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

Olympics themed fun in Greater Manchester

Get ready to ignite your Olympic spirit, Greater Manchester! With the Paris 2024 games in full swing, we're bringing the excitement and camaraderie of the Olympics right to your doorstep. We've scoured the region for the most exciting events, from sporty challenges to creative workshops and cultural…

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Unmissable Music in Manchester: August 2024

From Manchester legends New Order and Pride festival shows, to ground-breaking performances in offbeat venues including the O2 Ritz and Band on the Wall, Manchester is the home of Unmissable Music. Check out our roundup of events coming up in August. 1. Arijit Singh at Co-op Live India's undisputed…

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11 of Greater Manchester's favourite walking trails

Bordering the beautiful landscapers of the Peak District, Pennine Moors and reservoirs, Greater Manchester offers a plethora of beautifully scenic walking trails for all types of hikers to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for grassy peaks, water-side walks or historic hillsides – Manchester has it on…

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Manchester Music Itinerary

Coming to Manchester for a gig or just curious to discover where Oasis, The Stone Roses and Joy Division spent their formative years? We’ve put together a guide to all the things music fans cannot miss when they’re in the city. From walking tours that follow your favourite band’s footsteps, to the…

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The story behind Ghost Stock Clothing

Katie, owner of Ghost Stock Clothing, in a recent interview offers an honest account of what drove her to kick start her independent venture, quit her full-time job and start this crazy new adventure. If you are yet to hear about Ghost Stock Clothing, you can find Katie and her store on the cobbles…

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An Independent Guide to Stockport

Stockport has become the new hotspot amongst locals and new visitors alike, both travelling near and far to visit this town located 8-minutes from Manchester. The town offers an array of hidden treasures from bustling modern shopping areas to quaint cobbled streets, as well as heritage attractions…

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What Music Courses are available in Manchester

Manchester has an incredibly deep-rooted cultural history; famous for its ground-breaking live music scene and electronic music heritage. The city has become a strong leader in other areas of the creative industries, with it’s long-standing reputation as a hub for music, theatre and creative arts.

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200 Year Old Manchester Icon Celebrated in Design Partnership

200 years of The University of Manchester’s world-class education, research, and incredible people have been brought to life in an exclusive design partnership with Manchester-based designers The Sculpts, celebrating The University’s bicentenary. Since 1824, the prestigious University has been…

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Family-Friendly Summer Theatre Shows in Manchester

While the summer is usually best celebrated outside, Manchester’s unpredictable weather means sometimes you need an exciting indoor activity to keep the kids busy while they’re on summer holidays. What better way to get them engaged than at one of Greater Manchester’s many theatre shows running…

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New Opening: The Reach at Piccadilly

The Reach at Piccadilly, Manchester – A Tribute Portfolio Hotel, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of more than 30 extraordinary brands – celebrates Manchester’s industrial history and the pioneers who made the city what it is today. Situated in the city centre, just a 90-second walk from…

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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.

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…

Are you someone who loves to bring your furry companions along wherever you go? Whether you're visiting a café, hotel, or bar, we've curated a list of the top pet-friendly spots in Manchester so you never have to leave your beloved pets behind.

Visiting Manchester in Summer is fantastic. The streets are bustling, the nights are warm, and the city comes alive with events, attractions, markets and performances. Kicking things off in the summer is the Manchester Flower Festival, featuring floral installations, outdoor…

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
  • Over 30 discounts and offers
  • Save money and explore Manchester

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