Curious things to do in Manchester
Author: Beena Nadeem
This former industrial hub would never have predicted its place as a UNESCO literary gem. Visit Britain’s oldest public library, then the North West’s first one dedicated to poetry. Explore radical history in museums, drink at a prison speakeasy and feast while riding a vintage carousel at a food market with festival vibes.
If you like cityscape vistas from rooftop bars, then you’ll love panoramic Manchester from afar
Manchester may be pancake flat, but this city doesn’t let a little thing like topography get in the way of a good view. Cyclists love it here, and hill-haters love walking around, but for those of you craving the sweeping skyline, a little elevation is still within reach. Head to the expanse of Heaton Park, where you’ll find treetop adventures, dining pods, and a thriving beekeeping sanctuary, and you’ll get a panoramic vista of the city sprawled before you. For those of you who prefer your views with ice and a slice, then head to Manchester’s rooftop restaurants and sky-high bars for breathtaking sights with a side of sassy sophistication.
Top tip: For a great view in the heart of the city try the National Trust’s new sky garden sited on the disused Castlefield Viaduct.
If you like books, you’ll love exploring the literary legacy of this UNESCO City of Literature
Manchester boasts a legacy of greats authors including Engels, Marx and Gaskell, while modern-day poets like Lemn Sissay and John Cooper Clarke all keep the poetic pulse of the North West alive. Manchester is also home to the region’s first poetry library as well as Britain’s oldest public library – check out Chetham’s 350-year-old dark bellied bookshelves set within the world-famous music school. If immersive literature is more your page turner, then bards and bibliophiles everywhere will love its literary festivals, I See Myself in Books or Manchester Literature Festival.
Top tip: For spoken words that sizzle, head to Poetry Place at Factory International, inside Aviva Studios.
Holiday package prices shown exclude local taxes, fees and charges that may be payable at your accommodation. If applicable, these will be displayed in the price breakdown when booking.
If you’ve enjoyed wandering Manchester’s industrial museums, you’ll love these repositories of history
Kick off your adventure at the National Football Museum where you can ogle trophies and artwork celebrating the beautiful game. Swap pitch for politics, and head to the People’s History Museum, where Britain’s 200-year march to democracy is captured in all its pain and pathos. If after all that, you want something a little lighter, venture to Stockport’s hat museum. Located in what was once the hat-making capital of the country, it displays an eclectic collection besides hair-raising facts about Victorian millinery.
Top tip: For an insight into the Suffragette movement, head to 60-62 Nelson Street to the volunteer-run Pankhurst Centre.
If you like Manchester’s all-round entertainment district Printworks, you’ll love its more intimate hangouts
They once called it Madchester because of its party-hard reputation. Though the days of hardcore clubbing at the famous Hacienda have long gone, this city still loves to ‘have it large.’ Of course, it hits all the spots when it comes to mainstream mega clubs and intimate venues, but if you like cosy and creative hideaways, this city can speak to you. Catch a cocktail in a bar disguised as a laundrette at The Washhouse, drink in a converted loo at The Temple of Convenience or sip in a prison-themed speakeasy called Alcotraz.
Top tip: For capers with your cocktails, try Junkyard Golf or head to neon-lit arcade bar NQ64 to combine Aperols with gaming arcades.
If you like the plethora of posh nosh around the city, you’ll love dipping into Manchester’s food markets
From Michelin to hip, innovative to polished, Manchester’s food scene has come a long way since Rusholme’s curry mile. Now it’s a menu-hopping medley of slick dining spots, creative ‘caffs’ and locally sourced bites. Once you’ve had your fill of sit-down meals, head to a food market. Mackie Mayor is great for gourmet, fusion and fresh all set in a Victorian market hall. For a festival minus the mud, Freight Island serves street food alongside DJ-spun tunes and you’ll also find a 1970s New York-inspired roller disco and a hidden bar which transforms into a karaoke spot, nearby. For big-party vibes, head to former factory Diecast, now a restaurant, bar and club, but if you like to digest your scene slowly, GRUB is great for indie and local traders.
Top tip: Under the arches at Deansgate you’ll find Three Little Words, a gin distillery and restaurant in one.
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