and Victorian architecture, you should book a relaxing getaway to the town as soon as possible!

The Pavilion Gardens are great for a romantic stroll, and the Opera House hosts a programme of one-off, world-class performances from a range of established artists, comedians and theatre companies. If you’re looking for something a little more adventurous, though, Buxton also has Go Ape! which will have you wading through the trees like a true wild beast (complete with a rather unsightly harness-induced camel toe).

The Pennines

There’s nowhere quite like rolling Northern hills of The Pennines, and, lucky for us, the destination is only a short journey away from Manchester. Get the train from Victoria to Greenfield and you’ll find yourself in a lovely area of the world, with stunning views, loads of greenery and plenty of sheep. 

There’s Uppermill , Delph , Denshaw and Dobcross in the area, too, where you’ll be greeted with some cracking old school boozers, some great walks and the odd fantastic restaurant.

We’re pretty big fans of The Old Bell Inn in Delph, which is a hotel, brasserie and bar with an insane collection of over 600 gins! It’s absolutely perfect for a winter walk, but make sure you also check out the The Bank’s award-winning Sunday Roast and endless list of cocktails. 

Hebden Bridge

Somewhere you’d expect to be overrun with pensioners, ancient butchers, one post office and a catholic church is actually one of the best day trips to book yourself out of Manchester. Hebden Bridge is great for walkers, and one of the town’s most exciting trails will take you past Stoodley Pike, ending up at one of the UK’s highest beaches in Todmorden, Gaddings Dam . Providing gorgeous 360º views and one of the best wild swimming spots you’ll find, Gaddings Dam has continued to become hugely popular, especially in the summer months. Back on dry land, though, there’s plenty of arts and crafts shops in the heart of the town, as well as a mint veggie brunch spot, Leila’s Kitchen and award-winning Greek and Mediterranean retreat, Aya Sophia where you’ll find traditional cuisine and some of the best cocktails in town.  

Jodrell Bank & Tatton Park

We’ve combined these two together as they aren’t too far from each other and, when paired, make for a cracking day out. Home of music, science and innovation, Jodrell Bank is a great place for an educational jaunt, especially if you have kids in tow as there’s plenty to keep them occupied, including the Lovell Telescope and the Pavilions which offer state-of-the-art exhibitions for all the family. Once you’re finished there, ​​ head on over to Tatton Park , which is home to a massive Neo-Classical stately home, award-winning gardens, a deer park with real deer and an actual working farm. You can also pre-ordered picnics full of homemade sandwiches and cakes to enjoy out on the grass during the warmer months.

Delamere Forest

Located over in Cheshire, Delamere Forest gives you a chance to be at one with nature without having to spend your evening in a cramped pop-up tent complete with she-wee. The landscape is truly breathtaking with plenty of activities to keep you busy during a full day of exploring. The forest sits very close to the town of Frodsham, which is great to stop off for some lunch and a couple of bevs after exhausting yourself with a lengthy walk. Make sure you factor Kash 22 into your day, a pub full of character that often hosts a regular calendar of live music and karaoke. The stage is yours!

Blasphemy, I hear you cry. But Liverpool is mint, and I’m happy to challenge anyone who doesn’t agree with me on that one. There’s absolutely loads to do here, from the coveted Magical Mystery Tour to the British Music Experience Museum that’s complete with Marc Bolan’s outlandish outfits and even Cilla Black’s frocks, you won’t be bored. If the sun’s out in the city, Liverpool has loads of incredible beer gardens and terraces, head on over to Bold Street and take a waltz around there, or get your drinking hat on and head to Mathew Street for a pretty enjoyable session. There’s loads more places, but I just don’t have the space. However, if the heavens have opened, get yourself to Baltic Market – a huge street food and drink venue that sees burgers, vietnamese cuisine, greek dishes and everything in between make up its menu. 

Hollingworth Lake

If water sports are your thing, Hollingworth Lake is the place to be. Many Mancs might already be familiar with the school trip destination, which allows visitors to partake in windsurfing, kayaking, canoeing, sailing and rowing. There’s a couple of decent pubs on the shoreline of the lake, with plenty cosy seating, too. There’s a bike trail that runs past the lake, which will no doubt get you a few chipper ‘hellos’ from those cycling through the area, but if you’re also a keen rider yourself, pop your bike in the car before you head down. Don’t forget your picnic either, as there’s loads of beauty spots to enjoy a disappointing ham and cheese butty.

Knowsley Safari Park

Everyone loves a zoo, especially one that allows you to drive through the enclosures and get up close and personal with a load of monkeys. Apart from your Dad, though, who won’t stop going on about the scratches on the paintwork of his precious Corsa for months after. Knowsley Safari Park also offers a trail on foot, where you’ll get a glimpse into the lives of sea lions, meerkats, giraffes, and the incredible tiger trail and a huge amusement park for kids with a carousel, roundabout and all the fun of the fair! There’s places to fuel your fun as well, with an outdoor food court and a restaurant and grill also making up the diverse offerings.

Home of the Brontë sisters, anyone with a love for the bleak landscapes and cruel beauty of Wuthering Heights or Jane Eyre should definitely give this place a try. At the top of the hill is the Brontë Parsonage Museum , where the brilliant staff will take pleasure in showing you around their house and giving you all the information you could ever need on these literary legends.

On top of that, there’s some corking pubs and food establishments, of which we found that some sort of elaborate ‘crawl’ is the best way to get the most out of the town. There’s also some great little antique shops too, which sell some random goodies – perfect for an afternoon mooch.

The Lake District

A little further out of Manchester, The Lake District is one of those places you could never get bored of. Complete with beautiful landscapes, cosy pubs, quaint little shops and some incredibly fancy hotels if you really want to treat yourself. Its a vast part of the world, so personally we would recommend heading on over to Bowness-on-Windermere, right on the banks of the lake where you can get a lovely little boat which will take you on the water and over to other imaginatively named towns such as Ambleside or Lakeside. In Bowness itself, there is a stunning Garden Terrace at The Belsfield Hotel which overlooks the lake, perfect for a few drinks and some excellent food in the sun. I would also highly recommend The Albert Pub , run by Stockport’s Robinsons Brewery – top boozer and they sell Ginger Tom which is amazing.

Macclesfield

Another destination not too far at all from Manchester city centre, Macclesfied will take you around 20 minutes to get to and, once you’re there, you’ll be spoilt for choice for things to do. Once home to Joy Division frontman, Ian Curtis, you can visit where he lived on 77 Barton Street or marvel at the new mural that was erected in the town centre this year. Aside from this, Macclesfield is home to its very own Mackie Mayor-style food hub, Picturedrome Macclesfield and loads of mint bars, which range from traditional inns to more upmarket cocktail bars. If you’re staying over, get up to Tegg’s Nose Country Park the next day for a well-needed detox. 

Finally, another beach to round off the list, Southport is only an hours train journey away from Manchester and is great for a short break or staycation. With 22 miles of coastline to explore, you’ll be surrounded by natural beauty and the charm of a traditional seaside town with a number of award-winning restaurants and bars to choose from, too. Southport Market is also an incredible space, complete with Greek, Canadian, Mexican, Italian and more from ten local, independent traders who cover a variety of cuisines from around the world, and are joined by a stunning feature bar.

COMING SOON: Kong’s Chicken Shop’s New Northern Quarter Mexican Quesadilla & Taco Kitchen

Stay in the loop with all things Manchester

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter

By subscribing you have read and agree to our Privacy and Data policy .

Find something

• the ultimate guide to manchester, england

• Food & Drinks
• Places to Stay

10+ Best Places to Visit Within 1 hour of Manchester

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no extra cost for you!

Want to do something on your day off and looking for amazing places to visit within 1 hour of Manchester? We are here to help! Manchester is a city with no shortage of attractions.

From its industrial heritage and stunning architecture to its vast array of museums , galleries and other cultural attractions, there’s something for everyone there. 

But if you’re looking to get away for a bit without travelling too far, there are plenty of great spots nearby that can be reached quickly and easily. 

From small towns to beautiful national parks, there are many places you can explore without having to spend the day in the car or train.

Here we’ve compiled a list of the 10 best places to visit within 1 hour of Manchester – so read on to discover some fantastic destinations for your next day out!

Table of Contents

1. Macclesfield

🚗 Driving: 40 min – 🚆 Train: 20 min

Looking for a fun day trip from Manchester? Try Macclesfield! This cute little town in Cheshire is just a short ride away.

The town centre is very cute and just roaming around while doing a bit of shopping is a nice experience.

If you are visiting on a Saturday, you will be in for a treat! That’s when the Treacle Market happens. This is your chance to try local treats like Cheshire cheese.

Nature lovers will enjoy Macclesfield Forest. It’s a perfect place for a walk or a hike. There’s so much to see and do there.

Teggs Nose is another great spot. It has amazing views and it’s a lovely place for a walk. While you’re there, grab lunch at Teggs Nose Cafe.

History buffs will like Macclesfield Silk Museum. This town was big in the silk industry. The museum now has the largest collection of Jacquard silk in Europe.

Another cool place is Jodrell Bank. This is an astronomical observatory that’s part of Manchester University. You can book a visit online and learn lots about space.

Macclesfield is a charming town with lots to offer. Whether you’re into nature, history, or space, you’re sure to have a great day out.

2. Ramsbottom

🚗 Driving: 30 min – 🚆 Public Transport: 45 min

Ramsbottom, one of the cutest villages near Manchester , is a must-visit! It’s just a 30-minute trip from the city centre.

Whether you choose to drive or take the tram to Bury and then a bus, you’ll find the journey is a breeze.

This super cute village is packed with things to do. Start by exploring the town centre.

It’s very cute with loads of local shops waiting to be discovered.

From a butcher to a cheese shop, and even a candy shop, Ramsbottom has something for everyone.

When hunger strikes, make your way to The Mouse Trap.

This restaurant is famous for its delicious cheese and wine.

It’s a local favourite and one of the best spots for lunch near Manchester.

Don’t forget to walk up to Holcombe Hill.

The hike is easy, making it a perfect activity for everyone.

Follow the path all the way to Peel Tower. Trust me, you won’t want to miss this.

Once you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with one of the best views of Manchester.

Just imagine standing there, overlooking the city. It’s a truly memorable experience.

So, if you’re looking for a great day trip from Manchester, Ramsbottom is a fantastic choice.

3. Greenfield

🚗 Driving: 40 min – 🚆 Train: 25 min

Greenfield is a cute town on the edge of the Peak District National Park.

There’s lots to do in Greenfield, especially on a nice, sunny day.

The main attraction is Dovestone Reservoir. Here, you’ll find fantastic views of the hills and the reservoir itself. It’s an amazing place for a walk.

You can choose between a shorter or longer circular walk, depending on how much time you have. There are also picnic tables, which makes it great for families.

Just remember, parking is limited so try to get there early, especially on weekends.

For more hiking, check out Pots and Pans. There’s an obelisk at summit of the hill, known as the Pots and Pans Stone. You can reach it by following a hiking path.

The views from Pots and Pans are fantastic and on a nice day, you will barely believe how beautiful it actually is.

And when you get hungry, head to one of Greenfield’s local pubs. They’re the perfect spot for a nice lunch.

4. Liverpool

🚗 Driving: 55 min – 🚆 Train: 40 min

Liverpool is one of the best cities to visit near Manchester.

Getting there is very easy – just hop on a train from Victoria, Piccadilly, or Oxford Road and you’ll be there in less than an hour.

Once in Liverpool, there are many things you can do.

If it’s your first time, a free walking tour of the city is a great idea.

On the tour, you’ll learn lots about Liverpool’s history.

You’ll hear about the triangle trade, its connection with Manchester, especially during the Industrial Revolution, and its rich music culture.

Liverpool is famous as the home of the Beatles.

If you love music, you should definitely head to Matthew Street and visit the Cavern Club.

Liverpool is also known for its museums.

In fact, it’s the city with the most museums in the UK after London.

Most of these museums are located on Albert Docks.

There are many great ones to choose from, but we particularly recommend the Tate and the World Museum, which is near the station.

🚗 Driving: 1 hour – 🚆 Train: 1 hour

Chester is just an hour’s drive from Manchester.

This cathedral city is one of the most beautiful in the North West and is the county town of Cheshire.

The city is particularly famous for its walls.

You’ll also find the oldest racecourse and the largest Roman amphitheatre in Britain here, making Chester a perfect spot for history lovers.

If you’re keen to delve into the city’s past, opt for the free walking tour of Chester.

On this tour, you’ll learn lots about the city’s history and hear fascinating legends about the area.

Make sure to visit popular landmarks such as the Eastgate Clock and Chester Rows.

These iconic spots are not to be missed during your trip.

If you’re looking for something different to do, why not head to Chester Zoo?

It’s one of the best zoos near Manchester , and you’ll get the chance to see a wide variety of unique animals including bears, elephants, painted dogs, giraffes and more.

The Chester Zoo team is also deeply committed to the environmental cause and has led numerous actions to protect animals.

Visiting the zoo is not only a fun day out but also a great way to support their work and learn about the importance of animal conservation.

6. Hebden Bridge

🚗 Driving: 55 min – 🚆 Train: 30 min

Hebden Bridge is a beautiful market town nestled in West Yorkshire.

Just an hour’s drive from Manchester, it’s a charming destination for those looking to spend the day in a cute, small town.

On a sunny day, why not take a leisurely walk along the Rochdale Canal?

The picturesque views along the path make for a lovely stroll.

If you’re a National Trust member, Hardcastle Crags is a must-visit spot.

Nearby, Gibson Mill is also worth seeing and it’s just a stone’s throw away from Hardcastle Crags.

The town centre of Hebden Bridge is brimming with charm.

Full of independent shops and cute houses, it’s a delight to explore.

Pop into the visitor centre when you arrive.

There, you can pick up a booklet with the town centre trail.

This handy guide is a nice way to make sure you don’t miss any of the town’s highlights.

With it in hand, you can enjoy a leisurely exploration of this charming market town. So, pack your walking shoes and get ready for a day of fun and discovery in Hebden Bridge!

7. Knutsford

🚗 Driving: 40 min – 🚆 Train: 40 min

Knutsford is a charming town and one of the most popular day trips from Manchester.

There are two main things to do in Knutsford that you definitely won’t want to miss.

First off, the town itself is a delight to explore.

It’s very cute, filled with independent shops and amazing restaurants.

The second must-visit spot is the famous Tatton Park.

It’s one of the best National Trust sites near Manchester and offers a wealth of experiences to enjoy.

Tatton Park includes a deer park, which is perfect for walks or bike rides.

Then there’s the mansion, a beautiful historic home that’s sure to impress.

Don’t forget to explore the gorgeous Italian gardens too.

They’re a real highlight and offer plenty of beautiful photo opportunities.

For those visiting with kids, the farm at Tatton Park is a must-see.

You can check out the mill and even watch the staff milking the cows. It’s a fun, educational experience that the whole family can enjoy.

8. Delamere Forest

🚗 Driving: 55 min – 🚆 Public Transport: 2 hours

Delamere Forest, the largest woodland in Cheshire, is a must-visit for anyone looking for forest walks near Manchester.

Just an hour’s drive from town, it’s an easily accessible slice of nature.

Hiking is the best activity in Delamere Forest.

You’ll be able to enjoy the beautiful woodland and watch the wildlife by the lake.

The top pick for walks is the Blakemere Trail.

It’s a 3.6-mile walk where you can really appreciate the charm of the lake.

Besides hiking, you can hire a bike and explore the forest on two wheels.

Horse riding is also available for those looking for a unique way to see the sights.

For families visiting with children, ‘Go Ape’ offers a thrilling tree-top adventure.

This is a fun-filled activity that the kids will definitely enjoy.

They also offer Segway tours of the forest.

This is a cool and unique way to explore and learn about the forest.

Last but not least, make sure to check out the Gruffalo sculptures on the trails of the Delamere Forest.

These charming statues are especially popular with children and bring a delightful twist to your woodland exploration.

9. Knowsley Safari Park

🚗 Driving: 40 min – 🚆 Public Transport: 1 hour 25 minutes

Knowsley Safari Park is a perfect day out with kids, located just 45 minutes from Manchester.

It offers a true safari experience without the need to travel overseas.

Here’s how it works: you drive through the park to see the animals.

It’s a 5-mile safari drive, making it the longest in the UK.

You get to see all sorts of African animals including giraffes, baboons and a lion pride.

It’s an exciting opportunity to see these animals up close.

But that’s not all. You can also do the foot safari.

There, you’ll get to see the animals in their enclosures, offering another perspective on these magnificent creatures.

In addition to seeing the animals, you can attend animal talks and learn plenty about them.

These talks are very interesting, informative and help increase awareness about the animals and their natural habitats.

Knowsley Safari Park isn’t just about entertainment.

They also do conservation work, playing a role in preserving and protecting these species for future generations to enjoy. This adds a rewarding layer to your visit.

Leeds is another beautiful city near Manchester , located in Yorkshire.

It’s less than an hour by train, making it perfect for a city day trip.

Here are some things you can do:

If you’re a shopping enthusiast, Leeds Victoria quarter is your place.

It’s full of beautiful arcades and is a wonderful spot for photos.

You can find all sorts of shops including luxury brands to cater to your shopping cravings.

For history buffs, the Royal Armouries Museum is a must-see with loads of military hardware on display.

Fans of Emmerdale can immerse themselves in a guided tour of the Emmerdale village set.

It’s an exciting opportunity to see the set of the popular TV show.

To learn more about the city, join the local walking tour or the food tour.

You’ll discover loads of local spots where you can get delicious dishes and learn about Leeds’ history.

If you love architecture, don’t miss Leeds Corn Exchange.

It’s a beautiful building dating from Victorian times.

For an evening out, Call Lane is the perfect spot.

It’s bustling with bars and nightlife, adding a lively vibe to your day trip.

We hope this article has helped you finding the best places to visit within 1 hour from Manchester. Have fun!

You may also be interested in:

• 11 Best places to visit within 2 hours of Manchester
• ​15 Best Waterfalls Near Manchester
• 22 Best Villages Near Manchester You Must Visit 

Founder of Manchester Pocket Guide. Pauline has been living in Manchester for 6 years and loves exploring the city. As a travel writer, she always had passion for discovering cities but Manchester is the place she truly fell in love with. From cute food spots to famous landmarks, she knows Manchester like the back of her hand.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Assign a menu in Theme Options > Menus

Your browser is not supported for this experience. We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari.

Family Friendly

Restaurants, buy the visit manchester pass.

Discover Manchester with the Visit Manchester Pass - Entry into 13 of Manchester's top attractions plus over 30 discounts and offers.

Tour Group by Emmeline Pankhurst Statue

Guides to manchester.

Unlock the essence of Manchester and its surrounding regions with our comprehensive guide series. Dive into curated insights, expert recommendations, and detailed itineraries designed to enhance your exploration. From city highlights to hidden gems, our guides offer a holistic view, ensuring you make the most of your journey through Manchester and beyond. Discover the richness and diversity of the region with our informative series, crafted to elevate your travel experience.

15 year-round reasons to visit Greater Manchester as an LGBT+ tourist

Famous bands from greater manchester, alternative lgbtq+ manchester, manchester’s lgbtq+ history on screen, 6 lgbtq+ artists from greater manchester you should know about, lgbt-friendly cafes and restaurants in greater manchester, new openings to try this summer in and around greater manchester, six tours to discover manchester’s music history, top things to do in manchester gay village, celebrating pride across greater manchester, outdoor music venues within greater manchester, a guide to exploring afflecks for first time visitors and locals alike, salford celebrates the city’s musical heritage with new immersive trail, manchester’s unmissable year of music roundup, take a transpennine express service into manchester and learn all about its musical routes, unmissable music in manchester: may 2024, the ultimate guide to attending events at co-op live, record shops to visit this national record store day saturday 20 april 2024, greater manchester’s rising stars, unmissable music in manchester: april 2024, things to do during the week in greater manchester, ancoats: a comprehensive guide, favourite roast dinners across manchester, the top 10 afternoon teas in greater manchester, the best midweek deals to take advantage of in manchester, millennial activities in manchester, 5 trendy wine bars in manchester, the ultimate greater manchester festival and events guide, top gaming arcades in greater manchester, instagrammable spots in manchester, vip experiences in manchester, manchester after midnight: a guide to late-night adventures, best rainy-day activities in manchester, how to celebrate manchester’s literary heritage when you visit, vintage shops in manchester city centre, 8 ideas for alternative nights out in greater manchester, 13 environmentally friendly activities you can enjoy across greater manchester, the definitive list of pride events across manchester, the oxford road corridor, best educational family activities in greater manchester, best food halls and street food spots in greater manchester, best places to enjoy the sun in greater manchester, top 5 things to do in urmston, top 5 things to do in stretford, top 5 things to do in sale, top 5 things to do in altrincham, downloadable walking routes for greater manchester, the best walks in greater manchester for enjoying the sunrise or sunset, seven incredible religious heritage sites in greater manchester, country walks plus top pubs in greater manchester, manchester bars with amazing views, 10 mysterious music venues in manchester, manchester’s gothic college: british muslim heritage centre, top 5 fusion restaurants in manchester, where to try orienteering in manchester, hidden and alternative places to eat in manchester, a gothic guide to afflecks, top 4 vegan-friendly restaurants, walks near dove stone reservoir, 5 hidden and quiet trails to discover around greater manchester, public sculptures in manchester, rochdale: a birthplace of innovation and outstanding beauty, with an evolving town centre at its heart, top 5 walks in salford, top 5 walks in tameside, top 5 walks in stockport, guide to arts and culture in greater manchester, arts and culture along the oxford road corridor, loving live music in manchester, 5 manchester outdoor spots where you won’t feel the chill this autumn, cycling in and around manchester: top 5 routes, top 5 traditional british dishes in manchester, top 5 brunch spots in the northern quarter, the ultimate guide for first time visitors to greater manchester, better off alone: things to do in manchester if you’re single this valentine’s, walking routes in greater manchester, top 5 visitor attractions in oldham, top 5 hidden green spaces in the city, top 5 slices of italy in manchester, top 5 walks in bolton, top5 tapas restaurants.

Ratings Powered by

The 8 Best Things to Do in Manchester, England

Posted: December 12, 2023 | Last updated: December 12, 2023

Photo by Billie Cohen

Manchester, England, is gorgeous. It’s a fairy-tale city of spires, red-brick Victorian buildings, squares lined with restaurants and pubs, and old universities accented with pops of modern architecture . A canal runs through most of it, with restored tow-paths alongside. Despite this, the northern England city is mostly associated with a limited range of things: rain, its Manchester United and Manchester City football teams, its industrial economy, Oasis, and rain. And if that’s all you know, you’re missing out. For decades, the university city (it has five!) has been deliberately, intentionally, slowly expanding and elevating its cultural cred—and making a huge effort to support arts and culture. Now, that work is coming to fruition, and there’s never been a better time to visit. That’s one of the main reasons we chose it as one of AFAR’s picks for Where to Go in 2024 . Here are eight more reasons to venture north on the train from London.

Manchester has long been a rich, edgy, history-making music city. In the 1960s, Bob Dylan busted out his electric guitar here; in the 1970s, the Sex Pistols played their first gig outside of London; in the 1980s, the city’s Factory Records label and Haçienda nightclub sparked a massive musical vibe shift as hometown bands New Order, the Stone Roses, Happy Mondays, and the Smiths played all-night dance parties and created the “Madchester” era. And in the ’90s, Oasis and the Britpop wave pulled the music world’s attention back to Manchester once again.

Today, the city’s music scene is still rich and thriving. (Even though the Haçienda is now an apartment building, if you walk around the back of the building, you’ll see an art installation: a metalwork timeline of its biggest moments.) Small bands still rock small venues all over the place, and there’s a bigger, more expansive music push, too. The United Kingdom’s largest indoor concert venue, Co-op Live , is set to open in Manchester in 2024. Backed in part by Harry Styles, the arena will fit more than 23,000 people and is being acoustically constructed for music performances specifically (though it’ll also host other types of events). Highlights of the 2024 lineup already include Eric Clapton, Olivia Rodrigo, Britpop darlings James, Jonas Brothers, and Styles’s old bandmate Niall Horan.

“From the minute you walk through the door it will feel different than other spaces,” says Ben Tipple, the head of digital and communications for Co-Op Live. “We have deliberately counteracted the long corridors, the empty spaces, the bad seats. What makes it special is that it’s purpose built for music . . . to provide the backdrop and opportunity for the artist to sound their best.”

Performing arts and theater

Since 2007, the arts organization Factory International (named in honor of the record label of decades past) has been hosting the Manchester International Festival , a biennial, 18-day festival of new works known for pulling artists and ideas from seemingly different worlds into unexpected collaborations, as well as for performances and events that defy easy genre labels. (e.g., Massive Attack once teamed up with documentary filmmaker Adam Curtis). The next festival will be in 2025 and is definitely worth planning a trip around; the big news is that you don’t have to wait that long anymore. At the end of 2023, the organization unveiled a permanent home, not only for the biannual event but also for year-round programming: Aviva Studios at Factory International . In 2024, its usual mix of unusual commissions continues with City of Floating Sounds , composer Huang Ruo’s interactive symphony project (June) and a new multimedia work by Laurie Anderson called ARK .

To find out more about Manchester’s cultural calendar, follow Secret Manchester and Visit Manchester.

From indie boutiques to great record stores to vintage to high-street staples, Manchester has it all. Some of my favorites: Vintage clothes, posters, and even old-style ice cream fill the floors of the former department store Afflecks ; and modern makers line the late-1800s fishmonger stalls of the Manchester Craft and Design Center . Keep room in your luggage for a visit to Piccadilly Records, which has been independent since it opened in 1978 (and continues to earn a spot on “best” lists). And between shopping trips, sample the indie food scene via a few food halls, such as Mackie Mayor , a collection of nine varied cuisines in the grand—and fully intact—1858 Smithfield market building.

Museums and galleries

In 2023, the 135-year-old Manchester Museum , part of Manchester University, reopened following a $18.4 million “hello future” renovation project with a mission to reevaluate Britain’s colonial past and its own role in displaying historical objects and artworks. The new permanent South Asia Gallery is a colorful, invigorating, and at times heart-wrenching example: Cocurated with a group of South Asian community leaders, artists, historians, musicians, scientists, and students, it talks as openly and honestly about partition and South Asian residents’ experiences in Manchester as it does about the joy of Bollywood soundtracks. An exhibit of Egyptian mummies (through April 2024) overtly discusses eugenics and grave robbing, along with the usual, fascinating dose of ancient history. Oh, and the whole museum is free.

The edgy People’s History Museum uses art to talk about democracy, rebellion, and inclusion—a good fit for Manchester. After all, the city has a history of radicalism: this is where Emmeline Pankhurst launched the British Suffragette movement, where mill workers voted to stop using cotton picked by U.S. slaves (prompting a thank-you letter from Abraham Lincoln). The Manchester Jewish Museum just got an expansion, including a renovation of the adjacent Spanish and Portuguese synagogue; browse the exhibits, listen to oral histories of Jewish Mancunians past and present, and talk to the Jewish residents who are docents here—they were wonderful and happy to share. In terms of art, you’ve got the gorgeous Whitworth Art Gallery (on the Manchester University campus) and the Manchester Art Gallery (in a beautiful 200-year-old building). If you’re not into art, there’s always the National Football Museum (pubs on a game day are also something of a cultural experience, especially when Manchester United or Manchester City is playing).

I look for libraries whenever I travel. In my humble opinion, a public library says a lot about a city, its people, its past, and its present. (Plus, they usually have cool architecture and free Wi-Fi.) Now I recognize that not everyone is as into libraries as I am, but, trust me, Manchester has several that even non-nerds will find intriguing. For starters, the oldest surviving public library in the English-speaking world is here: It’s called Chetham’s , it was founded in 1653, it’s located in a former monastery that dates back to 1421, and it’s open for tours.

The neo-Gothic John Rylands Library looks like something out of Harry Potter (and it was founded by a woman in 1900—how boss is that?); stop by for rotating exhibits and to wander through its cathedral-like rooms. The main Manchester Central Library —the city’s plain old regular circulating library—is a site to see, too. It opened in 1930 and was modeled after the Pantheon. It’s not stuck in the past though: Music, art, and literature events are scheduled regularly (the 2024 calendar is not online yet); I passed a foosball table on one floor and a sign for a vinyl listening club on another.

LGBTQ+ pride

Manchester’s LGBTQ neighborhood along Canal Street, affectionately dubbed Gay Village, is home to one of the oldest openly gay venues in the city: New Union dates to the 1860s and is now a bar and hotel. Canal Street is also lined with festive-feeling restaurants and bars and wallpapered with posters for drag brunches and shows. In June, the neighborhood is the epicenter for Manchester Pride , and in July it hosts Sparkle, the national transgender celebration.

Check out the Visit Manchester website for a downloadable LGBTQ self-guided tour , which includes a stop at the Alan Turing memorial. The genius who invented the computer moved here after his code-breaking success in World War II to work at the University of Manchester (the alma mater of Benedict Cumberbatch, who played Turing in the 2014 movie The Imitation Game ). Sadly, Manchester is also where Turing was arrested for being gay and sentenced to chemical castration. He was found dead of cyanide poisoning in his home in 1954, at the age of 41. The Queen pardoned him posthumously in 2013. If you’re in the city on any June 23, stop by his statue in Sackville Gardens; people place flowers there every year for his birthday.

This is England, and this is an old university town, so of course there are many, many pubs. The total number varies depending on the source, but it seems to be somewhere around 650 , which is way more than plenty. They range from cozy neighborhood establishments to modern see-and-be-seen perches, and include a bunch of quirky spots like one that’s more than 500 years old (the Old Wellington ), one in a converted public bathroom ( the Temple ), and my favorite: the tiny, green-and-yellow-tiled Peveril of the Peak , a 19th-century relic with a curved wooden bar, stained-glass detailing, and chatty customers.

Historical surprises

In a city as old as Manchester, there’s technically “history” everywhere you look, but it’s the stories that make it all come alive. If you want a guided time-travel experience, I recommend Free Manchester Walking Tours . Our tour leader Megan rocked us through centuries of pop culture, history, and entertaining anecdotes, and even managed to get us all dancing and singing a few times. By the end of the afternoon, you’ll have the lay of the land and you’ll better understand the city and its significance. If you want to wander on your own, don’t miss these three spots that span the breadth of Manchester’s existence:

• Mamucium fort: Romans basically founded Manchester in 79 C.E. when they built this fort. Today you can visit a re-creation of the fort on its original site, in a small park in the Castlefield neighborhood near the city center.
• Abraham Lincoln statue : Manchester calls itself the first industrial city, because back in the 1800s, it manufactured 80 percent of all the world’s cotton goods and textiles. I’ll say that again: 80 percent. In fact, Manchester was so successful and influential that it was nicknamed Cottonopolis. When the U.S. Civil War broke out, Manchester and other manufacturing cities in Northern England had a choice to make: continue to use cotton grown on plantations that supported slavery, or cut off those ties and risk imploding their economy. Manchester chose the right side of history, standing by the Union army in the North, when a lot of other industrial U.K. cities sided with the South for economic purposes. In answer, then-president Abraham Lincoln wrote the city a letter of thanks—and that’s why there’s a statue of Abraham Lincoln in Manchester , England, today.
• Red mailbox: In 1996, an IRA bombing destroyed a large swath of downtown. Amazingly, the authorities found the bomb early enough to evacuate the area, and no one died. But the explosion caused a lot of damage—so much that the destruction is actually credited with influencing the revival and renovation of the city center. A red post office box still stands on the spot of the explosion—the only thing unharmed. Look for it by the Marks & Spencer department store on Corporation Street .

Read more about Manchester, one of AFAR’s picks for Where to Go in 2024: This Northern English City Has Been Nurturing Its Arts Scene for Years—and It’s Paying Off .

Read the full list of Where to Go in 2024.

More for You

What Happens if You Deposit More Than $10,000 in Your Bank Account?

Shirts Are Buttoned On Different Sides For Men And Women, And The Reason Why Comes From The 13th Century

Diana Taurasi Drops Honest Admission on Caitlin Clark After Sunday's Loss to Indiana Fever

15 Succinct Jokes That Really Make You Think

All Couples That Last Do These 5 Things, According to a Relationship Coach

This is how long you should shower for, according to a dermatologist

Michael J. Fox makes surprise guitar performance with Coldplay at the Glastonbury Festival

What Is the $1K Per Month in Retirement Rule?

Melinda French Gates shares the best lesson she got from Charlie Munger: ‘What a thing to aspire to’

Officials welcome first wild bison in 10,000 years after major restoration initiative: 'It's a learning process for us too'

10 Biggest and Most Costly Mistakes People Make in Life

Human bones unearthed from a German cave have altered the timeline of ancient human history

Taylor Swift Gets Stuck on Platform After Stage Malfunction During Dublin Concert

This Underrated Northern Wyoming Town Is One of the Coziest Western Destinations in the U.S.

I’m a Social Security Expert: This Is What Your Benefit Should Be in 5 Years

Kevin Costner's Western 'Horizon' Bites the Dust at the Box Office

This superfood ingredient has twice the amount of protein than a steak

Golden Retriever Befriends Fawn

The remarkable fossil that radically changed our understanding of the human story

How will Louisiana's new Ten Commandments classroom requirement be funded and enforced?

10 Of The Most Fascinating Museums To Visit With Kids In And Around Manchester

Manchester is brimming with museums suitable for kids whether it be exploring the likes of history, sport, science and more - plus they're bound to come away having learnt something new.

When the weekends and school holidays come around it can be a tad tricky to find engaging activities for the kids. If you’re looking for a fun way to educate the little ones – especially when it’s a rainy day or you’ve over exhausted the local park – then a trip to the museum is a great shout. The city of Manchester and its surrounding areas are brimming with museums suitable for kids whether it be exploring the likes of history, sport, science and more – and they’re bound to come away having learnt something new. Check out our round-up of the best museums for kids in and around Manchester – with most of them free to enter!

Museums for kids in Manchester city centre

1. science and industry museum.

The Science and Industry Museum is quite possibly one of the top museums for kids in Manchester as it is a space to let their creativity and exploration run wild . Not only does the museum take visitors on a trip to the Industrial Revolution, since it is the home of the oldest railway station, but their bright and immersive exhibitions are a must-visit.

Kids can experience the thunderous sounds of historic machinery to the much-loved exhibition Power Up where you can play your way through the very best video games from the past five decades. Plus, there are even events and activities for tiny ones including Mini Movers, Experitots and Early Years Story Time.

📍 Science and Industry Museum, Liverpool Rd, M3 4FP.

🎟️ Tickets are free and you can book here .

🕒 The museum is open daily from 10am-5pm.

2. Manchester Museum

Back after a big renovation, Manchester Museum reopened in February 2023 and features the Museum’s historic collections as well as new displays . Visitors can see works collected by the University of Manchester, the museum boasts stunning art created by the South Asian diaspora communities in the UK, alongside a space devoted to Chinese culture and a dinosaur display.

The museum also houses an important collection of gilded mummy masks and realistic painted images known as ‘Faiyum Portraits’, dating back to the Graeco-Roman Period (around 300 BCE to 300 CE). Manchester Museum is currently showcasing the Wild exhibition and it also cares for a collection of around 100,000 fossils , including one of the most important collections of Ice Age animals in Europe – so there is plenty to fascinate young minds.

There’s also a massive dinosaur display that you simply can’t miss!

📍 Manchester Museum, University of Manchester, Oxford Rd, M13 9PL.

🎟️ Admission is free however pre-booking tickets is recommended to guarantee entry to events and exhibitions, which you can book here .

🕒 The museum is open Tuesdays-Fridays 10am-5pm, Saturdays 8am-5pm and Sundays 10am-5pm.

3. People’s History Museum

Uncovering the story of the people of Britain, the People’s History Museum explore democracy throughout the years , from the heartfelt stories of refugees and asylum seekers, to the history of Labour and numerous trade unions. The museum tells stories through an eclectic and colourful, historic and contemporary collection that features banners, badges, posters, artwork, cartoons, placards, personal items and more, spanning four centuries of ideas worth fighting for.

The People’s History Museum it’s one of the best museums in Manchester when it comes to activities for the kids as they can explore hands-on activities and digital interactives for all ages in every gallery. From visiting the suffragette kitchen to play the Pank-a-Squith board game to going back in time at the Co-op shop, see how fast you can work at the Bryant & May match factory through an arcade style game or play your favourite songs on a vintage jukebox.

📍 People’s History Museum, Left Bank, M3 3ER.

🎟️ Entry is free and you can book a slot here .

🕒 The museum is open from 10am-5pm every day, except Tuesdays.

4. Greater Manchester Police Museum & Archives

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Secret Manchester (@secretmanchester)

Whether your child aspires to be a person of the law or is curious to find out more on how the Greater Manchester police all began then it’s definitely worth visiting Greater Manchester Police Museum & Archives. Possibly one of the smallest museums in Manchester to explore with kids, however what it lacks in size it makes up for in its vast archives and interactive opportunities .

The museum on Newton Street explores how the force was founded, the evolution of the judicial system and even has opportunities to try on police gear of past and present . See some of our collections ranging from cars, war time, police stations and videos in their archives as well as discovering the crime room, charge office, court room, AV room as well as uniform and transport galleries. There are even cells, so the kids should be on their best behaviour!

📍 Greater Manchester Police Museum & Archives, 57A Newton St, M1 1ET.

🎟️ Entry is free and you can find more information here .

🕒 The museum is open every Tuesday, 10.30am-4pm.

5. National Football Museum

If your child loves football then a trip to the National Football Museum is bound to hit one in the back of the net. England’s national museum of football can be found right here in Manchester, facing Cathedral Gardens and boasts tons of football memorabilia from over the years as well as interactive games (penalty shoot-out, anyone?) for kids to get involved in.

Fans can explore 140,000 boots, balls, programmes, paintings, postcards and ceramics – each curated to tell the story of the beautiful game. Visitors can explore exhibitions including MARKERS which features artwork from Manchester-based artists who have each selected a hero from the footballing world to honour and Admiral: 50 Years of the Replica Shirt, the latest Pitch Gallery exhibition telling the story of the football shirt pioneers.

📍 National Football Museum, Urbis Building Cathedral Gardens, Todd St, M4 3BG.

🎟️ Tickets can be booked here .

🕒 The museum is open daily from 10am-5pm, with last admission at 4pm.

6. Museum of Transport

Love vintage vehicles? Or fancy showing the kids modes of transport from the olden days ? Well, you’ll find plenty of them at the Museum of Transport. Telling the story of Manchester’s transport history, guests can explore retro buses from the 1930’s onwards, trams from the early 1900s, vintage signs, furniture and so much more – all in one place.

You and the kids can step back in time and hop on one of the museum’s heritage bus rides soaking up the sights along the route. Plus, the museum hosts numerous events including a transport-themed market, classic car shows (they even previously had one dedicated to Morris Minor vehicles) and anniversary events to celebrate 200 years of buses in Britain.

📍 Museum of Transport, Boyle St, Cheetham Hill, M8 8UW.

🎟️ Entry is free for children under 16 years and adult tickets cost £6, which can be booked here .

🕒 The museum is open Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, 10am-4.30pm.

7. Clayton Hall Living History Museum

Clayton Hall is a Grade II* listed building and it sets itself apart from other museums for kids in Manchester as it is a rare example of a medieval moated site . Originally built for the Clayton family, Clayton Hall has seen many different owners including the Byrons and the Chethams , with Humphrey Chetham being one of Clayton Hall’s most notable owners.

Here kids can travel back in time as they explore the moated house with hands-on stuff in every room , winding staircases and dressing-up costumes making it a fun place to explore for the whole family. You’ll also find a Memories Room housing a local history collection as well as the Textiles Room with a selection of vintage sewing machines and some lovely examples of needlework.

📍 Clayton Hall Living History Museum, Clayton Park, Ashton New Road, Manchester, M11 4RU

🎟️ Admission is free and you can find out more information here .

🕒 The museum is open on the first and third Saturday of the month from February to November, 11am-4pm.

Museums for kids in Greater Manchester

8. iwm north.

Now, you might be thinking that the topic of war isn’t necessarily one for the youngsters, however the North’s first Imperial War Museum covers key historical events and explores more recent global conflicts in a digestible and approachable way. IWM North hosts family activities on weekends such as exploring objects and photographs as well as hearing real stories detailing methods of disguise and deception used by the Allies leading up to D-Day.

Sitting on the Manchester Ship Canal, the museum boasts impressive architecture and interiors , which are designed to unsettle and disorientate you with sloping walls and sharp angles. Kids can discover art, photographs, artefacts and impressive exhibitions including the beautiful, permanent poppy installation that is sure to mesmerise whatever your age.

📍 Imperial War Museum North, Trafford Wharf Rd, Trafford Park, Stretford, M17 1TZ.

🎟️ Entrance is free and you can get tickets here .

9. Bolton Museum, Aquarium and Archive

It’s not just the museums in Manchester city centre that have all of the fun for the kids, instead venture north west of the city to Bolton for a brilliant day out. Ranging from Egyptian mummies to local history and wildlife , the collections at Bolton Museum has something for everyone.

Bolton Museum is also one of the only museums in Greater Manchester that boasts an aquarium , making it the perfect spot for kids, especially on a rainy day. Having first opened its doors to the public on in 1941, it’s now home to more than 70 varieties of fish originating from across the globe.

📍 Bolton Museum, Aquarium and Archive, Le Mans Cres, Bolton, BL1 1SE.

🎟️ Admission is free and you can find more information here .

🕒 The museum is open Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays 9am-5pm, Wednesdays 9.30am-5pm, and Sundays 10am-4pm.

10. Stockport Air Raid Shelters

Not your typical museum, Stockport Air Raid Shelters (which opened in 1939 with room for 3,850 people) are carved into the natural sandstone cliffs and boast an intriguing network of underground tunnels . The shelters give visitors an insight into life in 1940s wartime Britain with information panels and authentically recreated settings illustrating the extent of Stockport’s air raid precautions for life on the home front.

Stockport Air Raid Shelters offer underground tours including self-guided, private, family and also explorer tours which show visitors areas of the tunnels which are not usually open to the public. The explorer tours (which cost £10) must be booked in advance, include unlit and reinforced tunnelling and show the full extent of Stockport’s air raid preparations.

📍 Stockport Air Raid Shelters, 65 Chestergate, Stockport, SK1 1NP.

🎟️ General admission costs £5.50 for adults and free for children under 16 (£3 with an activity trail) and tickets can be booked here .

🕒 The museum is open Tuesdays to Fridays 1pm-5pm, Saturdays 10am- 5pm and Sundays 11am-4pm.

TYPE IN YOUR SEARCH AND PRESS ENTER

The pretty Greater Manchester park with a boating lake to visit when it's sunny

It dates back to the Victorian era and has several stunning features

• 03:00, 27 JUN 2024
• Updated 06:00, 27 JUN 2024

You can’t beat a visit to the park when the weather’s nice. Luckily when it comes to parks , gardens and green spaces there are loads to choose from in Greater Manchester.

Each one offers something different and Alexandra Park in Oldham is no exception. Located on the edge of the town centre, this beautiful park dates back to the Victorian era with charming old fashioned features.

The main focal point is the tranquil boating lake, overlooked by a gorgeous boathouse, which houses a café today. Take a relaxing stroll around the boating lake and keep your eyes peeled for the waterfowl which call it home.

READ MORE: The beautiful Greater Manchester park with an ice cream parlour perfect for a summer’s day

The lake is not the only historical feature within the park. It also has an impressive green house made up of three conservatories, housing a range of plants inside. Throughout the park are colourful flower beds which come into full bloom during the summer months.

There’s an ornate public shelter called the ‘Lion’s Den’ which provides a shady spot. As well as the magnificent Victorian buildings, the park features seven free tennis courts, three bowling greens, a children’s play area and a sand pit. There is also playground equipment for disabled children too.

The idea of creating a park in Oldham came about during the early 1860s when the textile industry suffered during the Lancashire Cotton Famine. Supplies of cotton were cut off from the USA and as a result unemployment soared in the town as mills were unable to operate. One of the schemes launched responding to the crisis was the creation of Alexandra Park.

Unemployed mill workers were hired to construct the park which officially opened in August 1865. It was named to commemorate the marriage of Albert, Prince of Wales to Alexandra of Denmark.

Although it had fallen into disrepair by the 1990s, it was refurbished after Oldham Council secured funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund. Today the park boasts numerous facilities, appealing to all age groups.

For more of the latest What's On news, click here.

• Things to do Manchester
• Manchester Family
• Most Recent

Money blog: Energy bills 'to rise 10% in October' as wholesale costs head up again

Welcome to the Money blog, your place for personal finance and consumer news and tips. Enjoy our Weekend Money content below and we'll be back with live updates on Monday - when we'll also have a Q&A on energy prices. Submit a question below.

Sunday 30 June 2024 21:01, UK

Weekend Money

• Winter energy bills projected to rise for millions of households - submit a question for Q&A on Monday above
• How to split housework fairly with your partner
• Ofgem urged not to lift ban on acquisition-only energy tariffs
• Your comments : Paying off a mortgage into retirement and new cars turning faulty

Essential reads

• A week when probable future of mortgage rates became clearer
• Women in Business : How accident in cafe and £400 turned into a genius business idea that's about to go global
• Money Problem : 'I bought a new car but it's been back six times with same fault - what can I do?'
• How to stop your car from being stolen - or even 'cannibalised'
• Best of the Money blog - an archive

Ask a question or make a comment

Winter energy bills are projected to rise significantly due to an uptick in the wholesale market, according to a closely watched forecast.

Market specialist Cornwall Insight released an updated winter forecast ahead of the latest price cap change kicking in on Monday.

Britons who pay by direct debit will see their typical annual bill for gas and electricity go down 7%, or £122, to £1,568 this week until 1 October.

However, a 10% rise is then expected, taking the annual bill for a typical household back up to £1,763, Cornwall predicts.

This is actually slightly lower than its previous forecast - but still represents bad news for Britons who may have thought energy bills were on a linear path down following two years of sky-high prices.

"The drop in forecasts for October are positive, but we need to keep this in perspective," the Cornwall report says.

"We are still facing an average 10% increase in bills from October, and as winter approaches this will put a strain on many household finances."

We'll have experts from Cornwall Insights and consumer group Which? answering your energy-related questions here in the Money blog on Monday afternoon - so whether it's about why bills could rise again or if now is a good time to switch, submit your query above.

By Jess Sharp , Money team

Splitting up household jobs, whether that be cleaning, washing or life admin, is an issue that affects a lot of couples. 

Starling Bank found women do a total of 36 hours of household tasks and admin per week - equivalent to a full-time job. 

This is nine hours more than men - and yet men believe they do the majority in their household. The average man estimates they do 52% of work overall.

It's the discrepancy between perception and reality (and, of course, this can work both ways) that leads to arguments.

Couples who don't divide the housework equally have roughly five arguments about housework each month - rising to eight for couples who rely on just one person for the work.

We spoke to relationship expert Hayley Quinn about the best ways to split household work - and how to deal with arguments should they arise with your partner. 

She explained that it's necessary to be "transparent" when deciding how to split the workload - but also to be flexible in order to find a solution that suits all involved. 

While a 50/50 split might be your idea of perfection, Hayley said it was "almost inevitable that one partner may take on slightly more of the load" at different periods of time. 

"Striving for perfect 50/50 fairness at all times is a really nice ideal, but it just may not be that practical for modern life," she said. 

She said some jobs may be more visible than others, like cleaning, sorting out the washing, and taking the bins out.

Other jobs can take up just as much time and resource, but will fly under the radar. She gave the examples or sorting out travel insurance or changing over internet provider. 

How should you approach a conversation with your partner about splitting the work? 

To start off, Hayley said you should enter the conversation with a positive mindset - think how you are both contributing to the relationship in different ways.

"When you're having these conversations, it's not that many people are sitting around feeling like they're not contributing," Hayley said. 

"In fact, I think if there's a discrepancy in how people contribute, it's just due to a lack of awareness as to what the other partner does, and some chores are just more obviously visible than others."

Try to avoid starting the chat with the perspective that you are working a lot harder than your partner and they're not pulling their weight. 

"That way, you start from a place of we're all on the same team," she said. 

"When you're doing that as well, it's really important not to make statements which assume what the other partner is thinking, feeling, or contributing. 

"So, for instance, saying something like 'I'm always the one that's picking the kids up from school and you never do anything',  becomes easily very accusational, and this is when arguments start.

"Instead, most partners will be much more receptive if you simply ask for more help and assistance." 

When asking for help, Hayley said it's important to ask in a way that's verbal and clear - don't assume your partner is going to intuitively know what share of household chores to take on if you just complain. 

"In a nice way, explicitly ask for what you want. It could be something like saying, 'Look, I know that we're both working a long week, but I feel like there's so much to do. It would be really helpful if... I'd really appreciate it if you take over lunch,'" she explained. 

"Again, start from a place of appreciation. Acknowledge what your partner contributes already, and be explicitly clear as to what you would like them to do. Phrase it as a request for their help." 

She also said some people can feel protective of how jobs are completed, and learning to relinquish that control can be helpful. 

"If you want it to feel more equitable, you have to let your partner do things in their own way," she said. 

What happens if that doesn't work? 

If you find the conversations aren't helping, you can always try organising a rota, Hayley said. 

She recommended using Starling Bank's Share the Load tool to work out your chore split. 

However, she said if you feel there are constant conversations and nothing is changing then the issue is becoming more about communication than sharing the workload. 

"It's actually about someone not hearing what you're trying to communicate to them, so it's more of a relationship-wide issue," she said. 

She advised sitting down and trying to have another transparent verbal conversation, making it clear that you have spoken about this before and how it's making you feel in a factual way, without placing blame. 

Using phrases like "I've noticed" or "I've observed" can help, she said. 

If after all that, the situation still isn't getting better, she said it's time to consider confiding in friends or family for support, or seeing a relationship counsellor. 

The oldest and most prestigious tennis event in the world returns on Monday, with the best of the best players to battle over two weeks to be named champion.

Crowds in their thousands will flock to Wimbledon to enjoy a spot of sport - as well as the range of food and drink on offer.

It's not the cheapest day out, with a cool cup of Pimms setting you back just under £10 and a bottle of water coming in at nearly £3.

But did you know that despite souring inflation in recent years sending food prices through the roof, one fan favourite - the quintessentially British strawberries and cream combo - has stayed at the same price since 2010?

A pot of the sweet snack costs just £2.50, making it one of the more affordable offerings at the All England Club. It has been served up there since the very first Wimbledon tournament in 1877.

Perdita Sedov, Wimbledon's head of food and beverage, previously told The Telegraph the price freeze "goes back to a long-standing tradition" of strawberries and cream being associated with the championship.

"It's about being accessible to all," she said.

According to the Wimbledon website, each year more than 38.4 tonnes of strawberries are picked and consumed during the tournament.

Ofgem is being urged not to lift a ban on acquisition-only energy tariffs (deals that are available only to new customers, not existing ones).

A coalition of consumer organisations and energy companies led by Which? has penned a letter to the government regulator for electricity and gas warning it of the risk of a "return to a market which discriminates against loyal customers". 

They have also raised the potential impact on customers in debt, who may not be able to switch but could also find themselves struggling to access a better deal with their current supplier under the plans. 

The letter also notes the "very recent history" when more than 30 suppliers went bust - many after trying to win customers with unsustainably cheap tariffs.

Ofgem has said it could remove the ban on acquisition-only tariffs from 1 October but consumer choice website Which?  has research that shows the public are opposed to cheap deals that exclude existing customers, with 81% feeling it would be unfair if their supplier was offering cheaper deals to new customers only. 

The consumer champion has signed the letter to Ofgem alongside E.ON, Octopus, So Energy, Rebel Energy, End Fuel Poverty Coalition, Citizens Advice and Fair by Design.

Two topics dominated our inbox this week.

Many readers got in touch about our Weekend Money feature on older Britons who face having to work past pension age to pay off long-term mortgages.

Lots of you share the fears of those we spoke to in the feature...

I am in my 70s with still about five years to go on my mortgage. It stands at 30k on a 300k house. The mortgage repayments are £800 a month, this doesn't sound much but on a static pension it is massive and I am literally on the point of not having sufficient money to pay it. Red

I was supposed to retire in 2.5 years at 66 and 4 months, my mortgage finishes when I'm 70. I was paying off extra (double) on my previous rate to reduce an interest only mortgage, but the recent increases in mortgage rates have meant I'm paying off hardly any. AVB

I'm 67 and still trying to pay off a mortgage that has another five years to run. I can't stop working and do over 10 hours a day, 5 days a week. Keith

My problem is going to be paying off an interest-only mortgage. More than anything I wish I hadn't changed when I had my twins but we couldn't make ends meet at the time. Sazavan

Six years ago I reached the age of 70 and my interest-only mortgage ended - to extend it was impossible with the conditions attached. This then threw me into the rental market, paying more than my mortgage. Now I am facing eviction from the rental due to it being sold. Marianj

We also heard from a mortgage adviser, whose recommendations matched those of Gerard Boon, the managing director of online mortgage broker Boon Brokers, who we spoke to for the feature...

I am a mortgage adviser in Leicestershire and have found an increasing number of people asking to go as long as possible past normal retirement age. I always point out that it's great to have lower payments in the short term but you will need to work to 75. There's no choice. Semaine

Onto the second topic that dominated your correspondence, and we were sorry to learn that lots of you face similar issues as reader Adam, who has had to take his faulty car back to the garage six times - and is still not convinced it is fixed. 

Scott Dixon, from The Complaints Resolver , was on hand to help break down what Adam could do for our Money Problem feature - read his advice here:

Same thing happened to me, except that they didn't let me refund the vehicle and claimed it was my fault even though I told them about the issue during the six months' warranty multiple times... they barely replied. K

I have bought a used car and there is an engine management light on. The garage where I bought it from has since changed name and moved premises (found out by accident). When I call to book in I am told to expect a call back or the mechanic will ring me but they never do. Andy D

I have taken my car to Halfords four times in the last 14 months. Each time they guarantee me it's fixed and within a week it's back to normal. Can I get it repaired elsewhere and bill Halfords? Simon

I have a JAG SVR that's been faulty since day one, the garage sent me home with it faulty and not working correctly. I have tried to reject it but the finance company are playing David versus Goliath... we can prove issues from day one, we have two vehicle reports to back it up. Jezza

Have a Nissan Juke, which has a seat issue where it sinks on its own… Nissan saying it's not a manufacturing fault, but "user error". Where do I stand in getting it fixed? Technical team keeps fobbing it off as our fault. Esmith97

If you're in a position like this, do check out Scott Dixon's advice in the feature above.

The Money blog is your place for consumer news, economic analysis and everything you need to know about the cost of living - bookmark news.sky.com/money.

It runs with live updates every weekday - while on Saturdays we scale back and offer you a selection of weekend reads.

Check them out this morning and we'll be back on Monday with rolling news and features.

The Money team is Bhvishya Patel, Jess Sharp, Katie Williams, Brad Young, Ollie Cooper and Mark Wyatt, with sub-editing by Isobel Souster. The blog is edited by Jimmy Rice.

Starting from next month, gamers will be able to play Xbox titles like Fallout 4, Starfield and Fortnite using Amazon Fire TV.

A new upgrade coming to the Fire TV 4K devices transforms your television into a console, thanks to Xbox Cloud Gaming.

You'll need to be a member of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate to take advantage, plus you'll need a compatible controller and a solid internet connection.

"One of the biggest benefits of cloud gaming is the ability to play premium games without needing a console," Amazon explained.

"The Fire TV Stick may be compact, but it can stream and run graphically intense Xbox games like Senua's Saga: Hellblade II.

"This portability also means you can easily move your cloud gaming setup from the living room TV to a different room or even take it on the road.

"As long as you have a solid internet connection and your compatible Fire TV Stick, and a compatible controller, you can take your Xbox Game Pass games and saved progress travels with you."

Once downloaded, the Xbox app is designed to offer a smooth and seamless experience. Here’s how it works:

• Install and launch the Xbox app from your Fire TV device;
• Sign in with your Microsoft account to play. If you’re an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate member, you’ll have instant access to hundreds of cloud-enabled games;
• Connect a Bluetooth-enabled wireless controller. Controllers like the Xbox Wireless Controller, Xbox Adaptive Controller, PlayStation DualSense, or DualShock 4 controller are all compatible.

A new Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K will set you back £59.99 on Amazon, while a new Xbox Wireless Controller costs £49.59.

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate currently costs £1 for the first 14 days for new members, then is billed at £12.99 per month.

House prices are overvalued by thousands of pounds, according to a major property company.

The typical property is £20,000 more than is affordable to the average household, says Zoopla.

But rising incomes and longer mortgage terms mean the "over-valuation" is expected to disappear by the end of the year.

Zoopla's report said: "House prices still look expensive on various measures of affordability.

"We expect house price inflation to remain muted, likely to rise more slowly than household incomes over the next one to two years."

The average house price is around £264,900 – but according to Zoopla's calculations, the affordable price is £245,200.

"A new government will add a dimension of political stability when the autumn market starts in September and even if the [Bank of England base] rate is not lower by then, a cut will be imminent," said Tom Bill, head of UK residential research at estate agent Knight Frank.

"Given that mortgage rates will steadily reduce as services inflation comes under control, we expect UK house prices to rise by 3% this year."

Zoopla's over-valuation estimate was reached by comparing the actual average house price in its index with an "affordable" price, which was calculated based on households' disposable incomes, average mortgage rates and average deposit sizes for home buyers.

It's one of the most iconic and popular music festivals in the world, and it's notoriously hard to get a ticket.

Glastonbury has rolled around once again and roughly 210,000 people have flocked to Somerset this year as Dua Lipa, Coldplay and SZA headline the UK's biggest festival this weekend.

Those in the crowd are in the lucky minority — an estimated 2.5 million people tried to get tickets for this year's event, meaning the odds really aren't in your favour if you fancy going.

Tickets routinely sell out within an hour of going on sale, and that demand is unlikely to decrease next year, given the festival will likely take a fallow year in 2026.

So, if you're feeling jealous this year, how do you get tickets for Glastonbury 2025, and how can you give yourself the best possible chance?

We've run through all the available details as well as some tips so you're best prepared when the time comes.

Registration details:  Before potential festivalgoers get the chance to buy tickets, they must register on the official website.

One of the reasons this is done is to stop ticket touting, with all tickets non-transferable. Each ticket features the photograph of the registered ticket holder, with security checks carried out to ensure that only the person in the photograph is admitted to the festival.

Registration is free and only takes a few minutes. You will be asked to provide basic contact details and to upload a passport-standard photo.

Registration closes a few weeks before tickets are released.

Where to buy tickets:  Tickets can be bought exclusively at  glastonbury.seetickets.com   once they become available.

No other site or agency will be allocated tickets, so if you see anyone else claiming to have Glastonbury tickets available for purchase, it's most likely a scam.

When tickets go on sale: We don't know the details for next year yet - but Glastonbury ticket sales usually take place in October or November of the year before the festival. 

This year's ticket sales began, following a delay, in November 2023. Coach tickets typically go on sale a few days before (traditionally on a Thursday), with general admission tickets following on the Sunday morning a few days later.

For those that miss out, there's also a resale that takes place in April for tickets that have been returned or for those with a balance that has not been paid.

This year's April resale took place on 18 April (for ticket and coach travel options) and 21 April (general admission tickets and accommodation options).

How much it costs:  General admission tickets for this year's festival cost £355 each, plus a £5 booking fee. That's an increase on last year's price of £335 each, which was also an increase on the 2022 price of around £280.

So, we can probably assume that ticket prices will go up once again for next year's festival. 

Remember, there are options to pay for your ticket in instalments, so you won't have to pay the full price in one go if you don't want to. All tickets are subject to a £75 deposit, with the remaining balance payable by the first week of April.

It's also worth noting that Glastonbury is a family festival, and that's reflected in the fact that children aged 12 and under when the festival takes place are admitted free of charge.

TIPS FOR THE BIG TICKET SALE DAY

The scramble for tickets when they go on general sale is nothing short of painstaking, with demand far outweighing supply.

Here are some tips to give you the best possible chance of bagging tickets:

Familiarise yourself with the website: You may see a reduced, bare-looking version of the booking page once you gain entry. The organisers say this is intentional to cope with high traffic and does not mean the site has crashed, so be sure not to refresh or leave the page.

Once you reach the first page of the booking site, you will need to enter the registration number and registered postcode for yourself and the other people you are attempting to book tickets for.

When you proceed, the details you have provided will be displayed on the next page.

Once you have double checked all of your information is correct, click 'confirm' to enter the payment page, where you will need to check/amend your billing address, confirm your payment information, accept the terms and conditions, and complete the checkout within the allocated time.

Timekeeping: You can get timed out if you don't act fast, so it's a good idea to have your details saved on a separate document so you can copy and paste them over quickly.

You might also have to approve your payment, which could mean answering security questions from your card issuer. Have a device on hand to ensure you're ready for this.

Internet connection: This should go without saying, but you won't stand a chance without a solid internet connection.

Avoid trying to rely on your mobile phone signal, and politely ask those you might share the internet with to delay any online activity that might slow your connection.

Don't give up: Until the page tells you that tickets have sold out, you still have a chance. 

Shortly before that point, there will be a message saying 'all available tickets have now been allocated,' which users often think means their chances are up. 

What it actually means is that orders are being processed for all the tickets that are available. But if somebody whose order is being processed doesn't take our previous advice and runs out of time, their loss could be your gain.

Multiple tabs and devices: Glastonbury advises against its customers trying to run multiple tabs and devices to boost their chances of getting a ticket.

Glastonbury's website says running multiple devices simultaneously is "a waste of valuable resources, and doesn't reflect the ethos of the festival".

"Please stick to one device and one tab," it adds, "so that you can focus on entering your details without confusing your browser and help us make the ticket sale as quick and stress free as possible for all."

Shoppers have been buying bigger TVs to enjoy this summer's European Championships, according to the electrical retailer Currys.

The chain said UK sales were up by more than 30% in the past month, with "supersize" screens — 85-inch and above — selling well in the run-up to the Euros.

"Having a third of the TV market and the Euros being a big event for many people, we're seeing that super-sizing trend keep on giving," said Currys chief executive Alex Baldock.

The most popular, and also cheapest, 85-inch TV on the Currys website costs £999. 

The most expensive super-size TV is a 98-inch offering from Samsung that will set you back £9,499.

Currys reported adjusted pre-tax profits of £118m for the year to 27 April. That represented a 10% increase from the previous year's profits of £107m.

Like-for-like sales for Currys UK and Ireland declined by 2% to £4.97bn in the 12 months to 27 April, with consumer confidence knocked by high inflation levels and rising interest rates.

"We can see our progress in ever-more engaged colleagues, more satisfied customers and better financial performance," Mr Baldock added.

Be the first to get Breaking News

Install the Sky News app for free