Top activities in Manchester
Situated in the north of England, Manchester ranks as one of the most popular year-round destinations. Regardless of the season, this city offers endless surprises. Below is a list of the top activities in Manchester to help you plan your trip, covering the best places to stay, travel tips, and must-visit attractions. With the official Visit Manchester pass, you can easily explore various activities and attractions. Click here to learn more!
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*This blog is in partnership with Visit Manchester, but all the information provided here is based on our firsthand experiences.
How to get to Manchester
The best way to reach Manchester from London is by train. We have visited Manchester a couple of times and took a direct train from London Euston to Manchester Piccadilly. In just two hours, we reached the city’s heart. However, if you want to travel on a budget, choose the cheapest option: bus travel—though it does take longer. Additionally, International Airport connects the city to major international destinations, making it convenient for international travellers.
Moreover, exploring the city is easy due to its well-connected public transport. For convenience, buy a day pass if you plan to use the tram frequently. Alternatively, tap in directly at bus or tram stations using your contactless card.
Some popular activities to do in Manchester:
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Where to stay in Manchester
During our visit, we stayed at the Clayton Hotel Manchester City Centre, which is conveniently located less than a 10-minute walk from Manchester Piccadilly station. Notably, the hotel’s prime location offers easy access to major city attractions, shopping areas, dining options, and tram lines. Furthermore, iconic spots like St Peter’s Square, Albert Square, and Spinningfields are just a stone’s throw away. Additionally, the NCP Car Park is right next to the hotel and provides 24/7 parking, which is ideal for travellers with personal vehicles.
We stayed in a spacious studio room featuring a massive king-size bed, a large TV, and a separate lounge area with an additional TV unit. Notably, the floor-to-ceiling windows offered stunning city views. The hotel’s complimentary WiFi was excellent, and the rooms were well-appointed with luxurious amenities, including a mini fridge and luxury toiletries. Additionally, they served a full English breakfast with a variety of options: a selection of juices, tea, coffee, yoghurts, fruits, croissants, and cakes. To top it off, the in-house restaurant offered delicious food, perfect for relaxing after a day of exploring.
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Explore the Top Activities in Manchester
To make the most of your visit, we suggest getting the Manchester City Pass, as most attractions offer discounted ticket prices. Below, you’ll find a list of top activities in Manchester, which you must add to your travel list.
The Trafford Centre
For shopaholics, The Trafford Centre is a paradise and a one-stop destination for the perfect weekend getaway. Upon entering, our jaws dropped at the sheer size of this place—OMG, it’s enormous! In addition, you can find everything here, from high-street luxury brands to affordable options. Moreover, various eateries and restaurants cater to your dining needs.
The ODEON features 20 screens showcasing films in RealD 3D, IMAX, and Dolby. Additionally, the impressive architecture and decorative pine trees transport you to a different world. Furthermore, The Trafford Centre is easily accessible by tram from city centre, but you’ll need at least half a day to explore this vast area.
Manchester City Stadium Tour
We have always wanted to visit a football stadium, and that dream finally came true with the Manchester City Stadium Tour. By taking advantage of the City Pass, we set off on a half-day tour of the stadium. During the tour, our knowledgeable guide explained each area thoroughly and provided a virtual view of match day.
Notably, we accessed VIP areas typically off-limits to the public. Additionally, we entered the home team dressing room, visited the dugouts, and explored the press conference room. Furthermore, the highlight was walking down the tunnel to the pitch side, where recorded audience cheers created an authentic atmosphere.
Manchester Gin Distillery
Next, we took a guided tour of Manchester Gin Distillery, which is produced in-house and renowned for its award-winning status. Located in quirky Grade II listed railway arches, the venue features an in-house bar and restaurant called Three Little Words. On our visit, which was on a Sunday, we enjoyed a delicious Sunday roast paired with gin and tonic—a combination that was pure magic.
Regarding the tour, we sampled six different types of gin, starting with a gin and tonic welcome drink. Additionally, we received an overview of the distillery and learned about the production process of the gin. We loved this experience so much that we brought a bottle of gin back home!
Sea Life Manchester
We brought back the kid in us by visiting Sea Life Manchester, located in the Trafford Centre. Honestly, anyone interested in the marine world would love this place. Upon entry, we first met the turtle. An immersive storytelling experience explained turtle life, making it feel like we were interacting directly with the turtle near the beach. Additionally, the experience includes witnessing the egg-laying phase and the hatching of little turtles, followed by their connection with their mother.
Furthermore, we explored an immersive tunnel where we encountered a variety of sharks and stingrays, making our journey quite instructive.
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East Lancashire Railway
Then we took a scenic trip on a vintage railway. From Manchester city centre, we boarded a tram to Bury, followed by a 5-10 minute walk to the East Lancashire Railway. This steam-powered railway, boasting over 200 years of history, is a fantastic experience. Using our Manchester city pass, we secured full return tickets, kicking off our journey from Bury on Bolton Street to Rawtenstall.
This trip is a true English gem, featuring postcard-perfect landscapes. Along the way, we discovered real ale pubs, quaint tea rooms, quirky boutiques, markets, restaurants, cafés, and much more. Overall, this is a real hidden gem. If you are planning to visit Manchester, you must add this experience to your list!
John Rylands Research Institute and Library
If you’re a Potterhead, you won’t regret visiting The John Rylands Library, where entry is free for visitors. The moment we stepped into this magnificent Victorian Gothic building, we felt as though we were entering a Harry Potter movie set. Every corner whispered Hogwarts stories, and the tall, intricate entrance and vintage walls transported us to an ancient English world.
Interestingly, not a single scene from Harry Potter was filmed here. Additionally, this library boasts a vast collection of rare manuscripts and ancient books, with much history interwoven in these texts.
Diecast MCR
Next, we visited Diecast MCR, a transformed Presbar Diecasting factory with a rich history dating back to 1870. This former factory has now become a vibrant hub of artistic expression.
Moreover, it serves as a great place for social gatherings, housing a variety of eateries, including pizzerias, as well as spots where you can dance, drink, and dine.
Freight Island Manchester
Lastly, this is one of our favorite spots in Manchester, located right beside the station. Last Christmas, we visited Freight Island, and the vibes and atmosphere were truly extraordinary. This venue offers a unique blend of culinary delights, refreshing beverages, and live entertainment.
Notably, this hotspot remains lively not only in summer but also in winter, offering surprises throughout the year. Additionally, the spacious outdoor area provides the perfect setting for socializing with friends or enjoying live music and performances. During Christmas, they featured a winter light trail that was truly magical.
Is Manchester a popular Christmas destination ?
Christmas in Manchester was truly impressive. The unique set of Christmas light trails scattered throughout the city created real magic. As the city lights up, it is decorated with cosy wooden chalets, creating a festive atmosphere perfect for enjoying hot chocolate in a Christmas-themed cup or mulled wine. Moreover, Manchester features numerous Christmas markets. During our two-night stay over Christmas, we completely loved our visit. If you get a chance, you must add this place to your list during the holiday season!
Hope you liked our recommendations! Be sure to bookmark our website for more exciting travel content. If you’re eager to explore more of England, visit our exclusive page with lots of ideas for short city breaks in England.
Day Trip Ideas From Manchester:
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