Valentine’s is overrated, and everyone knows it. But like it or not this is the time of year when people can start to feel left out if they’re not in a relationship.

Well never you worry about that. Make your way to Manchester this Valentines where there’s loads to enjoy solo.

Pamper yourself

Take the opportunity to indulge yourself on a Manchester spa day. Tucked away in the heart of the city centre, Bali Health Lounge is a great choice. This distinctive relaxation lounge, tea house and day spa is an oasis of tranquillity with a rich selection of holistic treatments and healing therapies.
 

Unwind

There are plenty of places in Manchester to relax with a good book, but Chapter One has to be up there with the best. This indie bookstore is a hipster haven. Nestled just on the outer edge of the Northern Quarter, its cosy atmosphere and indoor fountain make it the perfect place to clock in some me time.

Take a tour

If you’ve ever wanted to find out more about Manchester’s rich culture and decorated history, now’s the time. The Manchester Walking Tours app is a free digital guide to the city centre’s landmarks, hidden gems and defining moments. Using GPS to deliver commentary according to your location, the app allows you to discover the city at your own pace. Launched in 2017, you can also ride a 15 stop hop-on hop-off open top bus tour, taking you round some of Manchester’s key sights including Town Hall Manchester, National Football Museum, Museum of Science and Industry and Manchester United Football Club.

Retail Therapy

Manchester’s got some of the best shopping spots in the country all within walking distance, so you can shop ‘til you drop with no significant other to slow you down. Manchester Arndale, Exchange Square and Market Street are great all-purpose locations for high street brands. For something more eclectic and individual, drop by the Aladdin’s cave of Afflecks, or if you’re looking for luxury you can head to the boutique stores of King Street.

More on shopping here.

Get some culture

Take the time to explore one of the city’s most celebrated cultural destinations, The Whitworth. Featuring an art garden, sculpture terrace, orchard garden, landscape gallery and café in the trees, there’s loads to take in. Another cultural favourite well worth a visit is Manchester Museum - built in 1880s, houses The University of Manchester's collections of natural history, Egyptology, archaeology & anthropology.

If all else fails…

…launch an axe at a wall.

Whistle Punks Urban Axe Throwing  offers you a unique way take out some of that anger at your ex via the art of competitively lob huge metal hatchets at targets.