Top Manchester Arts & Design in 2026

The weekly 2-hour walking tour is guided by a local feminist and will lead you around Manchester city centre, combining sight-seeing with information about remarkable women. This is an intersectional feminist tour which means that we will talk about women of all backgrounds including women of colour, working class women queer women and disabled women. Trans-exclusionary radical “feminists” (TERFs) are not welcome on this tour. Trans women are women. This tour is open to feminists of all genders. If you’re an ally, you’re welcome.

Discover Manchester's captivating secrets through an immersive audio journey that puts you in complete control of your adventure. Unlike conventional tours, this experience reveals exclusive historical insights and hidden stories known only to locals, delivered through expertly crafted narration that brings each location to vivid life. Choose your own path through the city's most compelling attractions, spending as much time as you desire at each site while uncovering fascinating tales that traditional guidebooks miss. The engaging storytelling, combined with crystal-clear audio quality and captivating voices, transforms ordinary sightseeing into an extraordinary personal discovery. Experience Manchester authentically, at your own pace, with privileged access to the stories that shaped this remarkable city.

Book online to visit LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre in Manchester’s Trafford Palazzo, and step into a world of family fun amid millions of the iconic building blocks. Perfect for rainy days, the attraction is based indoors and features laser rides, a 4D cinema, and a Manchester MINILAND, all designed for children between the ages of three and 10. After you redeem your booking voucher for your ticket, you can spend as long as you want inside.

The National Football Museum in Manchester is perfect for football lovers of all ages. We have four floors of galleries and exhibitions to explore. Starting in our Pitch Gallery, you can have your photo taken with our replica Premier League and Women's Super League trophies, as well as temporary exhibitions and workshops. Moving upstairs, the Match Gallery houses our most significant and rare items, including the original 'Laws of the Game', the oldest surviving FA Cup Trophy, the 1966 World Cup match ball and Jules Rimet Trophy & our statue of Lily Parr. The Play Gallery is your chance to have a go at playing the beautiful game, with our interactive games and junior discovery zone. Highlights include the skills zone & shot stopper game. Finally, our Score Gallery is dedicated to our programme of special exhibitions. Please see our website for more details on what's on during your visit.

Join Joe, an Oasis insider who went to school with the Gallagher brothers, on an exclusive Oasis-themed walking tour of Manchester! Whether you're a die-hard Oasis fan or just love Manchester’s rich musical history, this tour promises an unforgettable experience filled with stories, iconic locations, and rare insights. Join the ultimate Oasis Tour in Manchester, where the legendary Britpop band was born! This tour is a must for any Oasis fan! Tour Highlights: Visit legendary Oasis landmarks, including: -The band’s rehearsal space -Gig venues where they performed -Favourite pubs where they hung out -Where the Gallagher brothers lived -Signed Oasis instruments and memorabilia Hear personal stories about Oasis from someone who knew them firsthand! Uncover hidden meanings behind their iconic songs Plenty of photo opportunities at legendary Oasis locations.

An ideal Manchester experience for music-lovers, this guided group walking tour has you following in the footsteps of music legends like Oasis and The Smiths while you learn all about their time in the city. Hear stories you won’t get in the average guidebook and learn all about Manchester’s culture through the lens of its musical past as you stroll past local landmarks.

This is an excellent choice for travelers with limited time. Go on a whistle-stop walking tour of Manchester’s main attractions such as Piccadilly Gardens, Chinatown, the Vimto Sculpture, the Alan Turing Memorial, the Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester Cathedral, and much more. Exploring the city with a guide means you won’t have to worry about getting lost, and you’ll hear entertaining stories along the way.

Journey into the heart of Manchester and get to know some of its distinct and dynamic neighbourhoods. On this GPS-guided walking tour, you’ll be left not only with a collection of interesting stories and a love for the city, but also a Manchester swagger in your step. The tour begins at Manchester Central Library, where you’ll see some striking architecture from the 1800s. From there, you'll see how England’s first industrial city has grown over the years and become a master of reinvention. As you weave your way through the city’s neighbourhoods, you’ll hear about a man who ended up inspiring a cocktail while inventing a drink to replace alcohol, and about the tragedy of computer scientist Alan Turing, who spent a few years in the city. You'll also see an artwork dedicated to a dream about pets, learn how pizza created some of the most desirable housing in the UK, and take in Newton’s Apple Tree, grown from the seeds of the very tree that birthed the theory of gravity.

Swap the hustle and bustle of Manchester for a scenic day trip to the Lake District. Instead of waiting around for public transport, enjoy the convenience of having transport included. Travel with ease between sites in a comfortable Mercedes mini-coach, and tick off Bowness-on-Windermere, Coniston Water, Hawkshead, Grasmere, and the Heritage City in a day.

Join a Local Expert for a two-hour exclusive journey through Manchester's architecture, a can't-miss experience where historic heritage meets modern design, and every building tells a story of style and time. • Enjoy a private and intimate tour, exclusively for your group. • Discover Manchester’s iconic architecture with the guidance of a Local Expert. • Uncover how Manchester City Council has shaped Manchester's skyline. • Experience a personalised tour, tailored to your interests. • Get curated recommendations for further city discovery. Experience the evolving face of Manchester's horizon, a visual journey of its historical evolution and modern growth.

Explore the enchanting world of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy on a full-day tour from Manchester, visiting iconic filming locations from the beloved 1995 BBC adaptation of Pride and Prejudice. Travel through picturesque Derbyshire landscapes, see the stunning estate that served as Pemberley, and walk by the famous lake that featured in one of the series' most memorable scenes. With a knowledgeable local guide, you'll gain unique insights into the making of the series while enjoying an intimate small-group experience in a sustainable electric vehicle. This tour is perfect for fans of Jane Austen and period dramas alike. - Visit the iconic filming locations, including Mr. Darcy's Pemberley - Small-group tour with a maximum of 7 guests for an intimate experience - Enjoy behind-the-scenes stories from an expert local guide - Full-day tour lasting 10 hours, with lunch in Buxton included

Explore Manchester’s vibrant Northern Quarter on a 1.5-hour small group walking tour that dives into the heart of the city’s creative pulse. Led by a local guide, you’ll wander through iconic streets adorned with striking street art, historic architecture, and discover the stories behind beloved independent shops. Uncover hidden histories and the legacy of music legends, all while enjoying the spirit of this artistic neighborhood. - 1.5-hour walking tour of Manchester’s Northern Quarter - Visit iconic street art and learn about local artists - Discover local independent shops and historic sites - Small group experience for personalised insights

Swap predictable walking tours for this fun-filled and lively alternative—a silent disco adventure in Manchester. After receiving your radio headset, set off on a journey down Downsgate and Shudehill with theme songs and party anthems to keep energy levels high. This all-singing, all-dancing tour is the perfect way to have fun, explore the city, and enjoy the combination of a silent disco and a flash mob.

Uppermill’s serene valleys hide centuries of ghost stories, unexplained sightings, and chilling local legends. This atmospheric walking tour takes you from the Gothic Civic Hall to canal paths, riversides, and the abandoned Micklehurst railway line, where tales of wandering spirits still linger. Along the way, meet the woman in black, the ghostly policeman at the duck pond, and the mysterious boy in blue. The route ends back at the Civic Hall, where modern encounters hint the supernatural still stirs in Uppermill. **On this 60-minute tour, you’ll also:** • Visit Saddleworth Museum and hear the story of the haunted Victorian cot • Learn about poet Ammon Wrigley • Stand on the haunted Micklehurst line • Hear Rita’s tragic tale at the viaduct • Discover strange events linked to the library’s forbidden book • Pass the former mortuary tied to the Moors Murders • Explore local superstition around witches’ stones • Learn how grief can leave lasting imprints on a place

On this self-guided walking tour, follow the spark that lit Manchester’s music revolution: a lone heckler shouting “Judas!” at Bob Dylan inside the Free Trade Hall. Stand outside Arrow Studios, where Joy Division recorded Shadowplay, and hear how producer Martin Hannett once moved a drum kit onto a freezing rooftop chasing the perfect snare sound. Pass the basement beneath a Portland Street clothing factory where The Smiths rehearsed in secret, then head to The Boardwalk, where a teenage Liam Gallagher first took the stage, and where his brother Noel later talked his way into fronting an unknown band called The Rain. The trail ends near the old Haçienda site, where DJ Mike Pickering helped ignite Madchester’s acid house scene. Perfect for music lovers tracing Manchester’s sound from punk to Britpop to rave. Download the VoiceMap app and enter the code from your confirmation email to start touring whenever you’re ready.

Take the city at your own pace and discover Manchester on an exclusive private tour, with your own local, expert guide. Discover Manchester’s quirky Northern Quarter on this 1.5 hour small group walking tour through the city’s most creative neighbourhood. With a local guide, step back in time and explore lots of iconic streets filled with street art, and iconic buildings that showcase the Northern Quarter's spirit. Along the way you’ll uncover hidden histories, striking architecture, and stories of radical protest, music legends and creativity that still shape Manchester. The tour includes: Iconic Street Art - discover Manchester's artists, how they create their art and the impact on the city Local Independent Manchester - uncover the stories of local independent shops Historical Landmarks with Modern Stories - from suffragette activism to art deco buildings Oldham Street & Band on the Wall – radical politics and music heritage Plus plenty of hidden gems you’d never find on your own

So, you arrive in Manchester and want to know all about the legends of the Manchester music scene. You have 3 choices available to you. 1.Go on a crowded guided tour and see all those sights you read about before you came. 2. Walk around aimlessly hoping that the Gods of tourism will guide you. 3. Download my self-guided GPS audio tour and please yourself when and how you see this amazing city. From Bob Dylan and the Sex Pistols to Oasis and the Smiths

Explore Manchester's vibrant musical heritage on a personalized walking tour that delves into the stories of iconic bands like Joy Division, New Order, and The Smiths. The itinerary above is a rough guide. No two tours are the same as each one is tailored to the guest. This bespoke experience uncovers the city’s legendary venues, record labels, and the cultural influences that shaped its unique sound. Tailored to your interests, this tour goes beyond music, offering insights into Manchester's industrial history, literature, and art. Perfect for individuals, couples, or small groups, each tour is designed to provide a personal touch, ensuring a meaningful exploration of the city's rich cultural tapestry. - Discover the roots of Manchester's iconic music scene - Tailor the tour to focus on your specific interests and questions - Venture into the city's industrial, literary, and artistic history - Ideal for individuals, couples, and small groups seeking a personal experience

Explore Manchester like a local on this free walking tour that offers an authentic glimpse into the city’s rich culture and history. Led by passionate Mancunians, this tour is filled with local anecdotes, slang, and stories that reflect the city's vibrant spirit. Discover hidden gems and secret spots while gaining insights into the famous music scene, football rivalries, and industrial heritage. Each tour varies based on the interests of the group, ensuring a personalized experience. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a local, this tour promises an engaging and informative journey through Manchester's streets. Led by local experts with in-depth knowledge of Manchester Discover hidden gems and avoid tourist traps Enjoy a personalized experience tailored to the group's vibe Gain insider tips and local recommendations after the tour

Discover Manchester like never before with a completely tailored private tour designed around your interests. Whether you're captivated by its industrial heritage, vibrant music scene, or architectural marvels, this bespoke experience allows you to explore the city's highlights and hidden gems at your own pace. Engage with the stories and characters that have shaped Manchester's identity, from its historic canals to independent pubs. Your guide will adapt the journey to your preferences, ensuring a unique and personal exploration of this dynamic city. - Customizable private tour based on your interests and curiosity - Explore Manchester’s industrial past, music scene, and architecture - Discover hidden gems and stories often overlooked by visitors - Ideal for first-time visitors and seasoned explorers alike

Liverpool visitors shouldn’t miss the Casbah Coffee Club—the true birthplace of The Beatles’ early story. Located in the family home of Pete Best, the band’s original drummer, this intimate venue is where it all began—long before the Cavern. Step inside this timeless venue & be wowed by ceilings painted by John Lennon & Paul McCartney themselves, making this the most authentic, preserved Beatles location in the city. You can also buy souvenirs. Often missed on standard tours, this 1-hour guided visit of the Casbah offers a rare opportunity to experience Beatles history up close in a truly personal way. Combined with a panoramic photo stop overlooking the city and photo stops by the Beatles’ schools and colleges on Hope Street, this reveals the earliest reasons behind the Fab Four’s success Also includes selfies at the Beatles statues on Liverpool’s iconic waterfront. With transport included, as the Casbah lies 4 miles north of the city, your expert guide brings the story to life.

Perfect for Beatles fans who want a personal way to follow in the Fab Four's footsteps, this private tour of Liverpool visits many of the city's top Beatles sights—and even includes round-trip transportation from Manchester for hassle-free logistics. With just your guide for company, learn fun facts about Beatles history that don’t make it into the average guidebook, and spot highlights from Penny Lane and Strawberry Field to the Cavern Club.