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Friends walking along a bridge at Mayfield Park with Depot Mayfield sign in the background

72 Hours in Manchester Itinerary

Visit Manchester Pass

Plan your perfect Manchester adventure with this all-in-one pass, designed to make…

Top theatre shows

Manchester Theatres have everything from highbrow performances of the world’s best…

Adult and child sat on bench in front of plants at RHS Bridgewater

72 Hours in Manchester Family Itinerary

Free things to do in Manchester

From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, discover a wealth of no-cost experiences that…

Sightseeing Manchester open top bus tour

Family friendly attractions

Create lasting memories with our guide to family-friendly attractions in Manchester…

Procession of people in Halloween outfits through crowd in a shopping centre

Family friendly events

Embark on a family-f.riendly adventure in Manchester, where a world of entertainment…

City centre hotels

Discover the perfect blend of comfort and flexibility in the heart of Manchester by…

Explore with a tour

Embark on an immersive adventure with our guided tours and sightseeing experiences in…

Sensational shopping

Shop global brands and unique finds in Manchester's diverse retail scene. From major…

Latest guides to Manchester

Read our guides to exploring Manchester and get to know the city like a local.

2 people dancing underneath fairylights at night

Escape to Manchester, where every moment promises to be extraordinary. Discover a city bursting with culture, music, sport, and unmissable experiences, all guaranteed to make your next city break truly unforgettable.

Family next to the National Football Museum

What's On This Week

Whether you're a local looking for a new adventure or a visitor eager to explore, our carefully curated selection of events will ensure your week is filled with unforgettable moments.

The Visit Manchester Pass

Pass logo

With entry to iconic attractions and access to exclusive discounts across the city, make the most of your time in Manchester with a Visit Manchester Pass.

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Visit Manchester Pass app

Reasons to buy

Entry into 12 of Manchester's top attractions including Coronation Street, Manchester City Football Club, RHS Garden Bridgewater & more
Over 30 discounts and offers
Save money and explore Manchester

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Get to Manchester by train this Spring on Northern Trains

Travel car-free to Manchester this Spring with Northern Trains. Leave the car at home and…

Operation Ouch! Brains, Bogies and You

A sense-sational exhibition! Get ready for a brand-new adventure of super-sized science and…

Mary Poppins

Palace Theatre

Cameron Mackintosh and Disney’s spectacular production of the classic multi award-winning…

23 Apr 2025 - 17 May 2025

Red Rose Diner 2025

East Lancashire Railway

Step on board the luxury Pullman carriages and sample fine cuisine in opulent surroundings…

23 Apr 2025 - 21 Nov 2025

Timeleft - Dinners with strangers

Experience Wednesday differently: Thousands gather every week to connect over delicious meals and…

23 Apr 2025 - 31 Dec 2025

Radiohead by Candlelight

Manchester Cathedral

Experience Radiohead like never before with "Radiohead by Candlelight," performed by the…

27 Apr 2025 -

Day Out With Thomas at East Lancashire Railway

East Lancashire Railway

Take a trip on Sodor’s number one tank engine and meet Sir Topham Hatt on this spectacular day…

03 May 2025 - 05 Oct 2025

Rail Ale Trail: Walk up a Thirst

East Lancashire Railway

Climb aboard one of our steam or diesel trains on the ELR as we guide you through the history and…

10 May 2025 - 20 Sep 2025

Wine Tasting Diner 2025

East Lancashire Railway

Enjoy a culinary adventure expertly paired to fine wines from around the world! Sample some…

10 May 2025 - 08 Nov 2025

Midweek Luncheon 2025

East Lancashire Railway

Sit back and relax in the luxury Pullman carriages while we serve up some traditional hearty…

21 May 2025 - 29 Oct 2025

The Dino Adventure

East Lancashire Railway

Have you ever wanted to pet a pachycephalosaurus, get together with a Triceratops or tickle a T-Rex…

28 May 2025 -

The Wizarding Adventure

East Lancashire Railway

It's time to sign up to our spellbinding school of sorcery as you take a wacky and wonderful…

29 May 2025 - 29 Oct 2025

Villain Academy

East Lancashire Railway

Join a rogue’s gallery of vile villains on a journey to complete a dastardly quest. During…

30 May 2025 - 15 Aug 2025

Rail Ale Trail

East Lancashire Railway

Chug through lush valleys and pretty villages, take in the stunning scenery and sample some…

07 Jun 2025 - 06 Sep 2025

Robbie Williams

Robbie Williams today announces his highly anticipated tour for 2025, which will see the global icon…

10 Jun 2025 - 11 Jun 2025

Lionel Richie

Lionel Richie, a Grammy Awards®, Oscar®, and Golden Globe® winning icon, has sold over…

12 Jun 2025 - 13 Jun 2025

Gin Tasting Diner 2025

East Lancashire Railway

Enjoy a culinary adventure paired to some amazing gins from around the world! Sample some…

13 Jun 2025 - 16 Aug 2025

Candlelight: Tribute to Sherlock Holmes

Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to…

14 Jun 2025 -

A Night at the Opera by Candlelight

Manchester Cathedral

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of opera with "A Night at the Opera," a…

15 Jun 2025 -

Moonlight Sonata by Candlelight

Brought to you by City Music, join renowned British concert pianist Warren…

21 Jun 2025 -

Vivaldi Four Seasons by Candlelight

Manchester Cathedral

Enjoy a spectacular evening with some of the greatest classical music ever written, including…

21 Jun 2025 -

Brandi Carlile

Manchester Opera House

Known as one of music's most respected voices, Brandi Carlile is an 11x Grammy Award-winning…

25 Jun 2025 -

Sounds of the City

Castlefield Bowl

Sounds of the City is back in July 2025, taking over Manchester’s Castlefield Bowl for a…

02 Jul 2025 - 12 Jul 2025

OASIS LIVE'25

Oasis announce their first UK and Ireland shows in 16 years. Oasis have ended years of feverish…

11 Jul 2025 - 16 Jul 2025

The ELO Experience

Manchester Opera House

The ELO Experience has been bringing the music of Jeff Lynne and The Electric Light orchestra to the…

27 Jul 2025 -

Travel to Wonderland

East Lancashire Railway

You're late, you're late, for a very important date! It's time to take a tumble down the…

08 Aug 2025 -

Sam Fender

Indie from the North Shields singer-songwriter and guitarist. After starting his career as an actor…

16 Aug 2025 -

Peppa Pig

Bury Transport Museum

The East Lancashire Railway is thrilled to welcome back everyone's favourite cheeky little…

21 Aug 2025 - 22 Aug 2025

Riverdance

Manchester Opera House

Since Riverdance first emerged onto the world stage, its fusion of Irish and international dance and…

23 Aug 2025 - 27 Aug 2025

Tina - The Tina Turner Musical

Palace Theatre

West End mega-hit TINA – The Tina Turner Musical, comes to Palace Theatre…

25 Nov 2025 - 03 Jan 2026

RHS Garden Bridgewater

RHS Garden Bridgewater is part of the Visit Manchester Pass - giving you entry to iconic attractions…

Museum of Illusions

Manchester welcomes World-Famous Museum of Illusions to the city! Enter the fascinating world of…

Z-arts

Z-arts is the UK’s only dedicated arts centre for children and families. A place to express…

Science and Industry Museum

Explore 250 years of innovations and ideas that started life in Manchester and went on to change the…

Rochdale Town Hall

Enjoy the newly restored town hall building and explore new spaces and places, previously closed to…

Selfridges

Selfridges Exchange Square is located in the heart of the city and offers a luxury shopping…

AO Arena

The AO Arena Manchester, managed and operated by ASM Global, is one of the busiest venues in the…

The Trafford Centre

The Trafford Centre The world-renowned shopping and leisure destination has all the must-have…

IWM North

Extraordinary Powerful Stories IWM North makes full use of its renowned architecture to…

Coronation Street Experience - Step Onto The Iconic Street!

Coronation Street is part of the Visit Manchester Pass - giving you entry to iconic attractions and…

Manchester City Football Club Stadium and Club Tour

Manchester City Stadium Tour is part of the Visit Manchester Pass - giving you entry to iconic…

Old Trafford Tour & Museum

Old Trafford Tour & Museum offers a behind the scenes look at the world’s most iconic…

RHS Garden Bridgewater

RHS Garden Bridgewater is part of the Visit Manchester Pass - giving you entry to iconic attractions…

LEGOLAND Discovery Centre

********* LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Manchester is the ultimate indoor LEGO Playground and offers an…

Sea Life Manchester

********* Safety information Pre-booking a time slot to visit will be essential, including for…

Gin Tour and Tasting

A guided tour and tasting to give you an insight into Manchester Gin's distillery life…

Scranchester Food Tours

A truly immersive food tour of Manchester. Your local guide will take you on a multi-stop tour…

Craft Beer Tour Manchester

Craft Beer Tour Manchester is part of the Visit Manchester Pass - giving you entry to iconic…

The Manchester Pub Walkabout

The funniest pub tours in the country, absurd yet factual roller-coasters staggering across three…

Sightseeing Manchester - Open-Top Bus Tour

Sightseeing Manchester is part of the Visit Manchester Pass - giving you entry to iconic…

Eryri (Snowdonia), North Wales & Chester Tour from Manchester

King Edward built a castle in Conwy, King Arthur slayed a giant in Eryri (Snowdonia), and the Romans…

Windermere, Lancaster & the Lake District Day Tour from Manchester

The Lake District is where people go to rejuvenate their senses. The soaring mountains refresh…

The Edwardian Manchester

A 5-star luxury hotel with spa in Manchester’s city centre The Edwardian Manchester offers its…

Treehouse Hotel Manchester

Treehouse Manchester is a hotel that aims to offer a playful and nostalgic experience for its…

Dakota Manchester

Dakota is a lifestyle brand for the independent thinking, discerning traveller. An eight-story new…

Clayton Hotel Manchester City Centre

Clayton Hotel Manchester City Centre is a truly luxurious and stylish 4-star hotel, perfectly…

Maldron Hotel Manchester Cathedral Quarter

Maldron Hotel Manchester Cathedral Quarter is a newly built four-star hotel, ideally located…

The Midland Hotel

Set in the heart of Manchester, this Grade II listed building exudes elegance and history. Following…

Hotel Gotham Manchester

Boutique 5* hotel, Rooftop Private Members Bar, GILT Club & 2AA Rosette Honey Restaurant. Hotel…

Rochdale

Rochdale is a borough in the north of Greater Manchester, comprising of Heywood, Middleton, Milnrow…

MediaCity and The Quays

A unique waterfront location and home to the BBC and ITV, MediaCity and The Quays is home to the…

Spinningfields

Explore the diverse offerings of Spinningfields, a central hub in Manchester known for its dining…

Bolton

Bolton is friendly town full of character in Greater Manchester, Ideally located close to the…

Wigan Borough

Wigan Borough encompasses the two main towns of Wigan and Leigh, which are among a number of smaller…

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Continue your Manchester story by exploring further.

Seasonal guide
2 minute read

Events not to miss this early May Bank Holiday

The May Bank Holiday weekend is the perfect excuse to get out and enjoy Manchester. From family days out and live music to markets, exhibitions, and special one-off events — there’s loads happening across the city. It doesn't matter whether you're after something relaxed or full of energy, you’ll…

News, Information
2 minute read

Chester Zoo's been named the UK's best zoo

Chester Zoo has officially been crowned the best-rated zoo in the UK by Tripadvisor, the world’s largest travel guidance platform. Home to more than 30,000 animals and 550 species, the renowned zoo has topped the list of the nation’s leading zoos and aquariums thanks to consistently outstanding…

2 minute read

Summer Music Sundays & After-Hours events return to RHS Garden Bridgewater

RHS Garden Bridgewater is thrilled to announce the return of its popular Summer Music Sundays, promising a delightful blend of music, nature, and relaxation for visitors of all ages. Summer Music Sundays take place from 2-4pm, with free admission for RHS members and normal garden admission for…

Information
2 minute read

Borro: Reducing single-use takeaway cup waste by providing returnable cups

Borro is a new returnable cups scheme helping Manchester ditch single-use takeaway cups and make a real impact in the local community. What sustainable practices has your business implemented? Borro helps reduce single-use takeaway cup waste by providing returnable cups to cafes and customers.

5 minute read

Manchester’s Summer of Sport: The Ultimate Guide

If you're looking for major sporting events in the UK, there's no better place to be than Manchester in 2025. Our city—already home to football powerhouses Manchester United and Manchester City—is transforming into a global arena, hosting some of the year’s most exciting sport events in 2025.

Guide
11 minute read

15 year-round reasons to visit Greater Manchester as an LGBT+ tourist

Image: Carl Sukonik Manchester is a welcoming and cosmopolitan city with a thriving and vibrant LGBT+ scene and is well known across the world as a gay-friendly destination. Manchester’s Gay Village is the beating heart of the LGBT+ community; made famous by the hugely popular TV series Queer as…

Guide
10 minute read

Record shops to visit in Greater Manchester on Record Store Day 2025

National Record Store Day is an opportunity for music lovers to come together and celebrate Greater Manchester's vibrant independent music scene. This year it will be taking place on Saturday, the 12th of April 2025. From the iconic Piccadilly Records to the cosy corners of Vinyl Exchange, and…

Seasonal guide
4 minute read

Explore Manchester’s Top LGBTQ+ Events: Pride and Beyond

With summer on the horizon, Manchester is gearing up for a packed calendar of LGBTQ+ events and celebrations. From Manchester Pride to drag shows, queer art exhibitions, LGBTQ+ nightlife, and inclusive parties, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. This season is the perfect time to dive into the…

News, Information
2 minute read

Chester Zoo's huge new 'African savannah' opens this weekend

One of the biggest UK zoo habitats ever created - home to 57 highly threatened African species opens from the 5th April at Chester Zoo. The new Heart of Africa zone, spanning more than 17 football pitches (22.5 acres), has been designed to recreate the grasslands of central Africa. Here’s…

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