Manchester
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.
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 speakeasy-style bar for drinks and snacks, too.
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.
Afflecks
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 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.
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Home to Manchester United and music legends, Manchester is one of Britain’s most dynamic cities, with an industrial history matched by its modern-day appeal.
Party in Manchester’s vibrant Canal Street, or explore the lively Northern Quarter, a hotspot for street art, independent shops and bars, including vintage shop Afflecks.
Sample diverse food halls and street food markets, from Escape to Freight Island to the Northern Quarter’s Mackie Mayor, or discover gothic architecture at the John Rylands Library.
Dive into the history of the beautiful game at the National Football Museum, or go behind the scenes on a tour of Old Trafford or Manchester City’s Etihad stadium.
Fun fact
Fun fact
In the 19th century, the Manchester Bee was adopted as a symbol of the city’s hardworking nature during the Industrial Revolution – look out for the bee in street art, mosaics and on street furniture.
Did you know?
Did you know?
The meeting to set up the world’s first professional football league in 1888 took place in Manchester, with the city now home to two Premier League giants: Manchester City and Manchester United football clubs.
Covering 160 acres of stunning green space in the heart of Greater Manchester, Northern Roots is the UK’s largest urban farm and eco-park.
Manchester was the world’s first industrial city in the 19th century, earning it the nickname ‘Cottonopolis’ thanks to its woollen mills – a heritage explored at the Science and Industry Museum.
In 1761, The Bridgewater Canal became the first man-made waterway in Britain, with Greater Manchester’s many canals now used for leisure, including paddleboarding and scenic boat trips.
One of Europe’s largest gardening projects, RHS Garden Bridgewater is located in the grounds of the historic 156-acre Worsley New Hall estate.
Things to do in Manchester
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Featured things to do
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.
Learn more about Manchester Flower Festival
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 in the Gay Village and the Pride Parade.
Learn more about Manchester Pride
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.
Visit Manchester’s foodie hotspots with Scranchester Tours
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.
Learn more about Manchester Christmas MarketPlaces 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
Getting to Manchester
Manchester is located in the north of England, situated in the county of Greater Manchester. Manchester Airport is one of the north of England’s main international hubs, welcoming travellers from all over the world. As the largest airport outside of London, Manchester flies to almost 190 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.
By 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.
By train
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.
By bike
A bike-friendly city, there are loads of cycle routes and dedicated lanes, making exploring by bike hassle-free.
Want to know more?
Want to know more?
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Planning a business event in Manchester?
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