Things to Do in Manchester

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Manchester is a city bursting with character and charm. Packed with interesting galleries, museums, bars and restaurants, this cosmopolitan city is full of life. Whether you are planning a weekend away, or a holiday, there is plenty to see and experience in Manchester. From visiting world famous football clubs to visiting picturesque towns in the north of the city, there are lots of activities to keep you occupied during your stay.

Arts and Culture in Manchester 

With an abundance of museums, galleries and theatres in Manchester, you can be sure you won’t be lacking in things to see and do during your visit.

The Manchester Art Gallery has undergone a £35 million transformation, which has allowed the gallery to showcase its collections in various imaginative ways. Manchester’s art and textiles collections from the industrial revolution are on display at the gallery, as well as pre-Raphaelite paintings and early 20th century British art.

Manchester Museum is a popular attraction in the city, featuring a fossilised Tyrannosaurus Rex, anthropology archives, a zoology collection in the Natures Library and much more. The museum consists of 4 floors of displays and exhibitions in 15 galleries, and includes collections from all over the world.

Experience a state of the art show at the Royal Exchange Theatre. Housed in one of the most spectacular buildings in the city, the Royal Exchange Theatre is steeped in history and character. The four-storey theatre is a grade II listed building, featuring glass domes and towering columns. It is the largest in-the-round theatre in the UK, seating up to a capacity of 750 people on three different levels.

Manchester Football Clubs 

Whether you are a football fan or not, a trip to Manchester wouldn’t be complete without visiting one of the most famous clubs in the world. The Manchester United Museum & Stadium Tour offers visitors a behind the scenes look at Old Trafford and the chance to walk through the player’s tunnel towards the pitch.

Food and Drink in Manchester 

Manchester is rapidly establishing itself as one of the UK’s most diverse food destinations. Not only does the city pride itself on its locally sourced produce, there is also a vibrant mix of different types of restaurants, eateries gastropubs and cafes.

The Corn Exchange is home to a an abundance of well known restaurants such as Wahaca, Pho, Cosy Club, Zizi, Cabana, Alston Bar & Beef, Mowgli, Banyan Bar and Grill, Pizza Express and many more. For those looking for something a bit different, Manchester has an array of quirky cafes and coffee shops scattered around the city.

Shopping

Shopaholics will be spoilt for choice in Manchester. With shopping centres, Manchester Arndale and Intu Trafford Centre you can be sure you won’t run out of places to shop during your stay. From leading high street names such as Topshop, River Island, Zara and Monki, to lots of smaller boutique style shops. There are also lots of cafes and restaurants in the food hall to choose from.

For those looking to browse designer brands, the Avenue in Spinningfields features collections from Armani, Mulberry, Oliver Sweeney and many more iconic names.

Countryside

If you are looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, Greater Manchester is rich in countryside and quaint market towns. Miles of sprawling countryside, picturesque waterways and woodland trails surround towns such as Wigan, Bury, Oldham and Rochdale.

Just outside of Bury, is Burrs Country Park, a beautiful country park and an ideal place to explore with the family. The park has various woodland and riverside walks, perfect for admiring wildlife and fishing. Thrill seekers can enjoy outdoor activities such as kayaking and climbing at the Burrs Activity Centre.

Smithills Country Park in Bolton is perfect for ramblers and cyclists. The park stretches across more than 2,000 acres of picturesque woodland, moorland and farmland.

Alternatively, for inspiration on places to stay, you may find our carefully selected recommended pubs & inns in Manchester useful. Whether you are planning to stay in a boutique pub with rooms or a traditional B&B, we have a wide selection including more information with our Pubs with Rooms in Manchester page.

Photo by William McCue on Unsplash

Pubs in The County