Manchester ideas and inspiration

Planning a trip to Manchester? Browse our travel ideas to get some inspiration on what to see and where to visit in the region. Have a look at our list of 'top 5s', download an itinerary or read our famous "101 things to do in Greater Manchester" post on the Visit Manchester blog. If you're planning on staying in Manchester that bit longer then have a look at our day trip and excursion ideas to explore Northern England whilst staying in one of Manchester's top hotels.

The home of football, Manchester is fit to burst with of a number of sporting attractions and events, and with a huge arts and culture scene, it's almost impossible to run out of things to see and do in Greater Manchester. After joining UNESCO's worldwide Creative Cities network as a City of Literature, Manchester's radical literature history has been catapulted into the limelight, with plenty of book-based attractions and events taking place year-round.

With a thriving LGBT scene, including the world famous canal street, LGBT travellers won't be disappointed. If it's rolling hills and beautiful countryside you're seeking, Greater Manchester has it in abundance, with over 500 square miles of inspiring countryside, crisscrossed by historical waterways and dotted with picturesque towns and fascinating attractions that make for great days out of the city.

If you're planning individual or group travel programmes, take a look at our group travel page featuring a whole host of North West attractions. Feeling lucky? Take a look at our competition page, or save some cash with our special offers.

Latest Manchester blogs

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Your Manchester Flower Festival Itinerary

The Manchester Flower Festival is set to bloom from Friday, 23 May to Monday, 26 May 2025, transforming the city centre into a vibrant celebration of floral artistry, culture, and community. Here's your guide to making the most of this blossoming event. Explore the Floral Trail Embark on a…

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Spotlight on Stockport with Little Miss Traveller

Little Miss Traveller is shining the spotlight on Stockport as part of the 'Days out in Manchester' series. Discover the 15 splendid reasons for visiting the town. Getting there: Stockport is located eight miles south east of Manchester and is easily reached by train taking only ten minutes from…

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Sustainable Dining at Winsome

Located at 74 Princess Street, Winsome is one of Manchester’s most exciting culinary venues leading the charge in sustainable dining. With a strong ethos rooted in reducing waste and supporting local producers, Winsome delivers a dining experience that is both thoughtful and environmentally…

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Health and Wellness activities in Greater Manchester

Revitalize your senses in Greater Manchester with Visit Manchester’s guide to health and wellness activities. Unwind in luxurious spas, rejuvenate with wellness experiences and discover the city’s hidden gems for relaxation. Highly trained therapists at The Spa & Gym at Edwardian Manchester will…

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Sustainable Change at People’s History Museum

Manchester is home to a wealth of cultural institutions that are making significant strides in sustainability. Among them, the People’s History Museum in Spinningfields stands out as a beacon of progressive change. As the national museum of democracy, People’s History Museum is not only preserves…

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50 Things to do in Manchester this Summer

Summer in Manchester is packed with live music, food festivals, outdoor adventures, and family-friendly events. Hidden gems, world-class museums, lush parks, and scenic canals make the city buzz with activity. Soak up the festival atmosphere, explore cultural hotspots, and relax in the sunshine.

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  • News
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Emirates Old Trafford to host ICC Women's T20 World Cup

Emirates Old Trafford - the home of Lancashire Cricket - is proud to announce it has been selected as an official host venue for next year’s ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. The announcement marks a significant milestone for both the historic venue and women’s cricket in the North West, reinforcing the…

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Maray Leading the Way in Sustainable Dining

Nestled in the heart of Manchester, Maray Manchester combines culinary excellence with a deep commitment to sustainability. As a certified carbon-neutral business and a two-star holder with the Sustainable Restaurant Association, Maray exemplifies how the hospitality industry can contribute to a…

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Candlelight Concerts Brighten Manchester in 2025

Manchester might have a reputation for grey skies and rainy days (but that’s more of a myth than the truth). Even so, the city knows how to create something special when the clouds roll in. One of the most magical experiences hosted in our great city is the Candlelight concert series, where the soft…

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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…

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Explore the city with these trails

More ideas

Explore Manchester through the lens of our insightful blog posts. From hidden gems to iconic landmarks, our curated content offers a unique perspective on the city's culture, events, and attractions. Dive into the stories that bring Manchester to life and discover the insider…

Unlock the essence of Manchester and its surrounding regions with our comprehensive guide series. Dive into curated insights, expert recommendations, and detailed itineraries designed to enhance your exploration. From city highlights to hidden gems, our guides offer a holistic…

Explore exclusive offers in Manchester with our guide to special deals and promotions. Discover a variety of discounts, packages, and unique promotions across accommodations, attractions, and dining. Whether you're planning a city break or a leisurely day out, our guide…

Explore curated itineraries for an unforgettable Manchester experience. From hidden gems to iconic landmarks, our guides offer the perfect routes for your visit. Plan your trip with our diverse itineraries.

Ready for an adventure? Uncover exciting contests offering amazing prizes in Manchester. From culture clashes to foodie feasts, find your perfect challenge and unlock unforgettable experiences.

From Parklife to Warehouse Project and Pride to ground-breaking performances in offbeat venues including the White Hotel and Hidden, Manchester is the home of Unmissable Music. 

Immerse yourself in the vibrant arts and culture of Manchester with our curated guide. Explore iconic galleries, captivating exhibitions, and the city's creative pulse. From street art to historic museums, our content celebrates Manchester's diverse cultural landscape…

Escape to the tranquillity of Greater Manchester's countryside with our guide. Discover picturesque landscapes, charming villages, and outdoor adventures just beyond the city limits. Explore walking trails, scenic drives, and hidden gems that showcase the natural beauty of…

Haunt MCR - Delve into the dark histories and spooky secrets of the area whilst also exploring all things alternative, Gothic and goth from across Greater Manchester

Discover Manchester's vibrant LGBTQ+ scene with our guide. Explore inclusive events, diverse venues, and supportive communities that celebrate the city's LGBTQ+ culture. Whether you're a local or visitor, our guide provides insights into the inclusive spirit that…

From Marx and Engels to John Cooper Clarke, Manchester has a radical literary history - and with events such as the Manchester Literature Festival and attractions such as the John Rylands Library and Chetham's Library, there's certainly a lot to explore.

Christmas is a magical time in Greater Manchester and the perfect occasion to combine a short festive break with a spot of Christmas shopping. With hundreds of high street and independent boutique shops to choose from, Greater Manchester attracts visitors from far and wide…

Proud, an audio-visual exhibition, created by Heard Storytelling, to celebrate Manchester’s LGBTQIA+ community.

Dive into the heart of Manchester's sporting scene with our curated sports content. Explore exciting matchday experiences, iconic stadiums, and the city's passion for football and beyond. From historic moments to upcoming fixtures, our content is your gateway to the…

From British TV classics such as Coronation Street, to streaming hits like Fool Me Once, and Hollywood blockbusters including Captain America: The First Avenger and Sherlock Holmes, the city-region has rolled out the red-carpet to the world’s biggest stars. 

The Visit Manchester Pass

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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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Reasons to buy

  • Entry into 12 of Manchester's top attractions including Coronation Street, Manchester City Football Club, RHS Garden Bridgewater & more
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