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Top Tours in Manchester, England

Manchester tours.

• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Walking Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Chinese (Traditional)
• Chinese (Simplified)
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Windermere & Lake District Tour from Manchester Including Cruise

2. Full-Day North Wales Sightseeing Adventure from Manchester

3. Manchester Afternoon Walking Tour

4. Snowdonia & Chester Day Tour from Manchester Including Admission

5. Chatsworth and Peak District Small-Group Tour from Manchester

6. 3-Hour Guided Manchester Food Tour with Lunch

7. The Manchester City Stadium Tour

8. The Manchester Cheese Crawl

9. Rock and Goal Manchester Walking Tour

10. The Lake District from Manchester

11. 2 Hours Sicilian Wine Tasting and Dinner at Manchester

12. Private Manchester Tour with a Local, Highlights & Hidden Gems, Personalised

13. MANCHESTER: Lake District Adventure - Sightseeing Day Trip Tour

14. Derbyshire & the Peak District from Manchester

15. Fun, Flexible Treasure Hunt Around Manchester with Cryptic Clues & Hidden Gems

16. Manchester Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Sightseeing Tour

17. Private Manchester Self-Guided Tour

18. Manchester Music Walking Tour

19. 3-Day Lake District Explorer Small-Group Tour from Manchester

20. Manchester: Football Experience With A Local Host

21. 3-Day Yorkshire Dales and Peak District Small-Group Tour from Manchester

22. Pistachio LOVERS Italian Dinner Experience

23. Four hour walking wine tasting tour of Manchester's best bars

24. Infinity Adventure

25. Manchester Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour

26. Craft Beer Tour around Manchester

27. Private Cocktail Making Class in Manchester

28. Alcotraz Prison Cocktail Experience in Manchester

29. DNA VR | VR Arcade experience

30. Italian Afternoon Tea Experience in Manchester

What travellers are saying.

Top Tours in Manchester, England

Manchester tours.

• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Walking Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Chinese (Traditional)
• Chinese (Simplified)
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Windermere & Lake District Tour from Manchester Including Cruise

2. Full-Day North Wales Sightseeing Adventure from Manchester

3. Manchester Afternoon Walking Tour

4. Snowdonia & Chester Day Tour from Manchester Including Admission

5. Chatsworth and Peak District Small-Group Tour from Manchester

6. 3-Hour Guided Manchester Food Tour with Lunch

7. The Manchester City Stadium Tour

8. Italian Afternoon Tea Experience in Manchester

9. The Manchester Cheese Crawl

10. Rock and Goal Manchester Walking Tour

11. The Lake District from Manchester

12. Private Manchester Tour with a Local, Highlights & Hidden Gems, Personalised

13. MANCHESTER: Lake District Adventure - Sightseeing Day Trip Tour

14. Derbyshire & the Peak District from Manchester

15. Fun, Flexible Treasure Hunt Around Manchester with Cryptic Clues & Hidden Gems

16. Manchester Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Sightseeing Tour

17. Private Manchester Self-Guided Tour

18. Manchester Music Walking Tour

19. 3-Day Lake District Explorer Small-Group Tour from Manchester

20. Manchester: Football Experience With A Local Host

21. 3-Day Yorkshire Dales and Peak District Small-Group Tour from Manchester

22. Four hour walking wine tasting tour of Manchester's best bars

23. Infinity Adventure

24. Manchester Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour

25. Craft Beer Tour around Manchester

26. Private Cocktail Making Class in Manchester

27. Alcotraz Prison Cocktail Experience in Manchester

28. DNA VR | VR Arcade experience

29. Half-Day Manchester Food Tour with Lunch

30. Manchester: Murder Detective Quest Experience

What travellers are saying.

Manchester Guided Tours

• See all photos

Similar Experiences

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

MANCHESTER GUIDED TOURS - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Home » Travel Guides » United Kingdom » England » 15 Best Manchester Tours

15 Best Manchester Tours

The city of Manchester is located in central England between Liverpool and the Atlantic Ocean to the west, and the North Sea and Europe to the east.

About 550,000 people live within Manchester city limits, but the surrounding suburbs are home to nearly three million residents, making it one of the United Kingdom’s most populous urban areas.

Featuring a distinct feel when compared to the capital city of London, Manchester is most well-known for its resilient and hard-working residents, raucous sports fans, and industrial economy.

It’s also a hotspot for arts, cuisine, live entertainment, and features lots of easily accessible historical and natural attractions.

1. Private Welcome to Manchester Tour with a Local

Discovering a new city with a knowledgeable and enthusiastic guide is a great way to kick-off a vacation.

Not only will you see things from a local perspective, but you’ll generally have a more engaging, educational, and all-around fun experience than those stuck on large, traditional tours.

On this private welcome tour, guests will follow their guide’s lead as they familiarize themselves with the neighborhood in which they’re staying. Then, they head off to take in many of the city’s premier attractions.

Tours are customizable and may last between two and six hours, depending on the participants’ schedules and interests.

2. Manchester Food Tour with a Local Guide

Though it doesn’t exactly rank up there with Paris, Tokyo, and Beijing when it comes to the world’s most notable cuisines, Manchester is home to a blossoming culinary scene that has made big waves in recent years.

This gastronomic adventure tour allows guests to experience the city’s eateries from a street-level perspective while learning lots about the area’s history and culture along the way.

Tours include eight tastings at distinct culinary haunts spread across the city. Though portions are moderately sized, by the end of the excursion, everyone will have had the equivalent of a hearty meal.

Tours start mid-morning and last a few hours.

View Prices & Reviews

3. 60-Minute River Cruise

From the comfort of a river vessel, it’s possible to get a thorough overview of Manchester’s layout and take in some of its most iconic attractions.

This one-hour tour departs from one of the city’s centrally-located wharves. It includes unobstructed views of Media City, Old Trafford stadium, the Pomona Docks, and the Imperial War Museum.

Guests will benefit from interesting historical narration along the way and probably discover a number of things they may want to explore further on their own when the tour is officially over.

Boats include both indoor and outdoor seating for guests’ comfort regardless of the weather.

4. SEA LIFE Entrance Ticket

There’s no denying that having a local professional guide at your side often makes all the difference when visiting a new area, but sometimes it’s just more fun to see and experience things on your own.

If that sounds like you and your travel companions, then spending a few free and relaxing hours at SEA LIFE Manchester Aquarium is a great option.

It’s one of the country’s most impressive aquariums and features an amazing array of fish, birds, and reptiles from all over the world.

The aquarium is a big hit with families traveling with kids and features educational and interactive exhibits that keep young minds engaged.

5. National Football Museum Admission Ticket

Manchester’s National Football Museum is one of the city’s premier sports-related attractions.

Though it’s possible to see it with a local guide, many diehard football fans choose to purchase their own ticket and experience it on their own terms.

Tickets are good for an entire day and give guests access to the museum’s multiple floors that include football paraphernalia, interactive exhibits, and interesting accounts of players and coaches from seasons past.

Visitors can test their skills on the ever-popular Penalty Shootout Challenge, have their photos taken with famous trophies, or just enjoy a casual stroll while recalling notable matches of yesteryear.

6. LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Entrance Ticket

During much of the fall and winter, the weather in Manchester isn’t particularly conducive to outdoor activities.

Luckily, there are plenty of indoor options available for those who’d rather not brave the elements.

LEGOLAND Discovery Center is the ultimate indoor playground; it’s actually comprised of dozens of exhilarating attractions all under one roof.

It’s all about fostering an atmosphere of activity, creativity, and engagement for young minds, and it tends to occupy little ones as few other places can.

The center is wheelchair friendly, has an on-site café, and touches on everything from space and the natural world to aviation and technology.

7. Haunted Manchester City Exploration Game and Tour

App-based game tours are fun and educational options for those who’d rather not spend their time crammed into a stuffy bus on an all-day tour.

Using their collective brainpower to solve clues and decipher riddles, guests will use their smartphones as a map and GPS guide to lead them to many of the city’s most significant attractions.

Each step brings the team closer to unlocking the tour’s hidden story, and since it’s an unguided excursion, participants can take as much or as little time as they’d like at each site.

Tours last about 90 minutes and focus on the eerie, macabre, and hair-raising.

8. Silent Disco Adventure Tour

Like dandelions and microbreweries, silent disco adventure tours are popping up all over the place.

Though it pales in relation to Liverpool, which is the home of The Beatles, Manchester has its own rich music traditions.

On this tour, guests will be able to act as if they were famous performers while taking in many of the city’s premier attractions.

Participants are encouraged to throw caution to the wind and sing and dance as if their lives depended on it.

Tours include high-tech headsets, a professional guide, and throngs of shocked onlookers gawking at the sheer spectacle of it all.

9. Guided City Walking Tour

Despite its large population and the inescapable urban hustle and bustle, Manchester is a very pedestrian-friendly city.

On this small-group walking tour, guests will stretch their legs, see lots of attractions up close and personally, and get a good idea of the city’s geographical layout.

Tour highlights include the city’s industrial heart, its extensive network of human-made canals, and the historic Town Hall.

Tours cover a moderate amount of ground around the city center, feature an afternoon start, and generally last about 2 ½ hours from start to finish.

Don’t be shy about asking your guide for recommendations for places to eat, shop, and sightsee.

10. Lake District, Windermere, and Lancaster Tour from Manchester

The Lake District is the perfect day-trip escape destination for those in need of more rural settings than are typically found within Manchester city limits.

Once in the town of Bowness on Lake Windermere, guests will have the option of taking a leisurely stroll around the lake, exploring the town, or joining a cruise toward Windermere.

It’s a particularly idyllic and beautiful part of the country and was home to famous poet William Wordsworth as a youngster.

Before returning to Manchester, guests will head to Lancaster to gaze upon its regal medieval architecture and impressive castle.

11. Self-Guided Chatsworth House Day-Trip by Train from Manchester

After meeting their tour provider at the Manchester train station, participants will receive their travel packets and get an overview of the day’s events.

Then it’s off through the country towards Sheffield, where they’ll board a tour bus for Chatsworth.

The views include picturesque villages and seemingly endless expanses of rolling hills. Once in town, guests will have ample time to explore many of Chatsworth House’s premier attractions.

The home was once the residence of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire and features opulent living quarters, impressive art, and sprawling grounds that include breathtaking gardens and spectacular fountains.

12. Hard Rock Cafe Manchester Skip-the-Line Ticket

Lovers of hearty American fare and rock ‘n roll memorabilia need not visit two distinct locations to get their fill of both.

Hard Rock Café Manchester is located in the city center and is a popular eatery catering to locals and visitors alike.

During peak times, it can be darn near impossible to get a table, which is precisely why skip-the-line tickets are such good value for those who don’t want to miss out.

Their menu includes great food and beer from all over the world, and the restaurant is decorated in music-related paraphernalia that, for many guests, is like taking a walk down memory lane.

13. Liverpool and the Beatles Day-Trip from Manchester

For Beatles aficionados visiting Manchester, Liverpool is just a short train ride to the west. In addition to featuring abundant music-related attractions, it also has its fair share of historical and cultural ones.

Guests of this professionally managed but self-guided tour will depart for the coast by train. Once in the city, they’ll hop aboard a sightseeing bus that will whisk them to the city’s premier sites.

Highlights include Royal Albert Dock, the Beatles Story, the Anglican Cathedral, and the waterfront area that’s a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Free entrance to the Maritime Museum and the Walker Art Gallery are also included.

14. Historic Chester Self-Guided Tour & Lunch from Manchester

After receiving their detailed and value-stuffed travel packs from their tour operator, guests of this self-guided tour will make their way by train to historic Chester.

The trip takes about an hour, after which guests will have the option of exploring the city on foot or by bus.

Chester is most well-known for its Roman-era attractions that include remnants of the city’s original walls and a cathedral that’s nearly 1,000 years old.

Guests may also opt for a guided walking tour of the city’s center, or continue exploring on their own.

A light lunch of soup and sandwiches is also included while in Chester.

15. Yorkshire Dales Tour from Manchester

Departing from Manchester, guests of this tour will head north to the quaint and scenic Yorkshire Dales village of Grassington.

After exploring the town, participants will head to the majestic Aysgarth Falls, which were a filming location for a number of movies – as was the town of Askrigg, which is the tour’s next stop.

Guests will have ample time to set out on their own to explore the town’s historic attractions, after which there are additional stops at a local town known for its traditional creamery, and the Ribblehead Viaduct that’s been around since the Romans built it centuries ago.

Tours last about ten hours and begin and end in Manchester.

15 Best Manchester Tours:

• Private Welcome to Manchester Tour with a Local
• Manchester Food Tour with a Local Guide
• 60-Minute River Cruise
• SEA LIFE Entrance Ticket
• National Football Museum Admission Ticket
• LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Entrance Ticket
• Haunted Manchester City Exploration Game and Tour
• Silent Disco Adventure Tour
• Guided City Walking Tour
• Lake District, Windermere, and Lancaster Tour from Manchester
• Self-Guided Chatsworth House Day-Trip by Train from Manchester
• Hard Rock Cafe Manchester Skip-the-Line Ticket
• Liverpool and the Beatles Day-Trip from Manchester
• Historic Chester Self-Guided Tour & Lunch from Manchester
• Yorkshire Dales Tour from Manchester

Manchester Sightseeing Tours and Day Trips

Are you looking for things to do in manchester.

Welcome to Manchester! Wondering what to do in Manchester? Manchester Sightseeing Tours offer a great choice of activities and ideas for groups and individuals including: walking tours of Manchester, Manchester bus tours and river cruises.

If you or your group are in the city for a few days then explore the North with our great range group day trips from Manchester by train or minibus to Liverpool, Chester, York, Wales, Lake District and the Peak District.

Welcome to Manchester Sightseeing

Manchester is a vibrant city with so much to see and do. There is a rich social and cultural history for you to explore and the sightseeing activities we offer are a perfect way to get to to know this fantastic city.  Join one of our group walking tours, hop on the sightseeing bus or see the city by boat on a River Cruise. If you’re a football fan, the Manchester United and Manchester City Stadium tours are not to be missed.

Day trips from Manchester

With our day trips by train or coach, you can discover some of Northern England’s best known and most popular tourist destinations, including trips to the vibrant cities of Liverpool, Chester, and York; the awe-inspiring Lake District, and the spectacular Chatsworth House; the classic seaside resort of Blackpool, the iconic World of Wedgwood and the fun-filled Alton Towers, our Day Trips have all of the top destinations across the region covered.

Brought to you by  Greatdays Travel Group

Manchester Sightseeing Ideas

Day Trips by Bus and Coach

Manchester Football Tours

Group Activities in Manchester

Manchester Walking Tours

FREE Si Manchester Walking Tour (2 hours) – Departs: Daily 10:30am and Sat+Sun at 2pm

On the Discover Manchester walking tour, you will hear the story of Manchester from its origins right up to the present day.

Best FREE Manchester Walking Tour (3 hours) – Departs: Daily at 11am

Manchester Music Walking Tour (2 hours) – Departs: Every Saturday 1pm only £15

A tuneful swoop through the popular music scene of the greatest music city on the planet. Along with football, music is Manchester’s great obsession. This walking tour is […]

Sightseeing Manchester Bus Tour (1.5 hours) – Departs: Daily

Explore the top attractions with a 90 minute Sightseeing Manchester bus tour. Known throughout the world as the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, Manchester has a proud history […]

Private Hire – Manchester Bus Tour for Groups

Enjoy a 90 minute private group tour of Manchester with LIVE tour guide with microphone (this is not a recorded commentary) Our private hire buses are closed top […]

Manchester River Cruise (1 hour)

Enjoy a relaxing boat trip floating down the River Irwell and the historic Ship Canal between Manchester city centre and the former Manchester Docks, now known as Salford Quays.

Salford Quays River Cruise (1 hour)

Enjoy a relaxing 60 minute boat trip, while listening to the onboard commentary as you cruise the historic Ship Canal and River Irwell from the former Manchester Docks, now known as Salford Quays, to Manchester City Centre and return. There are refreshments available to purchase onboard.

Manchester United Museum and Stadium Tour

Visit Manchester United for a day out with a difference! The Museum & Stadium Tour at Old Trafford takes you behind the scenes at the ‘Theatre of Dreams’ for a great day out. 

Manchester City Stadium and Club Tour

The new Manchester City Stadium Tour is the most immersive tour experience in Premier League football. Using the latest technology, dreams come true as you and your loved ones sit and interact with Pep Guardiola in the press room.

Manchester Gin Tours and Tastings

Under Manchester’s historic railway arches, discover the finest gins Manchester Gin has to offer from their impressive in-house distillery.

National Football Museum in Manchester

Experience the world’s greatest sport at the National Football Museum. Whether you’re a football fanatic, planning a visit with your family or on a weekend break to the great city of Manchester, why not visit The National Football Museum!

Private Manchester Walking Tours (1-25 persons)

Discover the history of Manchester on your own private walking tour. An official guide will show you around Manchester city centre on these private walking tours, talking you […]

Manchester Street Art Private Walking Tour (1-20 persons – 2 hours)

The best way to understand a city is through its street art. The murals painted on the sides of the Northern Quarter’s many protected buildings tell the story […]

Robinsons Manchester Brewery Tours – Departs: Thu + Fri + Sat

Uncover the secrets of the brewing process and sample the Robinsons Brewery award-winning ales on these Manchester brewery tours Robinsons have a worldwide reputation for real ale, learn […]

Day Trips from Manchester

Steam Train and Bury Market – Day Trip from Manchester – Departs: Daily

Step back in time with a day out on the steam railway, a preserved heritage railway line in East Lancashire.

Lake District Adventure Tour – Day Trip from Manchester – Departs: Mon + Wed + Fri + Sun

Visit the Lake District, Cumbria with Busy Bus on their award-winning Lake District Adventure day trip.

Lake District Explorer and Windermere – Full Day Tour – Departs: Everyday

Take a relaxing journey through the invigorating landscapes of the Lake District. Join this tour, enjoy the scenery, and let nature help you unwind, leave manic Manchester behind […]

Lake District Experience Tour – Day Trip from Manchester – Departs: Tues + Wed + Fri +Sat

Join a Lake District minibus tour with the award-winning Lake District specialists Mountain Goat – including lake cruise! Departing from central Manchester three times a week, Mountain Goat’s […]

North Wales Adventure Tour – Day Trip from Manchester – Departs: Tue + Thu + Sat

Visit North Wales with Busy Bus on their award-winning North Wales Adventure day trip.

North Wales Explorer, Snowdonia and Chester – Full Day Tour from Manchester – Departs: Fri + Sat + Sun

A perfect day tour for anyone who enjoys a mixture of castles, beautiful landscapes, and curious towns. You leave Manchester and head straight for the border of Wales. […]

North Wales Experience Tour – Day Trip from Manchester – Departs: Tues + Wed + Fri + Sat

Daily departures from central Manchester, Mountain Goat’s North Wales tour will get you to Wales in less than 2 hours. Fully escorted and with live commentary.

Yorkshire Adventure Tour – Day Trip from Manchester – Departs: Sat

Visit Yorkshire with Busy Bus on their award-winning Yorkshire Adventure day trip.

Yorkshire Experience Tour – Day Trip from Manchester – Departs: 2022

Following scenic routes through this beautiful national park on the Yorkshire Dales minibus tour.

Derbyshire and The Peak District Explorer – Full Day Tour – Departs: Tues + Thurs + Sat

Join this tour and experience England in miniature. There are rolling hills so green that you wonder whether there’s something unusual in the soil, there are rural towns […]

Greatdays Travel Group and Manchester Sightseeing

Manchester Sightseeing Tours and Day Trips is part of the Greatdays Travel Group, a leading ABTA- ATOL group tour operator based in Altrincham, near Manchester. The company was established in 1985 and operates an exciting and varied programme of customised group tours and holidays to destinations in the UK, central Europe, Disneyland Paris and worldwide locations. Other Greatdays departments include DMC Manchester, Conference Services, Incentive Group Travel, UK Incoming Services, Manchester Football Group Tours and Student Group Travel.

For more information:  www.greatdays.co.uk  

Explore Manchester’s canals on a city cruise

Manchester, salford, trafford and beyond.

Choose from one of the city’s sightseeing cruises and get ready to discover Greater Manchester and its industrial history by boat.

Manchester is surrounded by miles of canals and waterways, built during England’s Industrial Revolution to allow coal to be transported into the heart of this great Northern city. Jump on board the City Centre Cruise from the docks at Castlefield Basin and watch Manchester, Trafford Park and Salford glide past you as you sail along the Manchester Ship Canal, Bridgewater Canal and River Irwell. You’ll see the MediaCityUK development site, the Imperial War Museum North and Old Trafford – home to Manchester United Football Club – as your boat navigates the locks and docks of Britain’s first canal. Those with time to spare can also experience Mersey Ferries’ Manchester Ship Canal Cruise, connecting the cities of Manchester and Liverpool along a 35 mile (56km) stretch of canal. The cruise lasts 6 hours and includes a fascinating commentary, departing from Salford Quays. Manchester is 2 hours 10 minutes from London by train.

Content provided by Visit Manchester

• Find out more about Manchester city cruises and plan your visit
• Find more tours and trails in Manchester

For more local tourist information:

• Manchester Visitor Information Centre Tic
• Email Address [email protected]
• Contact Details 0871 222 8223

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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.

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