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VisitBritain/Manchester Craft Beer Festival
Why we love Manchester
Once the world’s manufacturing powerhouse, Manchester’s former industrial buildings now bounce with energy. From the creative to culinary, there’s a wealth of treasures waiting to be discovered.
Discover hip new restaurants, diverse food halls, markets and food tours . Stay at quirky or indulgent hotels that fill its once dormant factories. Discover the Norther Quarter and Explore Ancoats . Spend a day rummaging through vintage record stores and retro shops, or head to one of Britain’s most famous gay villages. With a cuisine as diverse as its people, an art scene full of creativity and a nightlife that will leave you dancing from dusk ‘til dawn, you’ll find there’s so much to discover.
Jody Hartley
Manchester, England
Band on the Wall
With live gigs, club nights, shows and more, Band on the Wall is one of Manchester’s leading music and cultural venues. Celebrating the UK’s diverse communities, there’s also learning sessions, access for all and a speak-easy-style bar for drinks and snacks, too.
RHS/Trevor Ray Hart
Flourishing flora at RHS Garden Bridgewater
Immerse yourself in one of the largest gardening projects in Europe at RHS Garden Bridgewater . Explore the 11-acre walled garden and grab a bite to eat at the Bridgewater Café that has its fruit and vegetables supplied by the evolving Kitchen Garden.
VisitBritain/Jacob Niblett
Home of the quirky and eclectic, Afflecks is a haven for the different, the diverse and the bold. Wander through the maze of indie stalls, zero-waste shops and vintage treasures – you’ll be sure to pick up something unique.
Canal Street
Canal Street is packed with an array of village bars, pubs, tearooms and places to stay. The heart of gay Manchester, this is a hotspot destination for the city’s vibrant queer scene. Look out for a range of events, including Trans festival Sparkle and the Bear’s Bash.
Manchester’s flavours at Mackie Mayor
Tuck into deliciously diverse food at this iconic Grade II listed heritage building. On the fringes of Manchester’s famous Northern Quarter, Mackie Mayor offers a buzzing scene for foodies. Dine on rustic sourdough pizza or try its hanger steak.
Things to do in Manchester
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The heart of gay Manchester, this is a hotspot destination for the city’s queer scene.
Looking for something unique? You’ve come to the right place. Afflecks is renowned for its quirky independent boutiques.
Football in Manchester
Manchester is the world-famous home of football – so why not go behind the scenes at its iconic stadiums?
VisitBritain/Andrew Pickett
Manchester Museum
In a beautiful Gothic building at the heart of the city, this free museum is full of treasures from all over the world.
Manchester Music Walkabout Tour
Strut through the streets and discover the venues and places that make up Manchester’s musical legacy.
Mackie Mayor
This street food market is set in an impressive Victorian building, and is open from breakfast to supper.
Scranchester
This foodie tour visits fantastic cafés, food stalls, delis and more, tasting multiple dishes as you walk.
Freight Island
This street food and nightlife venue is chock-full of amazing eats, craft beer and artisan cocktails.
Adam Pester/Escape to Freight Island
Ducie Street Warehouse
With its chic bar, restaurant, hotel and art house cinema, this is a mini neighbourhood all of its own.
Adam Pester/Memphis Medium
Manchester Pride
The city is home to one of Britain’s biggest Pride festivals, and the Gay Village is its vibrant epicentre.
Manchester Pride / The Vain Photography
Sparkle Weekend
The world’s largest free-to-attend celebration of gender diversity lands in Manchester for an annual festival full of lively music and entertainment.
Sparkle Festival, Danny Mclaren, Snappitysnaps Photography
Manchester Gay Village
With its inclusive bars, shops and clubs, the area around Canal Street is a hub for LGBTQIA+ nightlife and events.
Manchester Opera House
From drag cabaret and glittering musicals, to famous ballets and operas: you’ll find it all right here.
AKA/Palace Theatre and Opera House
Dunham Massey Hall and Gardens
This 18th-century house is surrounded by magnificent gardens, wild woodlands and a deer-filled park.
National Trust/Nick Meers
King Street Townhouse
Treat yourself to bit of top-class pampering at at this city-centre hotel.
Rena Spa at the Midland
Sneak away to this spa hideaway to discover indulgent treatments and a heated swimming pool.
Castlefield Viaduct
A once disused Victorian bridge transformed into an urban sky park and ‘garden in the sky’, where lush planting combines with its original 19th-century features.
National Trust/Annapurna Mellor
Imperial War Museum North
From the First World War to the present day, Imperial War Museum North tells over a century of stories from Britain’s conflicts.
Imperial War Museums
Open Kitchen
Sustainable, ethical and delicious: that’s the mission of the People’s History Museum café.
Herbivorous
Vegan Philly cheesesteak, loaded fries and mac ’n’ cheese? This food stall is 100% plant-based…
Northern Roots
Maybe you’ll try beekeeping, explore on horseback, or venture off-road on a cycling trip?
Alan Hamer/Northern Roots/Marketing Manchester
Skyliner, Manchester
Check out Manchester’s hipster hotspot, take a Skyliner art tour and discover its urban past.
skylinermcr
Palace Theatre Manchester
This historic theatre is a hot ticket for star-studded productions, with a vibrant line-up of shows.
Manchester Art Gallery
This collection spans from Ancient Egypt to present day, with thousands of paintings, photos and sculptures.
Marketing Manchester
Science and Industry Museum
Discover the human stories and remarkable innovations behind Manchester’s industrial history.
Science Museum Group
MediaCity UK
MediaCity is an iconic waterside destination located just outside of the city centre.
Media City UK
Royal Exchange Manchester
An award-winning theatre and shopping centre, combined in one beautifully restored Victorian complex.
"Rich J Jones Photography/Royal
Enjoy live gigs, club nights and more, at one of Manchester’s leading music and cultural venues.
Chetham's Library
Take a tour of Britain’s oldest public library and the home of Chetham's School of Music.
Sara Porter/Marketing Manchester
Chill Factore
From pros to absolute beginners, there's room for everyone on the slopes at Chill Factore.
Craft Beer Tour Manchester
Tour Manchester sampling the best of its booming craft beer scene at the same time.
Craft Beer Tours
Dove Stone Reservoir
Get back to nature and count the critters as you walk past woodland, hills and water.
Shutterstock / SAKhanPhotography
Manchester Gin
Inspired by the city it was created in, explore the award-winning Manchester Gin Distillery.
Manchester Taxi Tours
See Manchester’s top sites from the comfort of this black electric cab.
National Football Museum
Test your ball skills and football knowledge at the interactive National Football Museum.
Chris Payne Images
From opera to musicals, theatre to comedy, The Lowry is a creative space for all.
RE:TREAT at The Lowry Hotel
Leave your stresses at the door as you step into this sanctuary.
Phil Tragen/RE:TREAT at the Lowry Hotel
The Whitworth
Home to historic and contemporary art, explore The Whitworth gallery, park and grounds.
University of Manchester
Manchester International Festival
Every two years, the Manchester International Festival presents a star-studded line-up.
Whistle Punks axe throwing
This is target practice with a difference – will you hit the bullseye?
Matador Network/Yousef Al Sudais
Kunst Kabaret
Grab a stein of German lager and enjoy a lively cabaret show at Alberts Schloss.
VisitBritain/Zut Media
Victoria Baths
Take a tour of this unusual Grade II listed former swimming pool complex, once home to the first public jacuzzi.
@mylesoh86/@victoriabaths
Featured things to do
Matt Eachus/Manchester City Centre BID
Manchester Flower Festival
As warmer weather finally arrives, the city starts to bloom. The Manchester Flower Festival takes over the city, flowing with floral installations.
Manchester Pride Festival
Manchester in the summertime bursts with the colour and excitement of its annual Pride Festival. Expect a jam-packed weekend with popular events Gay Village and Pride Parade.
Scranchester Tours
Eat your way around Manchester’s top-notch food scene with Scranchester Tours. Along the way, you’ll learn loads about the city’s food history, from Ancoats’ Little Italy to the birth of vegetarianism.
VisitManchester
Christmas Markets
Soak up the festive spirit at Manchester Christmas Market – explore the city centre filled with food stalls, independent craft sellers, and locally brewed ales this festive season.
Places to stay in Manchester
Northern quarter.
From dirty street food to hidden bars and shops filled with memorabilia, look no further than a stay in Manchester’s Northern Quarter.
City centre
For some retail therapy and places to eat around every corner, stay in the heart of Manchester.
Salford Quays
With a wealth of world-class entertainment, sporting activities and cultural facilities on offer, stay in this unique waterfront destination.
Explore nearby
From The Beatles to Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Liverpool is a UNESCO City of Music with seriously cool credentials.
Oh Me Oh My
Peak District
For hikers, cyclists, horse riders and thrill seekers, the Peak District offers adventures galore.
VisitBritain/Jon Attenborough
The Peak District, England
A hotbed for shopping and the arts, you’ll find lots to explore in Leeds.
VisitBritain/Thomas Heaton
Chester’s charm is captivating and unmissable, from city walls oozing with Roman history to Chester Zoo's magnificent animal kingdom.
Getty Images/iStockphoto/trabantos
Chester, England
From its beginnings as a Norman Fortress, Lancaster offers plenty of things to see and do.
Marketing Lancashire
Sitting on the edge of the Peak District National Park, Sheffield is made for outdoor lovers and creatives. Find the best things to do in our guide.
Salt St for The Outdoor City
Getting to Manchester
Manchester is located in the north of England, situated in the county of Greater Manchester. Manchester Airport is one north England’s main international hubs, welcoming travellers from all over the world. As the largest airport outside of London, Manchester flies to around 225 destinations worldwide.
Manchester is approximately 200 miles (322km) north of London and it takes just over two hours to travel from London to Manchester by train. It’s easy to take a train to Manchester from all of Britain’s cities.
Getting around
With fantastic public transport served by bus, tram and rail, it’s super easy to explore Manchester. Plan your journey with Transport for Greater Manchester, jump aboard a free bus or pick up a System One Travelcard for seamless travel via rail, tram and bus.
Greater Manchester is served by the Bee Network which also covers the tram network. With hundreds of routes which run throughout the city, affordable and flexible tickets can be used on any bus and tram.
With one of the best tram networks in Britain, it’s easy to get around by Metrolink which sits under the Bee Network . You can also plan train journeys and book tickets on the main rail network .
A bike-friendly city, there are loads of cycle routes and dedicated lanes, making exploring by bike hassle-free.
Want to know more?
Don’t forget to check out Visit Manchester, where you’ll find top tips on what to see and do, and much more.
Places to visit in Manchester
From the world’s first industrial city to a multicultural urban paradise, a Manchester visit is rich in cultural highlights, with the Transport, People’s History and Science & Industry museums offering a great insight into the area’s history. A city steeped in sporting glory, take a tour around England’s National Football Museum or the world famous football stadium, Old Trafford. Food lovers will love the vast selection on offer, and no trip to Manchester would be complete without a trip to Rusholme’s curry mile, which features around 70 different Indian restaurants. On the cusp of the Cheshire countryside, start making your plans to visit Manchester and enjoy the fruits of the north-west’s premier city first-hand.
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Best things to do in Manchester
From touring Etihad Stadium to sipping cocktails in The Northern Quarter, discover incredible things to do in Manchester with our in-depth guide.
Rainy Day Activities: Get hands on at the National Football Museum
Explore the world's largest football collection, learn about the history and culture of England's national sport and take part in other footy-related indoor activities at Manchester's National Football Museum.
Location: Manchester, Greater Manchester
Rainy Day Activities: Visit Manchester’s Science and Industry Museum
Find out how Manchester’s famous inventions helped shape the modern world, from the world’s first steam-powered mill to the splitting of the atom, at this fantastic indoor attraction.
Location: Manchester
Go behind the scenes of Manchester’s Town Hall
Explore the spectacular staterooms and corridors of the Victorian gothic-style Manchester Town Hall.
Explore England’s industrial past on a Manchester city break
Discover Greater Manchester’s historic canals, the world’s first railway station and picturesque countryside on a city break.
Imperial War Museum North
Get an insight into the wars and conflicts that have shaped both England and the world at the Imperial War Museum North.
Entertain the kids with a family fun day out to Salford Quays
Contrary to popular belief, it doesn’t always rain in Manchester. But when it does, there are still plenty of things to see and do.
Location: Salford Quays, Salford
Explore Manchester's markets
Manchester's varied markets are buzzing with independent traders and great bargains.
See how the Chinese party as they usher in the New Year
Manchester’s Chinatown is transformed as lanterns, food stalls and a Dragon Parade take over the streets of the city.
Experience the Blitz spirit at Stockport Air Raid Shelters
See how Britain survived the Blitz as you negotiate this dark labyrinth of tunnels at Stockport Air Raid Shelters.
Location: Stockport, Greater Manchester
Sip cocktails and soak up panoramic views of Manchester at Cloud 23
If you’ve got a head for heights and a taste for good cocktails, go to Manchester’s highest bar with a view.
Location: Deansgate, Manchester
Learn the art of chocolate making at Slattery Patissier & Chocolatier
Chocolate lovers should make a beeline for the leafy north Manchester suburb of Whitefield, where they’ll find John Slattery’s Patisser and Chocolatier.
Location: Whitefield, Greater Manchester
Enjoy beer and cycling at Manchester Beer & Cider Festival
There are hundreds of beers, ales and ciders to test out as you watch the cyclists whizz by at the Manchester Beer & Cider Festival.
Rainy Day Activities: Aim for a strike at All Star Lanes
Bowling, dining, cocktails and perhaps a touch of karaoke - a simple combination of indoor activities that guarantee a memorable boutique experience.
Run wild at LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Manchester
The centre is made up of a series of interactive features to immerse kids into a world where their imagination can run wild at every turn.
Delve into delicious food in Manchester’s Exchange Square
Enjoy fine food, delightful drinks, impressive architecture and remarkable views in some of Manchester’s best and newest restaurants and bars.
Indulge in a tripple at Manchester’s Beer and Cider Festival
If beer and cider are your passion don’t miss this CAMRA-organised festival at Manchester the Velodrome between 25th - 27th January 2018.
Indulge in a romantic city break in Manchester
Your romantic getaway is just round the corner; visit some of the city’s most sumptuous hot spots for great cuisine and spectacular skyline views.
Uncover Manchester’s hidden gems
Get a taste of the city’s secret side and discover a plethora of unusual and wonderful places.
Discover Manchester’s bohemian Northern Quarter
The Northern Quarter offers a truly alternative experience with its array of unique independent retailers, retro boutiques, cafés and bars.
Treat your loved one to a romantic weekend in Manchester
Enjoy sweeping views of the city skyline, indulge in fine food and stay in luxurious settings on a romantic weekend break in Manchester.
Set sail on a canal boat trip in the heart of Manchester
Whether you are looking for a short break or week-long trip, enjoy historic hands-on canal tours in Manchester.
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