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The Best Things to do in Manchester, England

July 24, 2023

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Manchester is a metropolis situated within the north-west of England. It’s well-known in the present day for its soccer groups, music, and meals. It’s additionally a metropolis with a wealthy previous, having been on the centre of the Industrial Revolution.

Laurence labored and lived in Manchester for a time, and it’s a metropolis we each take pleasure in visiting the place we all the time discover loads to see and do.

In this information, we’re going to share with you a few of our favorite issues to do in Manchester. These cowl a various vary of sights and actions, from cultural highlights by way of to meals and buying experiences.

We’ll additionally share some ideas to your go to, together with tips on how to get across the metropolis and the place to remain in Manchester.

So, whether or not you’re visiting Manchester for the weekend, catching a match, or in Manchester with youngsters and on the lookout for leisure, we predict this information will assist you determine tips on how to fill your time.

15+ Things to do in Manchester

This information options a few of our favorite issues to do in Manchester. Of course, as a serious metropolis there are heaps greater than 15 issues to do in Manchester!

If you might be in Manchester for an prolonged time frame, then you’ll little doubt uncover many extra issues to do within the metropolis.

But we predict this information covers the primary highlights of town and may provide you with some concepts to your go to.

Visit a Football Club

It’s exhausting to say Manchester with out immediately enthusiastic about soccer (soccer). There are two predominant soccer golf equipment in Manchester, that are Manchester United (sometimes called “Man U”) and Manchester City (usually simply known as “City).

Both are fashionable and well-respected Premier League soccer golf equipment. They’re additionally longtime rivals and each golf equipment date again to the nineteenth century.

Manchester United particularly is likely one of the world’s most well-known soccer golf equipment, with supporters all world wide. Whenever we journey abroad, we practically all the time discover ourselves chatting with a Man U supporter or two!

You also can go to each groups’ stadiums do you have to want. If you occur to be on the town on a match day then additionally it is usually attainable to get tickets to look at the gamers in motion.

Alternatively, you possibly can take a guided tour of their respective stadiums. Tours of Old Trafford, the Manchester United Football Stadium might be booked on-line prematurely right here. Tours of the Etihad Stadium, the Manchester City Football Stadium, might be booked right here.

We lately visited the Manchester United stadium, Old Trafford. The tour included entry to the superb museum in addition to a full tour of the stadium itself. We’re not precisely big soccer specialists, however the tour was lots of enjoyable and effectively value it. Definitely beneficial, even should you aren’t an enormous soccer fan.

Advance reserving is unquestionably beneficial as these are among the extra fashionable actions in Manchester. Also be aware that each stadiums are a bit outdoors town heart. From central Manchester, you will get to both of the stadiums utilizing town tram or public buses in underneath half-hour.

Take a Sightseeing Bus, Cruise, or Walking Tour

Taking a sightseeing bus journey, a ship cruise, or a strolling tour is certainly one of our favorite methods to get an thought of the historical past, structure, and tradition of a brand new metropolis.

So if you’re new to Manchester, taking certainly one of these excursions can rapidly orient you and provide you with some native data. Here are some choices to contemplate.

Sightseeing buses

A great way to get round all the key sights within the metropolis is with a hop-on hop-off bus. This covers the primary highlights of town and in addition gives commentary so you possibly can find out about what you might be seeing.

You can ebook a hop on hop off bus tour right here. As the title suggests, you will get on and off as usually as you want during your ticket, so that is additionally a great way to go to plenty of sights and save strolling.

Boat Cruises

A river or canal cruise is likely one of the hottest actions in Manchester. The metropolis is criss-crossed with canals, and it’s additionally the place the Manchester Ship Canal begins.

Opened in 1894, this 36-mile-long canal was a severe engineering feat of its time, linking Manchester to the Irish Sea and permitting for the passage of products and freight from town.

It was the most important river canal on the earth when it opened, and enabled Manchester to change into one of many UK’s largest ports. This regardless of Manchester being over 30 miles inland.

You can study all in regards to the canals of Manchester by taking a river and canal cruise like this.

Walking Tours

We all the time take pleasure in taking strolling excursions once we go to a brand new metropolis. They are a good way to study loads in a short while. We additionally usually decide up ideas and recommendation on what else there’s to see and the place to eat from a neighborhood.

There are plenty of strolling excursions you may take into account taking in Manchester, listed here are some urged choices.

This group strolling tour focuses on the highlights and historical past of town. An analogous personal tour can also be out there right here.
This group strolling tour focuses on the musical and soccer heritage of town
Food lovers will wish to take a look at this guided Manchester meals tour which is able to inform you the historical past of Manchester by way of its meals
Manchester’s Salford Quays space is known for the Manchester Ship Canal, in addition to being the house of media giants just like the BBC. This tour will introduce you to this fascinating space.
Like many cities world wide, Manchester has some world-class avenue artwork, particularly within the Northern Quarter. This Manchester avenue artwork tour will take you to among the finest avenue artwork places, in addition to plenty of fashionable filming places within the space.

Some of those are particular curiosity excursions. So for instance, should you’re within the Salford Quays space you may wish to take this one, if you’re taken with combining meals and historical past you may wish to take this one, and if you’re taken with avenue artwork you may take this one.

Finally, we simply needed to say this tour of the Coronation Street set. This is likely one of the most well-known and longest working UK TV reveals, and the set is present in Manchester.

The tour is absolutely guided, and is a should for followers of the present, in addition to those that simply like to see behind the scenes of how a TV present works.

Science and Industry Museum

Manchester has been on the epicenter of some seismic technological developments, from the rise of industrialization and steam-powered mills by way of to the creation of the world’s first pc with reminiscence.

If you’d wish to find out about a few of this unbelievable historical past, you then’ll wish to go to Manchester’s Science and Industry Museum.

The museum buildings themselves sit on the positioning of Liverpool Road Station, the Manchester terminus of the Liverpool and Manchester Railway and the world’s first purpose-built passenger railway.

This free museum covers an enormous quantity, from the Industrial Revolution that modified how folks lived and labored, by way of to fashionable developments in computing. There’s additionally an entire ground of interactive experiments which is enjoyable for each adults and children alike.

Note that some sections of the museum are at present closed for a serious renovation undertaking that began in 2019 and will probably be ongoing till 2030, so test the web site earlier than visiting to see what sections are at present open.

The Science and Industry Museum everlasting displays are free to go to, though donations are clearly welcome and inspired. There are additionally usually paid short-term displays and experiences. You can discover out extra and plan your go to on the official web site right here.

Try the Local Food

Manchester is a improbable place for eating out, with every little thing on provide from avenue meals to afternoon tea to impartial espresso outlets and even Michelin star eating places. Of course, there are additionally all of the frequent chain eating places and bars as effectively.

So you’ll undoubtedly wish to schedule a while throughout your Manchester go to to dine out.

There are in fact many choices. For avenue meals for instance, you may take into account the Mackie Mayor meals corridor which showcases among the area’s finest food and drinks. Another central possibility is the Picadilly Gardens Street Food Market which has a spread of consuming choices.

We all the time like to take pleasure in a day tea once we journey, and Manchester additionally has some good choices. We had a stunning afternoon tea on the historic Midland Hotel (the place Rolls and Royce met to debate their automobile enterprise!), however there are many nice choices for these of you who love afternoon tea.

If you take pleasure in Indian meals then we will undoubtedly suggest Dishoom, they’re certainly one of our favourites they usually have a restaurant in central Manchester. Reservations beneficial.

For high-end Michelin starred eating, we will extremely suggest Mana Restaurant. This is a Michelin-starred restaurant providing fantastically artistic British eating.

We liked that you would watch the entire kitchen at work and the service and a focus to element was spectacular. Definitely well worth the value, and one you will want to order for prematurely.

Of course, there are a lot of extra choices, and there’s listing of eating choices on the Visit Manchester web site right here.

If you’re eager to strive some native meals specialties whereas in Manchester, then we suggest dishes like Lancashire hotpot, Eccles cake, Morecambe Bay potted shrimp, native black pudding, and chorley cake.

If you wish to uncover some fashionable locations to eat and drink, take into account becoming a member of a Manchester meals tour corresponding to this one or this one.

People’s Story Museum

Manchester was the world’s first industrial metropolis. The huge rise in industrialization led to the creation of all kinds of recent jobs, and other people flocked from the countryside to town for work.

Unfortunately, most of the jobs have been extremely harmful, with income typically put above staff’ well being and security. This lack of deal with the rights of staff led to the recognition of commerce unions within the UK, and a common motion in direction of human rights typically, together with the appropriate to vote.

The story of individuals difficult the established order and bettering their rights is advised in Manchester’s glorious, and free, People’s History Museum.

If you have an interest in studying in regards to the previous, current and way forward for points like the appropriate to vote, honest pay, social justice and time without work, then that is undoubtedly the museum for you. You can discover out extra and test opening occasions on the museum’s official web site right here.

We realized loads once we visited, and may extremely suggest it.

Go Shopping

If you’re keen on buying, you’ll discover loads of choices to maintain you busy in Manchester. There are plenty of places to select from, relying on what you have an interest in. Here are among the predominant buying choices and areas to contemplate:

The huge Arndale Centre in the course of Manchester has all the key excessive avenue manufacturers in addition to eating choices
The Northern Quarter is the place you’ll wish to head for impartial shops, the place you’ll discover classic clothes shops and handmade objects
For jewelry, you’re going to wish to go to the aptly named Jewellery Quarter, the place you’re going to search out an enormous vary of watches and jewelry to go well with any style
For high-end designer buying, plan to go to The Avenue in Spinningfields, which has a spread of designer shops

Of course, there are loads extra locations to buy throughout Manchester, together with the Trafford Centre which is just a little out of the city centre. But we’re positive should you’re into buying you gained’t run out of choices in Manchester!

Manchester Museum

If your thought of a museum consists of dinosaurs, fossils, and different correctly outdated stuff housed in a stupendous Gothic constructing, you then’ll undoubtedly wish to head to the Manchester Museum.

This free museum focuses on pure historical past, archaeology and anthropology. It has round 4.5 million objects in its assortment, which implies you’re prone to discover one thing that pursuits you.

So whether or not you’re into the historical past of how the world got here to be as it’s in the present day, understanding the Egyptians, or gazing frogs, we predict you’ll discover one thing to take pleasure in.

The Manchester Museum is free to go to, though donations are significantly appreciated. You can see extra about opening hours and different data to your go to on the official web site right here.

Manchester Art Gallery

If you’re keen on artwork, then a go to to the superb and free Manchester Art Gallery ought to undoubtedly be in your listing of issues to do in Manchester.

With a set of over 25,000 objects which incorporates every little thing from oil work to sculpture to ceramics. It additionally covers artwork from world wide and throughout the years, with objects together with a 3,000 yr outdated Egyptian jar in addition to a robust assortment of Victorian-era artworks.

Suffice it to say, we predict that no matter artwork you might be into, this museum ought to cowl it. Don’t neglect to admire the buildings whenever you go to as effectively. The museum is unfold throughout three buildings, two of that are listed.

Manchester Art Gallery is free to go to though donations are very a lot appreciated, and you may see opening occasions and what’s on on the official web site right here.

National Museum of Football

Fans of soccer will certainly wish to go to the National Museum of Football which is present in central Manchester simply by Manchester Cathedral (additionally value popping into).

This museum tells the story of the game of soccer from its beginnings proper as much as the current day. Being a nationwide museum, it isn’t targeted on a particular membership, which means it’s a terrific location to go to no matter which staff you help.

Inside you’ll discover all kinds of issues, from soccer memorabilia to interactive screens detailing the historical past of each membership within the nation. There are additionally plenty of interactive soccer video games the place you possibly can take a look at your ability.

This is unquestionably a worthwhile go to for anybody with even a passing curiosity in soccer. You can ebook tickets on-line prematurely right here.

Admire the outdated Architecture & Historical Buildings

With the rise in industrialization in Manchester got here an increase in wealth, and this led to the creation of some slightly spectacular buildings. Most notably, most of the 18th and nineteenth century mills, warehouses, canals, and different buildings nonetheless exist doing in “warehouse city” which is a sq. mile of primarily Victorian commerial buildings relationship again to when Manchester was known as Cottonpolis. There have additionally been some newer attention-grabbing additions to town because it has continued to develop.

Overall, Manchester has fairly a couple of actually pretty buildings which might be effectively value taking a look at. Some we suggest trying out embody:

John Ryland’s Library. This was constructed as a library in 1888 and is a really unbelievable little bit of Gothic structure. It seems to be much more like a Cathedral than a library, and the primary studying room actually is a sight to behold. It’s free to go to.
Kimpton Clocktower Hotel. This was constructed within the Nineties because the headquarters of The Refuge Assurance Company, and had house for round 2,000 employees! Today it’s a luxurious lodge, however most of the authentic options stay, as does the beautiful exterior.
Royal Exchange Theatre. Originally constructed as an trade for cotton merchants within the 1860s, this constructing was dwelling to the most important buying and selling corridor in England. Today the corridor is dwelling to a theatre which takes the from of a large pod sitting in the course of the corridor. It’s a really cool design and price popping in to see.
Co-operative Group Building. If you like your buildings of the extra fashionable kind, then it is best to schedule a go to to One Angel Square, head workplace of the Co-operative group and accomplished in 2013. It’s one of the crucial sustainable buildings in Europe and appears fairly spectacular.
Manchester Cathedral. Dating from 1421 this stunning cathedral is constructed from three forms of stone and is effectively value popping into because it’s stunning inside
Chetham’s Library. Opened in 1653 and in steady use since then, that is the oldest free public library within the English-speaking world. It’s additionally remarkably fairly inside, and excursions can be found.
Free Trade Hall. This Italian Palazzo model corridor was constructed on Peter Street within the 1850s on what was then St. Peter’s Fields, the place the Peterloo Massacre occurred. Orators from Churchill to Disraeli to Dickens have spoken right here.

Of course, there are a lot of extra spectacular buildings in Manchester which you will note as you stroll round, however we predict the above ought to undoubtedly be included in your listing of sights to see whenever you go to town.

Police Museum

One of my private favorite musuems in Manchester is the Police Museum, which is sadly solely open for in the future every week.

However, in case your go to to Manchester does occur to fall on a day when it’s open, I extremely suggest visiting. The museum, which is present in a former police museum, tells the story of the Manchester Police pressure from its beginnings.

As effectively as plenty of informative panels and memorabilia, there are some actually knowledable volunteers available, a lot of whom are former law enforcement officials, who’re effectively value chatting to as they’ve plenty of tales to share.

The different spotlight is the set of Victorian jail cells and cost workplace. Here you possibly can see how inmates have been saved, and the type of crimes they have been arrested for. It’s a captivating perception into policing through the years. It’s additionally free.

Evening Entertainment

Manchester is a improbable place for an evening out. From theatre performances to stay music to bars catering to all tastes and nightclubs, there actually is one thing for everybody.

All it’s a must to do is resolve what sort of night time out you need. The Gay Village is a well-liked space of Manchester for an evening out for instance, discovered round Canal Street, and has a spread of cafes, bars and eating choices.

If you’d want a night of theatre, there are some glorious choices, together with the Royal Exchange Theatre, Palace Theatre and The Lowry Theatre.

For stay music, there’s a large vary, from the Bridgewater Hall to indie venues like The Castle Hotel. Manchester is the house of bands from Oasis to Take That and Joy Division, and we’re positive you’ll discover a venue that performs music to your style.

Imperial War Museum North

Found to the south of town centre in Salford Quays, the Imperial War Museum North is a superb free museum which covers the historical past of battle from the First World War to the current day.

The museum is present in a surprising constructing which is definitely designed to disorient the customer, in an analogous solution to how struggle might be very disorienting.

The displays embody a spread of everlasting shows, with objects, movies and sound relaying the varied conflicts that Britain and the commonwealth have been concerned in during the last century or so. We discovered it to be a really immersive and, sure, fairly a disorienting expertise. Definitely beneficial for these with an curiosity in navy historical past and conflicts.

If you go to Manchester United’s Old Trafford stadium, then it’s only a few minutes’ stroll to the Imperial War Museum. Otherwise, you possibly can simply get to this space by tram.

You can discover out extra in regards to the museum and test its opening hours and dates on the museum web site right here. Entry is free.

Visit a Garden or Park

If you’re on the lookout for some inexperienced house to loosen up and escape the hustle and bustle of town for a bit (maybe with a picnic), then there are a couple of choices within the metropolis centre.

Some central choices to contemplate embody Saint John’s Gardens, Hulme Park, Parsonage Gardens and Cotton Field Park.

We also can suggest Sackville Garden, close to Canal Street. This is dwelling to a statue of Alan Turing, the British mathematician who helped advance pc science a lot.

If you’d want a extra formal backyard expertise, then the gorgeous Royal Horticultural Society Garden in Bridgewater is value trying out. It’s just a little outdoors town centre, however the entry ticket consists of free return shuttle switch.

Spot the Bees

As you stroll round Manchester, you will rapidly discover that town seems to be obsessive about bees. You’ll discover representations of bees all around the metropolis.

The employee bee has been an emblem of town since 1842, when town adopted it to point out to the world how industrious Manchester is. Since then the bee emblem has flourished, and also you’ll discover it in all places from the facet of buses to town coats of arms to statues in public areas.

As you stroll across the metropolis, it may be enjoyable for you (and your loved ones!) to see what number of locations you possibly can spot a Manchester bee.

Other Attractions & Museums in Manchester

We have coated plenty of Manchester’s museums, nonetheless there are extra to select from relying in your pursuits. There are additionally a number of household pleasant attraction choices that we haven’t talked about. Here are a couple of extra to contemplate.

Jewish Museum. Found in a former synagogue, this museum covers the historical past of Jewish migration and settlement in Manchester
Museum of Transport. This focuses on the historical past of Manchester’s public transport system from horse-drawn buses to the present-day tram system.
The Whitworth. Art gallery which focuses on extra fashionable artwork items, with artists together with Van Gogh, Picasso and Hockney.
Elizabeth Gaskell’s House. This Victorian period home museum which tells the story of the author Elizabeth Gaskell, who lived right here for over thirty years. She is finest recognized for her books Cranford, North and South, and Wives and Daughters.
SEA LIFE. With over 2,000 creatures to satisfy, Manchester’s SEA LIFE is the proper household attraction for everybody with an curiosity within the sea
LegoLand Discover Centre. A well-liked possibility for households, the LegoLand Discover Centre is mainly an enormous Lego playground. Ideal for a wet day or for burning off some youthful power
Coronation Street tour. Fans of Coronation Street gained’t wish to miss this behind-the-scenes tour of the present!

As you possibly can see, there’s no scarcity of fantastic museums and points of interest in Manchester, protecting all kinds of subjects and pursuits!

Take a Day Trip out of Manchester

Whilst there’s loads to do in Manchester itself, town additionally makes for a terrific base for exploring. These embody every little thing from nationwide parks to seaside resorts to England’s largest theme park. Here are some solutions for some nice day journeys from Manchester.

Chester. This stunning outdated metropolis was based by the Romans within the 1st century, and is simply an hour from Manchester by automobile or public transport. Lots to see and do right here, you possibly can both go to your self or as a part of a day tour like this.
North Wales. The northern shoreline of Wales is dwelling to spectacular hillwalking in addition to a terrific many stunning castles. The best solution to go to will probably be with your personal automobile or on a day journey like this, though it’s attainable by public transport.
The Lake District. England’s largest National Park, the Lake District is a stunning place for strolling and simply getting out into nature. It’s simply over an hours drive from Manchester and is finest visited with your personal transport or on a day tour like this
The Peak District. Another stunning nationwide park, the Peak District has cute villages and plentiful strolling alternatives. It’s round an hours drive from Manchester and there are additionally some public transport choices. Another possibility can be to take a day journey like this
Blackpool. One of the UK’s most well-known Victorian-era seaside resorts, Blackpool is the place to return for walks on the promenade, sea-side amusements, and enjoyable reveals. Don’t neglect to head up the Tower! It’s a household pleasant spot, and might be simply reached by practice or automobile from Manchester in underneath 90 minutes.
Liverpool. This well-known port metropolis is well-known for being the house of the Beatles. It additionally has a wealthy maritime historical past. There’s heaps to see and do right here, and you would simply fill a day visiting. It’s straightforward to go to by public transport, with direct practice connections taking lower than an hour.
Alton Towers. If your thought of a enjoyable day trip is rollercoasters and thrills, you then’ll wish to head to Alton Towers. It’s a few ninety-minute drive from Manchester, and you may ebook your tickets on-line right here.

As you possibly can see, there are many choices for day journeys from Manchester!

Where to Stay in Manchester

Manchester has a variety of lodging choices to go well with each funds and style, from hostels and guesthouses to high-end resorts and flats. Below are a few of our solutions for the place to remain in Manchster, that are roughly ordered by value from low to excessive.

Pricing does fluctuate in fact, so that you’ll have to click on by way of and evaluate costs for whenever you plan to go to.

ibis Manchester Centre – this funds possibility within the centre of Manchester provides snug en-suite rooms. Breakfast is accessible, and there’s an on-site restaurant.
Motel One Manchester Royal Exchange – this can be a good worth and effectively reviewed 3* lodge in central location. Rooms are en-suite and air-conditioned. Breakfast is accessible.
Moxy Manchester City – a effectively rated centrally situated 4* lodge. Offers air-conditioned rooms with tea/espresso services and and an on-site nightclub. Breakfast additionally out there.
StayCity Aparthotels Manchester Piccadilly. Just moments’ stroll from Manchester Piccadilly practice station, this aparthotel provides snug flats with kitchens and washing machines. We stayed right here on a current longer journey to Manchester and it made for a terrific base to discover.
Leven Manchester – a well-reviewed boutique lodge present in a former cotton warehouse on Canal Street which has each rooms and flats.
Stock Exchange Hotel – centrally situated very effectively reviewed 5* lodge providing air-conditioned rooms, some with balconies. There’s a lodge bar and breakfast is accessible.
Dakota Manchester – a really effectively reviewed 4* lodge in central Manchester, simply 3 minutes stroll from Manchester Picadilly. Offers air-conditioned en-suite rooms in addition to an on-site restaurant, with breakfast out there.
Kimpton Clocktower Hotel – present in a beautiful outdated constructing, this centrally situated 4* lodge provides elegant air-conditioned rooms. There’s a restaurant and health heart on-site.
The Midland – a stupendous historic 4* lodge within the coronary heart of Manchester with air-conditioned rooms and on-site eating places. We had a stunning afternoon tea right here.

Of course, there are a lot of extra choices throughout Manchester. When we journey we practically all the time use reserving.com to ebook lodging, they’ve every little thing from hostels to flats to resorts, and we love how straightforward it’s to filter by the facilities we’d like, whether or not that’s free parking or included breakfast.

You can see their listings for Manchester right here.

How to Get Around Manchester

Manchester may be very straightforward to get round. First, the vast majority of the sights are within the metropolis centre, which may be very walkable. If you wish to stroll, you then’ll be capable of attain many of the points of interest in our information inside a few 20-minute stroll of any metropolis centre lodging.

Manchester additionally has a superb public transport system, which is useful for reaching the extra distant points of interest, just like the soccer stadiums or Imperial War Museum. There’s a superb tram system, in addition to a complete bus community. You can discover out extra in regards to the public transport community in Manchester right here.

Speaking of the bus, Manchester additionally has plenty of fully free bus routes that may shuttle you round a lot of town heart. There are stops across the metropolis centre, together with at Manchester Picadilly practice station, and the free buses are clearly marked. You can see the routes and stops right here.

If you’d want a hop on hop off bus with commentary, then Manchester has a sightseeing bus you may take into account. This covers most of the main highlights and the commentary will present background and knowledge on the historical past of town. You can ebook tickets for this on-line right here.

If you might be arriving or leaving by way of Manchester Airport, there’s a simple practice connection to and from the airport. You can ebook your ticket prematurely right here.